How to Start a Christmas Countdown Calendar Early

Because it’s never too soon for festive cheer!

Counting down to Christmas is a magical tradition that builds excitement and sparks joy—no matter your age. But who says you have to wait until December 1st to start? Launching your Christmas countdown calendar early can stretch out the festivities, support wellbeing, and help you stay organised (and joyful!) through the busyness of the season.

Here’s how to do it right—and why you absolutely should.

Why Start a Christmas Countdown Early?

Starting early isn’t about rushing the season; it’s about savouring it more fully. Here are some great reasons to kick off your countdown ahead of December:

Less stress, more sparkle: Spread out planning, prep and shopping to avoid last-minute panic.

Feel-good focus: Enjoy small daily moments of calm or joy, especially when paired with self-care prompts.

Family bonding: Make more memories with extra time for games, crafts, and traditions.

Creative freedom: Build your own version of an advent calendar tailored to your lifestyle.

Ideas for Early Christmas Countdown Calendars

Whether you start on the 1st of November, mid-month, or just before Advent begins, you can customise your countdown to suit your pace.

1. The 50-Day Christmas Countdown (from 6 November)

Start your festive build-up with one small task or treat a day:

Write your Christmas card list

Plan your Christmas menu

Enjoy a festive film night

Make a homemade gift or decoration

Listen to a different Christmas song daily

2. The Weekend-Only Countdown

Begin in early November and dedicate each weekend to something Christmassy. Perfect for busy people or families with limited time.

3. Gratitude or Kindness Calendar

Use your countdown to give back. Include daily suggestions like:

Donate an item to charity

Compliment someone

Write a thank-you note

Pay for a stranger’s coffee

This works beautifully for adults and kids alike—and shifts the focus from “getting” to “giving.”

How to Make Your Own Early Countdown Calendar

Choose Your Style:

Paper chain with daily notes or quotes

Mini envelopes pegged to a string

Digital calendar or app

A printable wall chart or sticker tracker

Decide Your Daily Focus:

Fun activities (crafts, baking, stories)

Organisational tasks (buy stamps, wrap gifts)

Self-care (festive bath, quiet reading time)

Inspirational quotes or Bible verses

Mix it up to keep things fresh and fun!

Final Thoughts

Starting your Christmas countdown early is about making space for joy, intention, and a little bit of sparkle in the everyday. Whether you use it to get organised, celebrate more, or slow down and savour the season, your countdown can be whatever you want it to be.

Because when it comes to Christmas magic… more really is merrier.

Do you start your Christmas countdown early? Share your favourite ideas or photos with us.

How to Organise a Christmas Charity Event in Summer

When most people think of Christmas charity events, they imagine snow, twinkling lights, and cosy jumpers. 

But why wait until December to spread some festive cheer? 

Hosting a Christmas-themed charity event in summer is a brilliant way to fundraise, stand out, and make a difference – all while enjoying the (hopefully) sunny British weather!

Whether you're supporting a local cause or a national charity, here’s how to plan a memorable and impactful event that blends holiday spirit with summer fun.

1. Pick a Theme That Mixes Christmas and Summer

Your theme will set the tone for the entire event, so have fun with it! Think outside the (gift) box:

Christmas in July – a classic twist with decorations, music, and traditional food.

Tropical Christmas – palm trees, Santa in sunglasses, and frozen cocktails.

Festive Picnic – think mince pies with Pimm’s, crackers on picnic blankets, and lawn games with a yuletide twist.

Keep your audience in mind when choosing – families, corporate groups, or the general public may respond differently to various styles.

2. Choose a Suitable Venue

You’re not bound by cold weather, so take advantage of it!

Public parks and green spaces (check local council permissions and/or help)

Community halls with outdoor areas

Private gardens for more intimate events

Beachfronts or riversides for a relaxed, scenic backdrop

Ensure there's access to toilets, shade or shelter in case of rain, and enough parking or transport options.

3. Plan Activities With Festive Flair

Here are some summer-friendly but Christmas-themed activity ideas:

Christmas BBQ or picnic with a twist – grilled turkey skewers, cranberry chutney burgers

Outdoor Secret Santa – people draw names ahead of time and bring small gifts

Carols and live music – swap sleigh bells for steel drums or acoustic guitars

Craft stalls and kids’ games – ornament painting, gingerbread decorating

Santa’s Grotto in a gazebo – with a sunhat and sunscreen, of course!

Include donation stations, raffles, and games like tombolas to encourage giving.

4. Get the Word Out Early

People plan their summers well in advance, so early promotion is key. Use:

Social media countdowns and themed graphics

Local community groups and event boards

Flyers at summer fêtes and local cafés

Email newsletters with teaser content

Press releases to local papers or radio stations

Emphasise the fun, the cause, and the novelty of “Christmas in Summer” to draw people in.

5. Work With Charities and Local Businesses

Partnering with a registered charity not only ensures transparency, but they may also help with marketing, donation tracking, or even volunteers.

Local businesses might offer:

Sponsorship or raffle prizes

Event space or equipment

Food and drink in-kind donations

Staff volunteers

Make sure to acknowledge their support publicly and in post-event content.

6. Dress the Part

Encourage guests and volunteers to don festive attire – Hawaiian shirts with Santa hats, summer dresses with tinsel, or Christmas jumpers with shorts! Consider offering a prize for the best outfit.

7. Don’t Forget the Purpose

While it’s important to create a joyful, summery atmosphere, remember your mission: raising funds or awareness for a cause. Include clear signage, donation QR codes, and short speeches or videos from the charity you're supporting. You could also have a “Wall of Giving” where people share who they’re donating in honour of.

8. Follow Up and Share the Love

After the event:

Thank attendees, donors, and volunteers on social media

Share photos and total funds raised

Send a thank-you email with a link for additional donations

Consider setting a date for next year’s event!

A summer Christmas charity event is a brilliant way to harness festive generosity and summer social vibes. With thoughtful planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create an unforgettable experience that brings people together for a good cause – no snow required!

Have you hosted a Christmas-in-summer event before? Share your tips or tag us in your photos!

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The That's Christmas Guide to How to Save for Christmas While Enjoying Summer

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe it’s never too early to start planning for the most magical time of year – even when you're in flip-flops instead of festive jumpers. 

Saving for Christmas during the summer months might sound a little premature, but it’s actually the perfect time to get ahead. 

And don’t worry – you can still enjoy the sunshine while setting yourself up for a stress-free December.

Here’s how to build your Christmas budget without missing out on summer fun:

1. Set a Realistic Christmas Budget

Work out how much you typically spend during the festive season – from presents and food to travel and decorations. Divide that total by the number of weeks until December and you’ve got your weekly savings goal. It’s much easier to tuck away £10 or £20 a week now than face a last-minute spending spree in December.

2. Open a Christmas-Only Savings Account

Treat your Christmas fund like you would a holiday fund. Open a separate savings account (many are free to open) or set up a ‘Christmas Pot’ in your banking app. Give it a name like “Festive Fund” or “Santa’s Stash” to keep yourself motivated. Set up an automatic transfer each payday – even small amounts add up fast.

3. Shop Smart with Summer Sales

Summer might not scream ‘Christmas shopping’, but there are some brilliant bargains to be had. Think ahead: books, toys, beauty sets, and even wrapping paper can be picked up at a discount now and stored away until December. You’ll thank yourself later when everyone else is panic-buying!

4. Embrace Budget-Friendly Summer Activities

The UK is full of free or low-cost summer experiences: coastal walks, village fêtes, free museum days, and garden picnics. Choosing affordable days out means you can enjoy the season while putting aside a little extra for Christmas.

5. Declutter and Sell to Boost Your Fund

Summer is a brilliant time for a pre-Christmas clear-out. Declutter wardrobes, toy boxes, or even the kitchen cupboards. Sell what you can via Facebook Marketplace, Vinted or eBay and pop those extra pounds straight into your Christmas pot.

6. Plan Your Christmas Travel Early

If you know you'll be travelling for Christmas, look into train fares or hotel bookings now. Advance bookings often mean better prices – and fewer December surprises.

7. Track Your Spending

With barbecues, holidays, and summer events, it’s easy to let spending run away with you. Keep an eye on your outgoings using a free budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet. Awareness helps you avoid overindulging and keeps your savings plan on track.

8. Make the Most of Loyalty Points and Cashback

Start collecting and saving supermarket loyalty points or cashback rewards. Come December, they can help cover the cost of festive food or last-minute gifts without touching your main budget.

Final Thought from the Elf-in-Chief: Summer is for sunshine, sandals, and spontaneous fun – but with a little planning, you can have a Christmas that’s just as joyful and financially stress-free. At That’s Christmas 365, we love the idea of spreading the joy (and cost!) all year round.

So go ahead – enjoy the sun, and save like Santa’s watching!

Planning a Christmas Holiday Away from Home: Tips for a Magical Getaway

There’s something undeniably magical about spending Christmas at home – but there’s also a growing trend of trading in the same four walls for festive adventures elsewhere. 

Whether you're dreaming of a snowy escape, a sun-drenched beach, or a cosy countryside cottage, planning a Christmas holiday away from home can be the perfect way to make the season extra special. 

Here's how to plan your festive getaway without losing the magic of the season.

Image: A bustling Christmas market adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

1. Choose Your Ideal Destination

Are you after a white Christmas in the mountains? A rustic UK countryside retreat? Or perhaps a sunny break in southern Europe? Your destination sets the tone for the whole experience.

UK Highlights:

Bath: Renowned for its historic architecture and the Bath Christmas Market, offering locally made gifts and festive treats.

York: A medieval city that transforms into a winter wonderland with its St Nicholas Fair.

Lake District: Offers a serene winter landscape, perfect for cosy retreats and scenic walks.

European Gems:

Vienna, Austria: Famous for its elegant Christmas markets and classical concerts.

Budapest, Hungary: Home to the Advent Feast at the Basilica, featuring light shows and artisanal crafts.

Tallinn, Estonia: Boasts one of Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets set against a medieval backdrop.

2. Book Early – Especially for Christmas!

The Christmas season is peak travel time. Flights, trains, hotels, and even self-catering cottages fill up fast, and prices can rise quickly. To get the best value and the widest choice, it’s best to book travel and accommodation several months in advance. If you’re aiming for a cosy holiday cottage or log cabin, many get snapped up by early autumn.

3. Consider Travel Logistics

Keep in mind that public transport often runs a reduced schedule over Christmas and New Year, and some services may not operate at all on Christmas Day. If you're not driving, make sure to double-check train and bus timetables. If you’re flying, allow extra time for airport security and holiday crowds. If you’re hiring a car abroad, make sure it's equipped for winter driving conditions.

4. Pack with the Season in Mind

Christmas away still means wrapping up warm (unless you’re chasing the sun!). Bring festive jumpers, a few decorations or fairy lights to make your space feel Christmassy, and don’t forget your presents! If you're flying, check airline restrictions for gifts and food. You might also want to bring a few familiar traditions with you – like stockings, a board game, or a Christmas playlist.

5. Plan Your Christmas Meals

One of the biggest concerns about being away is missing the traditional Christmas dinner. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, consider pre-ordering a festive food box from a UK supermarket or local farm shop near your destination. If you’re staying in a hotel or resort, book in advance for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals – they often require reservations well ahead of time.

6. Embrace the Local Festivities

Wherever you go, make a point to explore how the locals celebrate. Many towns across the UK and Europe host Christmas markets, carol concerts, light displays, and winter walks. These can be a magical way to feel festive even when you’re not at home. In some places, you may even experience unique traditions that you can bring back home next year.

7. Manage Expectations

A Christmas away from home will feel different – and that’s okay. Embrace the change and make new traditions. It’s a chance to enjoy quality time with loved ones, free from the pressure of hosting. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or solo, focus on creating memories rather than replicating everything exactly as you would at home.

Final Thought: Create a Christmas You’ll Always Remember

Christmas away doesn’t mean leaving the magic behind – it means discovering it in a new way. With a bit of planning and an open mind, your holiday season can be full of wonder, warmth, and the joy of something different. Whether you’re chasing snowflakes or sunshine, the most important part of Christmas is who you share it with – wherever in the world you may be.

Explore More:

Top 5 UK Family Christmas Breaks

https://bridgesandballoons.com/uk-family-christmas-breaks/

Best Christmas Markets in the UK for 2024

https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/christmas-markets-in-the-uk

Best Christmas Holiday Destinations in Europe for 2024

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/best-christmas-destinations-in-europe/

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Celebrating World Red Cross Day: How You Can Support Your Local Red Cross

Each year on 8 May, people around the world mark Red Cross Day, a celebration of the humanitarian work carried out by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The date also honours the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

What Is Red Cross Day?

Red Cross Day is not just a time to recognise the incredible global impact of the organisation, but also to reflect on the values it stands for—compassion, neutrality, independence, and voluntary service. From disaster response and emergency aid to supporting refugees and helping vulnerable people at home, the Red Cross is present wherever help is needed.

In the UK, the British Red Cross plays a vital role in communities large and small. Whether it's responding to house fires, providing mobility aids, teaching first aid, or supporting the NHS, the British Red Cross ensures help is always at hand.

How Can You Support Your Local Red Cross?

Whether you have time, resources, or simply goodwill to offer, there are many ways you can get involved and make a meaningful contribution to your local Red Cross branch.

1. Volunteer Your Time

The British Red Cross relies on thousands of volunteers across the UK. Roles vary from emergency response and refugee support to retail volunteering in Red Cross charity shops. If you have a few hours a week, your time could make a big difference.

Find local volunteering opportunities here: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

2. Donate

Monetary donations help fund emergency appeals and support vital services. You can make a one-off contribution or set up a regular gift. Every pound helps deliver practical support where it's most needed—whether that’s blankets after a house fire or food parcels during a crisis.

3. Fundraise in Your Community

From bake sales and sponsored walks to charity auctions and online events, fundraising can be as creative as you like. The British Red Cross offers toolkits and resources to help you get started, and even small events can have a big impact.

4. Learn First Aid

One of the most empowering ways to support the Red Cross is by learning life-saving skills. The British Red Cross offers free and paid first aid courses—ideal for individuals, families, or workplaces.

5. Shop or Donate Goods

Red Cross charity shops raise funds for essential services. Donating unwanted clothing, books, or homeware is a simple way to give back, and you can also support the cause by shopping second-hand.

6. Raise Awareness

Sharing stories, campaigns, and appeals from the British Red Cross on social media or within your community can help raise vital awareness. Every share helps amplify the message and bring more support to humanitarian causes.

This Red Cross Day: Act With Kindness

Red Cross Day isn’t just about remembering the legacy of a great humanitarian. It’s about continuing that legacy through small acts of kindness and collective action.

Supporting the Red Cross, whether locally or globally, is a reminder that compassion knows no borders—and that in times of crisis, solidarity is our greatest strength.

“The Red Cross is the symbol of hope, of kindness, and of humanity at its best. Let’s keep that spirit alive—today and every day.”