That's Food and Drink: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Feast for Two at ...

That's Food and Drink: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Feast for Two at ...: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean battling for restaurant reservations, fixed menus, or eye-watering prices.  In fact, some of the most m...

Teddy Day: A Little Comfort with Big Christmas Energy

Teddy Day may fall in February, but teddy bears feel far more Christmassy than romantic.

Soft, nostalgic and comforting, they tap into the same emotions that make Christmas so special – warmth, familiarity and simple joy.

Long before they became Valentine’s gifts, teddies were companions for bedtime, poorly days and Christmas mornings. That emotional comfort is why they still resonate so strongly today, for adults as much as children.

Rather than grand gestures, Teddy Day works beautifully as a quiet, Christmas-style moment. A teddy paired with hot chocolate, a book or a cosy evening in feels far more in keeping with festive traditions than flashy romance.

At That’s Christmas 365, we see Teddy Day as a reminder that festive feelings don’t belong to just one season. Comfort matters, nostalgia matters, and sometimes the most Christmassy thing you can do is slow down and hug a teddy.

Because Christmas isn’t always about dates on a calendar – it’s about how something makes you feel.

That's Food and Drink: Snacks and Drinks to Mark Propose Day

That's Food and Drink: Snacks and Drinks to Mark Propose Day: Propose Day (it's Sunday 8th of February) doesn’t have to mean grand gestures and fireworks. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happ...

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating International Day of Human Fraternity ...

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating International Day of Human Fraternity ...: On 4 February, the world marks International Day of Human Fraternity, a moment dedicated to unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence ac...

That's Food and Drink: Milk on the Doorstep: Why UK Milk Delivery Service...

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Online Valentine’s Day eCards for 2026: Global Shift in How We Share Love

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the way people express affection is evolving worldwide. 

Digital greeting platforms are emerging as a key channel for heartfelt messages, offering creativity, convenience, and sustainability.

Recent trends show that consumers in the UK and across the globe are increasingly turning to Valentine's Day eCards as a modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper cards.

The surge in digital greetings reflects broader shifts in communication habits. In an era where personal connections are increasingly maintained online, people are seeking meaningful, memorable ways to convey emotion. Animated formats have captured particular attention, with Animated Valentine's Day eCards offering dynamic, interactive experiences that combine motion, music, and personalised messages, creating connections that transcend distance.

The role of digital greeting platforms is also expanding beyond personal expression. Some platforms integrate charitable initiatives, demonstrating how digital communication can create tangible global impact. Donations from users of platforms like Hope Spring eCards, for example, are helping address water poverty in Africa, providing communities with access to safe, clean water. 

This approach highlights a growing trend of socially conscious communication, where celebrating loved ones goes hand-in-hand with supporting humanitarian causes.

“Working on these designs has been incredibly rewarding,” Joshua, a long-standing volunteer and graphic designer at Hope Spring eCards told That's Christmas 365.

“Every eCard we create is an opportunity to help people express love while supporting a bigger cause. Knowing that each card contributes to clean water projects in Africa makes the process meaningful on a global scale.”

Industry observations indicate a continued preference for visually dynamic and personalised content. For Valentine’s Day 2026, trends point to a rise in interactive eCards featuring animations, music, and tailored messaging. These innovations are redefining how people celebrate relationships, offering both convenience and emotional resonance while reducing environmental impact.

The growing popularity of digital greetings also reflects the global accessibility of online communication. Thoughtful, customised messages can now reach loved ones instantly across continents. Whether choosing classic designs or immersive animations, the emphasis remains on personal, meaningful expressions of affection.

As we near  Valentine’s Day 2026, digital greeting platforms exemplify how innovation and social impact can converge, enabling people to connect meaningfully while supporting vital humanitarian causes.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Colomba Easter Cake - Delicious alternative to Chocolate Eggs

Celebrate this Easter with a delicious artisan Colomba, a light, naturally leavened aromatic cake, flavoured with candied orange peelsand real vanilla. 

La Colomba, literally meaning dove, is the traditional Italian Easter cake, baked in the shape of a dove to signify peace, hope and renewal. 

Seggiano's Colomba dough is naturally leavened overnight using a 40 year old mother yeast and next morning it's mixed with a richer dough, made with local honey, organic eggs and sulphite-free candied fruit peels. 

Left to rise twice more, the final touch is a traditional crunchy almond glaze topping with whole nuts, before the cakes are ready to bake.

Price: £20.55

Stockists: Available in 550 premium delis, farm shops, and food halls worldwide

Link to buy: https://seggiano.com/product/vegan-colomba-easter-cake/

Winter Comfort Food That Still Feels Christmassy

Christmas Day may be packed away with the decorations, but winter is far from over – and neither is the appetite for comforting, festive food. 

January, February and March are the perfect months for dishes that feel warming, nostalgic and just a little bit Christmassy, without going full turkey-and-tinsel.

If you’re craving that cosy festive feeling but want food that fits real winter evenings, this is where Christmas comfort food quietly shines.

The Flavours That Whisper “Christmas”

You don’t need a full roast to feel festive. A handful of familiar flavours can do the heavy lifting:

Nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves – subtle warmth rather than full-on spice

Cranberry and orange – sharp, bright notes that lift heavier dishes

Sage, thyme and rosemary – deeply comforting and unmistakably seasonal

Rich gravies and slow-cooked sauces – because winter demands patience

Used gently, these flavours turn everyday winter meals into something quietly special.

Comfort Classics with a Festive Twist

Some foods naturally bridge the gap between Christmas and winter comfort:

Sausage and mash with onion gravy

Add a touch of sage to the sausages or a splash of leftover red wine to the gravy and suddenly it feels like Boxing Day, not just Tuesday.

Beef or vegetable stew

Slow-cooked, deeply savoury and perfect with crusty bread. A hint of thyme or bay leaf keeps it firmly in festive territory.

Turkey or chicken pie

Leftover turkey works beautifully, but chicken is just as good. Creamy sauce, leeks, maybe a spoon of cranberry – winter perfection.

Bubble and squeak

It’s humble, but fried until golden and served with a fried egg or sausages, it’s pure post-Christmas comfort.

Puddings That Belong to Winter

Dessert is where Christmas really refuses to leave – and honestly, we’re not complaining.

Bread and butter pudding with plenty of nutmeg and custard

Rice pudding with cinnamon, vanilla or a swirl of jam

Apple crumble with cloves or mixed spice, perhaps with mice meat

Chocolate pudding for those darker, colder evenings

These are puddings made for blankets, low lighting and an early night.

Drinks That Keep the Glow Going

You don’t need a party to justify a festive drink:

Hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon or orange

Mulled wine or cider in smaller, quieter quantities

Spiced tea or chai for alcohol-free evenings

They’re less about celebration now and more about comfort – something warm in your hands while winter does its thing outside.

Why This Food Matters

After Christmas, life often slows down. The nights are long, the weather is unpredictable, and energy can dip. Food that still feels Christmassy brings familiarity, reassurance and warmth – without the pressure of “doing Christmas properly”.

It’s not about indulgence for indulgence’s sake. It’s about cosy, sustaining food that makes winter feel kinder.

Keeping Christmas Alive (Just a Little)

You don’t have to say goodbye to festive food just because the calendar says January or February. Winter comfort food with a Christmassy edge lets you ease gently out of the season – one bowl, plate or pudding at a time.

And really, if winter is going to hang around, it might as well taste like Christmas. 

How to Host a “Late Christmas” Weekend in February

Because Life and Poor Health Got in the Way. This is what That’s Christmas 365 is doing!

Christmas doesn’t stop being Christmas just because the calendar has moved on. 

If December was taken over by illness, exhaustion or simply trying to cope, a Late Christmas weekend in February can be a surprisingly perfect way to reclaim the season, gently, calmly, and without pressure.

Here’s how to do it the That’s Christmas 365 way.

1. Redefine Christmas (No Rules This Time)

This isn’t about recreating a full-on 25 December. Late Christmas is about comfort over perfection.

Strip it back to what actually matters:

Familiar food

Warm lighting

Shared moments

Plenty of rest

If health has been fragile, this version of Christmas should support you, not drain you.

2. Make It a Weekend, Not a Marathon

A February Christmas works best when it unfolds... slowly.

Friday: low-effort food, fairy lights on, early night

Saturday: festive meal, gifts, films, naps

Sunday: leftovers, pyjamas, zero obligations

Rest isn’t a failure – it’s part of the plan.

3. Keep Decorations Simple and Soothing

You don’t need the full loft clear-out.

Think:

Fairy lights on shelves or windows, LED tealights 

A small tabletop tree or branch

Candles and winter greenery

One or two decorations that spark joy

In the depths of winter, a little Christmas glow feels especially welcome.

4. Serve Comfort-First Festive Food

Late Christmas food should be easy, forgiving and familiar.

Good options include:

A smaller roast or slow-cooker main

Turkey crown, chicken or even sausages and stuffing

One or two favourite sides

Shop-bought desserts or freezer puds

Frozen roasties, ready-made gravy and leftovers are all completely valid.

5. Keep Gifts Thoughtful, Not Overwhelming

This isn’t about quantity.

A Late Christmas suits:

One meaningful gift each

Santa's on holiday, whilst you enjoy Christmas 

Comfort items (books, blankets, pyjamas, slippers)

Experiences to enjoy later in the year

Even handwritten notes instead of presents

The moment matters more than the wrapping.

6. Bring Back the Christmas Feeling

A few small touches go a long way:

Soft Christmas music in the background

One or two favourite festive films (For us, it's the 1951 A Christmas Carol, perhaps followed by the 1984 version)

Proper mugs, cosy blankets and festive pyjamas

You may be surprised how quickly the feeling returns once you allow it.

7. Let Go of the Guilt

If poor health delayed Christmas, that wasn’t a failure – it was survival.

A February Christmas isn’t indulgent or silly.

It’s kind.

You’re allowed to celebrate when you’re finally well enough to enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is a feeling, not a date.

If December was about getting through the days, February can be about warmth, calm and reclaiming joy – quietly, gently, and entirely on your own terms.

And honestly? That feels very That’s Christmas 365!

Christmas Is Over… So Why Do I Still Feel Festive?

The decorations are down. The shops are even running down their January sales. 

Social media has collectively agreed it’s time to talk about diets, decluttering and “new year, new you”.

And yet… you still feel Christmassy.

If that’s you, you’re not strange, behind, or clinging on too long. In fact, it’s completely normal – and honestly, rather lovely.

The Afterglow of a Season

Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a seasonal mindset.

For weeks (sometimes months), we’re immersed in:

Warm lighting and cosy interiors

Familiar music and comforting food

Shared rituals and slower routines

A sense of permission to rest, reflect, and indulge

That doesn’t just vanish on 26 December or after Twelfth Night. Your brain and body don’t work to retail deadlines.

That lingering festive feeling is the emotional equivalent of embers still glowing after a fire has burned down.

Nostalgia Has a Long Shelf Life

Christmas is deeply tied to memory. Not just childhood memories, but layered memories – Christmases past stacked on top of one another.

Even after the decorations are boxed away, you might find:

Certain songs still feel comforting

Candlelight still feels “right”

Hearty food still feels appropriate

Evenings still feel like they should be slow and gentle

That’s nostalgia doing what it does best: keeping us anchored during seasonal change.

Winter Isn’t Over – So Why Should the Cosiness Be?

Here’s something we often forget: Christmas ends, but winter doesn’t.

In the UK especially, January and February are still dark, cold, and demanding. Wanting warmth, softness and cheer during this time isn’t indulgent – it’s practical.

Historically, the festive season stretched across the bleakest weeks of winter for a reason. The modern rush to strip it all away can feel emotionally abrupt.

If fairy lights help you through a gloomy Tuesday evening in January? That’s not festive denial. That’s emotional intelligence.

You’re Allowed to Keep the Bits That Help

There’s no rulebook that says:

All lights must be off

All decorations must be gone

All comfort must be replaced with productivity

Plenty of people quietly keep:

Fairy lights in living rooms or kitchens

Candles and cosy throws

Festive mugs and slow breakfasts

Comfort food well into winter

That lingering festive feeling often isn’t about Christmas itself – it’s about gentleness, and we could all do with more of that.

When Festive Feelings Become Reflection

For some people, the post-Christmas period brings a softer, more thoughtful mood:

Looking back on the year that was

Thinking about people we miss

Reassessing what actually matters

That reflective glow can feel festive-adjacent because Christmas gives us permission to feel things we usually rush past.

Letting that linger isn’t unhealthy. Suppressing it often is.

Maybe You’re Just a Seasonal Soul

Some of us are wired to respond strongly to seasons, light, and ritual. Christmas amplifies that sensitivity – and when it ends, we notice the absence more keenly.

If you’re someone who:

Loves traditions

Feels deeply connected to atmosphere

Finds comfort in repetition and ritual

Then of course a single day can’t switch that off.

And honestly? That’s not a flaw. It’s a gift.

So… Is It OK to Still Feel Festive?

Absolutel

You don’t have to rush yourself into January mode.

You don’t need to apologise for cosiness.

You’re not “behind” because you’re still glowing a little.

Christmas may be over on the calendar – but the feelings it creates were never meant to be disposable.

If a bit of festive warmth helps carry you through the long winter weeks, keep it.

The world is cold enough already.

And if you ask us?

A little Christmas spirit lingering into January is no bad thing at all. 

Delicious Easter Makes & Bakes from Bonne Maman

Easter is a time for tradition, togetherness and a little indulgence. From leisurely family brunches at home to showstopping desserts, Bonne Maman has created a collection of delicious bakes and treats to enjoy with family and friends over the Easter Weekend.

Begin the Easter weekend with a Good Friday brunch featuring classic Easter bakes with a Bonne Maman twist. Apple Glazed Hot Cross Buns - filled, topped and glazed with Bonne Maman Caramelised Apple Spread – combine juicy sultanas, warming spices and a hint of lemon. 

For a chocolatey alternative, these Hot Cross Chocolate Muffins deliver all the classic flavours of a hot cross bun with a gooey hazelnut chocolate centre, made using Bonne Maman award-winning Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.

For fun family baking over the long weekend, these Hazelnut Chocolate Easter Biscuits are a delicious activity for all ages. Made with chocolate cookie dough using Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread and cut into adorable Easter shapes, they can be decorated with fondant icing and wrapped up as a thoughtful homemade gift. 

For something even simpler to enjoy with the family, this no-bake Easter Rocky Road combines Hazelnut Chocolate Spread with zingy raspberries, mini eggs, marshmallows and buttery shortbread for an indulgent chocolatey treat that can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the weekend. Get stuck in to these recipes with the kids whilst enjoying this delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Thick Shake!

Easter Sunday calls for a showstopping dessert to serve to family and friends. Choose from this Madeleine & Plum Trifle layered with sherry-soaked Bonne Maman Lemon Madeleines, damson plum jelly and lashings of custard and cream; an indulgent Chocolate & Madeleine Trifle using Bonne Maman Milk Chocolate Madeleines, fresh pears, dark chocolate, salted caramel and chocolate liqueur; or this make-ahead Raspberry & Madeleine Ice Cream Terrine made with Bonne Maman All Butter or Lemon Madeleines, juicy raspberries and vanilla ice-cream.

That's Food and Drink: Burns Night at Wetherspoon: FAQ

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Hope Spring Thanks Supporters Following Successful Christmas Fundraiser

Hereford-based water poverty alleviation charity Hope Spring has confirmed the success of its Christmas 2025 fundraising campaign, acknowledging the wonderful combined efforts of volunteers, long-standing supporters and first-time donors who contributed throughout the festive period. 

The organisation said the campaign brought the charity very close to its seasonal fundraising target, providing valuable momentum for its clean water projects planned for the year ahead.

In a statement published on the charity’s website, Hope Spring noted a steady increase in engagement during the campaign, with hundreds of individuals choosing to support the organisation either donating directly to the charity or by using the Hope Spring eCards platform to send digital Christmas greetings to friends, colleagues and family members while supporting the charity’s work in the process.

The charity described the platform as an increasingly important part of its community fundraising efforts, allowing supporters to combine everyday personal celebrations with meaningful social impact.

Trustee of Hope Spring and founder of the eCard platform, Temi Odurinde, said the outcome reflected both the loyalty of existing supporters and the growing awareness of the charity’s mission among new audiences.

“We are genuinely grateful for every contribution received during the Christmas campaign, whether large or small. Many people chose to send their festive greetings through our eCard platform and support our cause at the same time, which shows a real sense of shared purpose within our community. 

"The combined impact of these donations has been a tremendous help and brought us very close to our fundraising goal,” he told That's Christmas 365.

Mr Odurinde added that the success of the campaign was also driven by the behind-the-scenes commitment of volunteers who dedicate time to developing, maintaining and improving the digital card platform throughout the year.

“Without the dedication of our volunteers, there simply wouldn’t be eCards available to send. They contribute creativity, technical skills and countless hours of work to ensure the platform remains reliable, engaging and meaningful for our supporters. Their contribution often happens quietly, but it is absolutely central to what we do, and we are deeply thankful for their commitment.”

He went on to recognise the contribution of a long-standing volunteer, Seun Olonde, who supported the eCard platform for more than four years, with the 2025 Christmas campaign marking her final fundraising season with Hope Spring eCards.

“Seun has been an important part of the journey of the eCard platform. Over the years, she has consistently given her time, insight and energy to help the platform grow and evolve. Her involvement has had a lasting impact on the quality and reliability of what we offer to supporters, and we sincerely appreciate everything she has contributed during her time with us,” Mr Odurinde said.

While reflecting on the achievements of the Christmas appeal, Hope Spring confirmed that planning is already underway for a series of fundraising campaigns throughout 2026. These include seasonal and cultural occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year and a dedicated collection of February birthday eCards, the charity said these initiatives will continue to provide accessible ways for supporters to engage with its work while maintaining a focus on responsible fundraising and community participation.

Looking ahead, Hope Spring reiterated its commitment to expanding access to clean and safe water in underserved communities. The charity aims to complete six or more new borehole projects in 2026, with construction already underway at four sites. These projects form part of a longer-term strategy to address water poverty by improving local access to reliable water sources, supporting health outcomes, education attendance and economic stability in affected communities.

The organisation noted that the impact of each completed project extends beyond immediate access to water, helping to reduce the time spent collecting water, improving sanitation conditions and strengthening community resilience. Hope Spring continues to monitor and evaluate its projects to ensure long-term sustainability and measurable outcomes for the communities it serves.

Supporters and members of the public can find further information about Hope Spring’s current and completed projects on the project page in the charity’s website, alongside updates shared through its official social media channels.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

That's Food and Drink: Apios Americana Recipes and Where to Buy the Plants

That's Food and Drink: Apios Americana Recipes and Where to Buy the Plants: Apios Americana Potato Bean Stew (American Groundnut Stew) A hearty, comforting bowl with a nutty “potato-like” twist If you’re lucky enough...

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating Burns Night with Food and Drink

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Prestige Hampers: Yorkshire’s 7-Day Gift Hamper Specialists

Looking for the perfect gift that arrives exactly when you want it?

Prestige Hampers is one of Yorkshire’s standout names in luxury gift hampers, offering beautifully curated food and drink selections and delivery 7 days a week, including up until Christmas Eve.

Who Are Prestige Hampers?

Based in the heart of the Yorkshire Valley, Prestige Hampers have carved out a reputation for quality and reliability. They specialise in handcrafted hampers filled with premium British produce — from artisanal cheeses, fresh baked goods and chocolates to fine wines and festive treats.

Their commitment to quality is reflected in their huge volume of deliveries across the UK and their excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot, where many customers praise both the presentation of the hampers and the efficient delivery service.

Delivery You Can Count On — Every Day

One of the things that truly sets Prestige Hampers apart is their delivery coverage. Unlike many hamper companies that only offer weekday deliveries, Prestige Hampers delivers seven days a week — helping you send gifts right up to your moment of choice. Whether it’s a mid-week surprise or a Sunday celebration gift, they’ve got you covered.

They also offer handy options like named-day delivery so you can choose the exact day your hamper arrives. Place your order before the cut-off times and they’ll take care of the rest — a particularly useful service when last-minute gifting strikes.

Hampers for Every Occasion

Prestige Hampers doesn’t just do one type of gift — their range spans a wide variety of tastes and events. Some of the most popular include:

Classic Food Hampers – filled with artisan biscuits, jams, teas and savoury treats

Cheese & Wine Baskets – perfect for foodies and celebratory occasions

Chocolate-Lovers Hampers – ideal for birthdays or Valentine’s surprises

Luxury Selections – gourmet collections with fine wines and premium snacks

They also offer corporate hampers, making them a go-to choice for client gifts, staff appreciation and festive gifting at scale.

Why Choose Prestige Hampers?

Here’s what makes Prestige Hampers a favourite for thoughtful gifting:

Reliable delivery 7 days a week — ideal for last-minute gifts or designated delivery dates.

High-quality, locally sourced products — from artisan Yorkshire producers and trusted suppliers.

Excellent customer service and reviews — with lots of happy customers across the UK.

Variety of hampers for all occasions — whether you’re sending ‘just because’, congratulations, or a major celebration.

Incidentally, we ordered a hamper on Saturday and it arrived on Sunday morning!

Prestige Hampers brings together the best of Yorkshire’s culinary delights with dependable delivery that works around your schedule. 

Whether you’re planning ahead for Christmas, celebrating a birthday, saying thank you, or simply want to treat someone special, their nationwide 7-day service means you don’t have to stress about timing — the perfect hamper can arrive when you need it.

https://www.prestigehampers.co.uk

Why Donating Duplicate or Unneeded Christmas Gifts to Charity Shops Matters

Once the wrapping paper has been cleared away and the decorations are slowly coming down, many households are left with something else to sort through: duplicate or unneeded Christmas gifts. 

Two identical scarves, a novelty gadget that won’t be used, or a well-meant present that simply isn’t your style can quietly end up shoved into a drawer “for later”.

The post-Christmas period is actually one of the best times to consider taking those unused gifts to a charity shop — and doing so can make a real difference.

Turning Kindness Into a Second Act

Most Christmas gifts are given with love and generosity, even if they miss the mark. Donating them allows that kindness to continue rather than fade away unused.

Charity shops rely heavily on good-quality donations, and brand-new or nearly new Christmas gifts are particularly valuable. Items such as books, scarves, candles, toys (new and boxed), kitchenware, and gift sets often sell quickly, helping charities raise vital funds for their work.

Your unused gift could directly support:

medical research

hospice care

homelessness services

animal welfare

mental health support

All without costing you a penny.

A Lifeline During a Difficult Time

January is a challenging month for many people. Household budgets are stretched, energy bills are high, and the festive cheer has worn thin. Charity shops often see an increase in customers looking for affordable essentials or small comforts.

By donating unwanted gifts:

you help stock shelves at a time of high demand

you enable others to buy quality items at low prices

you support local communities when they need it most

That unopened board game or cosy jumper could be a welcome find for someone else.

Reducing Waste After Christmas

Christmas is a season of abundance — and, unfortunately, waste. Perfectly good items are often thrown away simply because they’re unwanted.

Donating instead of binning:

keeps usable items out of landfill

reduces environmental impact

supports a more sustainable, circular economy

It’s one of the simplest ways to make Christmas a little greener without losing any of its magic.

Decluttering for a Fresh Start

The post-Christmas period often brings a desire for a reset. New year, clearer space, calmer home.

Letting go of unused gifts:

frees up cupboards and drawers

reduces clutter-related stress

helps you start the year feeling lighter and more organised

If an item hasn’t been used since Christmas Day, chances are it never will be.

What Can Be Donated?

Most charity shops welcome:

new or gently used clothing

books and DVDs

unopened toiletries and gift sets

household items in good condition

toys (new or like-new, with safety labels intact)

If in doubt, check with the shop first — many have guidelines online or on their shop windows.

A Thoughtful Way to Honour the Gift

Donating an unwanted present isn’t ungrateful — it’s thoughtful. It ensures the item is appreciated, useful, and valued, even if not by you.

In many ways, it’s a very Christmassy act:

generosity beyond yourself

kindness to strangers

care for the wider community

A Small Act With a Big Impact

Taking a bag of duplicate or unneeded Christmas gifts to a charity shop might feel like a small gesture, but collectively it makes a huge difference — to charities, to communities, and to the planet.

So as the festive season gently fades, consider letting your Christmas gifts live on. Someone else may be waiting to find exactly what you no longer need.

Christmas Didn’t Happen? How to Reclaim It After the Flu

From the married couple behind That’s Christmas 365.

If the flu bug swept through your home and wiped out Christmas plans entirely, you’re not alone. 

For many people, December became a blur of tissues, thermometers and cancelled arrangements rather than roast dinners and crackers. 

The good news? Christmas doesn’t expire on 25 December. If it was lost to illness, you are absolutely entitled to have it later — properly, joyfully, and without guilt.

Here’s how to stage a late Christmas celebration and feast that feels just as special (and sometimes even better).

First Things First: Let Go of the Guilt

There’s often a strange pressure to “move on” once Christmas Day has passed, as though missing it means it’s gone for good. It isn’t.

Christmas is a feeling, not a date.

If illness took it away, reclaiming it later is not indulgent — it’s restorative.

You didn’t cancel Christmas.

You postponed it.

Choose Your New Christmas Day

Start by picking a date that works for your recovery and energy levels.

A quiet weekend in January or February

A midweek day when the house is calm

A day when everyone involved is finally well enough to enjoy it

Give it a name if it helps:

“Our Christmas Day”

“Second Christmas”

“The Christmas We Deserved”

Putting it in the diary makes it real.

Decorate (Yes, Really!)

If you took the decorations down while unwell, or didn't get round to putting them up, put some back up — even if it’s just a few.

Ideas that work beautifully for a late Christmas:

A small tree or tabletop tree

Fairy lights around the living room

Candles, pinecones, and greenery

Christmas crockery or table linens

You don’t need the full house transformation — just enough to change the atmosphere.

Plan a Feast That Fits Your Recovery

A late Christmas meal doesn’t have to be exhausting or elaborate unless you want it to be.

Low-stress Christmas feast ideas:

A scaled-down roast (chicken instead of turkey, or a joint that cooks quickly)

One-pan or traybake Christmas dinners

Slow cooker mains that do the work for you

Order from a butcher or deli and focus on sides

And remember: Christmas food isn’t defined by size or tradition.

If your “Christmas dinner” is beef stew, a vegetarian pie, or even a festive takeaway — it still counts.

Bring Back the Rituals You Missed

This is where a late Christmas can be surprisingly emotional — in the best way.

Recreate the moments you lost:

Pull crackers and wear the paper hats

Watch your traditional Christmas film

Read cards that never got opened

Play the music you associate with Christmas Day

Light the candles and sit quietly together

If Christmas was stolen by illness, these rituals help give it back.

Exchange the Presents (Properly)

If gifts were hurriedly opened, unopened, or ignored because everyone felt dreadful, do it again.

Rewrap presents if you like

Put them under a tree or on the table

Take turns opening them slowly

Make it an event, not a formality

The joy isn’t in the object — it’s in the moment you missed.

Keep It Small — or Make It Special

Late Christmas works just as well quietly as it does socially.

A couple reclaiming a lost day

A household finally well enough to gather

A delayed family visit when everyone is healthy

There’s no rulebook.

In fact, many people find a smaller, calmer Christmas far more meaningful.

Be Kind to Yourself About What Was Lost

It’s OK to feel sad about the Christmas you didn’t have. Illness doesn’t just take your health — it takes experiences too.

A late Christmas won’t erase that loss, but it does create a new memory:

One where you chose rest over pressure

One where recovery came first

One where Christmas waited patiently for you

That’s a powerful thing.

Christmas Is Still Yours

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe Christmas isn’t confined to one day, one week, or even one season. If the flu took Christmas away from you, you are allowed — encouraged, even — to take it back.

Light the lights again.

Cook the food.

Play the music.

Sit together and breathe.

Christmas didn’t go anywhere.

It was just waiting for you to feel better. 

If You’re Trapped at Home With the Flu, Amazon Prime Is a Godsend

There are few things more miserable than being stuck at home with the flu. 

Your head is pounding, your throat feels like sandpaper, and even the idea of popping out to the shops feels wildly optimistic. 

It’s in moments like these that modern conveniences stop feeling like luxuries and start feeling like genuine lifelines.

Enter Amazon Prime.

When Leaving the House Just Isn’t an Option

Flu has a way of stripping life back to its bare essentials. You need rest, fluids, warmth, and ideally not to infect half the neighbourhood by dragging yourself to a chemist. Amazon Prime removes that pressure completely. With a few taps, essentials can be on their way to your front door, often by the very next day.

From paracetamol and throat lozenges to tissues, hand sanitiser, and even humidifiers, it means you can focus on recovery rather than logistics.

Comfort on Demand

When you’re ill, comfort becomes currency. Prime’s huge catalogue of films, box sets, documentaries and gentle background TV is invaluable when concentration is low but silence feels oppressive. 

Whether it’s a familiar sitcom you’ve watched a dozen times or a cosy film you can half-doze through, having endless options without needing to think is a quiet blessing.

Audiobooks and podcasts are another unsung hero—perfect for resting your eyes while keeping your mind lightly occupied.

Food, Drinks, and the Little Things You Forgot

Flu has a habit of striking just after the fridge has emptied or the teabags have run out. Prime’s grocery options, cupboard staples, herbal teas, honey, soups, isotonic drinks and even indulgent comfort snacks can all be delivered without you having to brave the cold.

That moment when the doorbell rings and you realise you don’t have to go without a single thing you need? That’s real relief.

No Guilt, No Pressure

Perhaps the greatest gift Amazon Prime offers when you’re ill is permission to stop. No last-minute dashes to the shops. No favours to call in. No guilt about “just pushing through”. Everything arrives quietly, efficiently, and on your terms.

When you’re poorly, that sense of being looked after—even by a service—is surprisingly powerful.

A Modern Sick-Day Essential

Being ill is never pleasant, but being ill at home no longer has to mean being uncomfortable or unprepared. Amazon Prime turns a flu-ridden house into a place of rest, warmth, and quiet convenience.

When your only real job is to get better, having the world come to you isn’t indulgent—it’s sensible.

Why Mental Fitness Must Become Part of the UK’s New Year’s Resolutions

By Rajesh Ananda

Every January, millions of people across the UK resolve to improve their lives. Gym memberships increase, diets are reset, and there is renewed focus on physical appearance and health.

Yet one vital area remains overlooked: mental fitness.

Across the UK—and throughout Europe—stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion are increasingly part of everyday life for adults of all ages. Long working hours, financial pressures, constant digital stimulation, and ongoing uncertainty place sustained demands on the nervous system.

Mental-health challenges are no longer confined to any one group. Professionals, parents, carers, students, and retirees alike report rising levels of stress and mental strain. While the causes may differ, the underlying physiological response is the same: when stress remains unmanaged, it takes a real toll on psychological and physical well-being.

Mental Fitness Is Not a Luxury

We already understand the importance of physical fitness. Regular exercise keeps the body strong, flexible, and resilient.

Mental fitness works in precisely the same way.

Meditation is not about belief, religion, or withdrawing from daily life. It is a practical, accessible practice that helps calm the nervous system, stabilise the mind, and build resilience to stress. Over recent decades, a growing body of research has shown that regular meditation practice can support emotional balance, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.

From my own experience of teaching meditation for more than fifty years, I have observed a consistent pattern:

When the mind becomes calmer, life becomes more manageable.

Meditation in Modern Life

Meditation is increasingly recognised not as a luxury or trend, but as a life skill—one that supports clearer thinking, healthier emotional responses, and greater inner stability under pressure.

Notably, modern meditation does not require lifestyle changes or belief systems. It is designed to fit into everyday life, supporting people where they are, rather than asking them to step away from their responsibilities.

Across the UK, interest in meditation and mental well-being continues to grow as individuals seek practical ways to cope with the demands of contemporary life.

A New Kind of Resolution

As the new year begins, perhaps it is time to broaden how we define “health.

Looking after the body is essential—but caring for the mind is equally important.

Mental fitness should not be treated as an optional extra. In a world of increasing complexity and pressure, it is becoming a necessity.

This January, alongside physical fitness goals and healthy eating plans, I invite people across the UK to consider one additional resolution: to care for the mind with the same commitment we give to the body.

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