Sometimes modern life can detract from what is important.

Everybody rushing around, worrying about whether they've definitely got the MOST up to date gadget, or the kids have got the right trainers, or the boss has definitely noticed the extra work you've put in to try and get that pay rise.

What about looking a bit closer to home, slowing down a bit and just for a while thinking about what is really important? We don't live in a cold heartless city - we live in a borough made up of dozens of rural villages and communities, yet sometimes we really seem to forget to appreciate that fact.

There is surely no better time than Christmas to get out into your community, support local groups, share the odd mince pie and glass of mulled wine at a local event and try and get back to what Christmas used to be about. There is certainly no shortage of local events to visit.

On the 3rd December, Macclesfield Methodist Church plays host to A Musical Advent Calendar for all the family. Both choir and orchestra will be on hand to entertain you with a selection of Christmas favourites. Refreshments will be available and you can expect a visit from Santa Clause with gifts for all.　

From the 3rd to the 18th December (weekdays only) you can step back in time at Little Moreton Hall where the Great Hall, drawing room and passages have been decorated with traditional arrangements and the rooms and refrectory table will be filled with delicacies which would have been produced by the Tudor kitchen. Experience the Christmas of a simpler time in these beautiful surroundings.

After a successful year, the award winning Macclesfield Male Voice Choir will be holding their annual Christmas Concert at Langley Methodist Church on the 9th December. Offering an impressive repertoire of traditional and modern, an evening in the company of our local choir cannot fail to lift spirits.

Or if your Christmas wouldn't actually be complete without a brass band, then why not go along to St Paul's Church, Macclesfield for an evening of music accompanied by a local Primary School choir? With refreshments served in the interval and a chance to win a fabulous prize in the raffle this promises to be a great family evening.

So go back to basics, get together with friends and family and realise that not everything has to have flashing lights and bells on to be fun!

Full details of all the times and places can be found on our Events pages, and be sure to keep checking as more are added all the time.