Reaching Out to Estranged Family Members in Time for Christmas

Christmas is often described as the season of togetherness, but for many, it can highlight distance instead. 

If you’re estranged from family members, the festive season can stir up emotions, nostalgia, regret, longing, or even fear. 

While not every rift can or should be healed, Christmas can be a meaningful time to consider whether reaching out is right for you.

Here are some gentle, practical steps if you’re thinking about reconnecting:

1. Reflect Before Reaching Out

Before sending that card, message, or making a phone call, take a moment to ask yourself what you truly want. Is it reconciliation, a simple hello, or just letting them know you’re thinking of them? Clarity will help you approach the situation with calm and purpose.

2. Start Small

A simple Christmas card or message can be a less intimidating first step than a phone call or visit. You could write something like:

“I’ve been thinking of you this Christmas and hope you are well. If you’d like to reconnect, I’d love to hear from you.”

This opens the door gently, without placing pressure on the other person.

3. Manage Expectations

Estrangement often comes with hurt and history. One message may not erase years of distance. Be prepared for different outcomes—they may respond warmly, take time, or not respond at all. Protecting your own emotions while leaving space for theirs is key.

4. Use Neutral Ground

If both parties are willing, suggest meeting somewhere neutral, like a café or park. This reduces pressure and creates a safe space for conversation. Avoid jumping straight into family gatherings, which can feel overwhelming.

5. Focus on the Present

Try to keep your communication centred on now and the future, rather than rehashing old arguments. Sharing simple updates about your life and asking about theirs can help rebuild a foundation without reopening wounds too quickly.

6. Respect Boundaries—Including Your Own

Not all family rifts can or should be mended. If contact risks harming your wellbeing, it’s perfectly valid to prioritise your own peace. Similarly, if your relative isn’t ready to reconnect, respect their space.

7. Create Your Own Christmas Traditions

Even if reconciliation doesn’t happen, you can still embrace the spirit of Christmas. Surround yourself with friends, chosen family, and rituals that bring comfort. Love and connection don’t have to be limited to blood ties.

Reaching out to estranged family at Christmas can be daunting, but it also offers the possibility of healing, closure, or at least kindness. 

Whether your attempt leads to a renewed relationship or simply the knowledge that you tried, you’re honouring both the season and yourself.

Some useful resources:-

https://buttleuk.org/news/news-list/surviving-estrangement-interview-with-a-young-person

https://www.thecalmzone.net

https://www.standalone.org.uk

https://family-action.org.uk

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/family-tracing

https://www.samaritans.org

https://breakaway.org.uk

George & Joseph launches delectable trio of Christmas cheese gift boxes

Artisan fromage specialist unveils limited-edition boxes of British cheese perfect for the festive season

As winter weaves its sparkling magic and seasonal spirits rise, there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas togetherness than to unwrap the magic of artisan British cheeses. 

Cue George & Joseph’s trio of festive cheese gift boxes, each offering a delicious, taste-bud-tingling experience for food lovers, party hosts and cheese curious nibblers alike.

Thoughtfully curated by Yorkshire-based artisanal cheesemonger Stephen Fleming, each festive selection provides a delectable assortment of both traditional British staple cheeses and flavourful interpretations of continental classics, all of which celebrate the finest producers from across Yorkshire and beyond.

Meet George & Joseph’s Christmas cheese gift boxes:

The Cheese Curious Selection (£30.00|Approx. 880g)

Ideal for those ready to explore the world of artisan cheese, The Cheese Curious Selection is made for the cheese lover who wants something a little different - think raw milk cheddar, fluffy softies and funky little numbers you won’t find in the supermarket. Curious? You’re in good company. The box includes;

Yoredale 250g

A crumbly, creamy cheese from the Yorkshire Dales - like a really good Wensleydale with a clean, lemony zing.

Pitchfork Cheddar 250g

A big, buttery, clothbound cheddar with savoury depth and a satisfying crunch. Proper West Country stuff.

St. Jude 100g

A little cloud of a cheese from Suffolk. Wrinkly on the outside, lactic and light on the inside. Spoonable, snackable and special.

Baby Burt 180g

Mini in size, mighty in flavour. This washed-rind softie brings gentle funk and creamy indulgence in equal measure.

Homegrown Heroes (£35.00|Approx. 900g)

Say bonjour to brilliant British cheeses inspired by European greats. From gooey soft and nutty alpine to creamy blue and citrussy goat, the Homegrown Heroes Festive Cheese Gift Box is a celebration of homegrown talent doing things their own (very tasty) way. It includes;

Little Rollright 200g 

Inspired by Vagcherin Mont d'Or, this washed-rind wonder from the Cotswolds is a spoonable sensation. Wrapped in spruce and gloriously gooey, it’s got a gentle funk and a rich, savoury core. Bake it and scoop it up with festive flair, it’s a dreamy soft cheese that gives good hugs.

Bidlea Blue 250g

Think Spain’s Picos de Europa but from the heart of Cheshire. This creamy blue brings bold salty tang and earthy depths, balanced with a luscious texture. Made with milk from Bidlea’s own herd, it’s a standout on any cheeseboard - especially with a drizzle of honey or a sip of sweet sherry.

Summer Field 250g

Yorkshire’s answer to Comté, this Alpine-style stunner is made on the North York Moors with organic milk from a small herd of Dairy Shorthorns. Expect nutty sweetness, grassy undertones and a satisfyingly savoury finish. It's like hiking through the Alps - if the Alps had more tea and cake and northern soul.

Dorstone 200g 

A British goat’s cheese that channels the elegance of French lactic styles. Coated in ash and aged to perfection, Dorstone is light, citrusy and delightfully moreish. Like Sainte-Maure de Touraine’s younger, sassier cousin who wears Doc Martens to the vineyard.

The Proper Christmas Cheeseboard (£40.00|Approx. 1kg)

The ultimate festive line-up featuring traditional British classics perfect for any Christmas table. Think big flavours, big names and guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Bring out the crackers (and the port) because The Proper Christmas Cheeseboard means business.

Baron Bigod 250g

A British Brie-style soft cheese with a buttery middle and mushroomy edge. Luxurious and ready to impress.

Colston Bassett Stilton 250g

The king of blues - creamy, mellow and perfectly balanced. This is Stilton at its finest.

Quicke’s Mature Cheddar 250g

Rich, crumbly and deeply savoury. Clothbound and aged for over a year, it’s a proper slice of Devon.

Kirkham’s Lancashire 250g

Bright, buttery and beautifully crumbly. The last of its kind and a total cheesemonger’s favourite.

Whether gracing your own Christmas cheeseboard or being gifted to the curd nerd in your life, the George & Joseph Christmas cheese gift boxes promise to deliver seasonal joy, one slice at a time. 

The ultimate stocking stuffer, hostess gift or centrepiece for your Christmas table, each box is available to order from 1 September at www.georgeandjoseph.co.uk. The boxes are limited in availability and customers can choose to either pick up their order in-store, have it delivered locally for a small charge or nationwide with DPD on a date that suits them.

George & Joseph Cheesemongers in Chapel Allerton has been proudly championing Yorkshire producers since opening in 2013, and stocks a wide range of artisan cheeses from across the region and beyond. 

Swizzels Advent Calendar Launching Soon

British sweet maker Swizzels has just launched its brand-new 2025 Advent Calendar. Packed with 24 of its much-loved treats and showcasing a fresh, festive new look for 2025, this advent calendar is ideal for families and sweet lovers alike.

Inside, you’ll find a delicious selection of Swizzels favourites: from Love Hearts and Squashies to Drumstick Chews, Refreshers, and more - making it the perfect way to add a little nostalgic joy to December mornings.

With an RRP of £6, it’s a truly affordable festive must-have and will be available from mid-September at major retailers including Asda, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, and via wholesale.

Preparing for Christmas in Early September: Why It’s Never Too Soon to Start

It may feel as though the summer has only just wound down, but for many, early September marks the quiet start of the Christmas season. 

Shops are beginning to tuck a few festive treats onto their shelves, supermarkets are planning seasonal ranges, and households up and down the country are quietly making lists (and checking them twice!). 

Starting your preparations now can make December less stressful and far more enjoyable.

Why Start in September?

Less Stress, More Joy – Tackling things bit by bit helps you avoid the last-minute rush.

Spreading the Cost – Picking up gifts, decorations, and food gradually helps ease the financial burden.

Better Choice – The early bird really does catch the worm: limited-edition items and popular toys are more likely to be in stock.

Time for Homemade Touches – From crafting decorations to making Christmas cakes and puddings, September gives you a head start.

Key Preparations to Begin Now

1. Make Your Christmas List

Start jotting down names for gifts, who you’ll be sending cards to, and any festive gatherings you’ll host. Having a plan helps you stay organised.

2. Budget and Save

Create a Christmas budget in September. Work out what you can afford and begin spreading purchases across the coming weeks.

3. Get a Head Start on Gifts

Keep an eye out for early sales, back-to-school discounts, and special offers. Even one or two presents bought now will ease December’s shopping load.

4. Stock the Pantry

Staples such as dried fruit, mincemeat, flour, and spices will all keep beautifully. Picking them up now means you’ll be ready for festive baking.

5. Plan Your Decorations

Whether you’re looking to try a new colour scheme, upgrade your lights, or simply need a few fresh baubles, early September is the time to plan your look.

6. Start Crafting and DIY Projects

Homemade decorations, knitted gifts, and even advent calendars take time. Begin in September and you’ll enjoy the process rather than rushing.

7. Book Experiences Early

Christmas markets, pantomimes, Santa’s grottos, and festive train rides all sell out quickly. Secure your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

A Gentle Seasonal Shift

Preparing for Christmas in September doesn’t mean diving headfirst into tinsel and carols (unless you want to!). Think of it as laying the groundwork for a calm, magical festive season. By getting ahead, you give yourself more time to savour the real joys of Christmas: being with loved ones, sharing good food, and making memories.

After all, when December rolls around, wouldn’t you rather be sipping mulled wine by the tree than dashing through the shops in a panic?

The Elf on the Shelf: A Modern Christmas Tradition Full of Magic and Mischief

One of the most enchanting Christmas traditions to capture the hearts of families everywhere in recent years is the Elf on the Shelf. 

What began as a sweet little storybook and toy has grown into a full-blown festive phenomenon, bringing with it laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief during December.

A Magical Adoption

When you welcome an Elf on the Shelf into your home, it’s not just another Christmas decoration – it’s an experience. Each elf comes with an official adoption certificate, meaning your elf is now truly part of the family. 

Children delight in giving their elf a special name, cementing the feeling that this festive visitor has come straight from the North Pole. (Our Elf is called Harvey and has made friends with our cat!)

Cute, Quirky, and Full of Personality

It’s hard to resist the charm of these little red-suited elves. With their cheeky grins and twinkling eyes, they look ready to get into all sorts of adventures.

 Every morning, children race to see what their elf has been up to overnight, whether it’s dangling from the lampshade, hiding in the fridge, or leaving a sprinkle of glitter on the kitchen counter.

The Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kit

To make the magic even easier for parents, there’s now the Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kit – a brilliant box filled with high-quality accessories and props. 

This kit is a lifesaver for busy mums and dads who want to keep the festive fun flowing without spending hours scratching their heads for ideas.

Packed with clever, ready-to-use props, the kit helps elves create all sorts of imaginative scenarios – from mini games and pranks to cosy Christmassy setups. The quality is impressive too: sturdy pieces, lovely detail, and reusable accessories that can be enjoyed year after year.

Why Families Love the Tradition

What makes Elf on the Shelf so popular is how it brings families together. Children wake up full of excitement, parents rediscover their creative spark, and everyone shares in the laughter. It’s a tradition that builds lasting memories, one cheeky elf antic at a time.

If you’ve not yet welcomed an elf into your home, this could be the year to start. With the adoption certificate, the adorable elf itself, and the help of the Ideas Kit, you’re set for a December filled with fun, giggles, and plenty of Christmas magic.

The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is £19.95.

 The Elf on the Shelf® Polar Props™ 24-Day Ultimate Elf Ideas Kit is £32.95 

https://elfontheshelf.co.uk

Bored with Christmas Puddings and Cakes? Delicious Alternatives to Try This Festive Season

For many, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the familiar traditions of a rich Christmas pudding or a dense, fruit-laden Christmas cake. 

But what if you’re not a fan of heavy dried fruit, suet, or rich marzipan? Or perhaps you just fancy shaking things up a little this year? 

The good news is, there are plenty of festive alternatives that are every bit as celebratory, yet lighter, fresher, or just a bit different.

1. Festive Cheesecakes

A baked or chilled cheesecake can be a show-stopper on your Christmas table. Flavours such as spiced orange, cranberry, gingerbread, or even a boozy Baileys cheesecake bring seasonal flair without the heaviness of traditional puds. Decorate with sugared cranberries, candied peel, or chocolate curls for a festive finish.

2. Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

This classic French dessert is already popular in many British households, and for good reason. A light sponge rolled with buttercream and coated in chocolate ganache makes for a decadent yet not-too-heavy treat. You can also play with flavours—hazelnut praline, black forest, or even peppermint for a refreshing twist.

3. Panettone or Pandoro

Italian Christmas breads like panettone (filled with dried fruits or chocolate chips) and pandoro (a buttery golden cake dusted with icing sugar) are lighter alternatives that pair perfectly with a glass of prosecco or a hot coffee on Christmas Day.

4. Pavlova with Winter Fruits

For something refreshing, a crisp meringue base topped with whipped cream and jewel-like fruits such as pomegranate seeds, clementines, or passionfruit is a colourful alternative that adds a touch of sunshine to a winter’s table.

5. Spiced Layer Cakes

Swap the dense fruitcake for a lighter sponge flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Think carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or a ginger and pear cake drizzled with caramel sauce. You’ll still get that warm, spiced festive feel, but with a lighter bite.

6. Trifles with a Twist

Traditional trifles can be reimagined with festive flavours—gingerbread, black forest, or tiramisu-inspired layers. Individual servings in glass jars also make for a pretty and practical way to serve dessert at parties.

7. Ice Cream or Frozen Desserts

Not everyone wants something warm and heavy after a roast dinner. Frozen treats like spiced cinnamon ice cream, cranberry sorbet, or even a semifreddo studded with nuts and chocolate can make a refreshing end to the feast.

8. Scandinavian or German Bakes

Stollen, with its marzipan centre and dusting of icing sugar, or the Scandinavian kransekake (an almond ring cake) bring European flair to the table. These can be served in smaller slices alongside coffee or mulled wine.

Final Thoughts

Christmas traditions evolve, and so can your festive menu. If you find yourself bored with the same old pudding or cake, why not try one of these alternatives? 

Whether you lean towards lighter fruity desserts, chocolate indulgences, or festive international flavours, you’ll still capture the joy of the season—without the pressure to follow tradition to the letter.

Life Postpartum. The Ideal Christmas Gift For the Mums in Your Life

With the festive period just around the corner, postpartum wellbeing brand, Life Postpartum, offers a selection of truly special gifts for anyone looking to support a loved one who is expecting or has recently welcomed a baby.

Created by mums, for mums, Life Postpartum is an online subscription platform that provides mothers with expert-led physical, nutritional and emotional support for up to a year after birth, a time when many women feel forgotten once the initial six to eight weeks of standard postnatal care have passed.

With expert input from physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, hormone specialists and midwives, a Life Postpartum subscription includes:

● Personalised recovery and exercise plans

● Tailored nutritional guidance and recipes to restore depleted energy and nutrients

● 24/7 access to live and on-demand sessions

● Midwife-led baby advice

● A beautifully curated care package of nutrient-rich treats, books, and self-care products (included with the annual membership)

Whether it’s for your wife, daughter, granddaughter, niece or friend, Life Postpartum is more than a present - it’s a lifeline for new mums at Christmas and beyond.

The Gift Package includes

● Matrescence by Lucy Jones

● The Life Spice Blend (40g)

● The Life Granola Blend

(100g)

● Gratitude & Affirmation card deck

● NutraMother Tea from NutraTea

● Annual membership to Life Postpartum - instant access to over 300 hours of on-demand, expert-led physical, nutritional, emotional and hormonal support.

Stocking fillers…

The Life Granola

Blend (500g)

RRP: £8.99

Handmade by their nutritional consultant and chef Melanie Hadida, this small-batch granola is thoughtfully formulated to balance energy, support hormonal health, and aid recovery.

The Life Blend (40g - 100g) RRP: £4.99 – £9.99

Perfect for adding to curries, as well as teas and warm milk, this blend is crafted with warming, restorative spices to gently nourish from within. 

To learn more and to check on prices, etc, visit https://www.lifepostpartum.com/membership/

It's Gin, but Without the Hangover. For Your Christmas Parties Meet Clean G!

OK, so it's cocktail time for your next Christmas or New Year party, you have the vodkas, the Scotch, the bottled IPAs that Uncle Kevin loves... but what about those not drinking alcohol? 

For example the total abstainers? Cousin Sue who is pregnant with twins? What are they supposed to drink? That dreadful sugar-free diet orange squash that always puts a film on your teeth? Maybe a tonic without the gin? Canned pre-mixed drinks that look radioactive in the glass?

Not anymore! Because now, everyone can spend an absolutely delightful Christmas and New Year enjoying cocktails and straight drinks without getting sick, hungover or risking a driving ban. How? Meet CleanCo!

CleanCo was founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews a TV personality, entrepreneur and podcaster. Spencer decided that he didn't want to drink alcohol any more but was irritated that the alcohol free choices available to him where soft drinks, water or mocktails that really were not that enjoyable.

So like many inventive people before him, when Spencer realised that as there weren't any suitable alternatives he would set out to create them. And after much research, experimentation, blending and testing CleanCo was founded.

But CleanCo state very firmly that the company is not anti-alcohol in any way. They are just pro-choice and pro the idea of being able to enjoy several G&Ts after your evening meal or after the Christmas feasting without waking up with a hangover and a thumping headache!

So, what's available for your Christmas drinks table?

CleanG which is a very tasty dry gin which has delicious notes of juniper, citrus fruits and herbal essences. My wife described this as an exceptionally clean gin-style drink that had definite digestion calming effects. "Don't forget, gin was originally sold as a medicine for stomach ailments," she told me.

There's also CleanG Rhubarb, a rhubarb flavoured version. 

CleanR is a delightful spiced rum, crafted to have a comparable mouthfeel an flavour to rum with alcohol, it's excellent for making perfect recreations of your rum cocktails but with no nasty hangovers!

CleanT is an alcohol-free Tequila, which has all of the Tequila taste with none of the after-effects when blended to make lovely acohol-free cocktails.

CleanW is an alcohol-free whiskey which has bold oakwood, orange, and vanilla notes with a smooth and spicy finish. Ideal with a splash of tonic water or in a whiskey cocktail.

CleanV is a vodka with the alcohol. Carefully blended to replicate the taste and mouthfeel of vodka, it has a crisp wheat and rye spirit with a peppery and spicy finish. Ideal for those hangover-free cocktails on Christmas morning!

After tasting her first glass of CleanG my wife expressed her opinion that she thought it would be about £45 a bottle. 

She was suitable impressed when she discovered that each 75cl bottle actually retails at £16.00 a bottle, as do all the other drinks in their range. And you can save money by signing up for a subscription, too, with a 10% discount.

But you can also buy CleanCo products as part of your regular shopping runs including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsburys, ASDA, Morrisons and Ocado, as well as a range of independent bottle shops.  

Also check out bars, restaurants and experiential venues across the country too. Find the full list here https://clean.co/pages/store-locations

https://clean.co

You'll also find a fantastic range of cocktails here https://clean.co/blogs/clean-cocktails

Play in CHOC is the ideal chocolate gift for Christmas

It can be really hard to find chocolate that is inclusive for all children and adults who different dietary requirements.

Rather than waste time trying to sort out different types of chocolate for different dietary requirements for all of the people you are buying for, all you need do is to ensure that you source all your chocolates for Christmas from Play in Choc.

Why are we suggesting this? Because Play in CHOC have carefully and lovingly crafted some of the smoothest, most delicious chocolates we have ever tasted.

Their chocolate is guaranteed free from the top 14 allergens and uses only three plant ingredients using cacao, coconut and vanilla. 

They are 100% vegan, fully dairy-free & 100% organic, so everyone can enjoy great-tasting, award-winning chocolate which is 14 allergen free without even a hint of guilt.

But there's much, much more than that, because Play in CHOC combines their delicious chocolate with some absolutely amazing toys!

You can combine the excitement of playing & eating chocolate with their ToyChoc Boxes. Enjoy delicious dairy-free & allergy-free organic chocolate with a collectable 3D cardboard animal puzzle toy to assemble and a fun facts card. 

Their toys include endangered animals, dinosaurs, woodland animals,  rabbits & Christmas characters. Play, learn & eat delicious chocolate at the same time.

There are also chocolates, Pic Gift Sets and Gift Cards, too.

Let us remove the stress of finding the perfect chocolate by simply browsing through their stunning chocolate collections!

And they claim with justifiable pride to be fully sustainable. 

https://playinchoc.com/

Doggedly looking for Canine Christmas Gifts? Pointer Christmas Gift Guide Shows You the Way

If you’re looking for the perfect dog friendly gift this Christmas, then look no further than Pointer – a British-based dog treat company with a range of tasty festive snacks on the menu this year.   

Born in South Yorkshire in the 1950s, Pointer is now based in the heart of Lincolnshire and stocked across the whole of the UK. 

As a leading biscuiteer, they still bake their treats in their family-run farm bakery, using ingredients harvested from their very own fields.

Their products are created by a family of dog lovers, for the well-loved dogs in your family. 

From advent calendars to crackers, share some Christmas spirit The Pointer Way this year. Their festive range includes: 

Pointer Dog Advent Calendar- can't wait till the big day? Give your dog a daily taste of Christmas from December 1st! Filled with crunchy carob and cheese flavoured bones, this Countdown Calendar is the perfect way to include your dog in the festive excitement.  

Pointer Christmas Cracker- Stuffed with crunchy turkey and cranberry flavoured shapes, don’t let your furry friend miss out on all of the Christmas cracker fun!  

Pointer Christmas Selection- Want to spoil your dog this festive season? Well Pointer’s 10kg box of Turkey & Cranberry flavoured biscuits is the perfect way to stay stocked up with festive treats! 

Made with real turkey and oven-baked to perfection – it’ll be hard to resist woofing these down. 

Pointer Christmas Hamper- can't decide? Fill your pup’s stocking with a paw-fect selection of an advent calendar, Christmas cracker, hand iced bone, and a card from the Pointer family! 

https://www.pointerpetfoods.co.uk