The online source for all things Christmas
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
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Twelve Dog Days of Christmas? Buying Christmas gifts for your pets is not unusual
Spending Christmas away from home, either with family or friends or perhaps an Airbnb for a change of scene, is a growing trend and with it comes the opportunity to bring a beloved pet.
A new survey by Animed, the online pet care retailer, shows 70% of pet owners want to spend Christmas with their pet and 60% couldn’t imagine of leaving them behind.
With Airbnb reporting a 30% increase in searches for pet-friendly properties, it seems like British pet lovers want their furry friends with them over the festive period.
This is reflected in increased sales of canine and feline advent calendars, Christmas stockings and baubles, up a staggering 115% on last year.
“We love our pets and they give us such a lot throughout the year in terms of companionship so it’s not surprising that we don’t want to leaves them behind at Christmas”, Animed vet Jess Simmonds told That's Christmas 365.
“Instead, we want to involve them in the festivities, from buying a Christmas stocking to a special Christmas lunch. It’s our way of saying thank you”.
Here are the 12 ways we Brits spoil our pets at Christmas:
1. 76% buy their pet a gift
2. 72% curl up and watch a Christmas movie together
3. 69% buy a special Christmas toy
4. 45% of pampered pets have their own Christmas stocking
5. 42% include their pet in the family Christmas card
6. 33% buy a novelty jumper or collar for their pet
7. 31% give presents from their pet to family members
8. 32% share a special walk on Christmas Day
9. 29% book a pet-friendly getaway
10. 28% allow their pets to join in with their Christmas dinner
11. 27% indulge their pet with festive-themed treats
12. 16% would buy a personalised novelty tree decoration of their pet
With all the festive cheer floating around, it’s hard not to go the extra mile with treats and goodies for our furry companions.
It’s a wonderful way to say thank you for all their love and loyalty over the year and to make them feel the cherished member of the family they are.
Animed: The One-Stop Pet Shop for Christmas and Beyond
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
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.
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
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:-
Monday, 24 November 2025
Save Money This Festive Season with the That’s Christmas Online Shop – All from the Comfort of Home
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
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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
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.
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