The Boots Healthy Skin Beauty Box: A Brilliant Christmas Gift for Beauty Lovers

Give the gift of glowing skin this Christmas with the Boots Healthy Skin Beauty Box. 

A great-value collection of hydrating, nourishing skincare essentials perfect for winter pampering.

Looking for a Christmas present that feels luxurious yet remains affordable? 

The Boots Healthy Skin Beauty Box is one of this year’s standout beauty gifts, a curated selection of skincare essentials that delivers value, indulgence and results in one beautifully packaged box. 

Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself during the festive rush, this set is sure to delight.

Why This Beauty Box Makes an Ideal Christmas Gift

Skincare gifting has become increasingly popular, and for good reason: it’s thoughtful, practical and feels like a little box of self-care. The Boots Healthy Skin Beauty Box ticks all the right boxes.

Fantastic Value for Money

Boots beauty boxes are famed for offering far more value than their price tag suggests. This edition includes a mix of full-sized products and deluxe samples worth significantly more than the cost of the box, making it a savvy choice for budget-conscious gift-givers.

A Curated Mix of Trusted Brands

Expect well-known, high-performing names from across the Boots beauty aisles. Typical inclusions may feature:

Hydrating cleansers

Nourishing serums

Moisturisers designed to strengthen and revitalise

SPF essentials for daily protection

Gentle exfoliating treatments

This blend offers a complete routine that suits most skin types, including sensitive or winter-parched complexions.

Perfect for Winter Skin Rescue

December’s cold weather and indoor heating can leave skin feeling dull and depleted. This box brings together products formulated to soothe, hydrate and recharge, making it ideal for the season. It’s a gift that keeps on giving well beyond Christmas Day.

Beautifully Presented and Ready to Give

There’s no need for complicated wrapping. Boots beauty boxes are packaged to impress, meaning you can simply pop it under the tree and know it looks the part.

A Great Introduction to New Products

For friends or family keen to refresh their routine, this box is a brilliant way to try new items without committing to full sizes. It’s also a fun discovery set for beauty enthusiasts who love exploring new finds.

Who Will Love This Gift?

Teenagers starting a skincare routine

Busy mums in need of pampering

Beauty fans who love premium brands at incredible value

Anyone struggling with winter dryness

Secret Santa recipients who deserve something special

It’s versatile enough to please nearly everyone.

Where to Buy

The Boots Healthy Skin Beauty Box is available exclusively at Boots, both online and in selected stores. As these boxes tend to sell out quickly during the festive season, it’s wise to grab one early.

If you want to give a thoughtful, practical, and genuinely enjoyable present this Christmas, the Boots Healthy Skin Beauty Box is a top pick. With its high-value contents, seasonal relevance and luxurious feel, it’s exactly the kind of gift that makes people smile long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away.

Visit boots.com 

A Fantastic Christmas Gift Businesses can Give: SocialBox.Biz Urges London Businesses to Prioritize Secure Data Wiping and IT Reuse for Environmental and Social Impact

In a call to action for sustainable practices, SocialBox.Biz, London's leading Community Interest Company for ethical and secure IT reuse, that could make a major difference this Christmas.

As old tech problems continues to increase, according to UN reports, businesses in Westminster City, Camden, and across Central London have a powerful opportunity to transform old tech into tools for positive change. 

The latest insights from SocialBox.Biz reveal that reusing just 1,000 laptops can prevent 316 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to the carbon absorption of thousands of mature trees. 

This approach not only doubles the environmental benefits of recycling but also aligns with corporate impact and CSR goals by reducing Scope 3 emissions and fostering computer access inclusion for disadvantaged groups, including pensioners and homeless individuals.

"Too often, functional IT ends up being scrapped when it could be securely wiped reused or donated to create real social impact, and support our community interest company generating additional social impact for Westminster city based companies and beyond " a SocialBox.Biz spokesperson told That's Christmas. 

"Our NIST 800-88 compliant services ensure data security while turning surplus devices into lifelines for education, job training, and community reconnection. It's time for London businesses to reuse before recycle."

Key services include:

Certified Secure Data Wiping: Compliant with international standards to protect sensitive information.

IT Reuse and Donation Programs: Ethical re-purposing of laptops and computers for UK-based community initiatives.

Sustainability Consulting: Tailored strategies to enhance social impact reporting and  compliance.

Businesses and universities are invited to contact SocialBox.Biz today to assess their IT hardware for re-use potential. Unsuitable devices are responsibly recycled, ensuring zero waste via authorised WEEE partners. For more details, read the full article: Secure Data Wiping for London Businesses.

How SocialBox.Biz’s customized impact plans empower businesses.

Even companies with no spare hardware can support the campaign through SocialBox.Biz’s 2025 Impact Plans, which fund upgrades for the most in-need cases.

https://www.socialbox.biz/corporate-impact

Small Charity Aims to Double Impact as It Brings Inclusive Theatre to Thousands in Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025

Head2Head Sensory Theatre is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025 (2-9 December 2025) to raise £3,500 in just 1 week! 

Donations will be generously matched by Big Give’s Champions during the campaign to make double the difference in supporting the small charity. The funds will help produce;

Brand new touring sensory production based on Greek myths.

Workshops and interactive activities that support education, wellbeing, life skills, and mental health.

Samantha Renke, Broadcaster, Disability Rights Campaigner and Patron of the Head2Head Sensory Theatre told That's Christmas 365: “We all deserve escapism. To dip our toe into the world of make believe. Be a lost boy for a day and that’s exactly what Head2Head does so well, it allows Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent children and young adults to access and experience the arts as spectators or performers with ease and equity at its heart. Give Big and make sure vital resources like these are available for the Disability community” 

BBC actress and Ambassador of the charity; Georgia de Gidlow added: “I cannot express how important the work of Head2Head is. Making theatre accessible for all children creates a space for children with all abilities to learn, engage and have fun! Supporting this cause is essential for the amazing work this charity does!” 

Founder and volunteer, Anni Rhodes-Steere said: "Inclusive, sensory-rich theatre can make a huge impact on a child with special or additional needs. Theatre brings joy, confidence and calm. “Children with disabilities face major barriers to traditional theatre: accessibility, cost, lack of understanding, and overwhelming or non-inclusive environments. Head2Head removes those barriers. The chance to be part of the story rather than left out of it,” 

How can you get involved? 

With the funds the charity hopes to reach over 5,500 children and allow them to experience the magic of theatre. Visit BigGive.org and make a donation from 2nd to 9th December 2025. The campaign will close on 9th December 2025. 

Set a reminder and add their campaign page to it so you remember not to miss your chance to double your donation.

Crafting the Perfect All-British and Irish Cheese Charcuterie Board for Christmas

When the festive season arrives, few centrepieces feel as inviting as a beautifully arranged cheese and charcuterie board. 

This year, why not celebrate Christmas with a twist by building a board entirely sourced from the British Isles? 

From rich English cheddars to creamy Irish blues and artisan charcuterie cured in small UK smokehouses, a locally focused platter feels both luxurious and meaningful.

Whether you’re hosting a quiet evening in or laying out a Boxing Day feast, an all-British and Irish board brings the flavours of home straight to the table.

Why Choose British and Irish Cheese for Christmas?

The UK and Ireland have undergone a quiet cheese revolution over the last two decades. Today, more than 700 varieties are produced regionally, many of them award-winners. Choosing local brings some lovely benefits:

Fresher, higher-quality produce with shorter supply chains

Support for small farms and dairies, especially those using traditional methods

Distinct regional character, from Somerset to County Cork

A sustainable choice, thanks to reduced transport miles

Plus, British and Irish cheesemakers know how to make a festive statement. Christmas is prime season for bold flavours, mature cheddars, indulgent soft cheeses and decadent blues.

Essential Cheeses for a British & Irish Christmas Board

Mixing textures and strengths is the secret to a perfect platter. Aim for 4–6 varieties.

1. Mature Cheddar (England)

A robust, crumbly cheddar is a must.

Try: Montgomery’s, Keen’s or Black Bomber.

2. Stilton (England)

Classic Christmas cheese: tangy, creamy and rich.

Try: Colston Bassett for a traditional festive blue.

3. Soft Mould-Ripened Cheese (England or Ireland)

Think of these as your UK-Irish equivalent of Brie or Camembert.

Try: Tunworth (Hampshire), Baron Bigod (Suffolk), or Gubbeen (Ireland).

4. Goat’s Cheese (Wales or England)

Fresh, tangy and a lovely palate cleanser.

Try: Kidderton Ash, Rachel Goat’s Cheese, or Pantysgawn.

5. Irish Blue or Washed Rind (Ireland)

Bring some depth with an Irish blue or a bold washed rind variety.

Try: Cashel Blue, Crozier Blue or Milleens.

6. Smoked or Flavoured Cheese (Scotland)

For a little drama.

Try: Smoked Applewood or Isle of Mull Cheddar.

British & Irish Charcuterie That Elevates Your Board

Our islands produce exceptional cured meats that pair beautifully with local cheese.

Air-dried beef: Bresaola-style cuts from Scottish smokehouses

British salami: Try varieties infused with fennel, chilli or cider

Smoked ham: Wiltshire cured ham adds a classic festive note

Irish charcuterie: Look for charcuterie from small producers in Cork and Galway

If you want something truly seasonal, many artisan producers release Christmas-spiced salamis, whisky-smoked meats, or limited-edition hams at this time of year.

Seasonal Accompaniments for a Festive Finish

Make your board look abundant and Christmassy with well-chosen additions.

Crackers & Bread

Scottish oatcakes

Seeded sourdough crackers

Irish wheaten bread

Chutneys & Relishes

Caramelised onion chutney

Fig and port chutney

Spiced apple and cranberry relish

Fruit & Nuts

Red grapes

Figs, fresh or dried

Pear slices

Walnuts and roasted hazelnuts

Extras for Christmas Flair

Honeycomb pieces

Rosemary sprigs

Edible gold-dust grapes

Festive-shaped cheese cutters (stars always win!)

How to Arrange Your Board Beautifully

Start with your largest cheeses and place them evenly across the board.

Add charcuterie in gentle folds for volume.

Fill gaps with fruit, nuts, and small bowls of chutney.

Use contrasting colours (deep blue veined cheese next to pale crackers).

Aim for a look that’s full but not overcrowded.

Rustic wooden boards feel the most festive, but slate or marble works beautifully for a crisp, modern style.

Drinks Pairing: Keep It British & Irish

Sparkling wine: English sparkling wine from Kent or Sussex

Red wine: Welsh pinot noir or a smooth Irish red

Cider: A dry Herefordshire or Somerset cider, or a Irish farmhouse cider

Beer: Winter ales or a dark stout

Non-alcoholic: Spiced apple punch or ruby pear juice

Final Thoughts

An all-British and Irish cheese and charcuterie board isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration of the incredible craftsmanship and heritage of our local producers. 

Whether it sits proudly on your Christmas Eve nibble table or appears as the centrepiece of your Boxing Day buffet, it brings warmth, generosity and festive cheer to every gathering.

You should be able to purchase the above items from delicatessens, farm shops or high status food shops. 

You can also use the That's Christmas 365 online shop, too: https://amzn.to/3KB3IAs

Festive Spirit in Full Bloom as Community Raises Over £2,200 for the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne

Wimborne’s festive season began with generosity, creativity and community spirit as two sold-out Christmas Wreath Making Workshops at the Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne raised over £2,200 to support the much-loved charity at the heart of the town.

Held on 26th and 28th November, the workshops brought together over 60 participants for fun, creativity and festive connection, all while helping the Allendale continue its mission of inclusivity, support, and belonging.

The events were entirely sponsored by Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground, who provided all the natural materials, decorative items and tools.

Leading both workshops was Karen Hill, burial ground consultant and qualified florist, who gave her time, expertise and warm encouragement to guide participants through crafting their own beautiful natural wreaths.

“You could feel the joy in the room,” said Karen Hill. “People came to create something lovely, but they also came to support a place that genuinely matters. It was wonderful to be part of.”

All funds raised will go directly to the Allendale Community Centre charity, helping it continue providing safe, welcoming and essential services to the community.

The Allendale isn’t just a venue; it is a hub of belonging that tackles social isolation and supports some of the most vulnerable people in the area.

“What we do here is about belonging,” said Carole Chedgy, Vice Chair, Trustee “This fundraiser helps us remain a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability or circumstance, can feel safe, supported and part of the community.”

Participants described the workshops as “magical”, “uplifting” and “the perfect way to start Christmas.” Many have already asked if the event will return.

https://www.theallendale.org

Get Your Home Winter-Ready Before Christmas: The Essential Checklist

Prepare your home for the colder months with this essential winter-ready checklist. From boiler servicing to pipe lagging and gutter care, make sure your property is safe, warm, and protected before Christmas arrives.

As the Christmas countdown begins, most of us are busy thinking about presents, parties, and festive food. 

But before the decorations go up and the visitors arrive, there’s one thing every household should prioritise: making sure your home is fully winter-ready. 

A bit of preparation now can save a lot of stress (and money) later on, especially during the coldest weeks of the year.

Here’s why getting ahead of winter-proofing is one of the smartest seasonal tasks you can tick off your list.

Keep Your Heating Reliable With an Annual Boiler Service

Nothing sabotages the run-up to Christmas quite like a boiler breakdown. An annual boiler service is the best way to ensure your heating system is working efficiently and safely:

Reduces the risk of breakdowns, particularly during cold snaps when boilers work hardest.

Helps keep energy bills more manageable by ensuring the system runs efficiently.

Maintains your warranty, many manufacturers require annual servicing.

Improves safety by checking for potential carbon monoxide issues.

Booking a service early avoids the last-minute rush and ensures your home stays comfortably warm throughout December and beyond.

Check Your Home and Property Maintenance Insurance

This time of year is the perfect moment to make sure your insurance and policies are up-to-date:

Home insurance: Confirm your cover includes winter-related damage such as burst pipes, storm damage, or roof leaks.

Boiler and heating cover: If you have standalone boiler insurance or a home care plan, or shower cover, check renewal dates and what’s included.

Contents insurance: With pricey presents being delivered and stored at home, now is the time to check your protection level.

Reviewing your policies before Christmas ensures you’re financially protected should the unexpected happen.

Lag Your Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and costly) winter emergencies. Proper insulation, or “lagging,” helps protect them from freezing during prolonged cold spells:

Lag outdoor taps, loft pipes, garage pipes, and any sections exposed to draughts.

Check that existing pipe insulation hasn’t fallen off or degraded.

Consider trace heating for vulnerable spots if you live in a particularly cold area.

Just a few pounds’ worth of insulation can prevent thousands in repair bills.

Clear and Secure Your Gutters

Leaves and debris accumulate quickly in autumn, and blocked gutters can cause serious issues once winter rain and frost arrive:

Clean out gutters and downpipes so water can flow freely.

Check for cracks, sagging, or loose brackets, especially after heavy winds.

Ensure water drains away from your property, reducing the risk of damp and structural damage.

Healthy gutters mean a healthier home, and fewer surprises when the weather turns nasty.

Inspect Your Roof and Loft Space

A couple of quick checks can prevent leaks and heat loss throughout the season:

Look for missing or slipped tiles.

Check flashing around chimneys and skylights.

Make sure your loft insulation is evenly spread and not squashed.

Look for signs of pests or damp patches.

A secure, well-insulated roof keeps warm air inside and cold, wet weather out.

Prepare Your Outdoor Areas

Winter doesn’t just affect the inside of your home. A little outdoor preparation goes a long way:

Trim overhanging branches that could snap in storms.

Store or secure garden furniture to prevent wind damage.

Check external lighting, especially around paths and entrances, to keep things safe on dark evenings.

Make sure your driveway and paths are clear so you can grit them easily if temperatures drop.

Simple jobs now help prevent hazards later.

Why Preparing Before Christmas Matters

Getting your home winter-ready well before Christmas gives you:

Peace of mind, knowing everything is protected as temperatures fall.

A warmer, safer living space for guests and family gatherings.

Reduced stress, with fewer unexpected repair bills eating into your festive budget.

More time to enjoy the season, rather than dealing with emergency call-outs.

A winter-ready home helps ensure the only chills you experience this Christmas come from stepping outside to admire the lights, not from burst pipes or a broken boiler.

Ho-Ho-Hello? Families Get in Touch With Santa

Santa may be a stickler for some traditions, like insisting that he only ever travels by sleigh, but he is embracing some new innovations in 2025 because AI has now reached the North Pole!

This year, for the first time ever, children will going to be able to talk to Santa Claus himself in a live two-way conversation, thanks to the magic of AI.

Portable North Pole (PNP), the world’s number one Santa app, has combined advanced and safe AI technology with the timeless spirit of Christmas. 

The new Talk to Santa option will allow children to have an authentic two-way conversation with St Nick, share their wishes, and receive personalised, natural responses in a live, magical experience that feels as if it's coming straight to them from the North Pole.

Alexandre Bérard, CEO, creators of Portable North Pole, told That's Christmas 365: “For almost 20 years, Portable North Pole has been trusted to create Christmas magic with personalised videos and calls for millions of families worldwide. 

"But with Talk to Santa, we’re bringing that experience to life like never before, giving more children a chance to speak with Santa himself, but this time in real time.”

The new AI-powered conversation system is built with advanced speech recognition and has been developed with parents, integrating carefully designed responses to ensure every moment feels authentic, warm, safe and filled with Christmas spirit. 

Each conversation is built within strict safety parameters, ensuring the content remains appropriate, family-friendly and secure. And with Talk to Santa available at just £14.99 (as part of the Magic Pass or by purchasing credits) it’s a great way to keep the magic alive for believers of all ages, without breaking the bank.

New for Christmas 2025

This season, Portable North Pole has expanded its offering of personalised messages from Santa to include even more magical options for families:

Talk to Santa (NEW) – Experience the first-ever real-time, two-way interactive conversation with Santa Claus.

Children Stories (NEW) – Parents can choose from over 30 customised audio stories narrated by Santa himself, to make story-time a magical moment.

Write Your Own Topic Calls (NEW) – A new feature that allows parents to personalise Santa’s message to address specific moments or milestones in their child’s life.

12 New Videos and 5 New Calls – Discover Santa’s bustling workshop, all-new videos and exciting new scenes and features, that capture the true spirit of Christmas for audiences of all ages.

PNP includes over 100+ personalised Santa videos, calls and stories, featuring both free and premium messages for birthdays, life lessons and special moments year-round.

Families can start a FREE TRIAL and create their own personalised Santa experiences at www.portablenorthpole.com or by downloading the Portable North Pole app on iOS or Android. Standard single video prices start at £6.99 and the recommended Magic Pass, which unlocks the complete PNP magical experience is available at an introductory price of £14.99.

With over 30 million app downloads and over 340 million personalised videos and calls delivered, Portable North Pole continues to be the global leader in online personalised Christmas entertainment. 

Available on iOS, Android and web, and in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish and German, families can enjoy an experience that brings Santa’s magic to even more families around the world.

And importantly Portable North Pole continues to donate up to 5% of online sales to over 25 children’s hospitals worldwide, including the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital; Barts and The London Charity for the Royal London Children’s Hospital; Birmingham Children’s Hospital; and Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.

https://www.portablenorthpole.com

Truffley Good News! Festive Entertaining Hack: Truffle Up the Christmas Leftovers

Traditionally considered to be an ingredient reserved only for the wealthy elites, Be Truffle is on a mission to bring the deliciously aromatic and rich earthy taste of truffle to the rest of us, enabling everyone to create everyday truffle-tastic dishes in the comfort of their home.

And with the festive celebrations almost upon us, now is the perfect time to stock up on these truffle treasures to effortlessly transform mealtimes during the busy holiday entertaining period.

Be Truffle Honey Mustard

Elevate your roasted new potatoes to a whole new level, by adding Truffle Honey Mustard to new potatoes roasted with rosemary or perk up a humble hot dog with a dash of Truffle Honey Mustard

Be Truffle Truffle Ketchup

Jazz up those French fries or upgrade your burger or sausage roll with a generous dollop of Truffle Ketchup.

Be Truffle Sauce

A barbecue taste experience like no other, Be Truffle Sauce combines classic bold flavours with a soupçon of sophisticated truffle, perfect spread on ribs, glazed over chicken, turkey or ham or just trickled on vegetables.

Be Truffle Black Truffle Honey

A mouthwatering newcomer to the Christmas cheese board, simply sublime drizzled over a selection of cheeses – but equally yummy in a simple cheese sarnie!

Be Truffle Sauce, 80g, £7.50

Be Truffle Honey Mustard, 95g £7.50

Be Truffle Honey 120g, price (Not available) 

Be Truffle Truffle Ketchup 95g, £6.50

Available from selected Booths supermarkets or via the Be Truffle website www.betruffle.com. All products are approved by The Vegetarian Society.

Marmalade – So Much More Than Just The Perfect Breakfast Spread

Whether marinating fish, enhancing a sauce, stirring into a Christmas cocktail, adding to your favourite bakes or combining with overnight oats, the unmistakable tang of this authentic Sevillian brand's bold, zesty marmalades can transform everyday dishes into appetising, mouth-watering masterpieces.

La Vieja Fábrica takes pride in crafting its outstanding marmalade in the heart of Seville. Meaning 'The Old Factory', the name reflects the time-honoured recipes and techniques lovingly preserved over the years to produce marmalade that is rich in both tradition and flavour. 

Every La Vieja Fábrica jar is packed with Seville oranges, (the cherished symbol of Seville), the prized bitter oranges are renowned for their punchy distinctive taste and the signature thick skin responsible for those quintessential chewy shreds - ensuring the ultimate marmalade experience.

La Vieja Fábrica marmalades are made and packaged in Seville, adopting traditional slow cooking techniques at low temperatures to uphold the full, natural flavour of the oranges. By using honed recipes and a high fruit content, every jar is guaranteed to deliver a deep, rich taste sensation. 

There are four delicious marmalade products just waiting to be discovered: Seville Orange Fine Cut, Seville Orange Thick Cut, Seville Orange No Peel and Seville Orange St Clements. 

Discover La Vieja Fábrica in Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons, Booths and Ocado. For more information visit https://www.laviejafabrica.co.uk/

But what about a Christmastime Poke Bowl? Plant-Based Salmon Style Flakes Poke Bowl

This is something my wife would appreciate as she loves this style of food.

What you will need:

● One pack Squeaky Bean Salmon Flakes

● 1 cup sushi rice

● 1 carrot, ribboned

● ¼ small red cabbage, finely sliced

● 2 spring onions, finely sliced

● Edamame beans

● ½ mango, cubed

For the sweet chilli dressing:

● 1 clove minced garlic

● 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

● 3 tbsp soy sauce

● 1 tbsp maple syrup

● 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

● 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

● 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

● Salt and pepper to taste

To serve:

●  2 spring onions, finely sliced

●  Nori, shredded

Method:

Cook the rice. Add 1 cup of sushi rice to a sieve and run under cold water until it runs clear. Add to a saucepan with 2 cups of cold water. Bring to the boil over a medium to high heat for 12 minutes. Remove from hear and let stand, covered, until ready to serve.

Make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, cider vinegar and sweet chilli sauce. Combine with  a fork and add salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare your vegetables: Ribbon the carrots, finely slice the red cabbage and spring onions, prepare the edamame beans, cube the mango and finely shred some nori sheets.

Assemble the poke bowls. Remove the lid from the rice and fluff up the grains with a fork. Divide between bowls. Arrange prepped vegetables and mango on top of the rice, then place Squeaky Bean Smoked Salmon Style Flakes on top. Pour over a good helping of the sweet chilli dressing and sprinkle with the spring onion and nori.

You can find Squeaky Bean products at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Asda.

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk