More likely than not this Christmas, you’ll be on the receiving end of some unwanted plastic gadget or game which is only destined for landfill Shutterstock

More likely than not this Christmas, you’ll be on the receiving end of some unwanted plastic gadget or game which is only destined for landfill Shutterstock

It’s that time of year when many of us scratch our heads and wonder ‘What do I want this Christmas?’ If you’re lucky, a thoughtful friend or relative will ask and buy you something you need or want. But, more likely than not, you’ll be on the receiving end of some unwanted plastic gadget or game which is only destined for landfill.

Bear in mind that each Luxembourg resident threw out on average the weight equivalent of a Citroen 2CV in rubbish in 2016, it would be nice to make a gift to the planet this year, as well as our loved ones.

To help you enjoy a low-plastic Christmas this year, Delano has put together a list of anti-materialistic gifts.

Master wine tasting

Help your friend or family member to master the theory and lingo behind wine. Starting January 2019, In Vino Veritas Consultancy, in Steinfort (western Luxembourg), runs a series classes on different themes, like wine structure, identifying wines, vinification and wine and food pairings. The seven lesson series costs €335 and are open to beginners and experienced wine buffs alike.

Radio star

If someone you know has the perfect radio voice and loves music, give them a taster of what it’s like to present a radio show. Ara City Radio presenter Natasha runs the Ace Show, a 30-minuted recorded show where the recipient of your gift will decide the music and content and produce the show. They will leave with bags of knowledge about recording and presenting and a copy of their final product. [email protected] or +352 691 815 228.

The gift of song

If your nearest and dearest is always singing, they’ll be in their element in a class from the Union Grand Duc Adolphe (Ugda) music school. It coordinates workshops and lessons all over the country. Introductory choir classes start at around €75. Check out the website for the full list. The Lifelong Learning centre also lists singing classes in Luxembourg.

Take steps

Dance can be an excellent way to keep fit, especially if it’s so fun you don’t realise you’re working out! The Second Degree ASBL lists a number of classes, including Bollywood dancing, at a cost of €210 for eight sessions. Swingdance.lu offers dance classes in lindy hop at €150 per person for 12 classes. You can also find plenty of salsa classes on salsanews.lu

Learn zen

Arguably, the greatest gift you can give anyone with a hectic lifestyle is the gift of calmness. The Centre Culturel Tibétain in Luxembourg City organises regular courses Buddhist philosophy, meditation, as well as Tibetan language. They also organise weekend silent yoga retreats and dance workshops.

Spa day

Luxembourg is host to numerous, low-cost spa facilities. Delano highly recommends floating away those troubles at the salt bath in the Pidal swimming pool in Walferdange, followed by a bit of down time in the relaxation rooms costing around €14 for 2 hours. Couples massages and other treatments are available by reservation if you want to splash out further.

Luxembourg card

This tourist all-access card is the gift that keeps on giving, offering free entry to more than 70 attractions in the grand duchy. If your beau is curious to see more of Luxembourg and has a bit of free time, they will thank you for this push. The card also includes free travel on trains, buses and the tram. Prices start at €13 for one day, rising to €20 for a two-day pass.

Battle buffs

If your better half is a history buff, you might want to consider a guided tour of the Battle of the Bulge. Members of Ceba, a study group of this 1944-45 battle which bore through Luxembourg, offer regular tours in Clervaux, among other places, depending on the availability of guides. While the tours themselves are free, why not make a day or weekend of it, by exploring Clervaux and the “Family of Man” exhibition at Clervaux castle.

Nurture their artsy side

If you want to play Santa to a frustrated creative soul, set them on the right path with a creative evening class. The Lifelong Learning centre has scores of arts and crafts courses, ranging from glass-working to wood turning and pottery.

Give them the (hiking) boot

If your loved one loves to hit the hiking trails of Luxembourg but doesn’t like to go alone, subscribing them to the Luxembourg ramblers’ association will help them walk in good company. The Fédération Luxembourgeoise de Marche Populaire coordinates weekly group hikes all over the country.