Christmas tips from Clare Balding and John Rutter

For the Spectator’s Christmas survey, we asked for some favourite seasonal rituals – and what to avoid at Christmas.

Clare Balding

I love a good walk on Boxing Day followed by watching the racing at Kempton.

Avoid the internet. Be present in the moment, enjoying time with family rather than being distracted by online conversations.

John Rutter

I conduct Christmas concerts around the country in the weeks before Christmas, so by the time the day comes, I’m ready to veg out, going to Christmas morning service in King’s College Chapel (sitting back while someone else does all the hard work), and enjoying food, drink and family at home.

The only thing I avoid is looking at next year’s calendar — a reminder that I will soon be walking the treadmill all over again.