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How to Celebrate Christmas Late – With Luxury Hampers at Knockdown Prices

There’s something rather wonderful about celebrating Christmas after everyone else has packed the decorations away. 

The pressure has gone, the supermarkets are quieter, and the best part? The food and drink bargains can be exceptional.

If you’re willing to wait until late January or even February, you can recreate all the magic of Christmas, but at a fraction of the cost, by seeking out reduced hampers and festive food collections from department stores and specialist hamper companies.

Why Celebrate Christmas Late?

A delayed celebration works brilliantly if:

Illness disrupted December plans

You work in retail or hospitality and missed out

Family schedules didn’t align

You simply enjoy stretching the festive season

Without the December rush, you can focus on good food, good drink, and good company.

The Joy of Reduced Christmas Hampers

Luxury hampers are often heavily discounted once 25 December has passed. Retailers need to clear seasonal stock quickly, and that’s where the savvy late celebrator wins.

Department stores such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer frequently reduce their festive collections, including:

Champagne and prosecco gift sets

Stilton, cheddar and artisan crackers

Special festive ale collections

Chocolate assortments and biscuit tins

Chutneys, preserves and pâtés

Premium shortbread and panettone

Christmas cakes and mince pies

Meanwhile, hamper specialists like Virginia Hayward and Fortnum & Mason often offer post-Christmas reductions on selected lines.

The contents are usually long-life pantry staples, so they’re perfect for a celebration weeks later.

How to Plan a Late Christmas Feast

The beauty of bargain hamper shopping is that much of your menu is chosen for you. Build your evening around what you’ve picked up.

1. Start with a Festive Grazing Board

Use:

Reduced cheeses

Charcuterie

Crackers and chutneys

Nuts and festive nibbles

Add a discounted bottle of fizz, red wine and some festive winter ales and you’re instantly back in December, but without the December bill.

2. Create a Simple Centrepiece

You don’t need a full roast turkey. Consider:

A glazed gammon joint (often reduced in early January)

A slow-cooked beef brisket

A quality ready-prepared pie from the chilled section

Pair with roast potatoes, buttered greens and gravy, and you have a feast worthy of Christmas Day.

3. Lean into the Dessert Trolley

This is where late Christmas truly shines.

Leftover or discounted:

Christmas pudding

Brandy butter

Mince pies

Luxury chocolate boxes

Warm the pudding, drizzle custard, and it feels every bit as festive, just without the stress.

Make It Feel Special Again

Celebrating late isn’t about “making do”. It’s about reclaiming the atmosphere.

Put the tree back up (or at least some fairy lights)

Use the good crockery

Light candles

Play your favourite Christmas playlist

When the pressure is gone, the enjoyment often increases.

The Financial Upside

A premium hamper that cost £150 in December might drop to £90 – or even less – in January or February clearance sales.

That saving can mean:

Upgrading your wine (We found the best Merlot be have have tried) 

Adding extra treats

Hosting friends for a second festive gathering

Or simply enjoying luxury for less

In a time when household budgets are under strain, celebrating Christmas late can feel like a quiet act of financial common sense.

A New Tradition Worth Keeping

There’s no rule that says Christmas must only happen on one specific date. A late festive weekend, fuelled by discounted hampers, department store reductions and good cheer, can become a cherished annual ritual.

Sometimes the best celebrations happen when the world has moved on, the shops are calm, and the luxury food aisle has a red clearance sticker waiting for you.

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Is an Omaze House Ticket a Good Christmas Gift?

Thinking of gifting Omaze house draw entries this Christmas? Here’s a quick guide to the pros, cons and festive appeal.

Every Christmas we look for something unforgettable. And few presents feel more dramatic than a ticket for a luxury house draw run by Omaze.

Imagine handing someone a card on Christmas morning that says: “You could win a £3 million home.” It’s bold. It’s unexpected. And it definitely beats another box of chocolates.

But is it a brilliant festive surprise, or just a seasonal gamble?

Why It Can Be a Magical Gift

It’s the gift of possibility. Instead of something that gathers dust, you’re giving months of excitement and anticipation.

It supports charity. Each draw guarantees a significant donation to a UK charity.

It’s memorable. For the person who “has everything”, this stands out.

Winners get flexibility. If they win, they can usually live in the house, sell it or rent it out.

The Festive Reality Check

The odds are very long. Only one person wins.

It’s still a prize draw. Think entertainment, not investment.

Costs can add up. Bulk entries are tempting, so set a Christmas budget.

Luxury homes come with bills. Council tax, insurance and upkeep are real considerations.

How to Gift It Thoughtfully

If you decide to go ahead:

Print the entry confirmation and tuck it into a festive card.

Pair it with a tiny house ornament for a playful touch.

Present it as “a bit of Christmas magic”  not a guaranteed life plan.

The Bottom Line

An Omaze ticket won’t replace careful financial planning. But Christmas has always been about hope and big dreams.

For someone who enjoys a flutter and understands the odds, it can be a fun, conversation-starting gift, a small spend for a very big “what if?”.

After all, if ever there’s a time to dream of a new home under the tree, it’s Christmas.

EverFold Celebrates Success in the UK, Turns Personal Photos into Colouring Books

The husband-and-wife team who run That's Christmas 365 are always on the look out for new gift ideas. 

So we were intrigued and excited to learn about a new gift idea from Bristol-based EverFold.

EverFold, the innovative Bristol-based company that transforms personal photos into personalised colouring books, is celebrating a year of remarkable success in the UK.

 Since its launch in early 2025, the service has captured the imagination of families, schools, businesses, and community groups, turning everyday memories into screen-free creative experiences.

At the heart of EverFold’s offering is a simple yet compelling idea: users can upload their favourite photos, ranging from family portraits and pets to holidays and special celebration, and instantly transform them into detailed colouring books for children. 

The digital books are professionally printed, bound, and delivered as physical books, allowing customers to enjoy a hands-on, personalised gift.

Dr. Jon Baker, CEO of EverFold, reflects on the company’s rapid adoption across the UK. He told That's Christmas 365: “EverFold has been amazing for so many people. 

"Customers across the UK have told us how we’ve revived old photos, brought smiles to children, supported people with dementia, and even created unique, meaningful gifts. 

Seeing memories come to life like this is why we do what we do. I'm so proud of what we have achieved so far!”

How has EverFold been so successful? It attributes its success to product innovation, quality output, and an intuitive online creation process. 

Customers can preview the full book before ordering, ensuring they receive the exact colouring book that they created themselves. 

By offering competitively priced products without compromising their quality, EverFold ensures their personalised colouring books are approachable for a wide range of customers.

Looking ahead, EverFold aims to build on its UK success by expanding internationally, bringing its unique approach to photo-based creativity to new markets in USA, Canada and Australia while maintaining the same high standards and customer-focused experience that has won acclaim at home.

FACTFILE:

Founded in 2025 and led by Dr. Jon Baker, EverFold transforms personal photos into custom colouring books that are professionally printed, bound, and delivered. With a focus on creativity, accessibility, and quality, EverFold helps families, schools, and businesses turn everyday memories into engaging, tangible experiences.

For more information, visit https://everfold.co.uk or https://everfold.net.

Pancakes and Sweet Treats for Shrove Tuesday

A That’s Food and Drink celebration of flipping, feasting and a little indulgence before Lent

Shrove Tuesday, often called Pancake Day here in the UK, is one of those wonderfully simple food traditions that brings everyone into the kitchen. 

Whether you’re flipping thin crêpe-style pancakes or piling American-style stacks high with syrup, it’s a day that feels nostalgic, comforting and joyfully messy.

Traditionally falling the day before Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday was a way of using up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, butter and sugar before the start of Lent. The result? Pancakes, quick, affordable, and endlessly adaptable.

Here’s how to make the most of it this year.

The Classic British Pancake

The traditional British pancake is thin, lightly golden and slightly crisp at the edges.

Basic batter (serves 4):

100g plain flour

2 large eggs

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Butter or oil for frying

Whisk until smooth, rest for 20–30 minutes if you can, then cook in a lightly buttered pan. Flip confidently!

Classic topping: Fresh lemon juice and caster sugar.

Simple. Sharp. Perfect.

American-Style Pancake Stacks

If you prefer something thicker and fluffier, American-style pancakes are ideal for a more indulgent Shrove Tuesday supper.

Add 1 tsp baking powder and a touch of sugar to your batter, and use less milk for a thicker consistency. Cook in smaller rounds and stack high.

Top with:

Maple syrup and butter

Blueberries and Greek yoghurt

Crispy bacon and syrup for a sweet-savoury twist

Savoury Pancake Ideas

Pancakes don’t have to be sweet. In fact, they make an excellent midweek meal.

Try filling your pancakes with:

Creamy mushrooms and thyme

Spinach and ricotta

Grated cheese

Ham and mature Cheddar

Smoked salmon and soft cheese

Fold or roll, pop under the grill with a little extra cheese, and serve with a crisp side salad.

Beyond Pancakes: Other Shrove Tuesday Treats

While pancakes dominate most British kitchens, other traditional treats have been linked to the day in various regions:

Doughnuts – also made to use up eggs and butter.

Waffles – especially popular in some European traditions.

Rice pudding – another comforting way to use up dairy.

Parkin in some northern communities.

It’s all about using what you have and enjoying a last bit of richness before simpler meals return.

Hosting a Pancake Supper at Home

If you want to turn it into a proper event:

Set up a topping station with bowls of fruit, sauces, nuts and sprinkles.

Offer both sweet and savoury options.

Let guests flip their own (at their own risk!).

Keep the batter flowing – it disappears quickly.

For families, it’s a brilliant way to get children involved in cooking. For couples, it’s a relaxed, low-cost evening that feels special without much effort.

A Final Flip

Shrove Tuesday is one of those quietly lovely food traditions that doesn’t need reinvention. A bowl, a whisk, a frying pan and a squeeze of lemon are all you really need.

Whether you’re keeping it classic or going full indulgence with towering stacks and syrup, it’s a chance to pause, cook and enjoy something warm and freshly made.

And if a pancake lands on the floor? Just make another one! 

Random Acts of Kindness Day – Bringing a Little Christmas Magic to February

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe the Christmas spirit isn’t confined to December. It’s a feeling. A mindset. 

A quiet decision to bring warmth into someone else’s day.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is the perfect excuse to sprinkle a little festive goodwill into the world — even if the decorations are packed away and the fairy lights are back in the loft.

Because kindness, much like Christmas, never really goes out of season.

Why Kindness Feels So Christmassy

Think about what makes Christmas special:

Generosity

Thoughtfulness

Community

Surprise

Warmth

Random acts of kindness tick every single one of those boxes.

That unexpected gift.

That handwritten card.

That extra tin of biscuits left on a neighbour’s doorstep.

It’s the same magic — just without the pressure of wrapping paper and turkey timings.

Simple Festive-Inspired Acts of Kindness

You don’t need grand gestures. Often, it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest difference.

1. Leave a “Secret Santa” Surprise

Pop a small treat through a neighbour’s letterbox with a simple note:

“Just because. Wishing you a lovely day.”

It could be:

A chocolate bar

A book

A scented candle

A homemade bake

No name required. Let the mystery add to the charm.

2. Pay It Forward

Cover someone’s coffee in a local café. Or slip an extra pound into a charity tin at the till.

That quiet generosity carries a very December-like glow.

3. Winter Warmth Hampers

February can feel long and cold. Why not put together a small “winter cheer” bundle for someone who might need a lift?

Include:

Tea or hot chocolate

A cosy pair of socks

A puzzle or magazine

A handwritten note

It’s essentially a mini Christmas Eve box — just in disguise.

4. Send an Unexpected Card

We’re so used to receiving post only in December. Imagine the joy of a surprise card in February.

A simple:

“Thinking of you today.”

can mean more than you realise.

5. Support a Small Business

Kindness isn’t just personal — it can be local too.

Leave a glowing review

Share a small business on social media

Buy a gift voucher for future use

It costs little but can make a genuine difference.

Bringing the Spirit Home

Random Acts of Kindness Day is also a wonderful opportunity to involve family.

If you have children, this is a brilliant way to teach them that generosity isn’t transactional. It’s not about getting something back.

Create a “Kindness Jar” at home.

Write ideas on slips of paper.

Pick one and complete it together.

It becomes a tradition — much like decorating the tree.

Kindness and Wellbeing

Here’s the beautiful twist: kindness doesn’t just help the receiver.

It boosts mood, lowers stress and builds connection. In the darker months after Christmas, when many people feel a lull, even the smallest act can brighten more than one life.

That glow you feel after doing something thoughtful?

That’s the Christmas spirit working overtime.

Keep Christmas in Your Heart (All Year Round)

Random Acts of Kindness Day reminds us that Christmas isn’t about the date on the calendar.

It’s about:

Compassion

Community

Quiet generosity

Making someone else’s day a little lighter

So today, do one small thing.

Then maybe do another tomorrow.

Because at That’s Christmas 365, we firmly believe that if we can keep kindness alive, we never really have to pack Christmas away at all.

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A story about love, laughter, and a life saved, for Valentine’s week

While many mark Valentine’s Day with flowers and romantic dinners, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) is using the occasion to celebrate a different kind of love, the gift of more time with the people you love.

Steve, a local man from Gloucestershire and a father, is alive today thanks to the rapid response of GWAAC’s crew after a sudden, life-threatening incident. 

A short film being launched this week captures what survival looks like — sharing laughter in a pub, a father and son teasing each other, and the simple words “I love you.”

Around two thirds of the charity’s patients are male — often fathers, sons, partners and friends. But behind every patient is a ripple effect with all those that care for the person being affected.

GWAAC’s film is a reminder that love isn’t just about romantic relationships, but about the meaningful moments we spend with our family and friends. 

And for Steve, more time together with his family was made possible thanks to donations from the public and support for GWAAC.

Steve’s story is one of many. Every call-out, every mission, every intervention can ensure more time together for families like his.

Watch Steve’s story here and learn more about what GWAAC did to help: www.gwaac.com/mtt

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