The online source for all things Christmas
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
That's Food and Drink: Celebrating Burns Night with Food and Drink
That's Food and Drink: Celebrating Burns Night with Food and Drink: Burns Night, celebrated on 25 January, is a wonderful excuse to gather friends and family around the table and enjoy some of Scotland’s most...
Prestige Hampers: Yorkshire’s 7-Day Gift Hamper Specialists
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.
Friday, 9 January 2026
Why Donating Duplicate or Unneeded Christmas Gifts to Charity Shops Matters
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
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.
Monday, 5 January 2026
If You’re Trapped at Home With the Flu, Amazon Prime Is a Godsend
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
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.
Cinderella helps Young Families and SEND Community go to the Ball!
The additional show will be the club's first Relaxed Performance, designed to to support families with younger children and audience members with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The additional show will take place with the five previously announced shows in early February 2026 at Iver Heath Village Hall.
The venue is near South Buckinghamshire's border with Slough and Uxbridge in London. Iver Heath is also home to the world famous Pinewood Studios.
Relaxed Performances offer a welcoming, inclusive environment with adjustments such as gentler lighting and sound, a flexible attitude to movement and noise, and a generally calmer atmosphere.
They are ideal for anyone who may benefit from a more laid‑back theatre experience. For this performance, the club has reduced the audience capacity and will have a 'Meet the Cast' introduction at the start of the show.
“We want everyone in Iver Heath and the surrounding area to feel that live theatre is for them,” Matt Streuli, Co‑Chair and Dame of Iver Heath Drama Club told That's Christmas 365.
“Our cast and crew are all volunteers, and this relaxed perfrmance is part of our commitment to making theatre more inclusive, especially for families who may find the cost or environment of professional theatre challenging.”
IHDC has been entertaining the community for over 70 years and performs at the Iver Heath Village Hall — itself a registered charity. "I really hope this trial performance will demonstrate demand for more accessible theatre so we can offer more relaxed performances in the future." said Kaia Barton, the pantomime's director.
A family ticket to see Cinderella's panto adventure is only £32, far more affordable than many professional pantomimes, and the club are trialling a special ticket price for 'Access Card' holders for this additional show.
Tickets, and details, for all six shows are now available at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ihdc
Sunday, 4 January 2026
How We at That's Christmas 365 Are Fighting Off the “Australian Superflu” (and How You Can Too)
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| Posed by models |
We both had our flu jabs… and yet here we are: wiped out, sore, shivery, coughing, and wondering how something that feels so ordinary can also feel so utterly brutal.
If you’re in the same boat, this post is for you: a practical, UK-friendly guide to getting through flu sensibly, safely, and with the least misery possible.
First: what is this “Australian superflu”, really?
“Superflu” isn’t a medical term — it’s a media nickname for a fast-spreading variant of influenza A (H3N2) that’s been getting attention internationally, including strains described as emerging strongly in Australia and then showing up widely elsewhere. The World Health Organization has noted increased detections of H3N2 “subclade K” viruses in multiple countries.
In the UK, UKHSA has been publishing seasonal surveillance updates through the 2025–26 season, and they’ve also explained something important: flu vaccines are mainly about reducing severe illness (like hospitalisation), not guaranteeing you won’t catch flu at all.
So yes — you can be vaccinated and still get flu. It’s miserable, but it isn’t a sign you “did it wrong”.
The goal: recover well, reduce risk, and avoid complications
Think of flu recovery as three priorities:
Support your body while it clears the virus
Watch for warning signs that mean you need medical advice
Reduce spread (especially to vulnerable people)
Let’s do those properly.
1) Home care that actually helps
Rest like it’s your job
Flu is not a “push through it” illness. If you try to power on, it often drags on and bites back. Proper rest isn’t laziness — it’s treatment.
Try:
Sleep whenever you can
Keep activity gentle (even showering can feel like a marathon)
Don’t rush back to normal just because you feel 20% better
Hydration: small and often
Flu dehydrates you through fever, sweating, faster breathing, and “can’t be bothered to drink”.
Easy wins:
Water, squash, warm tea, broth
Ice lollies if you can’t face drinks
Little sips frequently if you feel nauseous
Fever, aches, and that “hit by a bus” feeling
For most adults, typical over-the-counter options can help with comfort:
Paracetamol for fever/aches
Ibuprofen can also help some people (if you can take it)
Use medicines exactly as labelled, and avoid doubling up products that contain the same ingredients.
Sore throat and cough comfort
Flu coughs can be rough and relentless.
Comfort measures:
Warm drinks (tea, lemon, warm water)
Lozenges
Saline nasal spray (especially if post-nasal drip is driving cough)
Honey-based drinks can soothe throats (not suitable for babies under 1 year)
If your cough is keeping you from sleeping, a pharmacist can advise on symptom relief options that are appropriate for you.
Steam and air: don’t overcomplicate it
Dry air can make everything feel worse.
Try:
A bowl of hot water in the room (kept safely out of reach)
A humidifier if you already have one. Or check out Amazon https://amzn.to/4jt6C7s.
Ventilation (brief fresh air changes can help your comfort and reduce spread)
Eat what you can manage
You don’t need “superfoods”. You need calories and fluids.
Gentle options:
Soup, toast, bananas, yoghurt, rice, porridge
Little portions more often
2) When to seek help (this bit matters)
Flu can turn into something more serious, especially for older adults, pregnant people, people with chronic conditions, or anyone immunocompromised.
Get urgent medical advice (NHS 111 / urgent care) if you notice:
Breathing is difficult, very fast, or painful
Chest pain or pressure
You can’t keep fluids down, or you’re barely passing urine
Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or you’re getting worse after seeming to improve
High fever that isn’t settling, or symptoms are rapidly worsening
If it feels “not right”, trust that instinct.
3) Antivirals: worth knowing about (especially if you’re at higher risk)
There are prescription antivirals that can reduce the risk of complications for eligible people — but timing matters. In general, they’re most useful when started early.
In the UK, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir are recognised options for treatment and prophylaxis in certain circumstances. Guidance and prescribing rules have been updated and discussed in NHS/UKHSA-linked resources.
If you (or someone in your household) is in a higher-risk group and you suspect flu, it’s worth contacting NHS 111 or your GP promptly to ask what’s appropriate.
4) “But we had the flu jab…” — why it can still happen
This is the part we really want to emphasise, because it’s easy to feel disheartened.
UKHSA’s messaging is clear: the flu vaccine typically reduces the risk of severe outcomes, even when it doesn’t fully prevent infection — and effectiveness can vary by strain and by season.
So even if you’re ill (like we are), the jab may still be doing important behind-the-scenes work: lowering the chance of complications, hospital admission, or a longer recovery.
5) Reduce spread without turning your house into a hazmat zone
If one of you is ill and the other is trying desperately not to join them:
Handwashing (properly, with soap)
Don’t share towels, mugs, or cutlery
Wipe high-touch surfaces (door handles, remotes, phones)
Ventilate rooms (short, regular fresh-air changes)
Consider a mask if you’re caring for someone vulnerable or you have to be close-up
Our very unglamorous recovery plan
Right now, our approach is:
Rest, even when we’re bored of resting
Fluids, little and often
Simple food
Symptom relief for aches/fever
No heroics (the blogs will still be here when we’re better)
And if anything shifts into “this is worsening, not improving”, we won’t hesitate to get medical advice.
A gentle reminder from us at That’s Christmas 365
If you’re reading this while ill: you’re not failing. Flu can flatten the best of us — and this season’s strains have been widely discussed for their ability to spread quickly.
Take it seriously, take care of yourself, and let recovery be the plan.
Friday, 2 January 2026
Christmas Doesn’t End on 25 December – Help Is Available If You Need It
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| Don't worry. Help is available |
Bills land on the doormat, credit card statements appear, and household costs suddenly feel heavier than ever.
If you’re finding yourself in a difficult financial situation in the post-Christmas period, please know this: you are not alone, and help is available.
Needing support is not a failure. It’s a reflection of the pressures many households face right now – especially during winter.
Foodbanks: No One Should Go Hungry
Across the UK, foodbanks exist to make sure nobody has to choose between heating and eating.
The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of foodbanks that provide emergency food parcels to individuals and families in crisis. Many operate discreetly and with compassion, often alongside additional support such as advice services. https://www.trussell.org.uk
Local independent foodbanks, church-run pantries, and community hubs may also be available in your area. GP surgeries, schools, councils, and charities can often help with referrals or point you in the right direction.
If you are struggling to put food on the table, reaching out is an act of strength.
Help With Energy Bills: Gas & Electricity Support
Winter energy bills can be frightening, particularly after the expense of Christmas.
Charities such as Citizens Advice can help you understand your options, check you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to, and speak to energy suppliers on your behalf if needed.
The Energy Saving Trust also offers guidance on reducing energy use, improving efficiency, and accessing grants or schemes that may help lower costs in the long term.
If you’re behind on payments, don’t ignore the problem. Many suppliers have hardship funds or payment plans available – but you usually have to ask.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk
Struggling With Water Bills?
If water charges are causing stress, there is help.
Some households may qualify for WaterSure, a scheme that caps water bills for eligible customers on certain benefits or with medical needs that require higher water use.
Your local water provider may also offer social tariffs, payment plans, or hardship funds. Speaking to them early can prevent matters escalating.
https://www.iwnl.co.uk/help-and-advice/watersure
Debt Worries: Free, Confidential Advice
If Christmas spending, rising costs, or unexpected expenses have left you worried about debt, free and confidential advice is available.
The StepChange offers practical support, budgeting help, and debt solutions tailored to your situation. There is no judgement – just clear, calm advice from people who understand.
You don’t have to face financial worries on your own, and you don’t have to make decisions in panic.
A Quiet Reminder From That’s Christmas 365
Christmas is about kindness, compassion, and community – and those values don’t expire when January begins.
If you need help, please reach out.
If you know someone who may be struggling, please check in on them.
If you’re in a position to help others, even in a small way, that kindness matters more than ever.
From all of us at That’s Christmas 365, we send warmth, understanding, and hope to anyone finding this season difficult. Christmas lives on in care for one another – every day of the year.
Thursday, 1 January 2026
GB News Charity Calendar 2026 Sells Out in Record Time – Additional Copies Now in Production Due to Huge Demand!
Priced at just £9.99, this wall calendar features 12 stunning, viewer-submitted photographs showcasing the best of Britain's lstunning andscapes and seasons, from rolling hills and harbour towns to spring markets, autumn mists, seaside summers, and snowy peaks.
100% of profits from every sale go directly to the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC), proudly supported by Queen Camilla.
Founded ba in 1928, LTCFC has spent nearly a century supporting disadvantaged and special-needs children through annual outings in decorated London black cabs, funding for essential equipment (such as mobility aids, communication boards, and sensory rooms), theatre trips, Christmas parties, and more. All donations go straight to the cause, with a voluntary committee ensuring there are absolutely no salaries or overheads.
Chairman Tony shared his heartfelt thanks in a message to supporters, telling That's Chhristmas 365: "This is just a little thing I did this morning for the calendars, because they sold out and we had to do another interview to redo it. But this is just for me to say thank you to everybody for the past year, and happy new year going forward. So, a happy new year to everybody!"
With over 700 calendars sold in the initial run, the rapid sell-out underscores strong support for beautiful British imagery and meaningful charity impact.
The GB News Shop is currently sold out, with operations paused over the holiday period (reopening 5 January 2026), but additional production is underway to restock soon due to the exceptional demand.
This successful first collaboration between GB News and LTCFC highlights the power of community generosity as we head into 2026. The charity looks forward to putting the funds to work creating joy and providing vital support for children who need it most.
Founded in 1928, the London Taxi Drivers’ Charity for Children (LTCFC) is dedicated to supporting special-needs and disadvantaged children across the UK.
Through volunteer London black cab drivers, the charity organises joyful outings, funds essential equipment for schools and hospices, and hosts events – all with 100% of donations going directly to the children.
Proudly supported by Queen Camilla, LTCFC relies on the generosity of the public, drivers, and partners. Visit www.ltcfc.org.uk for more information.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our PR Partners and Business Friends
Running a year-round Christmas platform is a joyful but demanding endeavour.
Behind every story shared, every product highlighted, every campaign covered, and every festive idea brought to life, there are people who believed in what we do and took the time to reach out, collaborate, explain, organise, and support. That effort never goes unnoticed.
Champions of Creativity and Calm
PR is often at its best when it’s invisible, but we see the hard work. The carefully written press releases, the thoughtful pitches that genuinely fit our audience, the patience when timings shift, and the professionalism when things don’t quite go to plan.
Your work helps Christmas magic reach readers in a way that feels authentic, helpful, and inspiring rather than forced.
You’ve trusted us with your stories, your brands, and sometimes your hopes for a campaign, and that trust means everything.
Supporting Businesses of All Sizes
We’re especially grateful to the small and medium-sized businesses who took a chance on That’s Christmas 365.
Whether you’re a family-run brand, a seasonal start-up, or a long-established company adapting to a changing retail world, your passion shines through. It’s a privilege to share your products, traditions, and ideas with our readers.
Christmas thrives on variety, handmade alongside heritage, innovation alongside nostalgia, and your businesses help keep that richness alive all year round.
Collaboration Over Transaction
What has stood out most this year is the spirit of collaboration. Conversations rather than demands. Mutual respect rather than box-ticking. A shared understanding that Christmas content works best when it’s rooted in warmth, honesty, and genuine enthusiasm.
That approach aligns perfectly with our ethos, and it’s why so many of our partnerships feel less like work and more like creative friendship.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
As we step into the New Year, we do so with gratitude and optimism. We look forward to:
New stories and campaigns
Continued partnerships
Fresh ideas and festive inspiration
And many more opportunities to celebrate Christmas in all its forms — 365 days a year
To every PR professional who emailed, called, followed up, explained, reassured, and supported, thank you.
To every business that trusted us with your brand, thank you.
We wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, filled with successful campaigns, strong relationships, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.
From both of us at That’s Christmas 365, here’s to another year of shared success — and a little bit of Christmas magic, every single day.
If you want to get in touch, please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, 31 December 2025
That's Food and Drink: Dragon Stout: Jamaica’s Bold and Legendary Beer
That's Food and Drink: Dragon Stout: Jamaica’s Bold and Legendary Beer: If you’re fascinated by iconic beers with character and history, Dragon Stout from Jamaica deserves a prime spot on your radar. With its ri...
A New Year’s Toast Without the Fizz: Why Beer Can Be the Perfect Alternative
Champagne, Prosecco, Cava – they’ve become part of the cultural shorthand for celebration. But sometimes life intervenes, plans change, and the shops are simply out of reach.
This New Year’s Eve, with flu firmly keeping us housebound, the traditional sparkling wine run just wasn’t happening. And honestly? That turned out to be no bad thing at all.
Instead, we’re welcoming the New Year with a couple of bottles of Leffe – and it feels like a celebration perfectly suited to the moment.
Letting Go of the Sparkle Myth
There’s nothing magical about bubbles themselves. What matters is the act of pausing, reflecting, and marking the passing of one year into the next. Sparkling wine has simply become the default, not the rule.
When you’re under the weather, overly acidic or highly carbonated drinks can be less appealing anyway. Beer – particularly a well-made Belgian abbey-style beer – offers warmth, depth, and comfort rather than sharpness and fizz.
Why Leffe Works So Well for New Year’s Eve
Leffe is not a “quick pint” beer. It’s a beer that asks to be sipped and appreciated, which makes it ideal for a quieter, more reflective New Year.
Rich, rounded flavours – gentle sweetness, soft spice, and malt warmth
Lower carbonation than sparkling wine, making it easier to drink when you’re not feeling at your best
A sense of occasion – it’s still a bottled, poured, glass-worthy drink
Comforting rather than bracing, perfect for a night in
Whether it’s Leffe Blonde with its honeyed smoothness or Leffe Brune with its deeper, caramel notes, it feels intentional rather than second-best.
Celebrating at Home, on Your Own Terms
There’s something quietly reassuring about seeing the New Year in from the sofa, wrapped in blankets, listening to the distant sound of fireworks through the window. No crowds, no pressure, no forced cheerfulness – just the shared acknowledgement that you made it through another year.
Raising a glass of beer rather than sparkling wine doesn’t diminish the moment. If anything, it makes it more honest. It reflects where you are, how you’re feeling, and what you actually want rather than what tradition says you should want.
A Gentle Toast to the Year Ahead
So tonight, our toast isn’t loud or extravagant. It’s a simple clink of beer glasses, a shared smile, and a quiet hope that the coming year brings better health, calmer days, and more small moments worth savouring.
If you’re also spending New Year’s Eve unwell, snowed in, or simply choosing comfort over convention, consider this your permission slip: the New Year doesn’t care what’s in your glass.
Sometimes, a good beer is exactly the right way to begin again.
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Even If You’ve Had the Flu Jab: A Winter Warning About This Year’s Severe Flu
You do the sensible thing, protect yourself and others, and expect that if flu does strike, it will at least be mild.
This winter, that expectation has not always been met.
Despite vaccination, a significant number of people across the UK are still contracting an unusually aggressive strain of influenza, often referred to in everyday language as “super flu”. My wife and I both caught it while attending a funeral shortly before Christmas.
I have been unwell, but my wife has been particularly badly affected, with symptoms that have lingered and hit far harder than a typical seasonal illness.
This experience has prompted us to share a warning, not to discourage vaccination, but to encourage realistic expectations, vigilance, and early self-care.
Are This Year’s Flu Vaccines “Not Working”?
It’s important to be clear and factual.
Flu vaccines are not failing outright, but this season they appear to be less effective at preventing infection for some people. This can happen when:
Circulating flu strains mutate after vaccines are produced
Multiple influenza strains circulate at once
Individual immune responses vary
Protection reduces over time, particularly in winter peaks
Vaccination still reduces the risk of hospitalisation, pneumonia, and death, which is why the NHS continues to recommend it, especially for older adults, carers, and those with underlying conditions.
However, this year has shown clearly that being vaccinated does not guarantee you won’t get flu — or that it will be mild.
How This “Super Flu” Is Presenting
Many people report symptoms that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more debilitating than a standard cold or flu, including:
Severe exhaustion that doesn’t lift with rest
Persistent chesty or dry cough
High fever and chills lasting several days
Headaches and muscle pain
Loss of appetite and nausea
Chest tightness or breathlessness
Lingering weakness well into recovery
For some, symptoms are lasting two to three weeks, even in otherwise healthy adults.
What You Can Do at Home If You Catch It
If symptoms are manageable and you’re not in a high-risk group, home care is often appropriate — but it needs to be taken seriously.
1. Rest Properly (Not “Pushing Through”)
This is not a flu to power through. Rest is not optional.
Stay in bed or on the sofa
Avoid physical exertion
Reduce screen time if headaches worsen
Returning to normal activity too soon can prolong recovery.
2. Hydration Is Critical
Flu dehydrates you quickly.
Sip water regularly
Warm drinks can ease coughing
Oral rehydration drinks can help if appetite is low
Dark urine or dizziness are signs you’re not drinking enough.
3. Fever and Pain Relief
Paracetamol can help reduce fever and aches
Ibuprofen may help with inflammation if suitable for you
Avoid combining medicines unnecessarily
Always follow UK dosage guidance.
4. Ease Chest and Breathing Symptoms
Steam inhalation or warm showers may ease congestion
Keep rooms well-ventilated but warm
Sleep slightly propped up if coughing worsens at night
If breathing becomes laboured or painful, seek medical advice immediately.
5. Support the Immune System
While not cures, the following may help recovery:
Light, nourishing foods (soups, broths)
Honey and lemon or orange for sore throats (not for children under one)
Adequate vitamin intake through diet
Avoid alcohol — it can worsen dehydration and fatigue.
When to Seek Medical Help
Do not rely solely on home care if any of the following occur:
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Fever lasting more than 5 days
Blue lips or extreme drowsiness
Confusion or collapse
Symptoms worsening after initial improvement
Contact NHS 111, your GP, or emergency services as appropriate.
A Final Word of Caution
This winter’s flu is not something to dismiss as “just a bad cold” — even if you’ve done everything right and had your jab.
Vaccination still matters. Hygiene still matters. But listening to your body, resting properly, and acting early matter just as much.
If you’re attending gatherings, funerals, or crowded indoor events, be aware that flu is circulating widely — and hitting harder than many expect.
Please take care of yourselves — and each other.
Monday, 29 December 2025
Making Your Own Christmas Mincemeat from Scratch. Because Christmas baking should smell like Christmas
It’s one of those quietly magical kitchen rituals that instantly makes the house smell like Christmas itself, citrus, spice, fruit, and a hint of festive indulgence drifting through the air.
At That’s Christmas 365, we’re firm believers Christmas isn’t just a date in December, it’s a feeling you can summon at any time of year. And homemade mincemeat is one of the simplest ways to do exactly that.
Forget the idea that mincemeat is fiddly or old-fashioned. In reality, it’s straightforward, endlessly adaptable, and once you’ve made it yourself, shop-bought versions rarely compare.
What Is Christmas Mincemeat, Really?
Despite the name, modern Christmas mincemeat no longer contains no meat at all. It’s a rich mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spice, citrus zest, fat (traditionally suet), and alcohol. Historically it did include meat, but today’s version is all about flavour, texture, and festive warmth.
It’s the heart of mince pies, but it’s also wonderful spooned into pastries, stirred through cake batter, or layered into festive desserts.
Why Make Your Own?
Making your own mincemeat gives you:
Complete control over sweetness and spice
Freedom to adjust alcohol levels (or skip it entirely)
Better texture and fresher flavour
A deeply festive kitchen experience
It also makes a lovely homemade gift when spooned into a jar, tied with ribbon, and labelled with the year.
A Classic Homemade Christmas Mincemeat Recipe
This recipe is traditional, reliable, and easy to adapt.
Ingredients
300g raisins
300g sultanas
200g currants
100g mixed peel
1 large cooking apple, grated (skin on)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Zest and juice of 1 orange
150g dark brown sugar, or maple sugar
100g shredded suet (vegetable suet works perfectly)
2 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
A pinch of salt
100ml brandy, rum, or whisky (to taste)
Method
Mix everything except the alcohol in a large bowl until well combined.
Cover and leave overnight so the flavours can begin to mingle.
The next day, stir through the alcohol.
Spoon into sterilised jars, seal, and store in a cool, dark place.
Your mincemeat will be usable almost immediately, but it improves dramatically after two to four weeks.
Customising Your Mincemeat
One of the joys of making mincemeat from scratch is making it yours.
You might like to try:
A splash of orange liqueur instead of brandy
Chopped dried cherries or cranberries for sharpness
A little grated fresh ginger for warmth
Vanilla or almond extract for depth
Replacing some sugar with maple syrup or honey,or use sugar alternatives
There’s no single “correct” version – just the one that tastes like Christmas to you.
How Long Does Homemade Mincemeat Keep?
Properly jarred and stored, homemade mincemeat will keep for up to a year thanks to the sugar and alcohol. Always use a clean spoon when serving, and keep it refrigerated once opened.
If you’re making it well ahead of Christmas, give the jars an occasional gentle shake to redistribute the flavours.
Beyond Mince Pies
Yes, mince pies are the classic, but don’t stop there. Homemade mincemeat is brilliant in:
Festive traybakes
Christmas muffins
Puff pastry pinwheels
Sponge puddings
Layered trifles
It’s one of those ingredients that quietly elevates almost any bake into something unmistakably Christmassy.
A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping
In a world of convenience, making your own Christmas mincemeat is a gentle reminder that some traditions are worth slowing down for. It doesn’t require fancy equipment or specialist skills – just time, care, and a love of Christmas flavours.
Whether you make it in July or late November, it’s a small act that brings the spirit of Christmas into your kitchen, one fragrant spoonful at a time.
And that, to us at That’s Christmas 365, is what Christmas is all about.
Broken Presents, Wrong Sizes & Christmas Let-Downs: How to Deal with Gift Mishaps Gracefully
Then it happens: a present is broken straight out of the box, the jumper is two sizes too small, or the gadget simply isn’t what you hoped for.
If you’ve ever sat there smiling politely while thinking “Oh no…”, you’re not alone.
At That’s Christmas 365, we believe that even the wobbly, disappointing bits of Christmas deserve kindness, perspective, and a practical plan.
Here’s how to deal with broken presents, wrong sizes, and festive mishaps—without spoiling the season.
First Things First: Pause Before You Panic
It’s completely normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or awkward—especially if the gift came from someone who clearly meant well. Before reacting:
Take a breath
Remind yourself that Christmas is about people, not perfection
Avoid reacting in the heat of the moment
A calm response now makes everything easier later.
Dealing with Broken or Faulty Gifts
If a present arrives damaged or doesn’t work properly, don’t assume all is lost.
What to Do Straight Away
Keep all packaging – boxes, receipts, and labels matter
Take photos of damage or faults as soon as possible
Check the retailer’s returns policy – many extend returns over Christmas
In the UK, consumer rights usually protect you if an item is faulty, even if it was a gift. Retailers are often far more accommodating in the festive period than at any other time of year.
If the Gift Was Bought Online
Online purchases are often easier to resolve. Many retailers allow:
Gift returns without the purchaser present
Exchanges rather than refunds
Extended January return windows
If you don’t have the receipt, ask the giver discreetly later—most people would much rather you have something usable than suffer in silence.
When the Size Is Wrong (Clothes, Shoes & Wearables)
Ah yes, the festive sizing lottery.
How to Handle It Politely
Thank the giver genuinely—it’s the thought that counts
Avoid trying things on publicly if you already know it won’t fit
Check the tag before removing it
Most clothing retailers allow size exchanges without fuss, especially around Christmas.
If You’re Unsure About an Exchange
Some people worry about offending the gift giver. Remember:
They chose the item because they care
Exchanging it ensures it’s actually worn and enjoyed
Keeping something that doesn’t fit helps no one
Kind honesty, handled gently, is rarely taken badly.
When the Gift Just Isn’t “You”
Not every present is broken or the wrong size—sometimes it’s simply… not your thing.
Before rushing to return it, consider:
Could it be re-gifted thoughtfully later?
Would a charity shop donation do genuine good?
Could it be repurposed or used creatively?
If you do return it, many shops will offer store credit—sometimes leading you to something you’d never have chosen yourself but end up loving.
What If You’re the One Who Gave the Problem Gift?
It happens to everyone at some point.
If someone tells you a present is broken or doesn’t fit:
Thank them for telling you
Reassure them it’s absolutely fine
Offer the receipt or help with an exchange
Grace goes both ways at Christmas.
Keeping Christmas in Perspective
A broken ornament, a faulty gadget, or a too-tight jumper can feel upsetting in the moment—but they don’t define the day.
Christmas memories are built from:
Shared meals
Familiar films
Quiet conversations
Laughter over small mishaps
Often, it’s the imperfect moments that become the stories we laugh about year after year.
A That’s Christmas 365 Thought
Christmas doesn’t need to be flawless to be meaningful.
If a present breaks, doesn’t fit, or misses the mark entirely, it’s not a failure—it’s just part of real life woven into the festive season. Handle it kindly, fix what you can, and let go of the rest.
After all, Christmas lasts far longer in the heart than it does under the tree.
Saturday, 27 December 2025
Why We Chose to Celebrate Christmas for 365 Days a Year
We would pour our hearts into the season, celebrate Advent, revel in Christmas Day, enjoy the gentle lull of Twelfth Night… and then, quietly and contentedly, we would put Christmas to bed.
The decorations would come down, the notebooks would close, and the blog would rest until late the following year.
And for a long time, that felt exactly right.
But something changed.
Christmas Was Never Really “Over”
As a married couple who live and breathe Christmas, we began to notice something we could no longer ignore: Christmas never truly leaves us.
Even in February, there are moments of generosity that feel unmistakably Christmassy. In spring, there is hope and renewal. In summer, there are gatherings, shared meals, and kindness between neighbours. In autumn, anticipation quietly begins to build again.
The spirit of Christmas kept showing up — long after the tree was boxed away.
We realised that while the season of Christmas has a beginning and an end, the miracle of Christmas does not.
Readers Were Still With Us
Another turning point came from you.
Messages, emails, comments, and quiet interactions continued throughout the year. People weren’t just visiting us in December — they were returning in March, July, and October. They were reading reflections, revisiting traditions, seeking comfort, and looking for meaning that extended beyond a single month.
It became clear that That’s Christmas 365 wasn’t just a festive countdown site. It had become something gentler, deeper, and more enduring.
Christmas as a Way of Living
At its heart, Christmas is not only about one extraordinary day. It is about:
hope in dark moments
generosity without expectation
welcoming others
comfort, warmth, and reflection
love made practical
Those values do not expire on 26 December.
By expanding the remit to cover Christmas all year round, we gave ourselves permission to explore Christmas as a way of living — not just an annual event. That meant writing about kindness in January, gratitude in April, traditions in August, and preparation without pressure in October.
It meant allowing Christmas to breathe.
A Healthier Relationship with the Season
Ironically, celebrating Christmas all year has made December calmer.
Instead of cramming everything into a few frantic weeks, we can spread the joy, the planning, the memories, and the meaning across the year. There is less rush, less stress, and far more room for reflection.
Christmas becomes something we walk with — not something that overwhelms us and then disappears.
Staying True to What Christmas Means to Us
This decision was never about commercialising Christmas endlessly or pretending it is December every day of the year. It was about honouring what Christmas truly represents to us as a couple: continuity, faith, warmth, and shared humanity.
By keeping That’s Christmas 365 alive throughout the year, we are not extending the noise of Christmas — we are preserving its quiet miracle.
Christmas Lives Here, All Year Long
So this is why we no longer “put Christmas to bed”.
Because Christmas still speaks in January.
Because hope still matters in June.
Because kindness is always in season.
And because the miracle of Christmas was never meant to last for just a few weeks.
Welcome to Christmas — all year round.
Friday, 26 December 2025
Independent Cardiff pub North Star to close on New Year’s Eve
The closure brings to an end more than five years of trading under the North Star name, following its opening in August 2020, and marks the end of a pub site that has served Cardiff for well over a century.
Despite extensive efforts to continue trading, rising costs and cost-of-living pressures have forced the closure of a much-loved independent Cardiff pub. The owners describe the decision as unavoidable in the current economic climate.
Owner Tom Edwards told That's Christmas 365: “This is without question the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make, and it’s not what we wanted. We’ve explored every possible option to keep North Star going, but in the current climate we feel this is the only responsible choice left to us.”
North Star has been one of the few truly independent pubs in the area, not owned or leased by a brewery. Since opening, it has built a reputation as a strong community pub and a safe, welcoming space for all, particularly for students, local residents, creatives and musicians.
“North Star has never just been a pub, it’s been a community,” Tom Edwards added.
The venue became best known for its Sunday roasts and food offering, quiz nights, karaoke, and for supporting local independent music, while also providing a consistent, inclusive space for people to gather.
A historic pub site on North Road
The building at 131 North Road has a long and continuous history as a public house.
Originally established as the Maindy Hotel, the site received its first provisional licence in October 1888, meaning it has operated as a pub for over 135 years.
Over the decades, the venue has been known by several names, including the Maindy Hotel and later The College Tavern, before becoming North Star in 2020.
“From the Maindy Hotel to the College Tavern to North Star, this building has always been a place for people.”
The site’s longstanding role as a community gathering place — spanning generations of locals, students and visitors — underscores why its closure is more than the loss of a single business; it marks the end of a century-plus chapter in Cardiff’s social history.
“This isn’t just the loss of a business, it’s the end of a pub site that’s served Cardiff for more than a century.”
Recognition and local profile
North Star has consistently been recognised for its role within Cardiff’s social and hospitality scene:
● The Cardiff Tab has reported on North Star’s financial pressures, highlighting the venue’s importance to the student and local community.
● The pub holds a 4.9/5 rating on Tripadvisor from over one hundred reviews, with consistent praise for its food, atmosphere and Sunday roasts.
● North Star has been name-checked in wider Cardiff food commentary connected to coverage by respected food critic Jay Rayner, placing it among the city’s notable independent venues.
● The venue was also highlighted in national press such as the Mirror, in coverage of broader hospitality challenges, demonstrating its relevance and resonance beyond Cardiff.
The pub will continue trading through the festive period, with New Year’s Eve marking its final night of service. Customers are invited to join the team for a final send-off.
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