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Charity eCard Platform to offer Free Digital Greeting for Mother’s Day

Charity digital greeting card platform Hope Spring eCards today announced a special reminder, and special offer for people planning to send Mother’s Day greetings to their mothers digitally this year. 

In a recent blog post published on the organisation’s website, the platform highlighted that users can send Mother’s Day eCards free of charge by using a promotional code available for the occasion.

In the blog post, Hope Spring eCards explained: “Quite a number of the users of our platform are not aware that they can send eCards free of charge. Whether you are sending a birthday eCard or a Mother’s Day eCard, you can send it free of charge if you have a promo code. The promo code for this year’s Mother’s Day is mothersday2026.”

The reminder comes ahead of Mother’s Day celebrations, a period during which many people send greetings to mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures. Digital greeting cards have grown in popularity in recent years as more people choose environmentally friendly and instant ways to send messages to loved ones.

Hope Spring eCards platform manager Mary Adeotan explained that while the platform encourages donations, the option to send cards without making a payment remains available through the promo code system. 

She told That's Christmas 365: “Our platform is actually free, but of course we would like users to make a donation because the funds support our charitable activities.

“Before we switched our system to one that made a donation mandatory, people could simply send an eCard without making any payment. After sending the eCard, they could then decide whether or not to make a donation.”

She further explained that the change to a mandatory payment system was introduced after the platform experienced significant issues with spams.

“Our system was swarmed with spam, and that was when our web developer advised us to introduce mandatory payment during the sending process,” Adeotan added. “At the same time, we created a promo code system so that people who genuinely wish to send eCards without making a donation can still do so.”

The developer’s recommendation also led to the creation of a dedicated free charity eCards page on the Hope Spring eCards website. The page lists promo codes that allow users to send eCards without making a donation, and these codes are available throughout the year.

The latest announcement about the Mother’s Day promo code is therefore intended to raise awareness among both existing users and new visitors that free options remain available.

Hope Spring eCards offers a wide variety of digital greeting cards for occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and seasonal celebrations. Users can personalise their eCards with messages and send them via email, Whatsapp, or through shareable links.

As Mother’s Day approaches, the organisation hopes the announcement will encourage more people to send messages of appreciation to their mothers while also raising awareness of the charity’s mission.

Hope Spring eCards is part of the broader activities of Hope Spring Water, a charity organisation focused on providing clean and safe water to communities in need in Africa. Donations made through the eCard platform contribute towards the charity’s water development projects.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk.

The Handmade Magic of Kathy Gagliardi’s Crochet Business

In a world of mass-produced decorations and factory-made gifts, there is something wonderfully special about handmade craftsmanship. 

Crochet artist Kathy Gagliardi has built a small but much-loved business creating handmade crochet items and patterns, proving that traditional skills still have a meaningful place in modern gifting and seasonal celebrations.

Kathy’s work centres around crochet, the timeless craft of creating textiles using yarn and a hook. Through her business, often associated with the name KJHDesigns, she creates a range of handmade pieces and crochet patterns admired by fellow crafters and customers alike. 

Her designs include elegant items such as shawls and blankets, along with other crocheted creations that showcase both creativity and technical skill.

Handcrafted businesses like Kathy’s are part of a wider revival of interest in traditional crafts. Crochet, knitting, quilting and sewing have seen a surge in popularity over the past decade as people rediscover the joy of making things by hand. For many customers, buying from a maker such as Kathy is about more than simply purchasing a product — it is about supporting an individual craftsperson and owning something unique.

From Yarn to Finished Gift

Crochet is a labour-intensive craft. Each item is made stitch by stitch, often taking many hours to complete depending on the complexity of the design. A single blanket or shawl may involve thousands of stitches and careful attention to pattern and tension.

Kathy’s designs demonstrate the artistic side of crochet. Patterns like shawls or decorative pieces highlight how yarn can be transformed into intricate textures and delicate shapes. These pieces often become heirloom gifts — something that can be treasured for years rather than used briefly and discarded.

For the Christmas season in particular, crochet items can play a beautiful role. Handmade blankets, shawls, ornaments and decorations all carry a warmth that factory-made items simply cannot replicate. They embody time, effort and care — qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of the festive season.

Why Handmade Matters at Christmas

The appeal of handcrafted gifts is especially strong at Christmas. Many people are actively looking for presents that feel thoughtful and personal rather than generic.

Crochet businesses like Kathy’s help meet that demand. A handmade piece might be given as:

A cosy winter shawl for a loved one

A soft crocheted blanket for a new baby

Decorative ornaments for the Christmas tree

Personalised handmade gifts for friends and family

Each item carries a story — not just of the person who receives it, but of the craftsperson who created it.

Supporting Small Craft Businesses

Small craft businesses are often run by individuals working from home studios, turning their passion for creativity into a livelihood. Purchasing from these makers helps sustain traditional skills and keeps handmade artistry alive.

For readers of That’s Christmas, businesses like Kathy Gagliardi’s are a reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be about mass production. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones made slowly, carefully, and with genuine care.

In a season built around warmth, generosity and creativity, a handmade crochet gift captures the very essence of Christmas.

You can reach out to Kathy Gagliardi at https://www.facebook.com/gagliardi1957

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Ryman Has some lovely Easter Gifts, including these cute, exclusive pens

National stationery store Ryman (they also have a printing service and as an aside they printed my thesis several years ago!)  is stocking some really  cute, limited edition, Easter themed pens.

The Legami Lovely Friends Hoppy Easter Gel Pens, a fun, and adorable stationery product that is currently in high demand and available as a click & collect exclusive!

However please remember that these are a special limited edition Easter line so stocks are limited.

Legami Lovely Friends Hoppy Easter Gel Pens Pack of 2 – RRP = £6.99 (Limited Stock Click & Collect Exclusive)

To learn more about these and other Easter goodies and craft items (and printing services!) please visit https://www.ryman.co.uk to buy online and to find your nearest shop.

Fixing Before Replacing: How a New Tool Could Help Save Christmas

Everyone needs help sometimes

For many households, the festive season depends on a few hardworking appliances. 

The washing machine tackling piles of post-Christmas laundry, the oven roasting the turkey, or the dishwasher handling the aftermath of a big family meal. 

When one of those appliances fails, especially during the busy winter period, it can quickly turn festive plans into frustration.

A UK family-run retailer believes a new tool could help prevent that scenario by making it easier for people to repair appliances rather than replace them.

Spares2Repair, an appliance spare parts retailer based in Fareham, Hampshire, has launched a new AI-assisted chat tool called Fixit Fox Finder designed to help customers identify the exact spare part needed to repair household appliances.

The company says the biggest obstacle to successful repairs isn’t usually finding a replacement part — it’s correctly identifying the appliance model.

Why the Right Model Number Matters

Many appliances have very similar model numbers, often differing by just a single character or suffix. That small difference can indicate a different production run or internal configuration, meaning the wrong spare part may be ordered even when the appliance looks identical.

According to Spares2Repair, this confusion is one of the most common reasons DIY repairs fail.

Fixit Fox Finder aims to solve the problem by guiding users through the process of identifying their appliance model in simple language. If the model number plate is difficult to read, customers can upload a photograph of the rating plate or sticker. The tool then extracts key identifiers and checks them against the company’s internal model and parts catalogue.

Once the model variant has been confirmed, users can describe the fault, such as a washing machine that will not spin or a dishwasher that will not drain, and the tool highlights parts that are compatible with that specific appliance.

From Photo Search to AI Assistance

The new system builds on a previous tool launched by Spares2Repair in 2024 called Smart Search, which uses image-based optical character recognition (OCR) to identify appliance model numbers from photographs.

MD Thomas Broad said the company noticed a common pattern among customers trying to repair appliances outside normal business hours.

“People don’t plan for a washing machine to fail at 10pm,” Broad explained to Tat's Christmas 365.  “Customers often try to solve the problem with an incomplete model number and either order the wrong part or give up entirely.”

The new Fixit Fox Finder tool expands on that earlier technology by combining photo uploads, model verification and guided chat support to help customers move from identification to ordering the correct part.

Helping Households Keep Appliances Running

For households preparing for busy occasions like Christmas, when appliances often work their hardest — the ability to repair a machine quickly can make a big difference.

Spares2Repair says the tool is designed to be transparent about what it can and cannot do. While it can confirm whether a part is compatible with a specific appliance model, it does not guarantee a full diagnosis based solely on a description of the fault.

The tool is free to use and available without creating an account on the company’s website.

For families hoping to keep their kitchens and laundry rooms running smoothly, especially during the festive season, the ability to identify the right part quickly could help turn a potential holiday disaster into a straightforward repair.

You can find the app here spares2repair.co.uk

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New UK Energy App Launches as Wholesale Gas Prices Double - Helping Households Lock In Deals Before They Disappear

With many households even now already looking nervously toward next Christmas, with energy prices surging as ever, people are wondering how they'll be able to afford Christmas, let alone keeping the house warm and the family fed next winter.

However, there's good news on the horizon for UK households, because a new energy monitoring platform has launched to help UK households find and lock in better tariffs as wholesale gas prices surge and suppliers begin reviewing their fixed-rate deals.

EnergyScan (energyscan.co.uk) combines AI-powered bill analysis, whole-of-market tariff comparison, and smart meter data to track energy prices daily and alert users when a cheaper tariff becomes available.

The launch comes as wholesale gas prices briefly hit 151p per therm this week, following disruption to Qatari LNG production amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. 

Prices rose an eye-watering 93% in a week, reaching levels not seen since 2023. Analysts warn suppliers could begin withdrawing their cheapest fixed deals if wholesale volatility continues.

Households on standard variable tariffs are currently paying up to £1,758 per year under the Ofgem price cap. While the cap will fall to £1,568 from 1 April 2026, the calculation was made before the recent wholesale spike, meaning future caps could rise if prices remain elevated.

EnergyScan aims to simplify switching by analysing real household energy use rather than relying on estimated “typical consumption” figures often used by comparison sites.

Users upload or photograph their energy bill and the platform’s AI automatically extracts usage data, tariff details, unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and contract end dates. The system then compares the information with tariffs across the market in under a minute.

Subscribers receive alerts when a deal appears that would save them money after accounting for any exit fees. Those who connect their smart meter can also access an energy dashboard showing daily costs in pounds, bill forecasts, direct debit checks and tariff modelling based on real half-hourly usage data.

EnergyScan costs £29 per year, although a one-off bill comparison is available free of charge.

The company receives a flat commission of £20 per fuel (£40 for dual fuel) if a user switches supplier through the platform. The commission is disclosed during comparisons and does not vary between suppliers.

“Most comparison sites earn variable commissions that aren’t always transparent,” EnergyScan founder Steve Middleton told That's Christmas 365. 

“We charge a clear subscription and a fixed commission so our incentive is simply to keep finding customers better deals over time.”

EnergyScan is operated by SCM Digitech Limited. The platform uses tariff data from The Energy Shop and smart meter data from n3rgy Data Ltd through the UK’s national DCC network.

A free bill check is available at app.energyscan.co.uk/free-check.

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Why Audible Memberships Make the Perfect Gift for Book Lovers

Discover why Audible memberships make the perfect gift. Learn how to subscribe through That’s Christmas and More and enjoy thousands of audiobooks anywhere.

If you are looking for a thoughtful, modern, and genuinely useful present, an audiobook subscription is hard to beat. Services like Audible, the audiobook platform owned by Amazon, have transformed how people read, learn, and enjoy stories.

For readers, commuters, busy parents, students, and lifelong learners, an Audible membership opens up a world of books without needing to sit down and turn a single page. That is exactly why it also makes a brilliant gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or Christmas morning.

Here’s why more people are choosing Audible memberships for themselves—and why they make such fantastic presents.

Audiobooks Fit Into Real Life

One of the biggest barriers to reading is time. Many people want to read more books but struggle to fit them into a busy schedule.

Audiobooks solve that problem beautifully.

With Audible, books can be enjoyed while:

Commuting to work

Cooking dinner

Walking the dog

Cleaning the house

Exercising

Travelling

Instead of replacing reading, audiobooks extend it into parts of the day that would otherwise go unused. For anyone who feels too busy to read, Audible can make books accessible again.

A Library That Travels With You

An Audible membership allows users to download audiobooks directly to their phone or tablet and listen anywhere.

The Audible App works on:

Smartphones

Tablets

Computers

Smart speakers

Car audio systems

This means a whole library of books travels with you wherever you go. Whether someone is on a train journey, a long flight, or simply relaxing at home, they can dive into a story instantly.

Even better, downloads allow for offline listening, which is perfect when travelling or when mobile signal is unreliable.

Thousands of Books Across Every Genre

Audible’s catalogue is enormous. Members can explore:

Bestselling novels

Classic literature

Crime and thrillers

Science fiction and fantasy

Memoirs and biographies

Self-development and business books

Podcasts and original productions

For people who enjoy learning, the selection of history, science, psychology, and professional development titles is especially impressive.

It is essentially a portable library that grows with your interests.

Narration Brings Books to Life

One of the magical aspects of audiobooks is the narration.

Talented voice actors and authors often read the books themselves, creating an experience that feels almost theatrical. Characters gain personality, humour lands better, and emotional moments feel more powerful.

Some productions even include:

Multiple voice actors

Music and sound design

Dramatised storytelling

For many listeners, audiobooks become a completely different experience compared with traditional reading.

Audible Credits Make It Great Value

Most Audible memberships include monthly credits that can be exchanged for any audiobook in the catalogue.

This system works brilliantly because:

Credits can be used on expensive titles

Books are yours permanently once redeemed

Members get exclusive discounts

Even if someone pauses their membership later, the books they redeemed remain in their library forever.

For regular readers, it quickly becomes one of the most affordable ways to build a large collection of books.

A Perfect Gift for Christmas

For a blog like That’s Christmas and More, Audible memberships are particularly appealing because they make excellent gifts.

Unlike many presents that get used once and forgotten, audiobooks deliver enjoyment for months.

Reasons Audible makes a brilliant gift include:

No need to guess clothing sizes or tastes

Instant digital delivery

Suitable for all ages

Perfect for people who “already have everything”

You can even gift 3, 6, or 12 months of membership, making it ideal for stocking fillers or larger festive presents.

Imagine someone unwrapping a gift that gives them dozens of stories to enjoy throughout the year.

Subscribe Through That’s Christmas and More

Readers of That’s Christmas and More can also subscribe to Audible directly through our website. By using our recommended subscription link, you can start your Audible membership in just a few moments and immediately gain access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.

Subscribing through our site is a simple way to begin enjoying audiobooks while also supporting the blog at the same time. If you’re planning a gift, it’s also an easy way to send someone a thoughtful present that will provide entertainment and inspiration throughout the year.

Ideal for Reluctant Readers

Audiobooks can also help people who struggle with traditional reading.

They are especially useful for:

People with dyslexia

Those with visual impairments

Busy professionals

Teenagers who find reading difficult

Listening to stories can build confidence, improve vocabulary, and spark an interest in books that might otherwise never develop.

For parents, it can be a wonderful way to encourage children and teens to engage with literature.

A Gift That Lasts All Year

Unlike chocolates or novelty gifts, an audiobook subscription continues to deliver value long after the wrapping paper is recycled.

Every month brings a new credit and a new story waiting to be discovered.

Listeners might find themselves exploring:

A gripping crime series

A historical biography

A personal development book

A comforting classic novel

Over time, their library becomes a personal collection of stories they can revisit whenever they like.

If you are searching for a gift that is thoughtful, practical, and genuinely enjoyable, an Audible membership is hard to beat.

It encourages reading, fits into modern lifestyles, and opens the door to thousands of books and stories.

Whether you are buying one for yourself or giving it to a friend or family member, it is a present that keeps delivering long after the festive season has ended.

And in a world where time is precious, the ability to enjoy great books anywhere might just be the perfect gift of all.

To place your orders, please follow this link:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=audible+membership&crid=K5J6192DL8WQ&sprefix=Audible%2Caps%2C608&linkCode=ll2&tag=bookworms05-21&linkId=d25abee2933223fb8e1a42d7a2a853fa&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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

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

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

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

Why Celebrate Christmas Late?

A delayed celebration works brilliantly if:

Illness disrupted December plans

You work in retail or hospitality and missed out

Family schedules didn’t align

You simply enjoy stretching the festive season

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

The Joy of Reduced Christmas Hampers

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

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

Champagne and prosecco gift sets

Stilton, cheddar and artisan crackers

Special festive ale collections

Chocolate assortments and biscuit tins

Chutneys, preserves and pâtés

Premium shortbread and panettone

Christmas cakes and mince pies

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

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

How to Plan a Late Christmas Feast

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

1. Start with a Festive Grazing Board

Use:

Reduced cheeses

Charcuterie

Crackers and chutneys

Nuts and festive nibbles

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

2. Create a Simple Centrepiece

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

A glazed gammon joint (often reduced in early January)

A slow-cooked beef brisket

A quality ready-prepared pie from the chilled section

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

3. Lean into the Dessert Trolley

This is where late Christmas truly shines.

Leftover or discounted:

Christmas pudding

Brandy butter

Mince pies

Luxury chocolate boxes

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

Make It Feel Special Again

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

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

Use the good crockery

Light candles

Play your favourite Christmas playlist

When the pressure is gone, the enjoyment often increases.

The Financial Upside

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

That saving can mean:

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

Adding extra treats

Hosting friends for a second festive gathering

Or simply enjoying luxury for less

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

A New Tradition Worth Keeping

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

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

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Is an Omaze House Ticket a Good Christmas Gift?

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

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

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

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

Why It Can Be a Magical Gift

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

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

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

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

The Festive Reality Check

The odds are very long. Only one person wins.

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

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

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

How to Gift It Thoughtfully

If you decide to go ahead:

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

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

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

The Bottom Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FACTFILE:

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

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

Pancakes and Sweet Treats for Shrove Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

The Classic British Pancake

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

Basic batter (serves 4):

100g plain flour

2 large eggs

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Butter or oil for frying

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

Classic topping: Fresh lemon juice and caster sugar.

Simple. Sharp. Perfect.

American-Style Pancake Stacks

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

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

Top with:

Maple syrup and butter

Blueberries and Greek yoghurt

Crispy bacon and syrup for a sweet-savoury twist

Savoury Pancake Ideas

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

Try filling your pancakes with:

Creamy mushrooms and thyme

Spinach and ricotta

Grated cheese

Ham and mature Cheddar

Smoked salmon and soft cheese

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

Beyond Pancakes: Other Shrove Tuesday Treats

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

Doughnuts – also made to use up eggs and butter.

Waffles – especially popular in some European traditions.

Rice pudding – another comforting way to use up dairy.

Parkin in some northern communities.

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

Hosting a Pancake Supper at Home

If you want to turn it into a proper event:

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

Offer both sweet and savoury options.

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

Keep the batter flowing – it disappears quickly.

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

A Final Flip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Kindness Feels So Christmassy

Think about what makes Christmas special:

Generosity

Thoughtfulness

Community

Surprise

Warmth

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

That unexpected gift.

That handwritten card.

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

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

Simple Festive-Inspired Acts of Kindness

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

1. Leave a “Secret Santa” Surprise

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

“Just because. Wishing you a lovely day.”

It could be:

A chocolate bar

A book

A scented candle

A homemade bake

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

2. Pay It Forward

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

That quiet generosity carries a very December-like glow.

3. Winter Warmth Hampers

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

Include:

Tea or hot chocolate

A cosy pair of socks

A puzzle or magazine

A handwritten note

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

4. Send an Unexpected Card

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

A simple:

“Thinking of you today.”

can mean more than you realise.

5. Support a Small Business

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

Leave a glowing review

Share a small business on social media

Buy a gift voucher for future use

It costs little but can make a genuine difference.

Bringing the Spirit Home

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

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

Create a “Kindness Jar” at home.

Write ideas on slips of paper.

Pick one and complete it together.

It becomes a tradition — much like decorating the tree.

Kindness and Wellbeing

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

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

That glow you feel after doing something thoughtful?

That’s the Christmas spirit working overtime.

Keep Christmas in Your Heart (All Year Round)

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

It’s about:

Compassion

Community

Quiet generosity

Making someone else’s day a little lighter

So today, do one small thing.

Then maybe do another tomorrow.

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