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Thinking of a Christmas Getaway in 2025? Here’s Why Now is the Perfect Time to Start Planning

Dreaming of snowy landscapes, festive markets abroad, or simply escaping the hustle and bustle of a traditional Christmas at home? Or perhaps you want to spend Christmas on a sunny beach?

If a Christmas getaway is on your wishlist for 2025, now is absolutely the best time to start planning – and saving toward your goal!

Why Plan Your Christmas Holiday Early?

Planning a festive escape isn’t something to leave until the last minute. Whether you’re jetting off to Lapland to meet Santa, sipping mulled wine in a German market square, or seeking sunshine in the Canary Islands, here’s why starting early makes all the difference:

Better Deals on Flights and Accommodation

As the old saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Flights and hotel rooms for Christmas get snapped up quickly – and the prices rise accordingly. Booking now means you’re more likely to find:

Discounted early bird rates

More choice of dates and times

Access to premium locations before they sell out

Budget-Friendly Travel

Spreading the cost over the next few months makes your Christmas trip feel more manageable and far less financially stressful. Booking in advance also gives you time to:

Set aside a monthly holiday fund

Watch for flash sales or discount codes

Book experiences or excursions before prices go up

Avoid the Holiday Rush

The closer we get to Christmas, the more stressful travel planning becomes. Booking early means:

Less panic and more excitement

Plenty of time to research festive activities at your destination

Time to arrange passports, insurance, pet-sitting and other essentials

Top Tips for Getting Started

1. Decide What Kind of Christmas You Want

Are you looking for a traditional snowy scene, an exotic beach holiday, or something culturally rich like a European city break? Narrow down your wishlist and do some research now.

2. Set a Savings Goal

Estimate your total budget (including travel, accommodation, food, gifts, and extras), then break it down month by month. Open a separate savings account just for your Christmas getaway.

3. Start Booking Key Elements Early

Secure your accommodation and flights first. Some festive experiences – like reindeer sleigh rides or Christmas Day cruises – book out months in advance, so don’t delay.

4. Look for Payment Plans

Many travel providers offer low deposits and instalment payment options. Booking early gives you more flexibility.

5. Subscribe for Alerts

Sign up to airline and hotel mailing lists for advance notice of Christmas travel sales and deals.

Christmas Getaway Ideas to Inspire You

Lapland – A magical experience for families with children (or the young at heart)

Vienna or Prague – Twinkling lights, historic Christmas markets and stunning architecture

Tenerife or Dubai – Escape the cold with a festive break in the sun

The Scottish Highlands – Cosy log cabins, roaring fires and possible snow

Final Thoughts

Planning your 2025 Christmas getaway now isn’t just practical – it’s also exciting. Watching your holiday come together over the coming months will add an extra sparkle to your year, and the financial prep will ensure you can enjoy it without worry.

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A Gift Like No Other: Commissioning a Loved One’s Biography This Christmas

At That’s Christmas, we’re all about finding ways to make the festive season meaningful, magical, and memorable. 

If you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s truly one-of-a-kind, look no further than the story of someone you love.

This year, why not commission a biography of a family member or close friend—written by a professional ghostwriter and beautifully printed as a keepsake book? It’s the kind of present that tugs at the heartstrings, celebrates a life well lived, and becomes a family heirloom for generations to come.

Why a Biography Is the Ultimate Personal Christmas Gift

From treasured grandparents with tales of post-war Britain to parents who’ve navigated decades of change, every loved one has a unique story worth sharing. A biography captures their memories, personality, and spirit in a way no off-the-shelf gift ever could.

This is a perfect idea if you’re looking for personalised Christmas gift inspiration or hoping to make this year’s celebrations extra meaningful.

How Ghostwriting Works

A ghostwriter specialises in helping people tell their stories. Through friendly, relaxed interviews, they’ll gently guide your loved one through their memories and experiences, carefully crafting a narrative that reflects their voice, values, and journey.

Whether it’s a life of quiet achievement or one filled with adventure, a skilled writer brings the story to life on the page.

A Professionally Printed Keepsake

Once the biography is written, it can be professionally typeset and printed—complete with photographs, family dedications, and even personal letters or tributes. Choose a hardback edition for a classic, bookshelf-worthy gift that looks just like a published memoir.

Want more ideas for gifts with a lasting legacy? Check out our guide to heirloom and keepsake presents that families treasure year after year, which we will be publishing later.

A Gift for the Whole Family

This isn’t just a gift for the person whose story is being told. It becomes a family treasure, connecting generations through personal history, laughter, and love. It’s a brilliant way to preserve memories and pass down wisdom to children and grandchildren alike.

Pair this gift with a Christmas memory box or a festive scrapbook to create a truly sentimental package.

Planning Ahead—or Gifting the Experience

While a biography takes time to create, you can still give the experience as a gift this year. Many ghostwriters offer gift vouchers or packages that begin in the new year, making this a perfect last-minute option that still feels deeply personal.

Tip: Present the gift in a festive envelope alongside a handwritten note or a preview page, and pop it under the tree for a magical Christmas morning reveal.

In Summary: A Thoughtful, Timeless Christmas Gift

Giving a professionally written biography as a Christmas gift is a way to honour someone’s life, capture their story, and bring the family even closer together. It’s a present filled with heart, memory, and love—the true spirit of the season.

Looking for a UK-based ghostwriter or advice on how to organise a gift like this? Please check out these links:-

Check out the following resources:-

https://www.fiverr.com 

https://londonghostwriting.com

https://www.theghostwritersagency.com

https://uk.storyterrace.com

https://www.mystoriesmatter.com

https://guide.authorhouse.com/memoirs-and-biography-support

https://www.bookprintinguk.com/products/autobiography-printing

Want more thoughtful Christmas gift ideas?

Explore our Ultimate Christmas Gift Guides for heartfelt presents, DIY inspiration, and memorable experiences.

A New Era of Timekeeping: Aera Watches Now Available at Rudell The Jewellers

That's Christmas is always on the look out for exciting Christmas gifts and we believe that we have found the ultimate Christmas gift for the special person in your life.

Rudell The Jewellers is delighted to welcome Aera watches to its carefully curated collection of fine timepieces. 

An exciting new addition that represents a bold shift in contemporary watch design. Designed in Britain and crafted with Swiss precision, Aera timepieces are built for those who appreciate form and function, offering a modern take on the classic mechanical wristwatch.

Created for individuals who move with purpose, embrace adventure, and value design that is beautiful and practical. The brand has quickly earned recognition for its confident simplicity and technical excellence — values that perfectly align with Rudells’ own heritage of quality and service.

The debut collection, including the Aera D-1 Diver and P-1 Pilot, showcases the brand’s design DNA: clean lines, purposeful proportions, and exceptional durability. With each model powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement, protected by a sapphire crystal bezel, and housed in a sleek, sandblasted case, Aera watches are made to withstand the everyday and the extraordinary.

The D-1 Diver, inspired by the depths of exploration, offers water resistance up to 500 metres and a bold, utilitarian aesthetic that doesn’t compromise on elegance. The P-1 Pilot, meanwhile, pays homage to aviation heritage with a clean dial layout, luminous markers, and intuitive readability, designed for clarity at a glance and comfort on the wrist.

Both models are housed in 904L stainless steel cases — a material most associated with ultra-luxury watchmaking, chosen for its superior strength, corrosion resistance, and beautiful sheen. This attention to detail, combined with Aera’s uncompromising standards, results in watches that feel purposeful and personal.

Now available to explore at Rudell The Jewellers’ Harborne, Wolverhampton and Birmingham showrooms, the arrival of Aera marks a fresh and exciting chapter for those who are looking for something truly distinctive in their next timepiece. As always, Rudells’ expert watch specialists are on hand to offer guidance, share insight into the brand’s origins, and help clients discover the Aera watch that best suits their lifestyle and personality.

Aera bridges the gap between traditional Swiss watchmaking and a more modern, minimalist ethos. It is a brand that speaks to the next generation of watch collectors as well as individuals who seek lasting value, refined aesthetics, and technical reliability in equal measure.

Rudell The Jewellers understands that a watch is a companion, a statement, and a reflection of personal style. That’s why they’re proud to introduce a brand that shares their belief in pieces of lasting beauty and meaning.

From growing a personal collection to celebrating a milestone or finding a timepiece that mirrors your evolving style, Aera offers something refreshingly different.

Rudell The Jewellers has long been synonymous with exceptional service, integrity, and a passion for the world’s finest watches. With the introduction of Aera, they continue to celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and individuality in every piece they offer.

Visit Rudell The Jewellers in Harborne, Wolverhampton or Birmingham, or contact us at info@rudells.com to discover the full Aera collection.

www.rudells.com

An Early Bird Guide to Christmas Shopping: How to Get Ahead and Stay Sane

Shopping early for Christmas

We’ve all been there—fighting through December crowds, refreshing websites that keep threatening to crash during last-minute sales, or panic-wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve. Or even on one occasion the day after Boxing Day!

But what if you could avoid all the chaos and actually enjoy the run-up to Christmas? Welcome to the world of the early bird! 

Starting your Christmas shopping early doesn’t just save money and stress—it allows you to be more thoughtful, more organised, and maybe even a little smug come December.

Here’s your ultimate early bird guide to Christmas shopping, packed with practical tips, timing strategies, and a dash of festive cheer.

Why Start Christmas Shopping Early?

Better Deals (and Less Spending!)

Many retailers offer autumn sales, early-bird discounts, and pre-Black Friday deals. Starting early allows you to track prices and grab bargains before the December markup.

Avoiding the Rush

No more elbowing your way through packed high streets or dealing with “out of stock” notices online. Early shopping gives you the pick of the lot.

More Thoughtful Gifting

With extra time, you can choose or even create meaningful gifts rather than relying on last-minute panic buys.

Budget-Friendly Planning

Spreading out your spending from June to December can make a huge difference to your bank balance come January.

When Should You Start?

Summer (June to September)

Ideal for planners. Start jotting down gift ideas and budget estimates. Look out for clearance sales and “Christmas in July” style events.

Autumn (October  to Early November)

This is prime time. You’ll catch autumn sales, limited edition seasonal gifts, and early promotions.

Mid-November Deadline

Aim to have 80% of your shopping done before Black Friday. That way, you can use Black Friday and Cyber Monday strategically—only buying items you’ve already planned for.

Smart Early Shopping Strategies

1. Make a Master Gift List

Include everyone you need to buy for: family, friends, colleagues, even the postie. Add notes on preferences, sizes, and budget limits.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Decide on an overall spend and break it down per person. Apps like Christmas Gift List or Giftster can help you track it all.

3. Embrace the Hidden Gems

Independent shops, markets, and Etsy sellers often release Christmas stock early. Buying now supports small businesses and guarantees more unique gifts.

4. Don’t Forget the Stocking Fillers

Pick up bits and bobs as you go—socks, sweets, mini toiletries—rather than panic-buying multipacks in December.

5. Store Your Finds Safely

Create a gift stash in a labelled box or cupboard. Keep a digital list so you don’t double-buy (or forget what’s inside!).

Early Bird Gift Ideas

Personalised items – These often take longer to produce and ship, so ordering early is essential.

DIY hampers – Stock up on bits across multiple shops to create custom hampers for foodies, tea lovers, or spa night fans.

Subscription gifts – Many companies let you pre-order a Christmas delivery for subscription boxes—ideal for ongoing joy!

A Note on Wrapping and Posting

Wrapping: Try wrapping gifts as you go. Set up a “wrapping station” with all your supplies, or schedule a relaxing wrap-and-watch session with a festive film.

Posting: If you’re posting gifts, beat the rush. Royal Mail’s last posting dates vary, but aim for the first week of December to be safe. Or check out courier services.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is meant to be joyful, not stressful. Getting a head start now means more time for mince pies, carol concerts, and quality moments with loved ones. So grab a notebook, brew a cuppa, and take that first step toward your calmest, merriest Christmas yet.

And remember—early birds don’t just get the best worms, they get the best wrapping paper too!

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Share your tips and favourite early buys in the comments below or tag us on Instagram using #ThatsChristmas365!

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