Asda debuts NEW Sparkling Red for just £6.52 per bottle

With a growing customer demand for more novel and premium fizz, Asda is mixing things up as little bit this Christmas season with a twist on a classic, introducing the exclusive to Asda Riunite Sparkling Red (£6.52) just in time for Christmas.

With a lower ABV of 9.5%, it’s set to steal the limelight this hosting season, providing a hybrid option for guests who enjoy red wine, but would like something lighter on Christmas Day, particularly to kick start the celebrations. 

The added fizz gives it that celebration feel, providing a luxury drink that doesn’t come with a luxury price tag, costing just £6.52 at Asda.

From the famous Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, this light and refreshing sparkler is a modern take on Lambrusco, still made using the Charmat method but packaged for a younger, fizz-loving customer who enjoys a drier, fruiter drink. Perfect for celebrating ‘Friendsmas’, millennials already associate this trending beverage with celebratory occasions and lifestyle elevation.

With its floral raspberry and red cherry flavours, and a touch of savoury herbs and spices, it pairs best with charcuterie and grazing boards of salami, Parma ham and cheese, making it a great option this party season.

Asda’s Riunite Sparkling Red (£6.52) is available now, in stores and online, and is included in Asda’s Buy 6 Save 25% offer on wine, running now until the 18th of December, making it less than £30 (£29.34) for six bottles of delicious fizz.

Bradford nursery providing Christmas cheer for local care home with ‘gifting tree’

Workers and children at Partou Woodlands House Day Nursery and Pre-school in Bradford are again reaching out to the local community to support their efforts to provide Christmas presents for residents of Howgate House care home in Idle.

Over recent years, the nursery has erected a ‘gifting tree’ with families and friends invited to take a tag and purchase a present for local children in need or required to spend the festive season in hospital.

However, it’s all change for 2025.

Charlotte Hargreaves, Partou Woodlands House Nursery Manager, told That's Christmas 365: “Our gifting tree is up and looking marvellous, as ever.

"We're doing the tags again this year, but with a somewhat different spin as we are asking for donations for residents of our local care home who we often visit with the children.

“Also, unlike previous years, we are opening the venture up to the local community, too.

“Each tag contains a resident’s name and age.  We are asking anyone wishing to help to simply take a tag from the tree and buy a gift for the resident of their choice, but there is a £10 spending limit.

“We have put some tags on a mini tree in the front entrance to the nursery, just buzz at the door and let us know that you are taking a tag.

“These should be returned to us in a gift bag with the tag attached by Thursday 18 December.

The children will deliver their gifts during their carol visit during the week leading up to Christmas, where they’ll sing festive songs for everyone to enjoy.”

Charlotte added: “Our first batch of tags has already gone, and we are on to the second batch.

“Thank you to everyone for showing all the love and support so far.”

Situated next to the local park on Cross Road, Partou Woodlands House is a popular choice for families in Idle, Simpson Green and Thackley.  It was rated ‘Good’ in all areas of activity by Ofsted following an inspection earlier this year.

Already in the run up to Christmas, Partou Woodlands House team members, children and families have raised a remarkable £1,000 for three very special charities – Brake, Candlelighters and UNICEF – by taking part in a Santa Run around the local park.

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said:  “The ‘gifting tree’ is a novel and fun venture which has been a great success in previous years.

“Given the close relationship between the nursery and Howgate House care home, it is fitting that its residents have been chosen as the beneficiaries this year.

“I hope the local community will get behind the initiative and grab the remaining tags while they can.”

EDITORIAL NOTE:- As as personal aside I can well remember the joy we primary school children felt as we sang Christmas carols at local old folks homes as they were called back in the distant past!

https://partou.co.uk/nurseries/woodlands-house-day-nursery-pre-school

Dickens' A Christmas Carol on Stage

It’s Christmas Eve, and miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to have a ghostly night he’ll never forget. 

Dicken’s festive, immortal tale of redemption and compassion is brought to life in Dyad’s inimitable solo style (That Knave, Raleigh, Lady Susan, Christmas Gothic, A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, Austen’s Women).

Draw near an evening of mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig and Cratchit et all to discover the true meaning of Christmas: tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. Ebenezer lives in us all, and this glorious tale reminds us how not to give in to the Scrooge within.

Taking inspiration from Dickens’ original performances of his own work and utilising the brilliant narrator of the novel to bring the story to life, this solo piece is performed Andrew Margerison (That Knave, Raleigh, Frantic Assembly’s Fatherland, Macbeth), and directed by Dyad’s Creative Director, Rebecca Vaughan (That Knave, Raleigh).

Dyad Productions creates, produces and tours classic theatre with an innovative and contemporary emphasis. A regular fixture at the Edinburgh Fringe, their work has been a critical, 5-star, sell-out success since 2009. Other Dyad Productions, Lady Susan, A Room of One’s Own, Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, Christmas Gothic and Female Gothic have garnered five-star reviews and continue to tour across the UK and internationally. 

In 2018 Dyad Productions was awarded the prestigious Three Weeks Editors’ Award for Cumulative Body of Work. This piece was created in collaboration with The Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead, where they are a resident company.

Costume by Kate Flanaghan (Lady Susan, A Room of One’s Own, Dalloway, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic, Christmas Gothic, Austen’s Women, Orlando, The Time Machine). Lighting design by Martin Tucker (That Knave, Raleigh, Lady Susan, Orlando, The Time Machine, Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, Dalloway, Christmas Gothic) Sound design by Danny Bright (That Knave, Raleigh, Lady Susan, Orlando, The Time Machine, Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, Dalloway, Christmas Gothic.)

https://dyadproductions.com/theatre-productions/a-christmas-carol/

How to Promote Your SME for Free This Christmas (And How That’s Christmas 365 Can Help You Do It)

See how UK SMEs can boost Christmas visibility without paid ads, using storytelling, collaboration, and That’s Christmas 365

Christmas is the busiest season of the year for many small and medium-sized enterprises, but it’s also one of the most competitive. 

With advertising costs soaring in November and December, many SMEs assume meaningful promotion is out of reach unless they have a sizeable marketing budget.

The good news? You can promote your business for free this Christmas, and do it effectively,  if you focus on visibility, storytelling, and community engagement rather than paid ads. 

Even better, platforms like That’s Christmas 365 exist specifically to help businesses gain festive exposure without draining precious cashflow.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Lean Into Christmas Stories, Not Sales Pitches

At Christmas, people don’t want to be sold to relentlessly, they want stories.

Free promotion works best when you:

Share why your business exists

Highlight your Christmas traditions or festive preparations

Talk about how you support your local community

Explain how your product or service helps make Christmas easier, warmer, or more joyful

A small bakery sharing its Christmas Eve routine or a craft business explaining how it sources festive materials ethically is far more engaging than a blunt “Buy now” message.

These stories are exactly the kind of content that gets picked up and shared organically.

2. Use Your Existing Channels Properly

Before spending a penny, make sure you are fully using what you already have:

Your website, add a festive landing page or Christmas blog posts

Email newsletters, even a small list can drive meaningful traffic

Social media, festive posts consistently outperform generic ones

Google Business Profile, update photos, opening hours, and Christmas offers

Consistency matters more than volume. A handful of thoughtful, festive updates can outperform dozens of rushed posts.

3. Collaborate Instead of Competing

Christmas is the perfect time to collaborate with:

Other local SMEs

Independent makers

Community groups or charities

Joint giveaways, shared social posts, or bundled offers cost nothing but dramatically expand your reach. When two businesses share each other’s audiences, both benefit, and customers love seeing cooperation over competition at Christmas.

4. Get Featured on Christmas-Focused Platforms

One of the most effective ways to gain free festive exposure is to appear where people are already looking for Christmas inspiration.

How That’s Christmas 365 Helps SMEs

That’s Christmas 365 is a year-round Christmas platform read by people actively planning, shopping, decorating, gifting, and celebrating. Being featured puts your business directly in front of a festive-minded audience without the cost of paid advertising.

The site regularly highlights:

Small and independent businesses

Seasonal products and services

Christmas traditions, food, drink, gifts, and experiences

UK-focused festive stories and brands

A mention, feature, or inclusion in a Christmas-themed article can:

Drive targeted traffic to your website

Improve brand recognition

Generate social media shares

Create long-tail visibility that lasts well beyond December

Because readers trust editorial content more than adverts, a genuine feature often outperforms paid ads in both engagement and conversion.

5. Think Search, Not Just December

Free promotion isn’t just about immediate sales.

Well-written Christmas content:

Ranks in Google year after year

Gets rediscovered each festive season

Builds authority and trust for your brand

That’s why platforms like That’s Christmas 365 are particularly valuable — Christmas doesn’t vanish on Boxing Day. Articles remain live, searchable, and shareable, giving your SME extended exposure long after the decorations come down.

6. Make It Easy for People to Support You

If someone wants to support your business this Christmas, don’t make them work for it.

Ensure:

Your contact details are clear

Your opening hours are updated

Your Christmas offerings are easy to understand

Your story is easy to share

Free promotion only works if people can act on it effortlessly.

A Festive Opportunity Worth Taking

Promoting your SME for free this Christmas isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about working smarter, telling better stories, and placing your business where festive audiences already are.

By combining your own channels with collaborative efforts and exposure through Christmas-focused platforms like That’s Christmas 365, you can raise your profile, build goodwill, and reach new customers without spending a fortune.

At Christmas, goodwill is marketing, and it’s one of the most powerful tools an SME can use.

You can email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com to get your name in (Christmas) lights!

Yuletide Old Fashioned (Woodford Reserve Edition)

A classic Old Fashioned dressed for Christmas, with gentle spice, citrus warmth and a whisper of winter fruit, never overpowering the bourbon.

Ingredients

60 ml Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon

1 tsp spiced demerara syrup (see below)

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 dash orange bitters

A small strip of orange peel

1 cinnamon stick

3–4 frozen cranberries (for garnish and gentle chilling)

Large ice cube or sphere

Spiced Demerara Syrup (make once, use all season)

200 g demerara sugar

200 ml water

1 cinnamon stick

2 cloves

1 small piece of orange peel

Gently heat until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, strain, and refrigerate. Keeps for 2–3 weeks.

Method

Chill a rocks glass.

Add the spiced demerara syrup and bitters to the glass.

Pour in the Woodford Reserve and stir gently.

Add a large ice cube and stir again until properly chilled.

Express the orange peel over the drink, rim the glass, then drop it in.

Garnish with the cinnamon stick and frozen cranberries.

Why it works

Woodford Reserve’s vanilla, caramel and toasted oak notes marry beautifully with warming Christmas spices.

Demerara sugar enhances depth without masking the bourbon.

Cranberries add festive flair without turning the drink sweet or sharp.

Optional Festive Variations

Smoky Christmas Eve: briefly smoke the glass with cinnamon bark or orange peel.

Nutty Noël: add ¼ tsp hazelnut liqueur for a subtle praline note.

Orange Grove: swap orange bitters for chocolate bitters for a Terry’s-inspired twist.

This is a proper Christmas Old Fashioned. It's grown-up, elegant, and unmistakably festive. 

Tallest Christmas Tree is in Northumberland

© National Trust / Bec Hughes

A mighty decorated giant redwood at the National Trust’s Cragside in Northumberland has secured the Guinness World Records title for the World’s Tallest Bedded Christmas Tree.

The 44.7m (146.6f) giant redwood (Sequoia wellingtonia) is dressed in excess of 1,300 dazzling lights to transform it into a towering festive showstopper standing at more than twice the height of the iconic Angel of the North statue.

It's one of millions of trees planted in the 1860s by the estate’s founders, the Armstrong family, some of which are now the tallest of their kind in the entire country.

Steve Howard, Visitor Operations Manager, told That's Christmas “It’s been quite a year of planning. Last year we presented the UK’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, and we kept wondering if we could go one giant leap further and secure a Guinness World Records title… and we have made it!”

Steve went on to say: “It’s been a bit tough to keep this big secret under wraps and quiet over the last few weeks, but we wanted to share our huge news while many people are putting up their own Christmas trees.”

Visitors will notice that in addition to the lights, the tree is also dressed in two large purple bows to meet the essential criteria to have two traditional decorations on the Christmas tree. 

The tree was officially measured with witnesses present and signed off by a Guinness World Records adjudicator when the tree was dressed last month.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Carl Saville added: “The breathtaking giant redwood, perched on the edge of the hillside, is a vision of growth and pure beauty in Cragside’s historic landscape. It was a real privilege to give this tree the recognition it deserves.”

And if you are dressing a Christmas tree at home, spare a thought for the team involved who had the arduous task of  unravelling nearly 800m (2624f) of lights to hang on the towering tree. 

Festooning a tree that’s over 10 double-decker buses tall takes some industrial-duty thinking: the team used a cherry-picker which can reach to 51m (167f) and it took three people an entire two days to hang the lights. 

Every bulb had to meticulously checked and then draped and fastened vertically so as not to put too much pressure on the tree, which has been part of the Armstrongs’ ‘fantasy mountain landscape’ for over 150 years.

But this isn't the first time the grounds have been decorated in celebratory lights. Back in 1884, to commemorate a royal visit, the Armstrong famiuly decorated the estate’s hillsides in thousands of lamps. 

The Newcastle Daily Chronicle newspaper's contemporaneous report stated: ‘Ten thousand small glass lamps were hung amongst the rocky hillsides, and an almost equal number of Chinese lanterns were swung across leafy glades.’

The tree’s multi-coloured lights echo the Christmas spectacle inside the house, with a theme that takes inspiration from a real Servants’ Ball held at Cragside in 1894. 

It imagines the Armstrong family have gone away for the festive season, and their staff are throwing a mischievous party. 

The rooms are in topsy turvy colourful chaos as servants have abandoned their tasks to don their finest attire, ready for an evening of energetic dancing, mingling - and maybe even a touch of festive romance, too?

Steve added: “With the rooms in the house decked out in vibrant decorations, it felt only right to dress the tree in glorious technicolour, too, and we can’t wait to welcome our visitors to experience the World’s Tallest Bedded Christmas Tree throughout the festive season.”

The tree plays a starring role in BBC Two’s Christmas Treasures of the National Trust, which airs on Friday 19 December at 9pm and on iPlayer. The episode takes a behind-the-scenes look at festive preparations around the Cragside estate.

Christmas at Cragside is on until Sunday 4 January 2026.

Christmas Period Arguably The Most Important Time For Reflection, Explains Help4Addiction

The Christmas period is a time filled with mixed emotions for people struggling with addiction, explains community group Help4Addiction, led by its founder Nick Conn.

While the festive season is often viewed as a cheerful, family-focused time of year, it can also bring deep challenges for those facing substance misuse.

Despite this, the organisation has observed that fewer people reach out for support or enter rehabilitation during December.

Conn explains that the desire to be with family at Christmas is one of the main reasons people delay seeking formal treatment.

Many individuals feel unable to face being away from loved ones during such an emotional and traditional time of year, even when they know that their addiction is causing serious harm in their lives.

The Emotional Pull of Family At Christmas

During the Christmas period, most people want to be surrounded by family, friends, and familiar comforts. Celebrations, traditions, shared meals, and time together are central to the season. For someone considering rehab or intensive support, the thought of missing these moments can feel overwhelming.

For many, the idea of spending Christmas away from home, separated from loved ones, and in an unfamiliar environment becomes a powerful emotional barrier. This often leads to individuals postponing treatment until after the holidays, even though they may be fully aware that they need support.

Families Use Christmas As a Time For Reflection

While the number of people entering treatment may drop in December, Christmas often serves as an important time for self-reflection. Seeing families coming together, sharing love, and celebrating can make individuals painfully aware of what they may be missing or have lost due to addiction.

This contrast can be a powerful wake-up call. People may begin to think more deeply about their choices, their relationships, and their future. Feelings of sadness, regret, or longing for change can intensify during this period, pushing individuals closer to making a decision to seek help.

Increase Motivation in The New Year

As the festive season ends, many people feel more prepared to take action. January is often seen as a fresh start, and this mindset can encourage those who have been struggling to finally reach out for support.

The reflection that takes place over Christmas frequently leads to an increase in enquiries and treatment admissions in the new year. Individuals who have spent time thinking about their situation may feel stronger, more motivated, and ready to begin the recovery process.

Families Give More Support During The Festive Period

Even though fewer people may enter treatment in December, support remains available throughout the holidays. For some, Christmas can worsen feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or hopelessness, and in severe cases, it can lead to crisis situations.

Access to guidance, reassurance, and professional support can be vital during this time. Knowing that help is still there provides comfort and can prevent individuals from feeling completely alone.

Christmas Shouldn’t Stop People Taking a Step Towards Recovery

While the desire to spend Christmas with family is understandable and deeply human, it is important that this does not stop people from taking steps towards recovery. Reaching out for information, advice, or a simple conversation can be the beginning of a positive change.

Even if someone chooses to delay treatment until the new year, putting a plan in place can bring hope and a sense of control for the future. Recovery does not have a fixed timeline, and every journey starts with a single step.

Help is available for individuals and families affected by addiction, no matter the time of year.

https://www.help4addiction.co.uk

That's Food and Drink: Steaks Fit for a Vegan!

That's Food and Drink: Steaks Fit for a Vegan!: As part of our Veganuary feature That's Food and Drink is bringing you news about vegan foods that you can try at home or in your pub or...

Côte Brasserie’s New Year Feast in Branch or At Home

The countdown to New Year’s Eve has begun with the launch of Côte Brasserie’s most generous feasts both at home and in brasserie.

This year, guests dining in-brasserie can indulge in Côte’s four-course New Year’s Eve celebration menu (from £53.95 per head), a standout feast crafted to be filled with flavour, value and French indulgence.

Guests are welcomed with a complimentary glass of Crémant or Kisumé non-alcoholic sparkling rosé, setting a perfectly celebratory tone.

The menu is generous from the start including for the table dishes Comté Madeleines with hot honey dip, olives, and garlic-herb peppers and then a wide variety of delicious starters including Chicken Liver Parfait with macerated figs, indulgent Camembert Brûlée, King Prawns in Café de Paris butter, Beetroot-Cured Smoked Salmon and more.

Mains celebrate classic French comfort elevated for the occasion: luxurious Confit Duck à l’Orange, Cornish Roasted Hake with velvety lobster sauce, Steak Frites Deluxe cut in Côte’s own butchery (+£8 supplement), Chestnut & Sage Tartiflette with a baked half Camembert and an impressive vegan Roasted Miso Parsnip dish, among others.

A trio of sides for £15 encourages festive feasting, from Sprouts à la Française and hot-honey Pigs in Blankets to crispy confit potatoes with gravy mayo.

Guests may finish with a special curated French cheese plate, or choose from a line-up of desserts including Pain Perdu, Warm Chocolate Fondant and the striking La Bûche Rouge winter berry mousse log.

With its breadth of choice, generous portions and sparkling welcome, Côte delivers one of the most compelling NYE menus on the high street for the price, all served until midnight across all brasseries.

For those celebrating at home, Côte’s sell-out New Year’s Eve Feasts return featuring the NYE Feast for Six for £169.95 and the NYE Feast for Two for £84.95

The menu features beetroot-cured salmon with horseradish cream, followed by British & Irish Côte de Boeuf with gratin dauphinois and black garlic jus, finished with a dark chocolate financier and cherry compote. Show-stopping, indulgent - and completely stress-free.

For more relaxed celebrations, the Buffet Box (£76.95, serves 2–4) offers a ready-to-serve spread of French cheeses, truffle saucisson, cured ham, smoked salmon, pâté, confits and more - “a party in a box” when paired with Côte’s festive drinks range.

To keep celebrations lively, the first 150 orders will receive a complimentary Big Potato Games party game.

Back for another year of festive excellence, Côte’s at-home range continues to be a beloved ritual, even for Dame Judi Dench, who counts herself among the thousands who rely on Côte at Home for effortless festive dining.

Also available to celebrate the season in style is the Festive Breakfast Box (£67.95) - croissants, jams, granola, sausages, eggs, and Crémant de Bourgogne as well as the Festive Drinks Package (£79.95) - from Buck’s Fizz to Port for the cheese course.

All menus are created by Executive Chef Steve Allen, whose Michelin-starred background includes Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Pétrus and Claridge’s.

Steve told That's Christmas: “Creating this year’s New Year’s Eve menus has been a real joy. Whether guests are joining us in the Brasserie for a four-course celebration menu or celebrating at home with our Côte at Home feast boxes, the focus is the same - generous, joyful dishes full of flavour, crafted to make the occasion feel truly special. 

"From elegant French classics in our restaurants to indulgent, stress-free feasts delivered straight to your door, we want everyone to be able to celebrate in the way that suits them best. Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!”

Côte at Home festive menus are delivered chilled and ready to serve, with nationwide delivery from 18-23 December. Early booking is very strongly advised.

Order now at coteathome.co.uk

FACTFILE:-

Côte at Home delivers the very best of French cuisine direct to your door. Launched in 2020, the service offers luxury meals and produce from its in-house butchery, bakery, fromagerie and wine cellar. Côte at Home supplies premium butcher’s cuts alongside an expansive selection of artisan cheeses and a curated list of wines, champagne and beer. 

Each box arrives chilled, ready to eat, freeze or bake. Nationwide delivery Wednesday to Saturday (excluding the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man, The Isle of Wight, The Scilly Isles and the Channel Islands).

Ideal For Christmas. Kentucky Classic: Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon

Carefully crafted in small batches in the heart of Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon is a masterclass in balance and complexity. 

With hints of dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spice, this award-winning bourbon is the perfect, crowd-pleasing gift for friends and family alike.

I'm thinking of a winter warming Old Fashioned. This will be absolutely perfect for your Christmas drink mixing. How about sipping with mince pies by a roaring fire? 

Or perhaps for gifting to those members of your family or circle of friends who you know will appreciate receiving a bottle of a high quality proper Bourbon for Christmas. 

That is if you can bear to part with it? Perhaps you'd better buy bottles on the old adage of "One for you, one for me?" After all, it is Christmas! 

You can purchase this at The Whiskey Exchange or Amazon.

It should cost £38 a bottle, though if you use this link it should cost you £26 https://amzn.to/4pAsj7Z

And we'll give you our special Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Old Fashioned recipe in a while, so please keep an eye open for that. 

For the Rum Lovers in Your Life Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the rum aficionado in your life, you need look no further than Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva.

It's wonderfully rich, elegant, and velvety smooth. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is a premium Venezuelan rum crafted from only the finest premier sugarcane.

It offers deep notes of toffee, dried fruit, vanilla, and subtle spice. Whether you’re sipping a Diplomatico Orange Cocoa neat by a crackling fire or stirred into a festive Manhattan it's a deluxe gift that brings warmth and sophistication to your loved ones this Christmas. 

And you might be able to increase their breadth of knowledge of rums, because I have to admit I was unaware that Venezuela was known for producing rum.

As well as being a great gifting idea it will also make the perfect addition to your Christmas drinks table.

It should cost £41 and is available at The Whiskey Exchange or Amazon where it will cost £32 https://amzn.to/4rKb3ym

Gold Coffee Truffles for Your Christmas Feasting and Gifting

These Gold Coffee Truffles are easy to make, easy to gift and easy to eat!

So you'd probably better make more than you think you'll need!

Here's how to make them:-

Prep: 10 minutes plus chilling

Cook: 10 minutes

Makes approx. 25

275g dark chocolate, 54% cocoa, chopped

150ml double cream

25g unsalted butter

2 tbsp Camp Chicory & Coffee Essence

125g white chocolate, chopped

To decorate, edible gold leaf and gold shimmer powder

Place 150g chopped dark chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water.  Add the cream, butter and Camp essence and heat gently until just melted, stir until well combined.  Cool and then chill until almost set, about 3-4 hours.

Using a melon baller or teaspoon and using lightly oiled hands, mould into approx. 25 round balls and place on a tray lined with baking parchment. Chill until firm.

Melt the remaining 125g dark chocolate and the white chocolate in 2 separate small bowls over 2 small saucepans of simmering water until melted. Allow to cool slightly.

Dip half the truffles in the dark chocolate and half in the white chocolate, using 2 forks to completely cover.  Place on a tray lined with baking parchment and again chill until set.

To decorate, place gold leaf on the dark truffles using a clean dry paint brush and dust the white truffles with gold shimmer powder.

Cooks tip

Try dusting half in cocoa and half in icing sugar for a quick alternative.

A Christmas Warning: Preventing Food Poisoning at Home and in Catering Kitchens

A warning for homes and businesses on food safety, highlighting how food poisoning outbreaks can cause ill health and misery at Christmastime.

Christmas is a time of abundance. Packed fridges, overflowing ovens, buffet tables groaning under the weight of turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets and trifle. It’s also, unfortunately, a time when cases of food poisoning spike sharply across the UK.

Whether you’re cooking at home for family and friends, or serving food professionally in a pub, restaurant, care home or events venue, Christmas meals must be prepared with care. One poorly handled dish can turn festive cheer into days of illness – or worse.

Why Christmas Is a High-Risk Time for Food Poisoning

The festive period creates a perfect storm for food safety problems:

Large volumes of food prepared in advance

Fridges overfilled and struggling to stay cold

Cooked food left out for long periods

People reheating leftovers multiple times

Temporary or seasonal catering staff under pressure

Add alcohol, distractions, late nights and “it’ll be fine” attitudes, and mistakes become far more likely.

Common Christmas-related outbreaks are linked to salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, and listeria – all of which can cause serious illness, particularly in older people, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

At Home: Festive Food Safety Essentials

1. Turkey Must Be Fully Cooked

Undercooked poultry is one of the biggest Christmas dangers.

Ensure the thickest part of the bird reaches at least 75°C

Juices should run clear, not pink

If in doubt, cook longer – resting time does not finish cooking

Stuffing should ideally be cooked separately to reduce risk.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Fridge

A packed fridge cannot cool properly.

Raw meat must be kept on the bottom shelf

Leftovers should cool quickly and be refrigerated within two hours

Fridge temperature should be 5°C or below

If necessary, prioritise food safety over drinks storage.

3. Reheating Means Piping Hot

Leftovers are a Christmas joy – but only if handled correctly.

Reheat food once only

Ensure it’s piping hot all the way through

Never reheat turkey more than once

If something smells off or looks questionable, it’s not worth the risk.

4. Hands, Surfaces and Utensils Matter

Festive cooking often involves multiple people in the kitchen.

Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food

Use separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods

Clean surfaces regularly, especially during long cooking sessions

“Christmas germs” are not festive – they spread fast.

For Catering Establishments: No Festive Exceptions

Professional kitchens carry a legal and moral responsibility to protect customers.

1. Pressure Is Not an Excuse

Busy Christmas services increase risk, but safety standards must never slip.

HACCP procedures must be followed at all times

Temperature logs must be accurate and up to date

Hot holding and cold storage must remain within safe limits

2. Temporary Staff Need Proper Training

Seasonal workers are common in December.

Food hygiene training must be provided

Supervision is essential, especially during peak services

“Learning on the job” is not acceptable where safety is concerned

3. Vulnerable Diners Must Be Protected

Care homes, hospitals, schools and Christmas community meals must take extra care.

Avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurised cheeses

Ensure allergen information is clear and accurate

Maintain strict hygiene during buffet and self-service meals

An outbreak linked to a Christmas event can have devastating consequences.

Food Poisoning Isn’t “Just a Stomach Bug”

Foodborne illness can lead to:

Severe dehydration

Hospitalisation

Long-term digestive problems

In extreme cases, death

At Christmas, when NHS services are already stretched, preventable illness places additional strain on an already pressured system.

A Safer Christmas Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Christmas food should bring people together, not send them home ill.

By taking simple, sensible precautions, at home and professionally, too, we can ensure that festive meals are remembered for the right reasons: laughter, warmth, and good food safely enjoyed.

Because no one wants their Christmas story to include food poisoning.

Cacen Waed Gwyddau: The Welsh Goose Blood Cake with a Christmas Past

Discover Cacen Waed Gwyddau, the historic Welsh goose blood cake once made at Christmastime, and explore its origins, meaning, and place in festive food heritage.

Christmas food traditions across Britain are wonderfully varied, deeply local, and sometimes a little surprising. 

While most of us are familiar with mince pies, Christmas pudding, and roast turkey, Wales has its own rich culinary heritage, including one of the most unusual festive dishes you may never have heard of: Cacen Waed Gwyddau, or Goose Blood Cake or tart.

This historic Welsh delicacy may sound startling to modern ears, but it tells an important story about thrift, seasonality, and how Christmas was once celebrated in rural communities.

What Is Cacen Waed Gwyddau?

Cacen Waed Gwyddau literally translates as “goose blood cake”. It is traditionally a baked tart or cake made using goose blood, combined with ingredients such as:

Goose blood

Suet or dripping

Flour or breadcrumbs

Onions

Herbs and spices

Sometimes dried fruit or oats

The result was a dense, savoury bake, more akin to a pudding or tart than a modern cake, designed to make use of every part of the goose.

Why Goose Blood at Christmas?

Before supermarkets, refrigeration, and global food supply chains, Christmas was the time when livestock was slaughtered for winter. In many Welsh households, the Christmas goose was the centrepiece of the festive meal long before turkey became fashionable.

Waste was not an option.

Using goose blood was practical, economical, and deeply ingrained in rural life. Blood provided richness, protein, and binding, much like it does in black pudding, and allowed families to stretch scarce resources further during the long winter months.

Cacen Waed Gwyddau was often made around Christmas or New Year, when geese were prepared, making it a seasonal dish rather than an everyday one.

A Dish Rooted in Respect and Resourcefulness

While modern tastes may recoil at the idea, dishes like Goose Blood Cake speak to a time when:

Animals were raised locally

Food was seasonal and precious

Nothing edible was wasted

Cooking was guided by necessity, not novelty

In that sense, Cacen Waed Gwyddau sits comfortably alongside other traditional British blood dishes such as black pudding, faggots, and savoury puddings.

This was not about shock value, it was about survival, respect for livestock, and feeding families through harsh winters.

Was It Sweet or Savoury?

Most historical references suggest Cacen Waed Gwyddau was savoury, often flavoured with onion and herbs, though some regional or family variations may have leaned towards a lightly spiced, enriched pudding.

Recipes were rarely written down. Like many traditional Welsh dishes, it was passed from generation to generation by memory and method rather than precise measurements.

Does Anyone Still Eat It Today?

Cacen Waed Gwyddau is now extremely rare, and you are unlikely to find it on modern Christmas tables — or in shops.

However, it occasionally appears in:

Food history discussions

Welsh cultural heritage events

Academic or museum references

Experimental heritage cookery

Its value today lies less in widespread consumption and more in what it teaches us about how Christmas was once lived and cooked.

Christmas Traditions Aren’t Always Pretty... But They Are Honest

At That’s Christmas 365, we often celebrate cosy, comforting traditions, but it’s also important to remember that Christmas history includes hardship, ingenuity, and resilience. And it is a nod to the Welsh ancestors of both my wife and myself who, as coming from Welsh farming stock, could well have made and eaten Cacen Waed Gwyddau at Christmastime.

Cacen Waed Gwyddau reminds us that festive food was once about:

Making the most of what you had

Feeding large families affordably

Preparing for winter survival

Honouring animals by wasting nothing

It may not be a dish most of us would recreate today, but it deserves its place in the rich tapestry of Welsh Christmas traditions.

A Taste of Christmas Past

So next time you sit down to a beautifully plated Christmas dinner, spare a thought for the generations who made do with far less, and still found ways to mark the season with care, tradition, and communal meals.

Cacen Waed Gwyddau may be a relic of the past, but it tells a powerful story of Christmas in Wales — one rooted in history, honesty, and respect.

Rudolph v. Santa: The Great North Pole Lawsuit

A humorous festive tale in which Rudolph takes Santa to the North Pole tribunal for making him pull the sleigh while ill with COVID. A light-hearted Christmas courtroom caper!

A festive legal drama from the frosty files of That’s Christmas 365

Everyone knows the classic tale: a young reindeer with a glowing red nose steps up on Christmas Eve and saves the day.

Children cheer, carollers sing, and Rudolph becomes the North Pole’s most famous employee.

But what the public didn’t know, until this week, is that the red nose wasn’t magic at all. According to brand-new legal documents filed at the mythical “North Pole Employment Tribunal,” Rudolph claims he was actually down with a nasty bout of COVID, and Santa “wilfully ignored workplace health and safety obligations”.

Yes. Rudolph is suing Santa.

And the elves are loving it.

A Nose That Wasn’t Just Shiny—It Was 38.5°C

Rudolph states that, on Christmas Eve, he reported symptoms including:

A glowing red nose

A slight cough that sounded suspiciously like sleigh bells

Feeling “achy in all four legs”

A positive lateral-flow test (which the Elves later used as a bauble because the lines were so festive)

But Santa allegedly insisted the only real issue was Rudolph “being a bit dramatic” and that the glow was “excellent for visibility through fog”.

According to leaked internal correspondence, the Head Elf of HR wrote:

“Whilst we appreciate Rudolph’s unique luminescent qualities, forcing a symptomatic reindeer to undertake global sleigh-pulling duties may breach North Pole Occupational Health guidelines, subsection 4b: ‘Do not make contagious livestock operate airborne transport.’”

Santa’s Defence: “He Looked Fine to Me”

Santa, for his part, is fighting back, claiming that:

Rudolph volunteered for the shift after Donner complained he was on a zero-carrot contract.

Rudolph’s positive test was “faint, like when you leave it too long and it’s just picking up the snow”.

He assumed the red nose was simply “winter radiance” brought on by excitement.

His official statement reads:

“In the spirit of Christmas, I have always supported the welfare of my reindeer. Also, Rudolph is the only one with built-in headlights. Let’s be reasonable.”

The Elves’ Union, UNITE-THE-TOYMAKERS, has already announced a solidarity strike… which will last approximately ten minutes, as they got bored and went for hot chocolate.

Courtroom Chaos at the North Pole

Proceedings are scheduled to take place at the Candy Cane Courthouse, where:

The Judge is Mrs Claus (independent, but not unbiased, she has opinions).

The jury consists of six penguins and a polar bear who promises to stay awake “unless something edible wanders past”.

The stenographer is an Elf who types exclusively in candy-cane-striped font.

Rudolph’s legal team includes Blitzen (for dramatic effect) and Vixen (for sass).

Santa is representing himself, which everyone agrees is brave but misguided.

What Rudolph Wants

The claim seeks:

Unlimited access to the “Posh Hay” storage barn

One full shift off every century

A glowing-nose allowance

A written apology from Santa Claus, embossed in gold, framed in gingerbread

And hazard pay for “exposure to inclement weather and airborne chimney soot”

Insiders say Santa is considering settling the case early, as Mrs Claus has already warned that “if Rudolph doesn’t get at least the posh hay, there will be trouble”.

Public Reaction

Across the world, reactions have been mixed:

Children: “Rudolph had COVID? Does this mean Santa might have it too? Should we leave out Lemsip instead of milk?”

Reindeer-rights activists: “This is exactly why we need stronger labour regulations in seasonal magical workplaces.”

The NHS: “Please stop calling to ask if reindeer can book PCR tests. We don’t have a protocol for that.”

A Christmas Moral

Perhaps the lesson here is simple:

Even Christmas legends deserve sick leave.

And if your nose glows so brightly it can guide a sleigh through a blizzard, maybe—just maybe—have a lie-down and sip something warm before you fly around the world at Mach 3.

Rudolph is now recovering well and has taken up yoga, while Santa is reportedly attending a mandatory seminar titled:

“Managing Magical Creatures: Employment Law for Festive Employers”.

The North Pole HR department has also quietly ordered 2,000 lateral-flow tests, 500 masks, and a laminated sign reading:

“If your nose is glowing, DON’T GO SNOWING.”

Comfort Foods That Make Christmastime Magical

Discover the cosiest comfort foods for Christmastime, from slow-cooked stews to festive puddings, and bring warmth, nostalgia and simple joy to your holiday season.

When December arrives and the world begins to glow with fairy lights, many of us instinctively turn to the dishes that make us feel warm, safe, and settled. 

Comfort foods are part of the festive rhythm, they bring nostalgia, soothe cold evenings, and make busy days feel a little softer.

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe comfort food is as essential to the season as stockings, crackers, and the scent of pine. It’s the culinary equivalent of a big, cosy hug.

Why Comfort Food Belongs at Christmas

Christmastime is joyful, but it can also be hectic, chilly, and full of demands. Comfort foods offer:

Warmth on winter nights

Childhood memories and nostalgic flavours

Easy, forgiving recipes that take stress away

Moments of togetherness around the table

A single pot of something delicious can slow the pace of December and help reset the mood after a long day of shopping, wrapping, or festive socialising.

Festive Comfort Foods We Love

Slow-Cooked Stews and Casseroles

Deep flavours, tender ingredients, and a home filled with tempting aromas, nothing feels more like winter comfort. A splash of wine, stock, and plenty of herbs can create a warming dish that feeds the family with minimal effort.

Creamy Mash with Proper Gravy

Few things say “comfort” quite like fluffy mashed potatoes and a jug of rich, savoury gravy. Whether paired with a roast, sausages, or Christmas leftovers, it’s the soothing anchor of many festive meals.

Macaroni Cheese

Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, mac and cheese is a December favourite. For a Christmas twist, add roasted veg, crispy pancetta, or a hint of nutmeg.

Pies That Warm the Soul

From chicken-and-leek to steak-and-ale, a pie brings instant cheer. And on the sweeter side: warm mince pies served with brandy cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Festive Hot Chocolate

Thick, rich, and topped with whipped cream, hot chocolate is comfort in a mug. Add orange zest, peppermint, or a dash of Baileys to make it extra seasonal.

Soup and Freshly Baked Bread

Simple yet satisfying. A bowl of leek and potato, tomato, roasted parsnip, or butternut squash soup served with warm bread is ideal for cold evenings or quiet nights in.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A British classic that feels tailor-made for the festive season. Warm, gooey, and served with custard, it’s the dessert equivalent of wrapping up in a soft blanket.

Cheese Boards and Grazing Platters

Comfort isn’t always about big meals, sometimes it’s the joy of grazing. Think cheese, chutneys, charcuterie, nuts, grapes, and festive pickles, perfect for film nights or relaxed gatherings.

Bringing Comfort into Your Christmas Routine

Choose a weekly “comfort supper” tradition during December.

Revive treasured family recipes.

Keep easy, warming ingredients stocked for last-minute meals.

Build festive grazing boards for cosy evenings by the tree.

Let food be part of your wind-down ritual during the busiest season of the year.

The Heart of Christmas in Every Bite

Comfort food reconnects us with the simple joys at the centre of Christmas. It reminds us that the festive season isn’t only about excitement and sparkle, it’s also about nourishment, warmth, and sharing dishes that make us feel cared for.

With a pot of stew on the stove or a plate of warm mince pies on the table, the world instantly feels more festive, more familiar, and more magical.

Turkey Top of the Festive Shop

According to a recent survey by food and drink marketing specialist The Food Marketing Experts, turkey scored top of the shopping list when it comes to must-have Christmas food purchases (66%). 

This was followed by pigs in blankets (42%) and mince pies (25%) with a mere 15% claiming Christmas wouldn't be the same without the humble Brussel sprout (unsurprisingly, the appeal of this veg rose to 21% amongst the over 60s). 

The over 60s also appear more likely to go for the full traditional Christmas Day spread, chomping through a full traditional turkey roast complete with roast potatoes, stuffing, pigs in blankets, Brussel sprouts and mince pies.

Christmas food shopping habits

The days of the one “big shop” to purchase all those Christmas food essentials is over according to the study, with 65% of respondents claiming they prefer to stock up during the weeks ahead of 25th December rather than scoop everything up in one major shopping spree.

And while online shopping offers clear advantages at this time of year, almost three-quarters of shopper still prefer to shop in person rather than rely on a supermarket delivery service. Almost a quarter of those surveyed claimed to splash out and visit a more expensive supermarket for their festive purchases.

Post pandemic, there is still some loyalty towards the more independent stores, with 11% of respondents buying at a farmers' market and 10% at a farm shop, with another 10% remaining true to their local grocery or corner shop and 8% intending to buy at a local deli. These non-supermarket locations are most popular with the 30-39 age group with a strong bias towards women.

Value for money and quality focus

Value for money / price and quality of the food / produce on offer were deemed the most important buying triggers scoring 67% and 66% respectively. The importance of the food quality marries up with the preferred in person shopping experience, allowing shoppers to examine the quality of goods before adding them to the burgeoning shopping trolley.

However, with 61% agreeing to the statement “I'll be more concerned about the total cost of our festive food bill this year than I was last year” and almost a third (32%) saying they strongly agreed, clearly the rising cost of living is weighing heavy on peoples' minds as the Christmas celebrations draw nearer.

Despite the above and acknowledging that many people may be feeling the pinch, a whopping 95% still splash out on buying food specifically for the festive holiday period confirming the theory that when times are hard, good food remains one of life's little luxuries.

Why Staying Home With the Super Flu Is a Moral Duty at Christmastime

Protect loved ones this festive season by staying home when ill with a super flu virus. Discover why it’s a moral duty that helps keep Christmas safe for everyone.

Christmas should be a season of warmth, joy and celebration, not a time when families worry about picking up a dangerous “super flu” virus from someone who felt obliged to soldier on despite being clearly unwell.

When a particularly aggressive winter virus is circulating, one simple act becomes both practical and profoundly moral: if you’re ill, you stay at home.

Christmas Is for Caring. And That Includes Protecting Others

At this time of year, our diaries fill up with parties, carol services, lunches, last-minute shopping trips and festive gatherings with friends. 

It’s understandable to want to take part in every moment. But a super flu virus spreads with ease in crowded shops, bustling markets and warm rooms filled with people.

Turning up to a Christmas event while coughing or feverish doesn’t just affect you — it endangers others, especially:

Older relatives

People with asthma or chronic conditions

Children

Anyone whose immunity is low during winter

NHS staff who are already stretched throughout December

Christmas is built on kindness, and protecting others from illness is one of the simplest forms of kindness we can offer.

A Few Days at Home Can Save Someone Else’s Christmas

No one wants to be the reason a grandparent ends up in hospital on Christmas Eve or a family’s plans are cancelled because everyone caught a virus from the office party.

By staying at home when you’re unwell:

You slow the spread of the virus across the community

You give the NHS crucial breathing space

You help workplaces and schools avoid disruptive outbreaks

You stop the domino effect that ruins festive plans for others

It’s an act of goodwill that costs you very little but protects countless people around you.

Resting Helps You Enjoy Christmas More

There’s also a very practical benefit: proper rest speeds recovery. Rather than dragging yourself through December feeling dreadful, a couple of days wrapped in a blanket with a hot drink can get you back on your feet in time for the big moments.

Your body heals faster when you respect its limits.

A Moral Choice That Embodies the Spirit of the Season

Christmas is full of traditions about giving, caring and thinking of others. Staying home when you’re carrying a super flu virus is one of the most meaningful modern acts of festive goodwill.

It takes no gifts, no money and no grand gesture, just the simple decision to protect those around you.

So this Christmas, if the aches, fever or heavy cough strike, remember:

Staying home isn’t missing out. It’s giving others the chance to enjoy a healthy, happy Christmas too.

My wife and I have caught this super flu and have taken the decision to stay at home and not spread it.

The Resurgence of Irish Tweeds: Why This Heritage Fabric Is Back in a Big Way

Irish tweed is enjoying a modern revival. Discover why this heritage fabric is back in demand and how to style timeless Donegal and Irish weaves today.

Irish tweed is finding its way under Christmas trees again, from beautifully woven scarves to luxurious jackets and accessories. 

With its warmth, texture, and unmistakable charm, tweed makes a thoughtful festive gift,especially for anyone who loves heritage, craftsmanship, or a dash of Celtic flair. 

This season, the resurgence of Irish tweeds is perfectly timed for stylish winter gifting.

Irish tweed has never truly disappeared from wardrobes, but over the past few years it has surged back into fashion with a confidence that feels both nostalgic and entirely modern. From the windswept hills of Donegal to runways in London and boutiques across the UK, tweed is enjoying a renaissance driven by a renewed love of craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless style.

A Fabric Woven Into Irish History

Irish tweed, especially the iconic Donegal variety, has been produced for generations by artisans who draw inspiration from the rugged landscapes around them. The flecks of colour in traditional Donegal yarns echo wildflowers, granite, sea spray and gorse. Each bolt of cloth feels like a story, woven by hand or on small-batch looms in mills that often remain family-run.

For much of the 20th century, Irish tweed was viewed as a marker of durability and rural charm—something your grandfather wore for Sunday walks. Yet today it has reclaimed its place not just as a heritage textile, but as a luxurious, versatile fabric that slots seamlessly into contemporary wardrobes.

Why Irish Tweed Is Making a Comeback

1. Slow fashion has met its moment

In an era where consumers want clothing that lasts, tweed stands out. Irish mills produce cloth that is hard-wearing, repairable, and made in small, sustainable batches. People are embracing quality over quantity, and tweed answers that call beautifully.

2. A renewed appreciation of craft

Younger buyers increasingly seek items with provenance—pieces with a genuine link to place and maker. Irish tweed is exactly that: fabric made by craftspeople whose skills have been refined across generations. Wearing tweed today is a quiet celebration of their artistry.

3. Modern tailoring has transformed it

Designers have shaken off preconceptions by using tweed in slimmer silhouettes, softer constructions, and contemporary colours. Sharp blazers, tapered trousers, waistcoats, and even tote bags and trainers now make use of the fabric. It’s no longer confined to bulky jackets or shooting coats—it’s sleek, urban, and stylish.

4. A symbol of Celtic identity

Across Ireland and the UK, people are leaning back into regional culture and heritage. Tweed is wearable history, and many appreciate how it connects them to their roots—or allows them to celebrate Irish craft even if they have no personal ties.

5. TV and film have played their part

From period dramas to modern crime series, costuming has thrust tweed back into the spotlight. When audiences see characters looking effortlessly sharp in heritage fabrics, demand naturally follows.

What Makes Irish Tweed Distinctive?

Irish tweed isn’t a monolith. Among the most recognisable:

Donegal Tweed – famous for its colourful, irregular flecks.

Magee Tweed – produced in County Donegal since 1866, with a softer, more luxurious hand feel.

Handwoven tweeds – still crafted on traditional looms by master weavers across rural Ireland.

These fabrics blend tradition with a surprising lightness and warmth, making them perfect for UK weather—especially when the wind is off the Irish Sea.

How to Wear Irish Tweed Today

If you’re tempted to bring tweed into your wardrobe but want to avoid looking overly country-gent, here are some simple styling ideas:

A tweed blazer with dark denim for an effortlessly polished weekend look.

A tweed flat cap if you want a small nod to the trend without committing to a full garment.

A tweed waistcoat layered under a modern suit jacket for texture and depth.

A tweed overcoat in charcoal or moss green for an investment piece that will last decades.

And for the truly adventurous, designers are now producing tweed trainers, tweed tote bags, and even tweed laptop sleeves—a stylish twist for everyday life.

Where the Industry Is Heading

The resurgence shows no signs of slowing. Irish mills are innovating with:

lighter-weight weaves suitable for spring and summer

bold, contemporary colourways

partnerships with international designers

eco-friendly wool sourcing and natural dyes

The combination of heritage and innovation is proving irresistible.

Final Thoughts: A Revival Rooted in Authenticity

The renewed love for Irish tweeds is more than a trend, it's a rediscovery. In a world filled with fast fashion and fleeting aesthetics, tweed offers something enduring: texture, warmth, artistry, and a sense of belonging to a bigger story.

Whether you pick up a Donegal jacket or a simple cap, you’re not just wearing a fabric. You’re wearing a piece of living history—one that is, delightfully, right back in style.

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Keep Your Home Safe for the 12 Days of Christmas: Why a Free Fire Safety Visit Could Be the Best Gift You Give Your Family

Ensure your home stays safe over the 12 days of Christmas with simple fire safety tips and a free Home Fire Safety Visit from your local fire service, including smoke alarm checks and free detectors for eligible households.

The festive season brings warmth, cheer, and a touch of magic to our homes. But with candles glowing, fairy lights twinkling, and kitchens working overtime, it’s also a time when fire risks quietly increase.

The 12 days of Christmas should be filled with joy, not emergencies, so taking a few simple precautions now can make all the difference.

One of the most effective (and completely free) ways to safeguard your home is to arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit from your local fire and rescue service. These visits offer tailored advice, hands-on checks, and in many cases free smoke alarms for households that need them.

Here’s why it’s well worth booking yours this season.

Why the 12 Days of Christmas Need Extra Care

Festive celebrations introduce more potential hazards than many of us realise:

Decorations and fairy lights can overheat or become damaged after years in storage.

Candles are used far more frequently at this time of year and can be knocked over easily.

Cooking fires increase as many of us try to juggle big meals, family visitors, and distractions.

Portable heaters come out when cold snaps hit.

Alcohol consumption can lower awareness and make accidents more likely.

With all this going on, even a well-prepared household can overlook something important. That’s where your local fire service can step in.

What Happens During a Free Home Fire Safety Visit?

A trained fire officer will visit your home at a pre-arranged time to give you personalised guidance—and it’s far more helpful than a quick tick-box check.

They will:

Inspect smoke alarms and other fire protection devices.

Help you identify potential hazards, such as overloaded plugs, obstructed exit points, or risky candle placement.

Discuss safe cooking practices, especially useful for Christmas Day when the kitchen becomes mission control.

Talk through your escape routes to ensure the whole household knows what to do if a fire breaks out.

Provide tailored tips for older adults, people with disabilities, or families with young children.

Best of all, this service is completely free and designed to be friendly, reassuring, and supportive—not judgemental.

Free Smoke Detection Devices: Who Qualifies?

Many UK fire services offer free smoke alarms or specialist detection devices for households considered at higher risk. Eligibility varies slightly by region, but usually includes:

Older adults

People living with mobility or sensory impairments

Those with limited financial means

Families with very young children

Individuals who smoke

Residents in properties with no working alarms

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, don’t hesitate to ask. Fire crews genuinely want to help, and keeping your home safe helps them keep your community safe too.

How to Book Your Free Visit

It’s simple:

Visit your local fire service’s website (for example, West Midlands, Merseyside, London Fire Brigade, Scottish Fire and Rescue, etc.).

Search for “Home Fire Safety Visit” or “Safe and Well Check”.

Fill in the short request form or call the listed telephone number.

Choose a date and time that suits you.

Many services also provide guidance over the phone if an in-person visit isn’t possible.

Quick Fire Safety Tips for a Safer Christmas

While you wait for your visit, here are a few practical steps you can take today:

Test your smoke alarms—you should hear a loud beep.

Turn off fairy lights when you leave the room or go to bed.

Keep candles well away from anything that could catch fire, including decorations.

Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying.

Keep escape routes clear of boxes, gifts, or festive clutter.

Make sure everyone in the household knows where the keys are for quick exits.

These small actions can dramatically lower your risk.

The Greatest Gift This Christmas? Peace of Mind

Inviting a fire officer into your home may feel like a small step, but it’s one that could truly save a life—yours or someone you love. With expert advice, free protective equipment where needed, and practical support, you can enjoy the 12 days of Christmas with confidence.

Take a moment today to book your Home Fire Safety Visit. It costs nothing, takes very little time, and ensures your festive celebrations stay merry and bright—for all the right reasons.