Digital Greetings Platform Announces the Launch of 2025 Charity eCards

Herefordshire based charity digital greetings card platform Hope Spring eCards, announced the release of the first batch of its charity christmas ecards for 2025 on Monday, the 3rd of November.

In a statement published on the organisation’s website, Hope Spring revealed the launch of more than fifty new charity Christmas eCards across a range of categories, including religious, nativity, Welsh, and Scottish themes.

Each year, millions of traditional greeting cards and eCards are sent to friends, family, and colleagues during the festive period. Hope Spring, along with other charities, uses this seasonal tradition as a key fundraising opportunity. 

The public and charity supporters are encouraged to send Christmas cards from their preferred charity platforms, helping to raise vital funds for good causes.

Hope Spring has been using its eCard platform to raise funds for clean water and poverty alleviation projects for more than four years. While it offers birthday and other occasion eCards year-round, Christmas remains its busiest period, with thousands of supporters visiting the website to send festive greetings.

According to platform manager Seun Olonade, the charity recently expanded its Christmas collection significantly. “We usually create a few dozen new Christmas cards each year,” she told That's Christmas 365.

“But this year, we wanted to offer our supporters a wider choice. Our volunteers began working on a new range of designs earlier in the year, and as a result, we have added around one hundred new Christmas eCards.”

Hope Spring’s creative process often draws on input from volunteers, supporters, and partner designers. The new collection includes traditional illustrations alongside modern, animated, and video-based designs.

According to Olonade, this mix reflects changing preferences among eCard users, who increasingly favour visually engaging and mobile-friendly formats that can be shared by email or messaging apps such as WhatsApp.

In previous years, animated and video Christmas cards have been among the most popular choices on the Hope Spring platform, followed closely by funny Christmas eCards that can be shared by email or via WhatsApp. The charity also operates a dedicated section for small businesses that wish to send Christmas eCards to staff and customers.

In addition to its fundraising efforts, Hope Spring uses its platform to promote awareness of environmental sustainability. By encouraging the public to choose eCards instead of paper cards, the charity highlights the positive impact of reducing paper waste and carbon emissions during the festive period.

The full range of 2025 Christmas eCards from Hope Spring can be viewed on the organisation’s website. Further information about the charity and its work can be found on its social media pages.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Shop Local This Christmas: Direct2florist calls on the nation to back local businesses and boost community spirit

As Christmas rapidly approaches, Direct2florist is encouraging people across the UK to make their gifts go further this year by supporting the independent local businesses that help keep communities alive.

New research conducted by the family-owned firm shows four out of five shoppers plan to buy at least some of their festive gifts locally this year. 

More than half say they do so because they know how much their custom means to small businesses, while 43% say shopping locally makes them feel happier.

Almost half believe local businesses help their area by employing local people, and more than a third say they make their community a nicer, more vibrant place to live.

For many small businesses, that support can be the difference between surviving or not. Three in five shoppers remain worried that local independents will struggle to stay open without regular backing from their communities.

Simon Stirling, Founder and Managing Director of Direct2florist, told That's Christmas 365: "Where we choose to shop has a ripple effect. 

"When you place an order for delivery by a local florist, you’re not just sending flowers, you’re supporting the people who make our towns and villages what they are. Local florists employ local staff, buy from local suppliers, and know their customers by name. Choosing local at Christmas really does make a difference."

Simon added: "The benefits are obvious and  clear. Previous research has shown for every £10 spent with a local business, almost £4 stays in the area.

"That’s twice as much as when shopping through a chain store, helping to support jobs, services and local suppliers. Shopping locally has a lasting impact, strengthening communities and creating a sense of shared prosperity."

Direct2florist connects customers directly with independent florists across the UK, allowing people to send flowers quickly and easily no matter where the flowers are to be delivered, while ensuring every pound spent stays local. 

The company’s Shop Local This Christmas campaign will run throughout the festive period, spotlighting the stories of local florists and the important role they play in their communities.

This Christmas, every bouquet ordered via Direct2florist becomes more than a gift. It becomes a way to keep local businesses blooming.

Find your local florist at www.direct2florist.co.uk.

That's Food and Drink: The Benefits of (Still) Having Your Milk Delivered...

That's Food and Drink: The Benefits of (Still) Having Your Milk Delivered...: For many people, the gentle clink of glass bottles on the doorstep used to be the soundtrack to early mornings.  Though supermarket aisles h...

ScentAir® Makes Every Home Party-Ready with Festive Home Fragrance

Effortlessly elevate your entertaining with festive fragrance designed to impress every guest.

Every great host knows the secret to a memorable party is atmosphere, and nothing sets the mood faster than fragrance. 

With ScentAir, transforming your home into a welcoming, party-ready space is effortless. 

Designed to deliver long-lasting, professional-quality scent, ScentAir's curated fragrances make entertaining beautifully simple.

Whether hosting a lively Christmas event or an intimate dinner, fragrance ties everything together. Just as you curate a music playlist or select décor, scent defines the tone of your event and helps guests feel instantly at ease. 

Bright, citrus-forward notes spark energy and conversation, while warm woods and soft vanilla create a cosy, elegant feel.

“We know hosting a Christmas party requires a lot of coordination,” Stephanie Soittoux, Manager of EMEA Marketing and eCommerce at ScentAir told That's Christmas 365.

“With ScentAir's home fragrances, creating the perfect ambiance is effortless, leaving you free to enjoy your guests.” 

Tips for Hosting like a Pro 

Set the mood in every room. ScentAir's recommended fragrances help your Christmas gathering feel festive, inviting, and unforgettable. 

Some are limited Christmas collection fragrances, please ask for details.

Set the tone at the door. Greet guests with cheerful, welcoming scents that signal a celebration the moment they arrive. 

Try: Cornucopia or Noel

Keep the conversation flowing. In gathering areas, use warm, inviting fragrances that encourage relaxation and connection.

Choose: Frosted Fir, Noel, or Vanilla Woods

Balance kitchen aromas. Pair your menu with complementary fragrance blends. 

 Opt for: Cranberry Apple Marmalade, Season's Greetings, or Dark Vanilla Pomelo.

Refresh every corner. Keep powder rooms, hallways, and smaller spaces fresh throughout the night.

Odour-neutralising reeds in Cornucopia, Cranberry Apple Marmalade, Season's Greetings, Noel, or Pine Forest*.

Candles with up to 20 hours of long-lasting fragrance are perfect for layering scent throughout the home. Use holiday scents, Cranberry Apple Marmalade or Pine Forest, or choose fragrances that complement your overall scentscape.

Liven up faux décor. Give your faux trees, wreaths, and garlands an authentic touch with Holiday Hangers in Pine Forest. 

ScentAir: The effortless way to host beautifully. Explore the holiday collection and the complete fragrance library at scentair.com. 

Book Review: Upon a White Horse by Peter Ross – A Winter Journey Through Ancient Britain

As the year draws to its close and the days darken, many of us crave quiet reflection and connection with our roots. 

Upon a White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland by Peter Ross is a book that captures that yearning perfectly, weaving together history, travel and a deep sense of place that feels utterly right for the Christmas season.

A Journey Through Time and Landscape

Ross takes readers on an evocative pilgrimage through Britain and Ireland’s ancient landscapes, from the haunting Uffington White Horse to Stonehenge at midwinter, and to sacred places in Scotland and Ireland.

Along the way he meets the modern guardians of these sites: parish volunteers, archaeologists, local historians and quietly devoted caretakers who keep these ancient traditions alive.

Rather than recounting dry facts, Ross writes as a poet might walk, absorbing the light, the wind, and the voices of those who once gathered at these stones. His prose invites us to feel the deep rhythm of the land beneath our feet.

A Perfect Winter Read

The book opens at Stonehenge, just before Christmas, and that image, the sun rising through the stones at the solstice — sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s a book of midwinter light, of long shadows, and of quiet awe.

For readers of That’s Christmas 365, it offers a slower kind of seasonal inspiration. While the festive rush surrounds us, Ross reminds us to pause, breathe, and remember that the turning of the year has always been sacred, long before fairy lights and carols.

It’s ideal reading for an evening by the fire, or as a gift for anyone who loves British history, ancient sites, or simply thoughtful, lyrical writing.

I admit that I was so enthralled that I read it in one sitting from cover to cover. 

Themes of Reflection and Renewal

Ross writes with empathy about traces and absences, the ghosts of people and cultures that shaped the landscape. Yet the book is also hopeful, showing how modern communities reconnect with the past through solstice gatherings, preservation work, and storytelling.

In that sense, Upon a White Horse aligns beautifully with the heart of Christmas: remembrance, renewal, and light returning after darkness.

Why You’ll Love It

Rich sense of place, from chalk horses to ancient mounds.

Seasonal resonance, solstice, reflection, and winter stillness.

Human stories, people who care for and live among the monuments.

Beautiful prose – calm, lyrical and deeply observant.

The Verdict

If you’re seeking a gift for someone who loves British history, heritage travel, or winter reflection, Upon a White Horse is an excellent choice. I admit that I was so enthralled that I read it in one sitting from cover to cover. 

It’s a 5.0 star read, a gentle, luminous companion for dark December nights.

Available now from major booksellers including this link to our Amazon shop at a discount price of £17.00, 23% off the published price. https://amzn.to/4oOiLFn

Give the Gift of Good Health This Christmas: Why a Private Wellness Check is the Perfect Present for People you Love

When it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gift, most of us want something meaningful, a present that shows love, care, and thoughtfulness. 

This year, why not give the most valuable gift of all? Good health.

A private medical wellness check might not come wrapped in shiny paper or tied with a bow, but it could be one of the most life-enhancing gifts you ever give. 

Whether it’s for a parent, partner, or a friend who never takes time for themselves, a health check is a thoughtful way to say “I care about you.”

What Is a Private Wellness Check?

A private wellness check (or health MOT) is a full medical screening that helps identify early signs of potential health problems — before symptoms appear. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to take control of their wellbeing or gain peace of mind as the new year begins.

Typical checks include:

Comprehensive blood tests covering cholesterol, liver and kidney function, thyroid, and blood sugar levels

Heart and blood pressure assessments

BMI and body composition analysis

Lifestyle and nutritional advice based on results

Some packages also offer optional men’s and women’s health tests, hormone checks, or vitamin deficiency screenings, allowing you to choose something perfectly tailored to the recipient.

Why a Health Check Makes a Meaningful Christmas Gift

A private health assessment is far more than a medical test, it’s a caring gesture. It says: “Your health matters to me.”

It’s personal, You’re giving insight and peace of mind, not another gadget or jumper.

It’s practical, No more waiting months for NHS check-ups.

It’s preventive, Early detection saves lives.

It’s empowering, Recipients walk away with tailored health and lifestyle advice.

For older relatives, it offers reassurance. For younger adults, it’s a proactive step towards long-term health. And for anyone who’s too busy to see the doctor, it’s a gentle nudge to put their wellbeing first.

Pair It with a Wellness Hamper

To make your gift feel festive, present the wellness voucher in a “New Year, New You” hamper. Include:

Herbal teas and healthy snacks

A soothing candle and essential oils

A fitness tracker or journal

A relaxation or spa voucher

It turns the check-up into part of a wider self-care experience, perfect for easing into 2026 refreshed and renewed.

UK Clinics Offering Private Wellness Checks

You can purchase wellness packages or gift vouchers from several trusted UK providers:

Bupa Health Assessments https://www.bupa.co.uk

 Offers a range of packages, from basic to advanced, available across the UK.

Nuffield Health https://www.nuffieldhealth.com

 Comprehensive “360 Health Assessments” including fitness and lifestyle analysis.

Bluecrest Wellness https://www.bluecrestwellness.com

 Affordable mobile clinics nationwide, with packages from around £100.

Randox Health https://randoxhealth.com/en-GB/

 In-depth blood analysis and personalised reports, with clinics across major UK cities.

Many of these providers offer e-vouchers or physical gift packs, perfect for slipping under the Christmas tree.

A Gift That Truly Lasts

A private wellness check is a rare kind of present, one that could add years to someone’s life. It’s thoughtful, timeless, and full of care.

So this Christmas, instead of socks or scented candles, give your loved ones something truly special: the opportunity to start the new year with confidence, clarity, and good health.

Because the best gift you can give is the one that helps them live well, all year long.

Handmade with Love – Craft Ideas to Make and Sell at Church Christmas Fêtes

As the season of goodwill approaches, church halls and parish centres up and down the country begin to buzz with festive preparations. 

One of the highlights of the season is the church Christmas fête or Christmas sale, where homemade treats, crafts, and gifts fill tables with festive cheer. 

Whether you’re fundraising for your parish, a local charity, or simply love creating and sharing handmade treasures, there’s something magical about making crafts that bring joy to others.

Here are some simple, beautiful, and profitable Christmas craft ideas you can make and sell at your local church Christmas event.

1. Handmade Christmas Decorations

Tree ornaments are always popular. Try:

Dried orange slice garlands threaded with cinnamon sticks and raffia.

Rustic wooden ornaments painted or engraved with festive sayings.

Felt stars and hearts with hand-stitched details and a touch of glitter.

Mini wreaths made from willow or vine, decorated with ribbons and berries.

These small items are ideal because they’re lightweight, easy to display, and quick to make in batches.

2. Festive Candles and Holders

Nothing says Christmas like a flickering candle. You could sell:

Soy wax candles scented with spiced apple, pine, or vanilla.

Recycled jar candles wrapped in hessian and tied with red twine.

Decorated tealight holders made from jam jars, lace, and festive charms.

Make sure to add a small label with safety notes and your own creative name for each fragrance!

3. Knitted or Crocheted Gifts

If you’re handy with yarn, cosy creations are always well received. Try:

Mini Christmas stockings filled with sweets or chocolate coins.

Handmade hats, scarves, and mittens in winter colours.

Crochet snowflakes stiffened for hanging on trees or windows.

Display a few on a small Christmas tree or hanging line for a homely, eye-catching effect.

4. Festive Food Crafts

Everyone loves an edible gift! Just remember to label allergens clearly. Ideas include:

Hot chocolate cones, cocoa powder, marshmallows, and chocolate chips layered in a clear cone bag.

Homemade fudge or truffles, beautifully boxed.

Mini Christmas puddings or gingerbread biscuits, wrapped with festive ribbon.

Pair these with handmade tags that include ingredients and storage advice.

5. Upcycled and Eco-Friendly Crafts

Eco-conscious shoppers love sustainable choices. Consider:

Decorated recycled bottles turned into fairy-light lanterns.

Fabric scrap bunting or reusable gift wraps.

Christmas cards made from old greetings or sheet music.

These not only look charming but appeal to buyers who want to support sustainable crafts.

6. Simple Gifts for All Ages

Small handmade items sell well at church fêtes because they make thoughtful stocking fillers. Try:

Bookmarks, especially with Bible verses or inspirational quotes.

Mini soap bars tied in twine or placed in muslin bags.

Beaded bracelets or festive earrings for a touch of sparkle.

Keep prices accessible so everyone can pick up a few gifts for friends or family.

Pricing and Presentation Tips

Keep prices clearly marked and offer bundle deals (e.g., “3 for £5”).

Use festive tablecloths and battery-powered fairy lights to create an inviting display.

Offer gift wrapping or tissue bags for an extra festive touch.

Add small signs explaining how proceeds support the church or a good cause.

The Spirit Behind the Craft

Beyond the ribbons, glitter, and glue, what makes church fêtes so special is the community spirit behind every handmade item. Each craft sold helps support the parish, bring people together, and spread Christmas joy far beyond the church hall.

So this year, dust off the glue gun, put on some Christmas music, and get crafting, your creations could help make someone’s Christmas truly merry and bright. Whilst raising money for good causes, too.

Fredsted Spiced Christmas Tea. A Cup of Danish Christmas Magic

When the weather turns cold and the evenings draw in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of something special. 

This year, Fredsted’s Spiced Christmas Tea brings a taste of Danish hygge straight to your teacup or mug, a festive infusion that captures the warmth, spice, and comfort of the season in every sip.

A Taste of Danish Tradition

Fredsted is a beloved Danish tea brand, founded in 1917, known for its carefully balanced blends and elegant simplicity. 

Their Spiced Christmas Tea is a true celebration of Nordic Christmas traditions, where gatherings by candlelight and comforting flavours play a central role.

This festive tea combines classic black tea with warming winter spices, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and orange peel, creating a fragrant aroma that instantly fills the room with Christmas cheer. It’s one of those blends that doesn’t just taste festive; it smells like Christmas.

The Flavour Experience

Brewed for three to five minutes, Fredsted’s spiced blend delivers a rich amber cup with smooth black tea notes that balance perfectly with the sweet heat of cinnamon and clove. The hint of citrus adds brightness, while the subtle cardamom gives it a distinctly Scandinavian twist.

It’s delicious enjoyed on its own, but adding a splash of warm milk or a drizzle of honey brings out even more of its comforting character. Pair it with buttery shortbread, ginger biscuits, or a slice of Christmas stollen for the ultimate winter indulgence.

Perfect for Gifting (or Keeping!)

Beautifully packaged in festive red and gold, Fredsted Spiced Christmas Tea also makes a lovely seasonal gift. Add it to a homemade hamper, tuck it into a stocking, or include it in a “cosy night in” bundle with a mug, candle, and blanket. It’s a thoughtful way to share the warmth of the season.

Where to Find It

Fredsted teas are available through select European retailers and online, often appearing in Christmas-themed gift selections or international food shops. For UK tea lovers, keep an eye out for it in Scandinavian import stores, such as Søstrene Grene or on Amazon, it’s well worth the search.

A Cup Full of Christmas Spirit

In every sip of Fredsted Spiced Christmas Tea, there’s a little taste of Denmark’s festive soul, comforting, aromatic, and full of gentle joy. Whether you’re trimming the tree, wrapping presents, or simply watching the lights twinkle, this tea is the perfect companion for a truly cosy Christmas moment.

A Visit to Søstrene Grene – Scandinavian Christmas Magic on Every Shelf

Step into Scandinavian Christmas magic at Søstrene Grene. Discover beautiful Nordic decorations, festive foods, sweets, and quirky gifts that bring cosy Danish hygge to your home this Christmas.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a cosy, stylish, and slightly quirky Scandinavian Christmas at home, then a trip to Søstrene Grene is an absolute must this festive season. 

This Danish lifestyle store, known for its elegant simplicity and affordable design, transforms into a veritable winter wonderland at Christmastime, full of Nordic charm, creative ideas, and beautifully crafted gifts that make the season shine.

The Moment You Step Inside

Walking into Søstrene Grene in November or December feels like stepping into the heart of Copenhagen at Christmas. Gentle music plays, candles flicker in elegant holders, and shelves are lined with muted tones of green, red, gold, and white. 

Every corner is carefully curated to make you feel inspired, from minimalist wrapping paper rolls to handcrafted ornaments and natural wooden decorations.

Christmas Decorations with Danish Soul

The store’s Christmas décor range is delightfully understated, yet magical. Think straw stars, wooden trees, and ceramic houses, paired with soft paper garlands and ornaments in sustainable materials. Everything seems to whisper “hygge” that quintessential Scandinavian word for cosiness and comfort.

If you love decorating on a budget but refuse to compromise on style, Søstrene Grene delivers beautifully. Their baubles, candleholders, and tree ornaments look artisan-made, yet most pieces cost less than a cup of coffee.

Sweet Scandinavian Treats

No visit would be complete without exploring the Christmas food and confectionery section. This is where Søstrene Grene’s charm really sparkles, shelves filled with Danish biscuits, chocolate-covered nuts, marzipan delights, and spiced treats that taste like Christmas in every bite. 

Their Christmas teas and coffees, often in giftable tins, make perfect stocking fillers or additions to festive hampers.

It’s the ideal place to pick up little edible luxuries, those “just because it’s Christmas” indulgences that make the season special.

Quirky Gifts and Creative Finds

Beyond the decorations and sweets, Søstrene Grene is a treasure trove of unique, affordable gifts. From stationery and craft supplies to Scandi-style mugs, candles, and minimalist homeware, it’s easy to lose track of time browsing. You’ll also find children’s toys, puzzles, and art sets that bring old-fashioned joy back into playtime.

Their wrapping section is particularly inspiring, brown paper, twine, ribbons, and gift tags that make your parcels look like something straight out of a Nordic Christmas card.

A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping

Visiting Søstrene Grene before Christmas has become a festive ritual for many, not just for shopping, but for inspiration. The store’s displays spark creativity, offering easy ways to add Scandinavian simplicity and warmth to your home.

Whether you’re seeking eco-friendly décor, treats to share, or gifts that stand out, Søstrene Grene delivers a magical mix of creativity and comfort. You leave with your bags full, your heart happy, and your head brimming with ideas.

https://sostrenegrene.com

The Return of the Spirograph – Old-School Creativity is Back in Christmas Stockings

There’s something rather wonderful about a Christmas gift that sparks pure creativity, no batteries, screens, or apps required. This year, one of the most beloved artistic toys of the past is making a colourful comeback: the Spirograph.

For those who remember the original version, the Spirograph was the perfect blend of art and geometry. 

Using a simple set of interlocking gears, pens, and paper, children (and more than a few adults) could create intricate, hypnotic designs that seemed to swirl endlessly. 

It first appeared in the 1960s and quickly became a staple of British childhood, a quiet, mesmerising pastime that turned anyone into a mini artist.

Fast forward to Christmas 2025, and the Spirograph is enjoying a revival. Toyshops, online retailers, and even design-led gift boutiques have brought it back to the shelves, in both its classic form and modern reinventions. 

There are deluxe editions with fine-line pens, travel-friendly mini sets, and even digital hybrids for those who want to mix traditional creativity with new tech.

So why is the Spirograph making such a welcome return? Perhaps it’s nostalgia. Many adults who once doodled away rainy afternoons are now buying it for their own children or grandchildren, remembering how satisfying it was to watch a pattern emerge from nothing more than a turning wheel and a steady hand. Or perhaps it’s because, in an age dominated by screens, the Spirograph offers something refreshing, a tactile, mindful, and calming experience.

It’s also perfectly sized for a Christmas stocking. Affordable, lightweight, and endlessly entertaining, it’s a gift that encourages creativity, focus, and patience, qualities that feel more precious than ever in today’s fast-paced world.

Whether you pick up the classic Spirograph set or one of the new collector’s editions, you’ll be giving more than a toy. You’ll be giving a doorway back to imagination, and a few quiet hours of peaceful drawing on Christmas afternoon.

So this festive season, make room in your stocking for a touch of retro creativity. The Spirograph is back, and it’s just as enchanting as you remember.