Animed: The One-Stop Pet Shop for Christmas and Beyond

When we’re busy preparing for Christmas, gifts, food, decorations, and all the festive trimmings, it’s easy to forget that our pets deserve a little seasonal magic too. 

Whether you share your home with a loyal dog, a curious cat, an exotic bird, a small furry friend, or even a horse, finding everything you need in one place can be a challenge.

That’s where Animed steps in. As one of the UK’s leading online pet retailers, Animed makes Christmas shopping for your pets simple, affordable and stress-free.

Here’s why it has become a firm favourite for households across Britain,  and why it’s the perfect one-stop shop for your animals this Christmas and well into the new year.

A Store That Truly Caters to Every Kind of Pet

Most pet shops focus solely on dogs and cats, but Animed goes far wider than that. Their website makes it clear that they take all animals seriously, with dedicated sections for:

Dogs – from treats and toys to beds, grooming tools and prescription products

Cats – including litter, food, supplements and enrichment toys

Small furries – rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and more

Birds & exotics – from parrots to reptiles, offering specialist feeds and supplements

Equine – a full range of nutritional, grooming and stable essentials

If your household resembles a small menagerie — or even if you just have one beloved pet — Animed gathers everything together in one easy-to-navigate place.

Christmas Shopping Made Easy

Animed’s festive selection makes it wonderfully simple to spoil your pets during the holidays. Their seasonal range typically includes:

Pet advent calendars

Christmas toys and festive-themed accessories

Stocking fillers for dogs, cats and small animals

Limited-edition treats and snacks

With Christmas often feeling hectic enough, it’s a relief to know you can tick your pets' gifts off the list with just a few clicks.

Great Value and Convenient Delivery

Christmas is an expensive time of year, so value for money matters. Animed regularly offers:

Competitive pricing on brand-name products

Multi-buy deals and discounts

Free delivery when you meet the minimum spend

A handy “Subscribe & Save” option so you never run out of essentials

It’s ideal for anyone who wants the convenience of online shopping without stretching the festive budget too far.

Reliable, Trusted and Vet-Approved

Animed isn’t just a retailer, it’s a registered veterinary-dispensing pharmacy. This means you can order prescription treatments (with valid paperwork), flea and worming products, supplements and more, all sourced from trusted UK suppliers.

With thousands of positive customer reviews, Animed has built a reputation for reliability, value and excellent service, exactly what pet-owners need when preparing for the busy season.

Perfect for Pets With Special Requirements

Many pets have specific dietary or health needs, especially during the winter months. Animed offers an excellent range of:

Hypoallergenic and grain-free foods

Joint-care and mobility supplements (ideal for older pets)

Calming remedies for animals nervous about visitors or fireworks

Winter horse-care products

Specialist feeds for parrots, reptiles and small furries

Whatever your pet’s unique requirements, chances are you’ll find the right product on Animed without having to shop around multiple sites.

A Time-Saver Throughout the Whole Year

While Animed shines at Christmas, it’s equally valuable once the festivities fade. For busy households juggling work, school, and the pets’ needs, having a single reliable source for everything:

Keeps spending predictable

Saves time and travel

Reduces last-minute dashes to physical shops. That often don't stock what you need for your pet.

Ensures pets never run out of food or essential medicines

A true one-stop shop in every sense.

Christmas is all about sharing joy, comfort and warmth with the ones we love, and our pets absolutely count. Animed makes it easier than ever to give them a magical festive season while also keeping them healthy, happy and well supplied throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a dependable, wide-ranging and great-value online pet shop this Christmas, Animed.co.uk is well worth a visit. 

Whether you’re shopping for a dog, a cat, a cheeky parrot, a small furry companion or a horse, everything you need is right there waiting at Animed. 

Incidentally, the humans behind That's Christmas 365 and related sites such as That's Food an Drink and That's Business actually have a cheeky parrot and a cheeky cat!

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Warming Spices for a Magical Christmas: How to Use Star Anise, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger and Cloves in Your Festive Cooking

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the cosy, aromatic scent of warming spices filling the kitchen in December. 

From classic bakes to mulled drinks and hearty winter dishes, a handful of traditional spices can instantly transform your Christmas cooking into something truly special.

Five of the most beloved festive flavours, star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, each bring their own character and warmth to sweet and savoury dishes alike. Here’s how to make the most of them in your holiday recipes.

Star Anise: Sweet Liquorice Warmth

With its striking star shape and gentle liquorice note, star anise adds depth and perfume to a range of seasonal dishes.

How to use it at Christmas:

Add whole stars to mulled wine, mulled cider or Christmas punch.

Infuse in slow-cooked beef or pork for a subtle sweetness.

Simmer with poached pears or spiced apples for elegant, festive desserts.

Pop one into your homemade cranberry sauce for an aromatic lift.

Star anise works best when used sparingly, it’s potent, so a little goes a long way.

Nutmeg: The Cosy, Comforting Classic

Nutmeg has a naturally creamy, warming flavour that enhances both sweet and savoury Christmas treats.

Perfect uses include:

Grating fresh nutmeg over eggnog, custard, rice pudding or bread and butter pudding.

Adding a pinch to Christmas stuffing, white sauces, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Mixing into gingerbread and fruitcake batters.

Sprinkling over a festive latte or hot chocolate.

Whenever possible, grate nutmeg fresh—it makes a remarkable difference in aroma and flavour.

Cinnamon: The Scent of Christmas

Cinnamon is perhaps the quintessential festive spice, instantly recognisable and wonderfully versatile.

Try using cinnamon:

In bakes like mince pies, Christmas cookies, stollen and cinnamon rolls.

Added to porridge, granola, or overnight oats for a wintery breakfast.

In savoury dishes such as Moroccan-style stews, roast carrots, or spiced red cabbage.

As sticks in festive drinks, from mulled wine to spiced coffee syrups.

Its welcoming warmth helps create that unmistakable Christmas atmosphere.

Ginger: Zesty Heat and Vibrancy

Ginger adds brightness and a gentle heat that cuts through rich festive dishes.

Excellent Christmas uses include:

Making gingerbread men, ginger cake, or sticky ginger puddings.

Adding grated fresh ginger to glazed ham, winter soups, or stir-fries.

Using crystallised ginger in biscuits, truffles, or Christmas rocky road.

Blending into homemade chutneys for cheese boards and leftover turkey sandwiches.

Ginger pairs beautifully with citrus too, making it ideal for seasonal desserts.

Cloves: Powerful, Aromatic and Full of Tradition

Cloves are packed with intense flavour, so a small amount adds incredible depth.

How to use cloves this Christmas:

Stud whole cloves into oranges for homemade pomander decorations that scent the home.

Simmer in mulled wine, spiced apple juice, or Christmas punch.

Add to slow-cooked meats, gammon, or baked hams.

Use ground cloves in mincemeat, fruitcakes, and festive biscuits.

Cloves have long been associated with winter celebrations, giving dishes a nostalgic, old-world charm.

Bringing the Spices Together

The real magic happens when these spices are combined. Most traditional Christmas recipes—mince pies, Christmas cake, gingerbread, mulled wine, use more than one of them to create that unmistakable seasonal flavour.

Try experimenting with spice blends in:

Spiced hot chocolate mix

Christmas granola jars (ideal for edible gifts)

Festive simmer pots to fragrance the home

Sweet spiced nuts for snacking or gifting

Balancing the warmth of cinnamon, the heat of ginger, the sweetness of star anise, and the intensity of cloves with a gentle grating of nutmeg creates a comforting festive glow in every dish.

These five spices are the heartbeat of Christmas cooking. Whether you’re baking, simmering, roasting or mulling, star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves can turn simple recipes into festive favourites. 

Stock up your spice cupboard and let their warming aromas fill your home all season long.

The Prince Rupert Hotel, Shrewsbury: A Christmas Story of Kindness During Covid

When we think of Christmas, we often picture festive lights, crackling fires, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. 

But the festive season is also a time for compassion, a moment when acts of kindness shine even brighter.

One of the most remarkable examples of this spirit took place at the Prince Rupert Hotel in Shrewsbury during the Covid lockdowns.

This historic hotel, nestled in the heart of the medieval town, quietly became a lifeline for dozens of vulnerable people. 

At a time when uncertainty ruled the country, the Prince Rupert made a decision that would change lives: they opened their doors to the homeless.

A Hotel With Heart

During the early days of the pandemic, the hotel’s owner and staff agreed to house some of the town’s most vulnerable residents. 

What began as an emergency measure soon evolved into a long-running project that brought dignity, safety, and hope to people who needed it most.

The story became widely known thanks to the book The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless, by Christina Lamb, which captures the challenges, triumphs, and humanity behind their extraordinary effort. It’s a story of people working together when the world felt at its most divided.

A Personal Visit to the Prince Rupert

On a recent pre-Christmas shopping trip to Shrewsbury, my wife and I found ourselves stepping through the revolving doors of the Prince Rupert Hotel. 

The decorations were warm and elegant, and in a quiet corner a glass-fronted cabinet held something that immediately caught our attention: copies of The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless proudly on display.

We’d read the book previously, so seeing it there, in the very place where so much of the story unfolded, felt deeply poignant.

My wife ordered a glass of Merlot, rich and warming, while I settled in with a pint of Shipyard IPA. As we sat together, surrounded by the gentle bustle of a hotel preparing for Christmas, we found ourselves reflecting on what the Prince Rupert had achieved.

How many hotels would have done the same? How many would have transformed their business into a sanctuary for those who had nowhere else to go?

A Christmas Legacy Worth Celebrating

The Prince Rupert’s decision wasn’t simply logistical, it was emotional, challenging, and often unpredictable. 

Yet they persisted. Their actions helped people rebuild their lives and showed just how powerful community spirit can be during times of crisis.

As you wander the beautiful streets of Shrewsbury this Christmas, or settle down at home with festive lights twinkling, spare a thought for the quiet heroes behind the scenes. The Prince Rupert Hotel didn’t just house people, they offered compassion at a time when it was desperately needed.

Their story is a reminder that the true heart of Christmas is kindness, generosity, and seeing the humanity in others.

And sometimes that message is best appreciated over a good book, a glass of Merlot, and a well-earned pint.

You can order a copy of The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless at a discounted price here:- 

https://amzn.to/4oV8GXL

Save Money This Festive Season with the That’s Christmas Online Shop – All from the Comfort of Home

Christmas is magical, but there’s no getting around it – it can also be expensive. 

Between festive feasts, drinks for visiting relatives, presents for friends and family, and decorations to make your home sparkle, the costs can quickly add up. 

But there’s a simple way to shop smart, save money, and avoid the crowds this year: the That’s Christmas online shop, powered by Amazon.

Here’s how it can help you stretch your festive budget without sacrificing any of the joy.

Everything You Need in One Place

Instead of hopping between different websites or trudging through busy shops, you’ll find a curated collection of food, drink, Christmas gifts, and decorations all in one convenient space. The shop is designed with our readers in mind – full of festive essentials, seasonal bestsellers, and brilliant budget-friendly options.

Because it’s powered by Amazon, you’ll also benefit from fast delivery, trusted customer reviews, and a massive range of products. It’s Christmas shopping made easy.

Save on Food and Drink

Whether you’re planning a full Christmas dinner, stocking up the treat cupboard, or filling the drinks trolley, the online shop highlights great-value items and deals available right now.

You can browse:

Store-cupboard staples for festive cooking

Luxury treats and hampers

Soft drinks, mixers, beers, wines, and spirits

Last-minute essentials for unexpected guests

All without the stress of supermarket queues or empty shelves.

Find Brilliant Gift Ideas for Every Budget

From gadgets and games to books, beauty sets, hobby gear, and stocking fillers, the shop features a wide selection of gift ideas for little ones, teens, adults, and hard-to-buy-for relatives.

With Amazon’s competitive pricing, frequent offers, and lightning deals, you can often save far more than you would on the high street. It’s ideal for anyone who wants thoughtful presents without overspending.

Decorate for Less – and Have It Delivered to Your Door

Christmas decorations can be surprisingly pricey, but you’ll find plenty of affordable options in one place:

Fairy lights

Baubles and tree ornaments

Artificial trees

Wreaths

Table décor

Outdoor displays

Everything you need for a beautifully decorated home, delivered straight to you – no lifting heavy boxes through town or squeezing them into the car.

Shop from the Sofa and Avoid the Rush. Or even order an unexpectedly necessary Christmas present from a table in the pub. 

No queues. No car parks. No cold and wet late-night shopping trips.

The That’s Christmas online shop lets you browse, compare prices, and buy everything from your sofa with a cup of tea in hand. It’s perfect for people who want a more relaxed, cost-effective approach to festive shopping.

Why We Created the Shop

We know our readers value convenience, savings, and trusted recommendations. By partnering with Amazon, we’re able to offer a curated space filled with products we think you’ll love – without you needing to search through thousands of listings yourself.

It’s Christmas made simple, affordable, and stress-free.

Ready to Start Saving?

Pop over to the That’s Christmas online shop and take a look around. With new festive finds being added all the time, it’s a brilliant way to get ahead, stay on budget, and enjoy more of what truly matters this Christmas.

Happy shopping – and happy saving! You can access our That's Christmas shop by clicking on the button to the right of this blogpost or by clicking this link https://amzn.to/46Bfpyf

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Tell Your Christmas Story with ScentAir Fragrance for Home

Few things transport us back in time like scent. A hint of pine, a swirl of cinnamon, or the sweetness of cranberry can instantly bring back the warmth of Christmases past. 

With ScentAir®’s holiday collection, every fragrance tells a story, helping you relive treasured memories or create new ones to cherish for years to come. 

“Fragrance has a remarkable way of connecting us to the past. More than just a scent, it’s a collection of personal memories,” Stephanie Soittoux, Manager of EMEA Marketing and eCommerce at ScentAir told That's Christmas.

“Each note is chosen to spark emotion and connection. 

"From the refreshing scent of pine to the cosy warmth of vanilla and mulled spices, our holiday collection invites you to rediscover meaningful moments and build new traditions that feel uniquely yours—all through the art of fragrance.”

Scents That Tell a Story

The fragrance of Christmas morning

Pine Forest captures the unmistakable freshness of fir balsam and winter citrus, like the moment a freshly cut tree fills the room with its first burst of green.

The comfort of festive baking

Cornucopia and Cranberry Apple Marmalade wrap tart fruits, cinnamon, and clove in soft vanilla, echoing the aroma of puddings, pies, and bustling kitchens.

A toast to festive cheer

Noel combines sparkling citrus, fresh fir balsam, and sweet red berries with warm holiday spices. It’s the perfect complement to laughter, shared eggnog, and holiday cheer with loved ones.

The heart of Christmas

Season’s Greetings blends juicy orange, cinnamon, and clove with rich fir balsam and cedar boughs—the fragrance of cosy evenings, twinkling lights, and that unmistakable warmth of Christmas that lingers long after the last carol fades.

A modern winter twist

With notes of grapefruit, apple, and soft musk, Frosted Fir offers a crisp, contemporary take on tradition—a scent that feels as at home in a minimalist flat as a country cottage.

Style Your Space in Fragrance

From sleek diffusers to elegant candle tins, ScentAir’s professional-quality fragrances make it easy to scent your home beautifully all season long.

Whisper HOME Diffuser & Whisper HOME Fragrance Cartridges: Delivers long-lasting fragrance for up to 30 days. Elevate your Christmas decor with a limited-edition Whisper HOME Diffuser in green or red.

Holiday Hangers: Add authentic pine aroma to faux trees, wreaths, and garlands; no mess, just Christmas magic.

Infused Reeds: Classic ceramic vase with spill-free scent that’s perfect for small spaces.

Candle Tins: Gleaming gold tins with a soy-wax blend candle that burns up to 20 hours. It complements any decor and is a simple, stylish gift for any occasion.

Explore the full holiday collection and find the scent that tells your story at scentair.com.

A Traditional Indian Christmas Feast: Flavours, Family and Festive Joy

Christmas in India is a vibrant blend of faith, family and fabulous food. 

While the country is home to many cultures and cuisines, its Christian communities, from Kerala to Goa, from Mumbai to the North East, have developed rich Christmas traditions that combine local flavours with centuries-old heritage.

If you fancy celebrating the season with something a little different this year, an Indian Christmas feast offers colour, spice and heart-warming dishes that are perfect for gathering your loved ones around the table.

The Heart of the Celebration

Although Christmas menus vary across India, one thing is universal: food brings everyone together. Preparations often begin days in advance, with households filling their kitchens with the aromas of roasting spices, baking fruit-rich cakes and simmering curries.

Christmas Day normally starts with church services, followed by home visits, open houses and a big family meal. Many communities exchange plates of homemade sweets with their neighbours – a gesture known in Goa and parts of Karnataka as “Kuswar.”

Star Dishes of an Indian Christmas Feast

1. Goan Roast Pork Sorpotel

A Goan Christmas classic, sorpotel is a richly spiced pork dish slow-cooked with vinegar, chilli and aromatics. Its tangy, fiery depth pairs beautifully with soft pão, the traditional Portuguese-influenced bread rolls baked in local bakeries.

2. Kerala Christmas Chicken Roast

In Kerala, families often serve Nadan Chicken Roast, a deep red, slow-roasted chicken cooked with caramelised onions, curry leaves, black pepper and aromatic spices. It's usually accompanied by appam (fermented rice pancakes) or fragrant ghee rice.

3. Anglo-Indian Plum Cake

Every region has its version of Christmas cake, but the Indian plum cake is especially beloved. Typically soaked for weeks in rum or fruit juice, the dried fruits give this cake its deep flavour. Bakeries across India begin selling plum cakes from early December – and queues can be long!

4. Mutton Biryani

A festive biryani always feels special, and for Christmas many families prepare an elaborate mutton biryani with saffron, fried onions and warming spices. Often the centrepiece of the table, it’s served with cooling raita and crisp pappadums.

5. Kuswar: The Sweet Spread

In Goa and Mangalorean homes, plates of Kuswar fill the table. These can include:

Neureos – deep-fried pastries filled with coconut and jaggery

Kalkals – tiny, sugar-dusted fried curls

Bebinca – a layered Goan pudding made with coconut milk, eggs and ghee

Rose cookies – lacy, floral-shaped treats dipped in batter and fried

No Indian Christmas celebration feels complete without an assortment of these sweets.

Vegetarian Delights for Christmas

Many Indian families follow vegetarian traditions, especially in parts of South India. Popular dishes include:

Vegetable Cutlets – lightly spiced patties of potato and veg, crumb-coated and fried

Paneer Butter Masala – rich, creamy and perfect with naan

Vegetable Stew with Appam – aromatic and comforting

Jeera Rice and Dal Tadka – simple but flavour-packed sides that appeal to all ages

These dishes are often served with homemade pickles and chutneys, creating a beautifully balanced festive meal.

Drinks to Complete the Feast

An Indian Christmas table often includes warming drinks such as:

Homemade wine (especially in Kerala and Goa)

Masala chai with ginger, cardamom and cloves

Spiced coffee

Tender coconut water in coastal regions

Some families also prepare a festive punch made with citrus, ginger and spices.

Bringing an Indian Christmas Home

You don’t need to be in India to enjoy the brightness of an Indian Christmas feast. A few ideas to help you celebrate:

Add a spicy centrepiece like biryani or Kerala roast chicken to your Christmas menu.

Bake an Anglo-Indian fruit-soaked plum cake instead of (or alongside) the traditional British version.

Create your own Kuswar platter to share with family, neighbours and colleagues.

Decorate your home with bright colours, oil lamps and fragrant spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

Play festive songs in English, Hindi, Malayalam or Konkani to set the mood.

It’s a wonderful way to honour another culture while adding something unique to your own celebrations.

A traditional Indian Christmas feast is a joyful blend of heritage, generosity and flavour. Whether you’re hosting an Indian-themed Christmas dinner or simply looking to add a touch of spice to your holiday table, these dishes and traditions offer warmth worth sharing.

Why not try an Indian Christmas this year? 

Give the Gift of Improved Hearing This Christmas

Christmas is all about togetherness, bustling family gatherings, lively parties, favourite films on telly, and chatting with loved ones you may not see often. 

It’s also, quite surprisingly, one of the key times of year when people realise they may be struggling with their hearing.

If you’ve ever found yourself nudging the TV volume higher than everyone else prefers, or if a festive party leaves you smiling and nodding through conversations you can’t quite catch, you’re certainly not alone. 

Many people first notice hearing changes during the louder, busier days of December. And at family gatherings, having to ask people to repeat themselves can feel frustrating or even a little embarrassing.

This Christmas, why not consider giving someone, or yourself, a gift that genuinely improves quality of life: hearing support.

Why Christmas Makes Hearing Difficulties More Noticeable

1. The telly test

Christmas films, the King’s Speech, and a marathon of festive specials often highlight changes in hearing. If you need the volume far louder than everyone else, it’s worth checking whether it’s more than just preference.

2. Seasonal socialising

Parties, dinners, and pub meet-ups come with background music, clinking glasses, and overlapping conversations. If deciphering speech becomes hard work, that’s a sign worth paying attention to.

3. Family gatherings

Large dining tables, excited children, and multiple conversations at once can strain hearing. Asking people to repeat themselves can feel awkward, but it’s a very common experience for those with early hearing loss.

The Practical, Life-Changing Gift: Hearing Support Vouchers

Instead of guessing at presents or buying yet another novelty jumper, you can give someone something that truly matters: the opportunity to improve their hearing.

Many audiology clinics and hearing centres offer hearing aid vouchers, which can be used towards:

A professional hearing test

Hearing aids tailored to the individual

Assistive listening devices

Follow-up checks or adjustments

Accessories such as rechargeable batteries or cleaning tools

This type of gift can be a gentle, supportive way to help someone take the first step. It’s not intrusive or patronising – it simply gives them the means to explore better hearing when they’re ready.

Why This Makes a Brilliant Christmas Gift

It’s thoughtful

You’re giving someone the chance to enjoy clearer conversations, more relaxed social events, and everyday confidence.

It’s long-lasting

Many gifts get forgotten by New Year. Improved hearing transforms daily life for years to come.

It helps keep people connected

Hearing changes can feel isolating. This gift offers connection, clarity, and comfort.

It can be life-enhancing

Better hearing supports mental wellbeing, reduces strain on relationships, and helps people stay active and engaged.

How to Give Hearing Aid Vouchers

Contact local independent audiologists or major high-street service providers

Ask whether they offer gift vouchers for hearing tests or hearing aids

Present the voucher in a festive card explaining that you want them to enjoy every conversation without strain

Reassure them it’s entirely up to them when and how they use it

A Christmas Filled with Clearer Conversations

Whether it’s for a parent who turns the telly up too high, a partner who struggles in noisy restaurants, or even a gift to yourself, hearing support is a thoughtful and genuinely helpful present.

Christmas is about connecting with the people we love. Giving the gift of improved hearing helps make every laugh, every joke, and every shared story a little clearer – not just on Christmas Day, but all year long.

In closing, let me point out that getting a hearing aid was probably one of the best decisions that I have made in recent years. 

How to Avoid Catching the Mutated Flu Virus Sweeping Britain

A practical, reassuring guide for a safer, more healthy Christmas.

As Britain gears up for the festive season, many of us are juggling gift lists, food prep, travel plans and party invitations. 

Unfortunately, this year we’re also contending with a mutated strain of flu that’s making its way rapidly through workplaces, schools and social events, having cunningly side-stepped the vaccination programme. 

Nobody wants to spend Christmas Day under a duvet with a thermometer and a box of tissues. So here’s a clear, sensible guide to help you reduce your risk, stay well, and enjoy the season’s celebrations.

Keep Your Hands Clean (It Still Works Wonders)

Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to stop flu viruses spreading.

Wash with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

Keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser in your coat pocket or bag when out Christmas shopping.

After using public transport, handling coins, or touching door handles in busy shops, sanitise or wash your hands as soon as you can.

It’s simple, quick and reduces your chances of picking up unwanted germs.

Give Your Immune System a Helping Hand

A strong immune system isn’t a guarantee, but it makes a real difference.

Eat well: Include fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and lean proteins in your meals.

Stay hydrated: Cold weather often makes us forget to drink enough.

Get enough rest: Late-night wrapping sessions are fun, but sleep is essential for immune function.

Consider a flu jab: If you’re eligible or simply want extra protection, check with your GP or pharmacy. You can have NHS or private vaccinations. 

Ventilate Your Home and Party Spaces

Christmas often involves cosy, closed rooms packed with people — ideal conditions for viruses.

Open windows for short bursts throughout the day.

If you’re hosting, let in a little fresh air between guests arriving and food being served.

In pubs, cafés or parties, pick spots with some airflow where possible.

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne viruses without making the room chilly.

Be Sensible About Crowds

This isn’t about avoiding fun — simply being aware.

Choose quieter times to shop if you can.

If attending a very crowded indoor event, consider wearing a mask (especially if you’re vulnerable or visiting elderly relatives soon).

Keep a respectful distance if someone nearby is coughing or sneezing.

Don’t Share Drinks, Snacks or Utensils

It sounds obvious, but Christmas buffets often lead to accidental cross-over.

Avoid double-dipping.

Don’t hand round drinks for taste tests.

Use serving spoons rather than fingers when nibbling from platters.

It’s not killjoy advice — it’s about keeping festivities flu-free.

Wrap Up Warm (It Makes a Difference)

Cold air itself doesn’t cause flu, but sudden temperature drops can make your body more vulnerable.

Wear layers when out carolling or attending Christmas markets.

Keep scarves and gloves handy.

Dry off and warm up after being caught in winter rain.

Comfort helps your body stay resilient.

Stay Home If You’re Unwell

If you wake up with flu symptoms — high temperature, aches, exhaustion, a heavy cough — give yourself permission to rest and recover.

Cancel events if you need to.

Let friends and family know you’re keeping your germs to yourself.

It’s far better to miss one outing than risk ruining Christmas for someone else.

Most people appreciate the honesty.

Christmas is meant to be joyful, social and uplifting — and with a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy it while staying as healthy as possible. The mutated flu virus may be circulating, but good hygiene, sensible planning and a little consideration for others go a long way.

Stay warm, stay well, and have a wonderfully festive season.