A Merry Festive Gathering: How to Enjoy Christmas with Card and Board Games

The festive season is nearly upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by gathering friends and family for some heartwarming (and perhaps competitive!) fun with card and board games? 

Christmas is the perfect time to step away from screens, sip on something festive, and dive into the world of games that entertain and bring people closer. Here’s how to make your Christmas gatherings unforgettable with a selection of games that everyone will love.

1. Create the Right Atmosphere

The key to any successful Christmas gathering is the right atmosphere. Transform your home into a warm, inviting space with cosy lighting, some Christmas music softly in the background, and maybe a crackling fire if you’re lucky enough to have one! Consider setting up your main game area with comfortable seating, cushions, and easy access to snacks and drinks.

To keep the festive spirit alive, try organising a "Christmas Game Corner," decorated with garlands, fairy lights, and a little table where all the games are set up. This way, people can pick and choose what they’d like to play throughout the night.

2. Card Games for a Festive Twist

Card games are a classic for gatherings because they’re versatile, require minimal space, and can suit any age group or group size. Here are a few ideas to keep everyone entertained:

Snap! Christmas Edition

This is a quick, fun game that kids and adults alike can enjoy. For a festive twist, you can swap traditional cards with Christmas-themed ones. The excitement builds as players slap down their cards, hoping to “snap” matches, making it perfect for short bursts of laughter between courses or as an icebreaker at the start of the night.

Christmas Rummy

A classic rummy game with a festive twist! You can add Christmas-themed challenges or points for specific combinations, such as getting three Santa-themed cards in a row. It’s easy to learn, and the whole family can join in, making it a great way to spend quality time together.

Poker… with Mince Pies as Currency

If you’ve got a group who enjoys a bit of light-hearted competition, set up a poker game using mince pies, chocolate coins, or even festive biscuits as betting tokens. This twist adds a bit of Christmas magic to a traditional game, and it’s always a laugh to see people guarding their stash of mince pies fiercely!

3. Go Big with Board Games

For the moments when everyone has settled down after a Christmas meal, a good board game can bring the room to life. Whether it’s the whole family or a mix of friends, here are some options to guarantee a memorable time.

Christmas-Themed Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic, but at Christmas, you can use a themed edition to make it feel more festive. Some versions come with holiday-themed properties and special rules that bring extra cheer to the game. Alternatively, you could DIY a few Christmas rules of your own—like skipping your turn if you can name five Christmas films on the spot or a free pass for bringing out your best Santa impression.

Trivial Pursuit: Festive Edition

Trivial Pursuit is perfect for a crowd that loves a good quiz. The Festive Edition has Christmas-themed questions that range from pop culture to history, so there’s something for everyone. Split up into teams to make it even more competitive, and prepare for some heated (yet friendly) debates over who knows more about holiday traditions.

Pictionary with a Holiday SpinDraw out a laugh by turning Pictionary into a Christmas-themed drawing game. Split into teams, and give everyone a list of festive items or holiday scenarios to draw (like Santa stuck in a chimney, mistletoe, or even a reindeer doing karaoke!). It’s a guaranteed way to get everyone laughing, and no artistic talent is required—just a sense of humour!

4. Keep It Cosy with Some Extra Treats

Make sure there are plenty of festive treats and drinks at hand to keep everyone energised and cheerful. Mince pies, gingerbread, spiced nuts, mulled wine, or hot chocolate are great options. Having a self-serve hot chocolate station with whipped cream, marshmallows, and cinnamon sticks can add a bit of extra cheer and lets people have fun with customising their drinks.

5. A Few Tips to Make the Night Run Smoothly

Assign a Game Master: It can be helpful to have someone responsible for explaining rules and overseeing the games to keep things moving and prevent any confusion.

Offer Prizes: To encourage some friendly competition, have a few small, festive prizes ready for game winners—anything from a box of chocolates to a silly Christmas hat can add a bit of extra fun.

Keep It Flexible: Allow guests to join or leave games as they wish, especially if there are multiple games happening at once. Some people may prefer a quiet chat or a more laid-back game, so having options allows everyone to enjoy the evening in their own way.

6. Wrapping Up with a Christmas Quiz

Towards the end of the night, a light-hearted Christmas quiz is a brilliant way to finish on a high note. You could create your own questions about Christmas traditions, carols, films, and historical facts. Make it a team effort, and everyone can join in without feeling pressured. It’s a perfect way to wind down before the night comes to an end. Incidentally, That's Christmas will be publishing a special exclusive Christmas Quiz closer to Christmas, so please look out for that.

Final Thoughts

With the right games, a warm atmosphere, and a touch of festive spirit, you’ll have a Christmas gathering everyone will remember fondly. Card games and board games make a wonderful change of pace from the usual festive activities, and they’re the perfect excuse to bring people together, laugh, and celebrate the holiday cheer. So this Christmas, dust off those board games, shuffle those cards, and let the festivities begin!

Diwali Online Greetings Cards Launched Poverty Alleviation Charity

The online greetings card website, that raises money exclusively for water poverty alleviation charity, Hope Spring, Today, announced the launch of its Diwali 2024 online greeting cards. 

The charity posted on its blog that eight new Diwali ecards have been added to its Diwali ecard collection. 

The site creates a new set of Diwali ecards every year, to give people that celebrate this important Hindu holiday the opportunity to send greetings to friends and family members far and wide. 

This also raises money for Hope Spring water charity.

The new sets of Diwali online greeting cards are inspired by the theme; festival: lights. With the traditional Hindu wishes and greetings that goes with the festival. Some of the new designs have themes specifically designed to appeal to UK audiences. Any of the ecards can be personalised, addressed and sent to the recipients by email or shared to WhatsApp. Hope Spring eCards worked with its partner Charity eCards UK on the final designs.

Hope Spring eCard volunteer and platform manager Seun Olonade said of the new designs “we use some elements of AI in our new Diwali greeting cards designs. This helped us to come up with some radically new design concepts”. She added “I hope everyone who celebrates Diwali will come to our website to send one or more of the new ecards to their family or friends. They can send a Diwali card free of charge or make a donation”.

Previous Diwali ecard sent by users of the platform have made a significant contribution to the organisation’s water poverty alleviation project funds. The new Diwali greetings ecard and those of the past years can be viewed and sent from Hope Spring eCards website.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

The Resurgence of Christmas Cards: Embracing Tradition in the Digital Age

In an era dominated by instant messaging, social media, and digital interactions, it might seem surprising that the tradition of sending Christmas cards, either electronically or via post,  is making a noticeable comeback. 

For many, this festive tradition seemed to be fading away, replaced by quick text messages, emojis, or even a mass holiday update on Facebook.

 However, the recent resurgence of Christmas cards tells a different story – one of connection, personal touch, and the preservation of meaningful traditions.

Why the Resurgence?

1. The Desire for Personal Connection

While digital communications are convenient, they often lack the personal touch that a carefully chosen card can convey. Whether sent electronically or by post, Christmas cards offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the recipient. Writing a thoughtful message, signing your name, and choosing a card that matches the personality or tastes of the recipient shows an extra level of care that a hurried text message just can’t replicate.

In a world where many feel increasingly disconnected, the return of the Christmas card reflects a collective desire for more personal, tangible forms of communication – ones that require time and thought.

2. The Nostalgic Appeal

For many, sending and receiving Christmas cards evokes a sense of nostalgia. The joy of opening an envelope to reveal a beautiful card with a thoughtful note inside reminds people of simpler times. This nostalgia taps into the human desire to hold on to traditions that are passed through generations. Many households still proudly display the cards they receive during the festive season, transforming their homes into a gallery of well-wishes.

Even e-cards, while digital, can bring a sense of nostalgia by allowing senders to choose classic Christmas designs, write heartfelt notes, and include personalised animations. They bring the charm of the old into the new digital format.

3. A Moment to Pause and Reflect

Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. Sending a card offers a moment to pause in the hectic festive season and think of loved ones near and far. It encourages people to reach out, perhaps to those they haven’t spoken to in a while, and to extend a message of goodwill. This act of connection, however small, contributes to the joy of the season and strengthens the bonds between friends and family.

4. The Return of Craftsmanship

In recent years, there has been a growing appreciation for handmade and bespoke items, and Christmas cards are no exception. Many people are now opting for cards created by small, independent artists or even making their own. This movement towards craftsmanship reflects a broader cultural shift that values creativity and the personal touch. Whether it’s a hand-painted card or a unique design from a small business, sending such a card can feel more meaningful than something mass-produced.

Even digital Christmas cards have become more sophisticated and customisable, allowing people to add their own photos, messages, and even videos, making them just as thoughtful and personalised as physical ones.

5. Eco-Conscious Options

For those concerned about the environmental impact of sending physical cards, there are now plenty of eco-friendly options. Many companies are producing cards made from recycled materials, while others offer cards that come with the added bonus of planting a tree with each purchase. For the environmentally conscious, e-cards can also be a guilt-free way to send holiday cheer without creating waste.

6. A Sense of Tradition Amidst Change

The modern world is fast-paced, and traditions like sending Christmas cards can provide a comforting sense of stability. As technology continues to evolve, there’s a growing appreciation for maintaining certain timeless customs. Sending a card is one such tradition that hasn’t lost its charm. Whether it's a traditional handwritten message in a card that arrives by post or a beautifully designed e-card, the essence of the gesture remains the same: a moment of connection and thoughtfulness.

Conclusion

The resurgence of Christmas cards, both digital and physical, speaks to a larger desire for meaningful, personal communication in a world that often favours convenience over connection. Whether sent via post or electronically, these cards offer a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and express appreciation for the people who matter most. In embracing this tradition, we preserve a small, but significant, ritual that continues to bring warmth and joy to the festive season.

As we approach another Christmas, why not consider sending a card to someone you care about? It could be just the touch of warmth and kindness they need this holiday season.

The Best Charity Christmas Cards for a Good Cause Where to buy charity cards that give back, supporting various causes during the festive season

As the festive season approaches, many of us look for ways to spread joy and give back to those in need. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to do this is by purchasing charity Christmas cards. 

Not only do these cards help you send thoughtful greetings to your loved ones, but they also support important causes during the holiday season. 

Here’s a guide to the best charity Christmas cards in the UK and where to buy them to ensure your festive cheer makes a difference.

Why Choose Charity Christmas Cards?

Charity Christmas cards are a wonderful way to combine tradition with philanthropy. With a portion of the proceeds going to charitable organisations, your purchase can contribute to causes such as healthcare, education, homelessness, animal welfare, and more. By choosing charity cards, you're supporting meaningful work, while still taking part in the joy of exchanging holiday greetings.

The Best Places to Buy Charity Christmas Cards

1. Oxfam

Oxfam is known for its commitment to tackling poverty and injustice, and buying Christmas cards from them helps fund their vital work around the world. They offer a wide range of designs, from classic festive scenes to fun and quirky illustrations. Cards can be purchased both online and in-store, and they offer multipack options for those sending out many cards this year. 

Causes Supported: Poverty alleviation, disaster relief, education

Where to Buy: Oxfam Online Shop https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk

2. Card Aid

Card Aid is a well-established charity card provider in the UK, working with over 200 different charities. With their cards, you can choose from an array of designs, and each purchase supports one of their partnered charities, ranging from local organisations to national and international causes.

Causes Supported: Health, social care, children’s welfare, environmental protection

Where to Buy: Card Aid Online Shop https://www.goodgifts.org/all-gifts/christmas-cards

3. British Heart Foundation (BHF)

The British Heart Foundation is one of the UK's most recognisable charities. By purchasing their Christmas cards, you’ll be contributing to research that helps fight heart disease and support those living with heart conditions. BHF offers a variety of elegant and traditional Christmas card designs, making it easy to find one that suits your style.

Causes Supported: Heart disease research, healthcare

Where to Buy: BHF Christmas Cards https://www.bhf.org.uk

4. Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK’s beautiful range of Christmas cards features both religious and non-religious designs. Every pack of cards purchased helps fund vital cancer research, bringing us one step closer to finding cures and better treatments. Cards can be purchased online or at their charity shops across the country.

Causes Supported: Cancer research, healthcare

Where to Buy: Cancer Research UK Christmas Cards https://shop.cancerresearchuk.org

5. The Royal British Legion

If you want to support veterans and their families, The Royal British Legion's range of Christmas cards is an excellent choice. The funds raised go towards helping those who have served in the Armed Forces and their loved ones, providing them with support and care.

Causes Supported: Veterans' welfare, mental health, social care

Where to Buy: Royal British Legion Shop https://www.britishlegion.org.uk

6. National Trust

For nature lovers and those passionate about preserving the UK’s heritage, National Trust charity cards are a great option. Their designs often feature iconic British landmarks and nature scenes, and the proceeds go towards protecting historic sites and natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

Causes Supported: Conservation, heritage preservation

Where to Buy: National Trust Online Shop https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

7. Save the Children

Save the Children’s Christmas cards not only offer heartwarming designs, but also support one of the world’s most important children’s charities. By purchasing their cards, you help fund programmes that protect and educate vulnerable children across the globe.

Causes Supported: Child welfare, education, healthcare

Where to Buy: Save the Children Shop https://www.savethechildren.org.uk

8. Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support offers a variety of festive cards, including some designed by those who have benefited from the charity’s services. The money raised goes towards providing physical, emotional, and financial support to those affected by cancer.

Causes Supported: Cancer care and support services

Where to Buy: Macmillan Shop https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Top Tips for Buying Charity Christmas Cards

Check the Charity Contribution: Not all charity Christmas cards donate the same percentage of profits to their respective causes. Check the packaging or product description to see how much of your purchase price goes to charity.

Buy Early: Charity cards can sometimes sell out early due to high demand, so be sure to purchase yours well before December.

Choose Designs You Love: With so many beautiful designs available, you don’t have to compromise on style when buying charity Christmas cards.

Go Online for Convenience: Most major charity organisations offer the convenience of online shopping, making it easier to browse different designs and support causes from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

This Christmas, spread festive cheer while supporting meaningful causes by opting for charity Christmas cards. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, poverty relief, or environmental conservation, there's a charity card out there that allows you to give back in a small but impactful way. So, why not add some extra goodwill to your Christmas this year by making your holiday greetings count for a good cause?

Happy shopping and happy giving!

Make your Christmas shopping count with Cards For Good Causes

Annual charity pop-ups return to the heart of local communities next month.

As Christmas approaches, why not make your Christmas shopping count for more this year? Cards For Good Causes is returning for 2024, offering you the opportunity to support charities and your local community with every card or gift you purchase.

Save the date for Friday 27th September at 10am, for the grand opening of the Cards For Good Causes flagship shop at Holy Trinity Church 146 Sloane Street, London. 

The pop-up will be buzzing with holiday spirit and welcoming visitors until 21st December. This marks the start of a wave of pop-up shops rolling out across the UK throughout October. Each purchase will generate vital funds for charities which strive hard to make a real difference, transforming your Christmas shopping into an act of kindness.

Why visit Cards For Good Causes? The pop-ups are about more than just beautiful cards and Christmas essentials, they’re a chance to support meaningful causes.

Every purchase supports national charities and your local community. Over the last decade, Cards For Good Causes has raised over £22.5 million for a network of in excess of 100 charities, including NSPCC, RSPA, WaterAid, Shelter, Carers UK and The Ramblers. 

Also, they’ve contributed more than £2.7 million to local churches, libraries and community projects, thus ensuring your purchases make a difference close to home, too.

Step into a world of festive magic at your local Cards For Good Causes pop-up shop, and discover an enchanting array of greeting cards, advent calendars and a wider range of gifts than ever before, which are sure to ignite your Christmas spirit. 

But the experience doesn’t end there - explore a stunning selection of gift wrap, decorations, stationery and homeware, all while making a meaningful difference to the causes and communities you care about. To find your nearest shop visit: https://cardsforcharity.co.uk/product-category/find-a-card-shop

Can’t make it to your local pop-up? The full range is available online with same-day dispatch and free shipping on orders over £40: https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk.

Christine Ansell, CEO of Cards For Good Causes says: “In these times when every penny counts, we’re delighted to offer shoppers a truly unique opportunity to support charities that are changing lives while also strengthening local communities. 

"Thanks to our committed partners, seasonal staff and local volunteers, we’re returning to the hearts of neighbourhoods across the country, providing a meaningful way for people to give this Christmas.”

As the UK's largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation, Cards For Good Causes has opened shops around the UK each year since 1959, making it a cornerstone of festive charitable giving. This year, your support is needed more than ever. As you deck the halls and fill your stockings, keep in mind that every card or gift you choose helps fund vital charities and support local communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact this Christmas.

That's Christmas covered Cards For Good Causes last year. We're genuinely pleased to be able to promote them again. 

Calendars, diaries and more from Danilo

If you want high quality calendars, diaries and more for your Christmas gifting look no further than Danilo.

Everyone who you know in your family and your wider circle of friends is covered! Royal Horticultural Society tie-ins, a Musical Star Wars Calendar, A Liverpool FC boxed set, a Disney Baby's First Year Calendar, Children's Activity Sets, a BBC Frozen Planet II A5 diary and a whole host of TV and a host of  film/movie tie-ins including Barbie, Mrs Brown's boys, Yellowstone, Peppa Pig, Baby Shark and many more besides, including gift wrappers and bags. 

Looking for a more organised life during 2024? Then they have special family organisers, too! Ideal for your cousin or for a spot of self-gifting, perhaps? Gamers or Anime fans you need to buy for? They are covered, too! Also, look out for their greeting cards, music collector's specials and much, much more!

And you'll be able to make your gifting purchases safe in the knowledge that not only are Danilo products absolutely perfect, but that the company is 100% dedicated to making a firm, genuine commitment to prioratising sustainability in all areas of their business operations.

This includes implementing a carbon reduction and offsetting plan, reducing the use of plastics and making certain that, once their products have been finished with, that recycling or reusing them will be much easier. Plus they are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and have clear recycling labeling on all of their products. 

Danilo also operates a nifty tree planting programme in partnership with Ecologi, whereby for every £10 spent on their site, they plant a tree. 

So the more gifts you buy from Danilo, the more trees you and they  can plant together. 

You can view the progress of their virtual forest by clicking visiting here https://ecologi.com/danilopromotionsltd

To learn more and find out what you'll want to buy, visit www.danilo.com

Christmas fundraiser with charity designed cards becomes increasingly popular

A Christmas fundraiser that began eight years ago continues to grow in popularity as a choice for sending festive greetings.

DontSendMeACard.com launched a pilot of its system in November 2015 with a handful of charities on board, to test their idea of a platform for donations in lieu of Christmas cards.

Since then over 1900 organisations have joined up and have uploaded a huge library of e-card designs to choose from. These designs are then offered to supporters by charities as an alternative to sending printed cards. Both static and animated cards are supported.

The charities participating in the fundraiser range from small to large, with well-known names such as The Salvation Army, Dogs Trust, and Stroke Association investing the time to generate designs that can be sent electronically, saving paper as a result.

DontSendMeACard Co-founder Alex Furness said, “The range of designs on offer now is superb. When we started off our content was minimal, as we only had a few dozen charities on board who agreed to the pilot. However we saw the potential for our model with people still using our initial offering.

For our platform and brand to have grown in popularity the way it has really is in part down to how brilliantly creative the designs that charities have come up with. You wouldn’t typically think of charitable organisations as inherently creative, but they really do have it in them. You can clearly see this by looking at the designs on offer."

In addition to designing e-cards, charities are engaging with artists, illustrators, and running Christmas e-card design competitions to add to their e-card collections.

Patrons that have offered artwork to fundraise with include Sir Quentin Blake, Harry Hill, and Nick Park creator of Wallace and Gromit.

You can browse the designs on offer on DontSendMeACard by occasion e.g. Christmas, and by searching through the listed charities and viewing their designs on offer from their landing pages.

With first-class UK stamps increasing by 15p in October to £1.25, the third increase in 18 months, more consumers and businesses who typically send physical Christmas cards may well be looking at alternatives such as DontSendMeACard for Christmas 2023.

In time for Christmas, Paperchase launches in Tesco stores

Tesco is excited to announce the relaunch of the popular Paperchase brand in its stores and online, bringing a range of cards and stationary products to existing Paperchase fans, and to new customers.

The products, including greetings cards and gift-wrapping materials; party decorations and accessories; notebooks, calendars and diaries; and home accessories, will be landing in over 250 Tesco stores from today, as well as being available online in selected areas.

In addition, a selection of Christmas products will also be landing in stores this week, including greeting cards, gift wrap, decorations and crackers.

The launch of Paperchase in Tesco stores is part of its ambition to make shopping at Tesco Easily the Most Convenient, making it quick and easy for customers to pick up stationary items for work and school, or grab a last-minute greeting card, as part of the weekly shop. 

The introduction of Paperchase in stores will offer customers an even wider range of cards, gifting and stationery, to complement Tesco’s existing range.

The news comes following the announcement earlier this year that Tesco had bought the Paperchase brand and related IP.

Speaking about the relaunch, Jan Marchant, Managing Director of Home and Clothing at Tesco said:

“Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many, and we’re proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK. We know many customers will be excited to see Paperchase products returning to stores, and we also hope to introduce the brand to many new customers. We look forward to exciting and delighting stationary fans with new products and some old favourites – look out for them in your local store”.

Customers can check if their local store stocks Paperchase using the store locator function on Tesco.com

Give back this Christmas with Cards For Good Causes

Annual charity pop-ups return to locations around the UK next month

The season for giving is not far away, and as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact UK households, making meaningful purchases is a must do for this Christmas. 

That’s why Cards For Good Causes are delighted to announce their annual pop-up shops will be returning in just a few short weeks, for all your festive needs!

On Saturday 7th October at 10am, the doors will open at the flagship shop in Chelsea, London with many other locations to follow throughout the month. 

In a first for the charity, this year you'll also be able to can find Cards For Good Causes at the Festive Gift Fair from 16-19th November at Birmingham's NEC. 

The aim? To raise much needed vital funds for charities via the Cards For Good Causes pop-ups this season.

With beautiful and adorable greeting cards, advent calendars and gifts galore, popping by a Cards For Good Causes shop is guaranteed to have you singing carols, decking the halls and spreading festive cheer. 

And what's more, it doesn’t stop there! Shoppers can stock up on stunning gift wrap and decorations, stationery and homeware when they visit these special one-stop Christmas shops, all whilst supporting the charity of their choice.

The full list of pop-up shops around the UK can be found here: https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk/find-a-card-shop.html. 

If you are unable to make it to your nearest pop-up shop? The full range and selection is also available to buy online, with same day dispatch and free shipping on orders over £40: https://www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

As the UK's largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation, Cards For Good Causes has opened shops around the UK each year since 1959, raising over £40 million for local and national charities in the last decade alone. 

Charities that will be supported by the money raised this year include a new addition of the Terrence Higgins Trust, as well as Cancer Research UK, Samaritans, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Shelter, Dementia UK, Mind and many more local and national charities.

Cherry Whiteside, CEO at Cards For Good Causes says: “Thanks to the support of our partners, the dedication of our network of seasonal staff and volunteers, and the generosity of local residents and businesses, we're delighted to be opening our pop-ups in the heart of local communities once again. 

"If you’re looking for meaningful ways to spend this Christmas, we look forward to welcoming you very soon!”