Remember This at Christmastime: “No” Is a Complete Sentence

Christmas is often described as the season of goodwill, generosity and togetherness. Alongside that warmth comes a long list of expectations: invitations, favours, traditions, gatherings, purchases and obligations. 

Somewhere in the middle of all this, it can become very easy to forget a simple truth, even at Christmastime, “no” is a complete sentence.

Learning to say no is not about being unkind or ungrateful. It’s about protecting your time, energy and wellbeing during an already demanding season.

Why Christmas Makes Saying No Feel So Hard

The festive period comes with emotional weight. Many of us feel pressure to please others, keep traditions alive and avoid disappointment.

You might recognise thoughts such as:

“It’s only once a year”

“I don’t want to upset anyone”

“I should be able to manage”

“Everyone else is doing it”

These beliefs can push us into commitments that leave us exhausted, stressed or resentful.

The Cost of Not Saying No

When you say yes to everything, something usually pays the price — often your health, your rest or your enjoyment of the season.

Overcommitting can lead to:

Burnout before Christmas even arrives

Increased anxiety or irritability

Worsening physical or mental health

Feeling trapped or overwhelmed

Resentment towards people you care about

A reluctant yes rarely leads to festive joy.

“No” Does Not Require an Explanation

One of the most powerful things to remember is that you do not owe anyone a detailed justification for your boundaries.

“No” does not need:

An apology

A long backstory

A medical disclosure

A better excuse

You can simply say:

“No, that won’t work for me.”

“I won’t be able to do that.”

“I’m keeping things simple this year.”

Polite, calm and clear is enough.

What Saying No Makes Space For

Every no you give is also a yes to something else.

Saying no can mean:

More rest and recovery

Time with people you genuinely want to see

Protecting your health and routines

Enjoying Christmas rather than enduring it

Showing others how to respect boundaries

Boundaries don’t cancel kindness, they make it sustainable.

Saying No Without Guilt

Guilt often shows up even when a boundary is necessary. This doesn’t mean the boundary is wrong.

Helpful reminders:

You are not responsible for other people’s feelings

Traditions can change and still be meaningful

Looking after yourself is not selfish

People who care about you will adapt

Discomfort passes. Exhaustion lingers.

Modelling Healthy Boundaries

When you say no calmly and respectfully, you quietly give others permission to do the same. This can be especially important for children, partners and colleagues who are also struggling under festive pressure.

Healthy boundaries are learned through example.

Christmas does not require you to overextend yourself to be meaningful. You are allowed to choose a quieter, simpler, more manageable season.

If you take one thing with you this Christmas, let it be this:

“No” is a complete sentence, even, or especially, in December.

And sometimes, it’s the kindest one you can say, to yourself and to others.

Whatever Happened to Christmas? Why “Holiday Season” Feels Wrong in the UK

Why is Christmas increasingly being called the “holiday season” in the UK? A thoughtful look at culture, language and why Christmas still matters.

Here at That’s Christmas 365, we celebrate Christmas all year round, not just as a religious festival, but as a deeply rooted part of British culture, community life, and shared tradition. 

Which is why a growing trend has caught our attention: the quiet replacement of Christmas with the far vaguer phrase holiday season.

Walk through a British high street in December and you will still see Christmas trees, crackers, baubles and mince pies. 

Yet increasingly, the words around them feel oddly non-committal. Holiday offers. Seasonal greetings. Festive period savings.

So what’s going on, and why does it feel so jarring in a UK context?

Christmas Is More Than a Date in the Diary

In the UK, Christmas is not just a single day or a narrow religious observance. It shapes our national calendar. Schools break up for Christmas. Parliament adjourns for Christmas. Entire industries, from transport to broadcasting, work around Christmas as a fixed cultural anchor point.

Even for those who don't celebrate Christmas personally or religiously, it remains a shared reference. It is woven into family routines, public life, and the national rhythm of winter.

Calling all of this the holiday season feels oddly detached, as though something with meaning has been replaced by something generic.

Inclusion Doesn’t Have to Mean Disappearance

Britain is proudly diverse, and many people celebrate festivals other than Christmas during the winter months. That diversity is a strength, and one that has long been recognised without difficulty.

We already acknowledge Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid and other celebrations openly and respectfully, without renaming them or blending them into a single catch-all phrase. Inclusion has never required the removal of Christmas from our vocabulary.

There is a difference between making space for everyone and quietly stepping away from naming Christmas at all.

A Marketing Import That Doesn’t Quite Fit

The phrase holiday season feels increasingly imported, rather than home-grown. It is far more common in North American usage, where “holiday” covers a range of celebrations clustered together.

In the UK, however, we traditionally talk about holidays in the summer, and Christmas in December. When global brands adopt one-size-fits-all language, it can flatten cultural differences and leave British traditions feeling oddly diluted.

Why Language Matters at Christmas

Language shapes how we experience tradition. When Christmas becomes a “seasonal event” rather than Christmas itself, it loses some of its character and warmth.

Christmas markets become winter markets. Christmas concerts become festive showcases. Christmas messages become generic greetings.

Each change is small, but together they create a sense that something familiar is being quietly nudged aside rather than openly discussed.

Confidence in Our Traditions

Questioning this shift is not about insisting everyone must celebrate Christmas in the same way. It is about being confident enough in our culture to name it honestly.

Christmas has always existed alongside other traditions. It has never needed to be hidden, softened, or rebranded to make room for others.

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe it is possible, and healthy, to celebrate Christmas openly while respecting the many different ways people mark the winter season.

When We Mean Christmas, Let’s Say Christmas!

Not everything needs to be endlessly reworded or rebranded. When we are talking about Christmas, perhaps the simplest and most respectful approach is to call it exactly that.

Christmas is not exclusionary. It is part of Britain’s cultural fabric.

And for many people across the UK, whether they celebrate quietly, enthusiastically, traditionally, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, Christmas is still Christmas.

Could Britain See a White Christmas in 2025? Forecasters Say “It’s Possible”

As the festive season approaches, meteorologists are once again analysing Britain’s notoriously unpredictable winter, with early indicators suggesting that a White Christmas in 2025 is possible, though far from guaranteed.

The Met Office notes colder Arctic air patterns are expected to influence the UK in late December, increasing the likelihood of snow showers, particularly in northern and elevated regions. 

However, forecasters emphasise conditions remain highly changeable, and long-range predictions should be treated with caution.

Where Snow Is Most Likely

Current models show Scotland as the frontrunner for Christmas Day snowfall, with the Highlands having the highest probability of seeing flakes. 

Northern England may also experience wintry showers if temperatures drop sufficiently. 

The Midlands sits firmly in the “wait and see” category.

Further south, prospects weaken. London and the South East are expected to remain milder, with rain more likely than snow unless a sudden cold snap arrives in the days leading up to 25 December.

A Tradition of Uncertainty

Despite the public’s yearly anticipation, genuine, widespread White Christmases remain rare in the UK. Officially, the Met Office declares a White Christmas if any snow is observed anywhere on Christmas Day—even a single flake at a weather station counts.

Bookmakers have already reported an uptick in seasonal bets, following public interest boosted by early cold spells in November and December. Social media speculation has also driven renewed attention to the forecast, with many Britons hoping for a postcard-perfect festive scene.

Travel and Safety Considerations

Should snow materialise, authorities are urging travellers to stay alert for potential disruption. Roads, rail services and airports could all be affected by sudden freezes or wintry showers, particularly in northern regions.

Outlook

While it remains too early to confirm, meteorologists say the ingredients for a White Christmas in 2025 are present, though Britain’s winter weather has a well-known history of last-minute surprises.

A more definitive forecast is expected closer to the big day, as short-range models provide clearer data.

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas: A Joyful Start to the Christmas Season

The Feast of Saint Nicholas, marked on 6 December, is one of the loveliest early-season traditions in the Christmas calendar. 

Although more commonly celebrated on the Continent than in the UK, it’s a wonderful feast day to embrace at home, especially if you’re looking to add a little extra magic, kindness and old-world charm to the run-up to Christmas.

Whether you have children, grandchildren, or simply enjoy marking the season with meaningful rituals, Saint Nicholas Day offers a gentle reminder of generosity, compassion and festive warmth. Here’s how you can bring the celebration to life in your own household.

Who Was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas of Myra was a fourth-century bishop known for his extraordinary generosity, humility and willingness to help those in need. Countless legends surround him, from saving families from poverty to secretly delivering gifts to the poor. 

Over time, these stories shaped the modern figure of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.

Celebrating his feast day is a lovely way to weave historical tradition into your festive season, giving children and adults alike a deeper understanding of where many of our Christmas customs come from.

A Charming Tradition: Shoes at the Door

One of the most recognisable Saint Nicholas traditions is placing shoes or boots by the fireplace or front door on the eve of 5 December. Children (and often adults!) wake to find small treats tucked inside:

Clementines

Chocolate coins

Gingerbread biscuits

A little toy or trinket

A handwritten note of encouragement or praise

It’s a gentle, exciting moment that doesn’t rival Christmas Day itself, perfect for building seasonal anticipation.

Celebrate with Simple, Heart-Warming Activities

1. Bake Speculaas or Spiced Biscuits

These traditional spiced biscuits are associated with Saint Nicholas across Europe. Baking them fills the home with the scent of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg – the unmistakable smell of Advent.

2. Read Stories of Saint Nicholas

Sharing tales of his kindness is a brilliant way to introduce children to the roots of Christmas giving. Books and online resources abound, and you can tailor stories to different age groups.

3. Enjoy a Small Gift Exchange

A modest gift exchange on 6 December, based on thoughtfulness rather than expense, helps keep the focus on kindness.

4. Light a Candle for Kindness

Lighting a candle on Saint Nicholas Day is an invitation to practise generosity throughout December. Challenge family members to carry out “one small act of kindness” each day until Christmas.

5. Support a Charity in His Honour

Given Saint Nicholas’s commitment to helping those in need, this is an ideal moment to:

Donate food or toys to a local appeal

Support a homelessness charity

Offer time or assistance to neighbours

It’s a powerful way to celebrate the true meaning of the season.

Make It a New Family Tradition

You don’t need to be part of a religious household to enjoy the customs of Saint Nicholas Day. It’s a celebration rooted in kindness, storytelling and simple joy. Many UK families are rediscovering this feast day as a lovely way to pace the season, adding a meaningful moment in early December before the Christmas rush fully sets in.

It’s also a wonderful tradition to share on social media or incorporate into children’s Advent calendars, helping the younger generation appreciate the origins of festive giving.

The Feast of Saint Nicholas is a charming, timeless tradition that brings warmth and generosity into the heart of the Christmas season. 

By adopting even one of these customs, you’ll add a beautiful and meaningful pause to the festive calendar.

If you’re looking for a way to slow down, savour the season and remind everyone at home what Christmas is really about, Saint Nicholas Day is a perfect place to begin.

Celebrating Christmas Beyond the 25th: Christian Communities with Unique Traditions

For many, Christmas is synonymous with the 25th of December. However, not all Christian communities mark the birth of Christ on this date.

Differences in liturgical calendars, cultural traditions, and historical influences have led to variations in the celebration of Christmas. 

Here, we explore some of the communities that observe this sacred holiday on different days and the reasons behind their choices.

Orthodox Christians and the Julian Calendar

One of the most well-known alternative Christmas celebrations occurs on the 7th of January. This date is observed by many Orthodox Christians, including those in Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia, and parts of the Middle East. The reason lies in the calendar used by these communities: the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. 

When Pope Gregory XIII reformed the calendar in 1582 to better align with the solar year, some Christian groups chose to retain the older Julian calendar for liturgical purposes. As a result, the Julian calendar’s 25th of December corresponds to the Gregorian calendar’s 7th of January.

Armenian Apostolic Church

The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, celebrates Christmas on the 6th of January. For Armenians, this day combines both Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating Christ’s birth and baptism. This tradition reflects early Christian practices, as Christmas was not universally celebrated on the 25th of December until the 4th century.

Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians

In Ethiopia and Eritrea, where Christianity has deep historical roots, Christmas—known as “Genna”—is celebrated on the 7th of January. Following the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s calendar, the day is marked with unique rituals, such as processions, fasting, and traditional games. The vibrant celebrations highlight the region’s rich Christian heritage.

Coptic Christians in Egypt

Coptic Christians in Egypt also observe Christmas on the 7th of January, adhering to the Julian calendar. The lead-up to Christmas includes a 43-day period of fasting known as the "Holy Nativity Fast," during which believers abstain from animal products. Christmas Eve is marked by a special liturgy, followed by feasting and family gatherings.

Unique Local Traditions

In some Christian communities, Christmas is tied to local customs and calendars. For instance:

Syriac Christians in India: The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates Christmas on 25th December but incorporates unique rituals influenced by Indian culture.

Old Believers in Russia: This sect, which split from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century, also adheres to the Julian calendar, observing Christmas on 7th January.

Why the Differences Matter

These varied Christmas dates reflect the diversity and richness of global Christianity. They remind us that while the date may differ, the essence of the celebration—honouring the birth of Christ—remains universal. Understanding and respecting these differences can foster greater appreciation for the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the Christian faith.

As the festive season approaches, it’s worth reflecting on how these traditions enrich our collective understanding of Christmas. Whether on the 25th of December, the 7th of January, or the 6th of January, the message of peace, love, and hope transcends time and calendars.

Celebrating the Continuing Success of the "That's Christmas" Blog

As the festive season draws nearer, everyone begins to search for the perfect gifts, delicious treats, and unique experiences to make Christmas truly special. 

In this whirlwind of preparation, one blog has consistently stood out, guiding its readers through the joys of Christmas shopping and festive indulgence: That’s Christmas.

A Beacon of Festive Cheer

Since its inception, That’s Christmas has carved out a niche for itself as the go-to source for all things Christmas. With an unwavering focus on quality content, the blog has become a trusted companion for those looking to stay ahead of the latest Christmas trends. 

Whether it’s discovering the newest and most unique Christmas gifts or savouring the best festive foods and drinks, That’s Christmas ensures its readers are well-informed and thoroughly inspired.

A Hub for Christmas Gifting Inspiration

Gift-giving is at the heart of Christmas, and That’s Christmas excels in showcasing a diverse range of gift ideas. From thoughtful presents for loved ones to quirky stocking fillers that bring a smile, the blog curates a selection that caters to all tastes and budgets. 

Each product is carefully reviewed, with the blog’s insightful commentary making it easier for readers to choose the perfect gifts. This attention to detail has not only helped readers make informed choices but has also built a loyal following who trust the blog’s recommendations.

Festive Foods and Drinks: A Culinary Delight

Christmas is a time for indulgence, and That’s Christmas doesn’t disappoint when it comes to festive foods and drinks. The blog consistently highlights the latest culinary delights that make Christmas feasts unforgettable. From traditional favourites with a modern twist to new and exciting flavours, That’s Christmas covers it all. The blog’s coverage of festive beverages—be they cosy hot chocolates, celebratory wines, or inventive cocktails—ensures that readers have everything they need to create a memorable Christmas dining experience.

Engaging Content that Resonates

The success of That’s Christmas can also be attributed to its engaging and reader-friendly content. The blog is written with a warmth and enthusiasm that resonates with its audience. The posts are not just informative but also capture the magic of the season, making readers feel part of the festive celebration. This connection is what sets That’s Christmas apart, making it more than just a source of information—it's a community of Christmas enthusiasts.

Looking Forward to Another Successful Season

As we approach another festive season, That’s Christmas continues to shine brightly. Its commitment to bringing the latest Christmas news, along with its expert curation of gifts and festive treats, ensures it remains a favourite among its readers. The blog's growth and continued success are a testament to its relevance and the high-quality content it consistently delivers.

In a world where the festive season can sometimes feel overwhelming, That’s Christmas remains a comforting guide, helping its readers to navigate Christmas with joy, ease, and a touch of magic. Here’s to another season of festive cheer, and to That’s Christmas—the blog that truly embodies the spirit of the season.

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/

Unwrap the Magic of Winter at Butser's Alternative Christmas Event: ‘Midwinter's Magical Quest’

We at That's Christmas were wondering what the Butser Ancient Farm were doing for the Christmas period... and now we know!

Families can join them for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of Winter folklore, delightful crafts, and magical memories.

Butser Ancient Farm in the South Downs is opening to the public this Winter and inviting families to embark on an enchanting festive adventure to escape commercial Christmas, honour nature and bring ancient traditions to life in a very special way.

As an alternative to the Father Christmas experience, Midwinter’s Magical Quest honours the balance of the feminine and masculine energies as the season turns. The majestic Deer Queen and jolly Holly King are back in Butser’s ancient dwellings and need your help to complete their quest and help celebrate the turning of the year.

The Holly King will greet all questers in their Saxon House, which is beautifully recreated from foundations excavated close to the neighbouring village of Chalton. This Winter it will be transformed into the Holly King’s Evergreen Hall, where visitors can make evergreen crowns and decorations to put a Spring in their step ready for the adventure. 

The Holly King is the personification of Winter in folklore and his power peaks in Midwinter before he hands the crown over to his brother The Oak King of Summer. The everlasting cycle of the Oak and Holly brothers reflects the seasonal cycles of solar light and dark, renewal and growth.

As you follow the trail of folklore and lost traditions, you’ll come to Little Woodbury, their great Iron Age roundhouse. 

The roundhouse will become the Realm of Winter Wishes where families who are visiting can cast their hopes and dreams into the wishing tree and learn the ancient craft of corn dolly making to find a hidden message for the Deer Queen.

Once questers have pieced together the magic throughout the trail, they will find the Deer Queen’s Grotto in Butser’s reconstructed Neolithic Horton House, which originally stood around 3800-3600 BC. Visitors will be able to share the knowledge they have collected to give Mother Deer what she needs to make the journey to return the Sun to the land safely on the Winter Solstice.

The Deer Queen is an important part of Butser’s event, bringing a female presence to this Wintery time of year. The character has been inspired by an ancient folktale from Northern Europe that tells of the brave Mother Deer who must journey South to bring the sun goddess back to warm the lands again. It has been said that this ancient story is the origin of Rudolph. Unlike other deer, both female and male reindeers have antlers.

The difference is, after the Autumn rutting season the males lose their antlers while the females keep theirs to protect their precious growing fawns. Throughout the years and even today the deer and her antlers are drawn as the tree of life, carrying everything from small animals to celestial bodies within them. So, when you see antlered reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh in Midwinter you can be sure that Rudolph and her gang are unmistakably girls!

They are aware that ancient sites in Britain have clear evidence of celebration at this time of year, with sites like Newgrange in Ireland and Stonehenge aligned with Winter sun. They also have evidence that ever since the Stone Age people around the world have revered the deer, with her image painted on cave walls, etched in stone and tattooed on skin.

Kristin Devey, Events Coordinator at Butser Ancient Farm, shared her excitement about the upcoming event: “We are really thrilled to open the farm to the public once again this winter, offering a chance for more people to experience the wonder of Butser during this special time of year. 

Families can join us for under £35 and leave with a deeper understanding of Winter folklore, delightful crafts, and magical memories. Whether you're celebrating Solstice, Yule, or simply seeking a unique family Christmas day out, 'Midwinter's Magical Quest' offers an inclusive and non-denominational celebration that appeals to all. We invite local families to join us for a memorable and magical experience that honours the wonders of the season and its ancient traditions.”

Event Details and Ticket Information

The Midwinter's Magical Quest trail runs from 10am to 3:30pm on Saturday December 2nd, Sunday December 3rd, Saturday December 9th, and Sunday December 10th, 2023. Butser Ancient Farm also features a full schedule of festive events, including Tales of Winter Magic, Festive Fireside Storytelling, and a Winter Solstice Celtic Celebration complete with drumming, poetry, and prose.

Tickets for Midwinter's Magical Quest are available on the Butser Ancient Farm website at https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/christmas-yule-winter-events.

Butser Ancient Farm is a living history museum nestled in the picturesque Hampshire countryside. The farm offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the lives of our ancient ancestors through reconstructed buildings, authentic crafts, and immersive events.

Despite its humble beginnings as a research site 50 years ago, Butser Ancient Farm has become one of the South East’s top visitor attractions welcoming visitors throughout the year including some 35,000 schoolchildren who learn about the lives of our ancient ancestors from the Stone Age through to the Anglo-Saxon periods. As a not-for-profit, independently run community interest company (CIC) they rely on the support of many organisations and individuals, as well as their own fundraising events, to make their research and education work possible. More about the farm can be found at www.butserancientfarm.co.uk