How to keep your floors clean over Christmas, according to the experts

Christmas brings extra guests, spills, and wear and tear to our homes and it can be a challenging time to keep floors clean, protected and looking their best. 

Whatever type of flooring you have in your home Alex Heslop, Trend Expert from Flooring Superstore, shares their tips with That's Christmas on how to preserve your flooring from spillages, Christmas tree pine needles and the influx of visitors over the festive season.

Real wood floors

“Hardwood floors are extremely durable, but they aren’t immune to spills, scratches and stains, so it pays to be mindful over the festive season to keep your home looking its best for Christmas guests and beyond.

“Prevention is always the best approach, so small steps like encouraging house guests to remove their shoes and ensuring doormats are placed by exterior doors can help a lot in capturing mud and debris from shoes, which can scratch your wooden flooring.

“Keep an eye out for pine needles and even tree sap falling from your Christmas tree onto the flooringbeneath. Keeping on top of vacuuming under the tree, wiping away any sap with a warm soapy damp cloth should do the trick and ensure the finish on your floor is preserved. 

"Wipe up spills as soon as you’re able to, again a soft damp cloth will suffice and will ensure your flooring doesn’t suffer from moisture damage. Avoid abrasive cleaning products, wet mops and steam cleaners on real wood as it can dull the finish and cause warping over time.”

Carpet

“Carpets are inevitably more susceptible to stains than other flooring types so aim to tackle spillages quickly, before they have time to soak in fully. Always blot the liquid rather than rubbing it, as this can further embed the liquid into the fibres and increase the chances of it staining. 

Avoid ‘hacks’ made popular on social media such as carpet scraping, which can cause lasting damage. Before Christmas get togethers, consider using a carpet protecter, which can help repel stains, as an extra precaution.

“You may wish to up your vacuuming schedule over the festive season, to prevent a build-up of dirt. After the busy period has subsided a specialist carpet steam cleaner as part of a more thorough January clean could be worthwhile.

“Some carpet materials are better equipped to tackle stains – wool for example is resilient and naturally stain resistant. Flooring Superstore’s Windermere Carpet in Honeycomb features a perfect blend of honey and fawn shades and is made from a hardwearing quality loop pile wool material.”

Wood-effect flooring

“Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are durable and have added waterproof properties, so these flooringtypes are great for withstanding the greater wear and tear which comes hand in hand with the festive season. 

Avoid cleaning spillages with very hot water as this can impact the finish and warp the boards. Abrasive cleaners could also scratch and dull the finish or even leave a residue which dulls the finish and makes it slippery to walk on.  

“A damp cloth with soapy water will usually suffice when it comes to tackling spillages. LVT ranges such as Flooring Superstore’s Asenso range offers multiple benefits when it comes to easy cleaning being waterproof, scratch resistant and easy to maintain, making it both practical and a stylish choice for any room in the house with added protection against spillages.”

That's Christmas would like to thank Alex and Flooring Superstore for their help.

https://www.flooringsuperstore.com

Pre-Christmas Home Cleaning: Don’t Panic! We'll Help You

Even Mrs Claus has to get ready

The countdown is on: Christmas and New Year are fast approaching. 

You can already picture it—a house full of guests, the table piled high with festive food, glasses clinking, children tearing into presents. 

But wait—before the sparkle, there’s the not-so-glamorous task of getting your home ready. Yes, that means cleaning.

Don’t panic! You’re not alone in staring at windows smudged from summer dust storms, carpets that have seen better days, and the mysterious dust kitties lurking under the furniture. 

After a long summer of holidays, days out, and even Sahara sandstorms depositing a fine layer across your windowsills, our homes can start to look a little less than magical. 

The good news? A pre-Christmas cleaning blitz can turn everything around and leave you ready to welcome family and friends with pride.

Where to Start

Think of it as a festive reset rather than a chore. A few key jobs done now will make your Christmas season so much smoother.

Windows – Let in as much winter light as possible by polishing away summer grime. You’ll be amazed at how much brighter the room feels with sparkling panes.

Carpets and Upholstery – Whether it’s hiring a carpet cleaner, using a home shampoo system, or calling in the professionals, a deep clean will freshen up the house and help banish those mystery stains. Furniture fabrics can benefit from a quick spruce-up too.

Floors and Furniture – A polish here, a wax there, and suddenly the wood glows like new. Perfect when you’re setting the Christmas tree in pride of place.

Fridge and Freezer – Defrost and clean now, so you’ll have space for all those festive goodies. A tidy fridge is your best friend when the Christmas shop arrives.

Kitchen and Bathroom – A good scrub of the areas your guests will notice most. Eco-friendly sprays, steam mops, and sustainable cleaning liquids are great options if you want to keep the process green.

Dishwasher Duties – Aunt Trudy’s dust-covered wedding gift dinner set (that only makes its appearance at Christmas) deserves to sparkle. Run it through a fresh cycle before the big day.

Cleaning Products to Consider

That’s Christmas will be showcasing a selection of products in our Pre-Christmas Cleaning Feature. From eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to furniture polishes, carpet shampoos, and multi-surface sprays, we’ll help you find the right kit for every corner of your home. Expect to see:

Carpet and upholstery cleaners

Floor polishes and furniture waxes

Kitchen and bathroom sprays and liquids

Steam mops and sustainable cleaning gadgets

Eco-friendly and biodegradable options

Dishwasher tablets and rinse aids

The Festive Pay-Off

Yes, it’s work, but the pay-off is worth it. When your guests arrive and comment on how bright, fresh, and welcoming your home feels, you’ll know the effort paid off. 

With everything sparkling clean, you can focus on what really matters—enjoying the festive season, creating memories, and tucking into that Christmas pudding.

So, take a deep breath, grab your mop (steam-powered, if you prefer), and remember—this isn’t just cleaning. It’s laying the groundwork for a magical Christmas.

10 Christmas Gifts You Can Start Making Today with What You Already Have

Christmas is coming, and if you want to give thoughtful presents without breaking the bank, now is the time to get started. 

The best part? You don’t need to buy new tools or fancy equipment — the skills and supplies you already have can be transformed into beautiful, personal gifts. Here are 10 ideas to inspire you.

1. Homemade Biscuits or Fudge

If you enjoy baking, whip up a batch of biscuits, fudge, or truffles. Pop them into a recycled tin or a jar tied with ribbon for a festive finish.

2. Knitted or Crocheted Scarves

Got spare yarn? A simple scarf, hat, or pair of gloves makes a cosy and practical present. Even beginners can manage a chunky scarf before Christmas arrives.

3. Personalised Jams and Chutneys

If you’ve been preserving fruits or making chutneys, label your jars with festive tags. These gifts always go down well with cheese boards and Christmas dinners.

4. Photo Scrapbooks or Albums

Gather favourite family photos, print them out, and create a scrapbook. Add handwritten notes or memories for a heartfelt touch.

5. Handmade Christmas Ornaments

Use salt dough, felt, or recycled materials to craft ornaments. They’re simple to make, and every year they’ll remind the recipient of you.

6. Wooden Bird Boxes or Candle Holders

If you’re handy with woodworking, put offcuts to good use. A rustic bird box or candle holder makes a charming gift.

7. Recipe Jars

Layer the dry ingredients for brownies, cookies, or pancakes in a glass jar. Finish with a handwritten label explaining how to bake them.

8. Framed Artwork or Digital Prints

If you can draw, paint, or design, create small pieces of art. Print them out and frame them for affordable but personal gifts.

9. Homemade Candles

Even if you don’t have a candle-making kit, you can recycle old candles into new ones using jars or mugs as holders. Add spices like cinnamon for a festive scent.

10. Personalised Gift Hampers

Gather a few small homemade items — like biscuits, jams, or candles — and bundle them into a basket. Add a handwritten tag for a finishing touch.

Final Tip: Presentation Matters

You don’t need fancy wrapping. Brown paper, twine, and sprigs of greenery give gifts a rustic, festive feel. Handwritten notes or tags add the personal touch that makes homemade gifts so special.

Get Started Now: Making Personal Christmas Gifts with the Skills and Equipment You Already Have

Christmas always seems to creep up faster than we expect. One moment it’s summer barbecues, a touch of sunburn and hosepipe bans... and the next it’s mince pies and carols on the radio. 

If you’re hoping to give personal, handmade gifts this year, the time to start is now. The good news? You don’t need to buy fancy equipment or take up a new craft to make something meaningful. 

Often, the skills and tools you already have are more than enough to create thoughtful presents.

Why Start Now?

Homemade gifts take time. Whether you’re knitting a scarf, baking festive biscuits, or compiling a scrapbook, the earlier you begin, the more relaxed and enjoyable the process will be. Starting in autumn means no last-minute panic and plenty of room for creativity.

Take Stock of Your Skills

Think about what you already know how to do:

Cooking & Baking: Biscuits, jams, chutneys, or infused oils all make brilliant edible gifts. A ribbon-tied jar instantly looks festive.

Sewing or Knitting: From cushion covers to cosy scarves, handmade textiles are always appreciated.

Woodworking or DIY: A simple bird box, candle holder, or photo frame could become a treasured keepsake.

Art & Design: Sketches, paintings, or even digital art prints can be framed for a personal touch.

Writing: A short story, poem, or a collection of favourite family recipes can be turned into a booklet or zine.

You don’t need to be a professional. The charm of homemade gifts lies in their individuality.

Use What You Already Have

Before rushing out to buy supplies, check your cupboards and craft drawers. Half-used yarn, spare fabric, a stash of paper, or even old jars can be transformed with a little creativity. Repurposing not only saves money but makes your gifts more sustainable.

Simple Gift Ideas to Try

Recipe Jars: Layer dry ingredients for biscuits or brownies in a glass jar, add a handwritten tag with instructions.

Photo Albums: Print out family photos and arrange them in a scrapbook with captions.

Handmade Ornaments: Salt dough, felt, or paper ornaments are easy to make and perfect for Christmas trees.

Personalised Hampers: Gather small homemade items (like candles, jams, or biscuits) and package them together.

Digital Gifts: Design printable calendars, recipe cards, or artwork to send by email or on a memory stick.

Add the Finishing Touches

Presentation is key. Use brown paper, string, and a sprig of holly for rustic wrapping, or upcycle last year’s gift bags. Handwritten labels and tags make even the simplest gift feel special.

Enjoy the Process

Handmade gifts aren’t about perfection—they’re about care and thoughtfulness. By starting now, you give yourself space to experiment, enjoy the making, and avoid festive stress.

This Christmas, use the skills you already have and turn your talents into gifts that are as meaningful to give as they are to receive.

In the next blogpost we'll give you a list of ten Christmas craft items you can try yourself.

Organising Arts-Based Training Courses for Budding Artists This Christmas

When it comes to Christmas presents, there’s something extra special about giving the gift of creativity. 

Instead of another gadget or trinket that may be forgotten by spring, why not help the budding artist in your life develop their skills with an arts-based training course? 

From painting and sculpture to digital design and photography, an art course can be an unforgettable and inspiring gift.

Why Choose an Arts-Based Course as a Gift?

A lasting experience – Unlike material presents, courses provide skills and memories that last well beyond the festive season.

Encourages creativity – Whether they’re a complete beginner or already passionate about their craft, guided tuition helps them grow.

Tailored to their interests – You can find courses to suit just about any artistic pursuit.

Builds confidence – Learning new techniques in a supportive environment helps artists of all ages flourish.

Ideas for Arts-Based Courses to Gift

Painting and Drawing Workshops – Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their technique. Options range from watercolours to oils, life drawing to abstract.

Ceramics and Pottery Classes – Hands-on and tactile, pottery is both creative and therapeutic.

Photography Courses – With digital and smartphone photography booming, this is a great choice for those who want to take better pictures or even move into professional work.

Textile Arts – Knitting, embroidery, weaving or fabric dyeing classes are ideal for craft lovers.

Digital Art & Design – Courses in Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate help creative minds bring their ideas to life on screen.

Printmaking – From lino cutting to screen-printing, printmaking courses are fantastic for those who love working with bold images and experimenting with layers.

Sculpture – Clay, wood, or mixed media sculpture classes allow for three-dimensional creativity.

How to Organise the Gift

Research local providers – Community centres, galleries, universities, colleges and private studios often run short courses.

Look online – Platforms like Domestika, Skillshare, and Udemy offer virtual options for those who prefer to learn at home.

Consider vouchers – Many art schools and studios offer gift vouchers, allowing your recipient to choose the course that excites them most.

Package it creatively – Instead of just handing over a printed voucher, present it with a small set of art supplies, like brushes, sketchbooks, or clay tools.

Who Would Love This Gift?

Arts-based courses make excellent presents for children discovering their creative talents, teenagers seeking a productive hobby, and adults looking for a mindful, enriching pastime. 

Whether your loved one is aiming for a career in the arts or just enjoys the occasional sketch, this kind of gift shows that you value their creativity.

A Christmas Gift That Inspires

This festive season, give more than a present—give inspiration, learning, and creative growth. An arts-based training course is thoughtful, memorable, and personal, making it the perfect gift for the budding artist in your life. 

Who knows? Perhaps next Christmas they will be able to use their new artistic skills to craft personal Christmas gifts?

Choosing a Bedroom TV as a Christmas Present for Children and Teens

Finding the perfect Christmas present for children and teenagers can be tricky. 

Toys often lose their appeal as kids grow older, while clothes and gadgets can feel a little too practical. 

One gift idea that bridges the gap between fun and functional is a bedroom television.

A TV can transform a bedroom into a personal entertainment space, giving children and teens a spot to relax, watch their favourite shows, or play games. 

But with so many models on the market, how do you choose the right one?

Consider the Size

Bigger isn’t always better in a bedroom setting. A 24–32 inch TV is usually ideal for most children’s and teens’ rooms. It provides a clear picture without dominating the space. For older teens with larger rooms, a 40-inch set could work well, but make sure it won’t overwhelm their space.

Think About Smart Features

Most televisions today come with smart capabilities, meaning they can connect to apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. For teens especially, a smart TV is a must-have, giving them instant access to their favourite content without needing extra devices.

Safety First

If you’re buying for younger children, consider how the TV will be set up. Wall-mounting can save space and keep screens safely out of reach. Look for parental controls too, which allow you to manage what they can access. But if you do, make sure wall-mounting brackets are put up by a trained and insured professional craftsman/woman. 

Gaming Compatibility

If the teen in your life is a gamer, check that the TV supports consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. Look out for HDMI ports, low input lag, and full HD or 4K resolution to keep gameplay smooth and immersive.

Energy Efficiency

Since the TV may be used often, choosing a model with a good energy efficiency rating will help reduce electricity costs and environmental impact.

Setting Boundaries

A TV in the bedroom can be a wonderful gift, but it’s also important to set some ground rules. Agree on screen time limits to balance entertainment with homework, sleep, and family time.

Wrapping It Up

A bedroom television makes a thoughtful Christmas gift because it combines practicality with fun. Whether your child is still enchanted by cartoons or your teen is bingeing the latest box set, the right TV will be a gift they’ll appreciate well into the new year.

This Christmas, give them the gift of entertainment, independence, and comfort — all in one neat package.

Bring the Spirit of Christmas Home this Year with ScentAir®'s Must-Have Festive Fragrances

Make spirits bright this Christmas season with the magic of fragrance. ScentAir's festive scents for Whisper HOME Diffusers, Holiday Hangers, infused reeds, and candles elevate any home into a holiday haven. 

Thoughtfully curated and beautifully giftable, the collection offers something for every style and budget, whether you're looking for a stocking filler or a statement scent.

“Fragrance has a way of bringing the holidays to life, whether it's the fresh sparkle of pine or the cosy warmth of cinnamon and clove,” Stephanie Soittoux, Manager of EMEA Marketing and eCommerce at ScentAir told That's Christmas 365

“This year's collection of fragrances was designed to make homes feel merry and inviting while giving shoppers beautiful, memorable gifts to share with loved ones," Soittoux added. "With ScentAir, every space can capture the joy of the season.”

Immerse Your Home in Festive Fragrance: Whisper HOME fragrance cartridges

Bring festive warmth to every room with premium, professional-grade scents that last up to 30 days. 

Special New Seasonal Scents for 2025

Pine Forest - Aromatic orange zest, white fir are followed by holiday evergreen sprigs and balsamic woods.

Cornucopia - Festive cranberry and orange notes are mixed with rich cinnamon, clove with a smooth base of sandalwood and fir balsam.

Frosted Fir - Juicy apple and tart grapefruit mingle with glistening fir balsam, jasmine, and lush greenery, layered over soft coconut, golden sugar, and warm musk.

Best-selling Scents

Cranberry Apple Marmalade - Mouthwatering notes of cranberries, tart sliced apples, warm cinnamon, and clove with vanilla and sugary jam.

Noel - Sparkling citrus and fresh fir balsam notes are enhanced with sweet red berries and holiday spices.

Season's Greetings - Juicy orange notes infused with warm cinnamon and a touch of clove are wrapped in rich fir balsam and cedar boughs.

Whisper HOME fragrance cartridges work with Whisper HOME diffusers. For a limited time, enjoy diffusers in holiday colours, bold red and rich evergreen.

Liven Up Faux Décor – Holiday Hangers

Artificial décor has never felt more authentic. With Holiday Hangers, faux trees, wreaths, and garlands are elevated with crisp Pine Forest fragrance, so true to life that guests will never guess it isn't real. Designed to be safe, mess-free, and easy to use, each self-hanging ornament delivers up to 30 days of long-lasting, professional-quality fragrance. 

Blending seamlessly into seasonal décor, these ornaments are the finishing touch that makes your Christmas home feel complete.

Available in: Pine Forest

Big Fragrance for Small Spaces: Infused Reed Set

Bring effortless holiday fragrance to every corner of your home with ScentAir's infused reeds. Pre-scented and spill-free, these reeds deliver professional-quality, room-filling fragrance without the fuss of messy oils. The set includes a timeless white ceramic vase that is chic with any décor. Start with 3 - 5 reeds and add new reeds weekly to keep the scent merry and bright all season long.

Available in: Cranberry Apple Marmalade, Noel, Season's Greetings, Pine Forest, and Cornucopia.

Light Up Your Holidays: Seasonal Candles

Perfect for stockings, hostess gifts, or adding a touch of holiday cheer to self-care, ScentAir's festive 3 oz. candle tins are crafted in a soy-blend wax with a cotton wick. Each candle burns for up to 20 hours, creating a long-lasting holiday atmosphere in any space. Finished in gleaming gold tins, they're as stylish as they are fragrant.

Available in Cranberry Apple Marmalade and Pine Forest. 

Explore the Christmas Collection and discover perfect gifts at scentair.com. 

Win a Golden Ticket to the worlds newest country - the legendary Bron-Yr-Aur

A new crowdfunded initiative is offering supporters the chance to win a Golden Ticket to Bron-Yr-Aur — the legendary off-grid Welsh cottage where Led Zeppelin once dreamed. 

Now reborn as the spiritual home of a global creative micronation, Bron-Yr-Aur is inviting a new generation of dreamers to step into its spirit — and have their micronation passports stamped on its historic grounds.

Three winners will each be invited to a VIP two-day retreat held on the grounds of Bron-Yr-Aur and at the elegant Plas Dolguog Manor House. Guests will stay overnight in the Manor’s historic, beautifully furnished rooms — a setting of warmth and refinement that balances Bron-Yr-Aur’s wild seclusion. Throughout the retreat, they will enjoy seasonal dishes prepared by local chefs, artisan Welsh chocolate, botanical drinks, and an unhurried breakfast at the Manor, setting the tone for the day ahead.

On the hillsides and by the fires of Bron-Yr-Aur, guests will take guided forest walks, share acoustic music, and explore moments of journaling, creative reflection, and learning from the cottage’s sustainable off-grid systems. Mornings begin with beautiful artisan pastries, fresh coffee, and herbal teas, while throughout the retreat, guests are offered botanical elixirs and herbal drinks, designed to refresh and inspire. They will also receive lifelong honorary citizenship in the Bron-Yr-Aur Micronation — complete with a digital ID, certificate, and passport formally stamped at the Bron-Yr-Aur Embassy in the nearby town of Machynlleth.

The retreat is designed as an intimate gathering, with just six guests. Dark skies, wild silence, shared meals, and deep conversations create the atmosphere: a blend of simplicity and ceremony, rooted in nature and history.

Other prizes in the draw include exclusive artworks, handcrafted items, access to the Bron-Yr-Aur Cam, invitations to special broadcasts, and companion citizenships.

Key Dates for the prize draw

Opens: 30 September 2025

Closes: 17 December 2025, 23:59 BST

Winners Announced: 24 December 2025. Just in time for Christmas!

About the Project

Bron-Yr-Aur is more than a retreat — it is the founding place of a citizen-led creative nation, built on the pillars of creativity, sustainability, and wellbeing. Supporters are helping to seed:

Free scholarships and creative access

Global digital and in-person events

A citizen-powered platform for art, music, writing, and wellbeing

A worldwide community rooted in imagination and connection

“Bron-Yr-Aur has always been a place of inspiration,” Chief Visionary ‘Boohai’ told That's Christmas. “This is not just a retreat, it is the beginning of a shared story — a new way of belonging.”

www.bronyraur.com

https://plasdolguog.co.uk/

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bron-yr-aur-golden-ticket

Why Nostalgic Christmas Gifts Are Big This Year

Every Christmas brings its own trends. Some years it’s all about the latest tech, others it’s wellness hampers, or eco-friendly stocking fillers. 

But this year, there’s a clear favourite: nostalgia. Shoppers are reaching back into their childhoods to recapture the magic of Christmas mornings gone by, and they’re giving that same feeling to loved ones.

Why Nostalgia Works So Well at Christmas

Christmas itself is steeped in tradition, memory, and sentiment. From the carols we know by heart to the smell of mince pies, the season naturally brings back feelings of comfort and belonging. In a year when many are craving stability and a little warmth, nostalgic gifts tick every box:

They’re familiar – instantly recognisable and comforting.

They spark conversation – grandparents, parents, and children can all share the same stories.

They’re meaningful – more than just “stuff”, these gifts connect to a personal history.

The Rise of Retro-Inspired Presents

Retailers have noticed the trend and are stocking shelves with classics that never really went out of style. One of the stand-out examples this year is the Ladybird Key Words with Peter and Jane 36 Books Box Set.

For generations of children, Peter and Jane were the first step into reading. With their wholesome illustrations and straightforward storytelling, these books taught millions to read across Britain. The complete box set offers a trip down memory lane for adults, while also being a delightful educational tool for today’s children. It’s the perfect bridge between past and present.

Other Popular Nostalgic Christmas Gift Ideas

Board games like Cluedo, Monopoly, and Guess Who? – still family favourites.

Retro sweets hampers filled with sherbet fountains, cola cubes, and Parma Violets.

Vinyl records and turntables – for a true throwback listening experience.

Classic toy reissues such as Lego sets, Scalextric tracks, or even a Slinky.

Vintage-style Christmas decorations – glass baubles, tinsel, and traditional advent calendars.

The Emotional Value of Nostalgia

Psychologists note that nostalgia isn’t just fun — it’s good for us. Reminiscing about the past boosts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens feelings of social connection. At Christmas, when family and togetherness are central, gifting something nostalgic feels particularly fitting.

Final Thoughts

This festive season, nostalgia isn’t just a passing fad — it’s a way to reconnect with what really matters. Whether it’s unwrapping the Peter and Jane books you once held as a child, or gathering around a board game after Christmas dinner, these gifts create more than joy on the day. They build bridges between generations and make new memories while celebrating old ones.

So if you’re looking for a present that’s thoughtful, timeless, and guaranteed to make someone smile, a nostalgic Christmas gift could be just the thing.

Incidentally, if you want your very own boxed set of Ladybird Books Key Words With Peter and Jane please use this link https://amzn.to/46WR47a

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