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Helping Your Customers (and Your Business) Through Tough Times: Why a Christmas Savings Club Makes Sense

As the cost of living continues to rise and economic uncertainty looms, both businesses and their customers are feeling the pressure.

In the face of these challenges, forward-thinking retailers are looking for practical ways to offer real value and build long-term loyalty. 

One such initiative is the Christmas savings club — a modern take on a trusted tradition that can make a significant difference for families planning ahead for the festive season.

But it doesn’t stop there. There are several ways your retail business can support customers while strengthening your own resilience in the market. Here's how.

1. The Christmas Savings Club: A Simple Solution with Big Impact

Christmas savings clubs have been a community staple in the UK for generations. The concept is simple: customers put aside a small amount of money each week or month throughout the year, then redeem it as vouchers, credit, or goods in your store in time for the festive season.

Benefits for customers:

Spreads the cost of Christmas, avoiding last-minute debt. For example, putting £10 a week into your savings club would, over a year, give your customer £520 toward the cost of their Christmas.

Offers peace of mind and a sense of control.

Encourages savings habits in a manageable, low-pressure way.

Benefits for your business:

Builds year-round engagement and customer loyalty.

Increases guaranteed footfall and festive period sales.

Helps with inventory forecasting and cash flow planning.

Tip: Make your club flexible — offer digital tracking, low minimum contributions, and rewards like a bonus for early sign-up or regular saving.

2. Offer Interest-Free Payment Plans

With many households watching every penny, flexible payment terms can be a lifeline. Offering interest-free instalment options on bigger-ticket items or bulk Christmas purchases (like toys, hampers, or electronics) can make your products more accessible without devaluing them.

Tools like Klarna, Clearpay, or your own in-house payment plan can be a practical way to support customers in spreading the cost over time.

3. Introduce a Loyalty or Points Scheme

Give something back to customers for sticking with you. A simple points-based system (e.g., spend £1, earn 1 point) that leads to discounts, vouchers, or even exclusive access to Christmas offers can foster loyalty and repeat visits.

In tough times, every little saving counts — and your customers will appreciate a retailer who recognises and rewards their custom.

4. Host Budget-Friendly Events and Workshops

Use your retail space (or online platforms) to host community-focused events. This could include:

Free festive craft or gift-wrapping workshops.

Christmas cooking on a budget demos.

Toy swaps or charity donation drives.

These low-cost or free events not only drive traffic to your store but also strengthen your role as a supportive part of the community.

5. Create a ‘Value Range’ or Highlight Budget Buys

Not every customer can splurge, especially in current times. Create a dedicated value section in your store or on your website featuring budget-friendly items for Christmas — whether it's gifts, décor, or food.

Clearly labelling multi-buy offers, value bundles, and affordable alternatives will help shoppers feel confident that they can celebrate without overspending.

6. Partner with Local Charities and Food Banks

Show your business’s commitment to the community by partnering with local organisations. Consider donation bins, "pay it forward" schemes, or matching customer donations with a small business contribution.

This kind of involvement builds goodwill and trust — and can make a real difference to those in need.

Running a Christmas savings club and offering thoughtful, community-minded support isn't just the right thing to do — it’s good business. In uncertain times, customers are more likely to stick with retailers who understand their reality and offer solutions that ease financial pressure without sacrificing the joy of the season.

By becoming a partner in your customers’ wellbeing, your retail establishment can build loyalty, generate goodwill, and secure a more stable, community-focused future.

How to Organise a Christmas Charity Event in Summer

Who says Christmas spirit is only for December? Hosting a Christmas charity event in summer is a fantastic way to raise funds for a good cause, inject some festive fun into the warmer months, and remind people that giving back is always in season. 

Whether you’re fundraising for a local food bank, children’s hospital, or a global cause, here’s how to bring the magic of Christmas to life — even in flip-flops.

1. Choose Your Cause and Set Clear Goals

Start with purpose. Decide what cause or charity your event will support and set specific, measurable goals. For example:

Raise £1,000 for a local animal shelter

Collect 500 toys for underprivileged children

Provide 200 meals for the homeless

Contact the chosen charity ahead of time to coordinate, promote the event together, and ensure your efforts align with their current needs.

2. Pick a Suitable Date and Venue

Aim for a weekend date during early or mid-summer when people are more likely to be free and the weather is relatively predictable.

Venue ideas:

Community centres

School fields

Church halls

Local parks

Your own garden (for smaller gatherings)

Make sure the venue has enough space, facilities, and accessibility for your expected turnout.

3. Create a “Summery” Christmas Theme

Mix festive traditions with summer vibes for an unforgettable theme. Think "Christmas in July" or "Santa on the Beach".

Decoration ideas:

Inflatable snowmen wearing sunglasses

Red-and-green bunting with palm leaves

Festive fairy lights strung around gazebos

Sand snowmen (yes, really!)

Encourage guests to dress up — Christmas jumpers are optional, but Santa hats and Hawaiian shirts? Perfect.

4. Plan Activities and Entertainment

A charity event needs attractions to draw a crowd. Blend traditional Christmas elements with summer favourites.

Fun activity ideas:

Christmas BBQ or picnic with festive treats

Summer carol karaoke

Santa’s Grotto (with a fan to keep the suit bearable!)

Craft stalls selling summer-Christmas fusion goodies

Raffles and tombolas with Christmassy prizes

Outdoor games with festive twists (e.g., reindeer ring toss)

5. Involve Local Businesses and Volunteers

Reach out to local businesses for sponsorships, donations, or services. Many will be keen to support charity work, especially if it gets them some positive local PR.

Ask for:

Raffle prizes

Catering support

Venue discounts

Volunteers for setup and cleanup

Promote their involvement on your flyers, social media, and banners at the event.

6. Promote Your Event Early

Use the surprise factor of a Christmas event in summer to your advantage with fun and creative marketing.

Promote via:

Facebook Events and local groups

Instagram Reels or TikTok videos showing “Summer Santa”

Flyers in community hubs (cafés, shops, schools)

Local press or radio

Your blog or website (hello SEO boost!)

Encourage pre-registration or ticket sales to estimate numbers and cover costs.

7. Prepare for Weather Surprises

Yes, it’s summer — but it’s also Britain. Have a wet weather plan, such as renting a marquee or choosing a venue with indoor options. If it’s hot, provide shaded areas, plenty of drinks, and sunscreen stations.

8. Keep It Eco and Budget-Friendly

Consider reusing Christmas decorations from December, encouraging attendees to bring reusable cups/plates, and sourcing supplies locally. Keep costs low so more money can go directly to your cause.

9. Capture the Festive Fun

Hire a photographer or set up a DIY photo booth with themed props. Share the photos online with your donation links to generate more support even after the event.

10. Follow Up and Say Thank You

After the event, thank everyone — attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and donors. Share how much was raised and how it will help the chosen cause. A heartfelt social media post or newsletter goes a long way.

Final Christmassy Thoughts

Organising a Christmas charity event in summer is a brilliant way to combine festive cheer with the feel-good factor of fundraising. With the right planning, a bit of creativity, and a splash of sunscreen, you’ll not only support a worthy cause but also give your community a truly memorable day.

Because the Christmas spirit should never take a holiday.

Eboracum Roman Festival brings centurions to the streets of York!

Return of the Romans! Eboracum Roman Festival brings centurions to the streets!

Saturday 24 May to Saturday 31 May 2025

The sound of a cornu, a type of traditional Roman horn, will resound around the streets of Eboracum this weekend (from Saturday 24 May) to mark eight days of family-friendly events, parades, tours and trails throughout modern-day York.

Eboracum Roman Festival is a long staple in York’s festival calendar, bringing the colour of the city’s Roman founders back to life. 

At the heart of the bank holiday weekend celebrations will be a free living history encampment in the Museum Gardens. A host of costumed characters, illustrating military and civilian lives, will set up camp on the central lawn, directly in front of the Yorkshire Museum, featuring Ermine Street Guard, Comitatus, Longthorpe Legion and Griffin Historical. The living history encampment runs from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

With plumed helmets and polished armour, Eboracum’s soldiers will display how fearsome these warriors would be when they parade from the Yorkshire Museum to York Minster on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 12 noon each day. 

The perfect photo opportunity, the march route leaves the Museum Gardens, heading up Lendal to St Helen’s Square, and then heading up Stonegate and through Minster Gates to muster outside the South Front. On Saturday, the return route heads through Bootham Bar.

“The military garrison sat at the centre of Eboracum, with civilians setting up home, and trade, in the areas around, and this is the foundation of the modern city we see today.

"During the Festival, visitors will be able to see both the military might and the trades, from carpentry and pottery to blacksmithing and even a Popina – a first century fast-food café,” comments Siona Mackelworth, Head of Audience and Programme for York Museums Trust.

“Inside the museum, we’re also hosting fun Roman-themed activities, from storytelling to mosaic-making, as well as a talk on Roman Coins by David Michaels in the Discovery Den.”

For those wishing to venture elsewhere in the city, from 29 – 31 May, costumed interpreters from Days Gone By will tell stories of York Minster’s connections to the Roman city, with crafts, handling objects and a Roman soldier on hand, too. Sessions run Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and are included within admission to York Minster (which is completely free for York residents).

At DIG in St Saviourgate, visitors will be able to make a Roman face pot, with sessions running daily from 24 – 31 May from 11am to 3pm, priced at £3 per person. Visitors to the attraction can also see the only skeleton in the world that is believed to show a lion bite on a gladiator! Normal admission prices apply.

A free Roman treasure hunt is also running each day throughout the city centre on 24, 25, 28, 29 and 30 May – an ideal way of keeping children occupied and engaged!

To discover the hidden Roman history of York there are walking tours in the centre of the city on 27, 28. 29, 30 and 31 May.

For those who are more academically-minded, the Festival also includes a host of talks featuring eminent Roman historian Mary Beard, York’s own Peter Addyman, CEO of York Archaeology David Jennings.

Also featured is Tom Moore of Durham University and Sophia Adams of the British Museum who will talk about the recent Melsonby Hoard iron age finds which are currently on display in the Yorkshire Museum. The latest archaeological research on Roman York will also be highlighted on 23 May 2025 with a special symposium at Tempest Anderson Hall.

https://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/roman-2025/

https://visityork.org/events/eboracum-roman-festival-2025

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Early Bird Guide to Christmas Shopping

While the rest of the world is still clinging to pumpkin spice and autumn leaves, savvy shoppers know that now is the perfect time to start planning for Christmas. 

Getting a head start on your festive shopping isn’t just smart—it can save you time, money, and stress when December rolls around.

Here’s your Early Bird Guide to Christmas Shopping, with tips to help you sail through the season like a sleigh on fresh snow.

1. Make Your List (and Check It Twice)

Before you start browsing the shops or clicking through online deals, take time to jot down who you're buying for. Include:

Family

Friends

Teachers or colleagues

Secret Santa recipients

Neighbours or delivery drivers (if you like to gift locally)

Also, set a rough budget for each person. It helps avoid overspending and keeps things manageable.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Start with what you can comfortably afford overall, then break it down by category: gifts, wrapping, decorations, food, and any travel costs. Spreading the cost over a few months rather than cramming it into December helps take the financial sting out of Christmas.

3. Take Advantage of Pre-Christmas Sales

Autumn brings a flurry of early deals: look out for:

Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales (late November)

Singles’ Day (11 November – especially popular for online deals)

Mid-season clearance sales at high street retailers

Discount codes from loyalty schemes or early access newsletters

Early birds often catch the best discounts—especially on popular toys and tech.

4. Go Personal with Gifts

Shopping early gives you the luxury of time to find or create thoughtful, personalised presents. Think:

Custom prints or illustrations

Monogrammed accessories

Handmade treats like jams, biscuits or DIY hampers

These often take longer to arrive or make, so the earlier you plan, the better the results.

5. Buy Wrapping and Cards Early Too

Don’t overlook the finishing touches. Stock up on:

Wrapping paper

Gift bags

Gift tags

Christmas cards and postage stamps

Many shops offer multipacks or early-bird discounts on stationery before the big rush starts. It also gives you time to send parcels to friends or family overseas.

6. Hide and Track Your Gifts

Start a “gift cupboard” or a box tucked out of sight. Label everything with the recipient’s name and keep a running list (either on paper or in a note-taking app) so you don’t double-buy or forget what you’ve already sorted.

Top tip: don’t forget where you’ve hidden things. It happens more than you think!

7. Don’t Forget Food Planning

If you’re hosting or contributing to festive meals, plan early. Many supermarkets open Christmas food pre-orders in autumn, and some independent producers offer early bird deals on:

Festive cheeses and charcuterie

Christmas puddings and cakes

Alcoholic gifts like gin, wine or liqueurs

Shopping early also helps you snag delivery slots before they disappear.

8. Enjoy the Season, Don’t Rush It

Most importantly, getting your Christmas shopping done early frees you up to enjoy December at a gentler pace—baking biscuits, watching festive films, sipping mulled wine, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Final Thoughts

Christmas doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. With a bit of planning and some early action, you can turn the festive period into a joyful, stress-free season. Whether you love a spreadsheet or just like ticking off a list with a cuppa in hand, the early bird approach is a gift to yourself.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Let us know your best early-bird tip in the comments!

Top 10 Christmas-Themed Summer Movies: A Festive Twist on Warm-Weather Watching

Just because the sun’s out and the days are long doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little holiday magic. 

Whether you're someone who celebrates Christmas all year round (just like us!) or you're simply looking for a cool dose of festive cheer during the summer heat, this list of Christmas-themed summer movies is for you. 

From tropical settings to sun-soaked sleigh bells, here are our top 10 picks to keep the holiday spirit alive—even in July.

1. Die Hard (1988)

Yes, it's debated—but it's undeniably set at Christmas. With palm trees, skyscrapers, and heat (literal and metaphorical), Die Hard gives us action-packed Christmas spirit in a summery Los Angeles setting.

2. Christmas in July (1940)

A charming classic with a summery setting and a heartwarming moral. When an office clerk is tricked into thinking he’s won a contest, he goes on a Christmas-style shopping spree—proving that holiday cheer isn’t just for December.

3. Holiday in the Sun (2001)

Mary-Kate and Ashley take Christmas to the Bahamas. While not a traditional Christmas movie, the holiday is mentioned—and the setting is unmistakably summery. Think pool parties, palm trees, and just a sprinkle of festive mystery.

4. Sunshine Christmas (1977)

This TV movie follows a man who leaves his snowy hometown for sunny Florida during the holidays. It’s a gentle, feel-good story about rediscovering the meaning of Christmas—even without the snow.

5. A California Christmas (2020)

Set on a sunny Californian ranch, this modern rom-com captures the contrast between a warm setting and the cold season. Expect charming banter, romance, and just enough festivity to give it Christmas-in-July appeal.

6. The Night Before (2015)

A raucous Christmas comedy with scenes that flash through all seasons, including a few summery vibes amidst the festive chaos. If you're after laughs and a touch of sentimentality, this one's for you.

7. Frozen (2013)

Okay, it’s literally the opposite of summer—but bear with us. The icy magic of Frozen makes it the perfect way to cool off on a hot day, and Olaf’s song “In Summer” is a hilariously ironic twist that ties the seasons together beautifully.

8. Gremlins (1984)

Set at Christmas but often watched year-round, Gremlins combines festive fun with spooky mischief. With scenes that don’t feel bound to winter, it’s a perfect choice for Christmas lovers who enjoy their holidays with a bit of chaos.

9. Last Holiday (2006)

Queen Latifah stars in this feel-good film set during the Christmas season, where she jets off to a European resort to live life to the fullest. With luxurious spa settings and sunshine galore, it’s a festive fantasy with warm-weather vibes.

10. Christmas Island (2023)

A Hallmark-style romantic comedy set in a tropical paradise during the holidays—yes, please! Palm trees, sandy beaches, and Santa hats make this one a top choice for Christmas fans longing for sun-soaked escapism.

Bonus Tip: Host a “Christmas in July” Movie Night

Why not go all in? String up some fairy lights, serve frozen hot chocolate or tropical mince pies, and watch a couple of these flicks for a festive-but-summery evening that brings the best of both worlds.

Do you have a favourite summer Christmas movie we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your Christmas in July celebrations using #ThatsChristmas365!

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How to Make Sure Your Business Is Ready for the Christmas Season

I know it's early and the festive season might seem far off, but for businesses such as yours, preparation starts early. Christmas is one of the most lucrative times of the year for many sectors, from retail and hospitality to logistics and eCommerce. 

Planning well in advance helps avoid last-minute panic and ensures your business makes the most of the seasonal surge.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your business Christmas-ready:

1. Review Last Year’s Performance

Start by analysing how your business performed last Christmas:

What were your bestsellers?

When did your busiest periods occur?

Were there any stock shortages, delivery delays, or staffing issues?

Learning from the past helps you make smarter decisions for the upcoming season.

2. Plan Stock and Inventory Early

Consumers start shopping earlier each year, so don’t wait until December to get festive stock in place.

Forecast demand based on past years and current trends.

Talk to suppliers early to confirm lead times and avoid supply chain issues.

Consider limited-edition Christmas products or gift bundles.

3. Get Your Website and Tech Ready

If you run an online store or booking system:

Optimise site speed to handle increased traffic.

Ensure mobile responsiveness.

Update Christmas shipping dates and returns policies.

Test payment systems and checkout processes.

Also, create a clear plan for customer service support across all digital platforms.

4. Create a Christmas Marketing Strategy

Marketing should be festive, focused, and well-timed. Your strategy might include:

A Christmas countdown or advent-themed campaign.

Email marketing with gift guides, discount codes, or seasonal offers.

Paid ads on Google or social media platforms.

Collaborations or giveaways with influencers or local partners.

Make sure branding is consistent across all touchpoints, from packaging to social posts.

5. Decorate and Embrace the Festive Spirit

Whether online or on the high street, presentation counts:

Update your website or social media profiles with festive graphics and banners.

Decorate your physical store to reflect your brand’s Christmas vibe.

Use music, lights, and in-store experiences to create a memorable shopping environment.

This builds atmosphere and helps get customers into the Christmas spirit.

6. Plan for Staffing and Rotas

Christmas can be hectic, so make sure you have:

Enough trained staff for busy periods.

A clear rota for extended hours or special events.

A contingency plan in case of illness or absence.

Offering seasonal incentives or bonuses can boost morale and productivity.

7. Don’t Forget Post-Christmas Plans

Once the rush is over, be ready for:

Boxing Day and January sales.

Handling returns and exchanges.

Clearing old stock and updating the site or store.

It’s also a great time to thank loyal customers with a New Year promotion or exclusive offer.

Final Thoughts

The key to a successful festive season is preparation. Whether you're a small independent retailer or a growing online brand, planning now can help ensure that Christmas isn’t just merry, but profitable too.