How to Look After Your Hearing Aids in Preparation for Christmas

I wrote this blogpost because, this morning, my right hearing aid started bleeping at me. A quick trip to Google, search the symptoms (I was concerned it might need a service) but it transpired that all it needed was a cleaning of the microphones. 

However, this led me to think about all our readers who have hearing aids and what we will need to do to ensure our hearing aids don't let us down over Christmas or the New Year.

The run-up to Christmas is a joyful, bustling time filled with music, conversation, family gatherings, carol services and festive nights out. If you use hearing aids, the last thing you need is for them to fail just when the festive season reaches its peak. A little preparation now can help you enjoy every conversation, every carol and every Christmas film without interruption.

Here’s how to keep your hearing aids in excellent working order as we head towards the busiest social season of the year.

Keep on Top of Cleaning

Winter weather, central heating, scarves and hats can all trap moisture and dust around your hearing aids. A quick daily clean can make all the difference.

Wipe the casing with a soft, dry cloth.

Use a small cleaning brush to remove wax from the microphone ports and receivers.

Check your domes or moulds for blockages.

Never use water, alcohol wipes or household cleaners, as these can damage components.

A weekly deeper clean, following your manufacturer’s guidance, helps reduce the risk of Christmas-morning surprises.

Check Your Batteries or Charging Case

Few things are more frustrating than a silent hearing aid during a party. Make sure you’re fully stocked ahead of time.

For traditional batteries:

Buy an extra pack now, before the seasonal rush. Or if you have an NHS hearing aid, order your batteries from your NHS audiologist or Doctor's surgery, well before Christmas.

Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat sources.

For rechargeable aids:

Check your charging case is working properly.

Give the case a thorough wipe to remove any dust from the charging contacts.

Bring your charger if you’re staying with friends or family over the holidays.

Protect Against Moisture

Cold-to-warm temperature changes (walking in from frosty air into a heated living room) can cause condensation, which affects performance.

Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying pot overnight.

If you’re caught in rain or sleet, dry the exterior with a soft cloth as soon as you get indoors.

Avoid wearing them while using hairspray or scented products, do these before putting your aids in.

Check for Fit and Comfort

Scarves, hats, woolly jumpers and giant Christmas jumpers can all tug at behind-the-ear devices.

Make sure your tubing isn’t cracked or stiff.

Ensure domes or moulds still fit snugly and comfortably.

If you’ve noticed any whistling, feedback or changes to fit, now’s the perfect time to book a quick check with your audiologist before Christmas.

Update Any Bluetooth or App Settings

With so many festive events on the horizon, you might want to tweak your sound settings.

Update your hearing aid’s smartphone app if applicable.

Check connection settings for watching Christmas films on TV or tablets.

Save custom programmes for noisy environments such as pubs, parties or Christmas markets.

A few minutes of prep can help you glide through the season with minimal fiddling.

Prepare a Travel Kit

If you’re visiting family or going away for Christmas, pack a small kit so you’re never caught out.

Include:

Spare batteries or the charging cable

Cleaning brush and wipes

Drying pot or dehumidifier tub (travel-sized ones exist)

Spare domes or wax guards

Pop it all in a small pouch inside your overnight bag and you’re sorted.

Book a Pre-Christmas Check-Up (If Needed)

If you’ve noticed reduced clarity, muffled sound, crackling or poor battery performance, it may be worth booking a quick maintenance appointment. Audiology departments and hearing aid providers often get busy in December, so earlier is better.

Enjoy a Clear, Confident Christmas

Well-maintained hearing aids ensure you don’t miss a single festive moment, whether that's the punchline of a cracker joke, the children singing at the school nativity, or a toast around the dinner table.

A little care now means a smoother, more enjoyable Christmas season where you can focus on what matters: connection, conversation and celebration.

Chester’s Saturnalia Celebration: A Fun nod to History… or a Step Too Far?

Chester is doing something rather bold this Christmas: reviving the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. 

With glowing torches, costumed legionaries, street performances and nods to Roman merrymaking, the city is leaning into its history as the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix. 

It makes for a dramatic, atmospheric spectacle... but it has also sparked questions. 

Is this a festive masterstroke, or a confusing diversion from Christmas? And what do faith leaders make of it?

A City with Roman Roots

Chester’s Roman heritage is everywhere, the walls, the amphitheatre, the miniature fort remains beneath the modern streets. Local tourism promoters have seized on this, presenting Saturnalia as a way to offer something unique during the winter season.

Events include:

Roman parades through the city centre

Storytelling and reenactments about ancient winter customs

Temporary displays explaining the roots of Saturnalia

Family-friendly craft sessions and history workshops

It certainly adds colour and attracts visitors, particularly those interested in heritage tourism.

What Exactly Is Saturnalia?

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honouring Saturn, the god of agriculture and renewal. Held in mid-December, it was a time of role-reversal, gift-giving, feasting, loosening of social norms and widespread revelry.

Some historians consider it a forerunner to certain Christmas customs, feasting, greenery, candles and gift-giving among them.

Chester’s tourism board emphasises the educational side: understanding how winter festivals evolved and how early Christian traditions emerged within the wider Roman world.

Is Celebrating Saturnalia a Good Thing?

It depends whom you ask.

Pros:

Boosts local tourism and footfall during the crucial Christmas shopping season.

Creates a distinctive winter event that sets Chester apart from other cities.

Encourages learning, especially for children, about Roman Britain.

Adds vibrancy to the streets during the darker winter weeks.

Potential downsides:

Some worry it may confuse or overshadow traditional Christmas celebrations.

Others feel it may be an attempt to appear “edgy” for the sake of marketing rather than meaning.

A minority view it as commercialising ancient spirituality in a way that doesn’t respect either historic Saturnalia or Christian tradition.

Overall, for most residents and visitors it appears to be taken in good humour — another colourful way to enjoy the season.

What Do Christian Leaders Think?

Reactions from Christian clergy in and around Chester have been varied but mostly measured.

Supportive or Neutral View

Several church leaders have expressed that learning about ancient history is not inherently problematic. They point out:

Christmas has incorporated many older traditions over the centuries.

Understanding Saturnalia can strengthen appreciation for how Christian celebrations evolved.

The festival does not replace church services nor Christian celebrations taking place throughout December.

Some clergy have even said that anything which brings people together peacefully at this time of year is welcome, provided Christmas itself is not diminished.

Critical or Cautious View

A few ministers, particularly within more conservative denominations, have raised concerns:

That reviving a pagan festival at Christmas might blur religious lines, especially for young people.

That the commercialisation of something historically religious could trivialise both ancient beliefs and modern faith.

That the city should ensure the celebration does not come across as a replacement for Christmas or frame Christianity as a mere historical afterthought.

However, even among critics, the tone has been more questioning than confrontational. Chester’s churches remain fully engaged with Advent and Christmas outreach, and many plan events specifically highlighting the Christian message of the season.

Can Saturnalia and Christmas Coexist?

In practice, they already do, and peacefully. Chester’s Saturnalia celebration is not a religious revival but a cultural and historic re-enactment. V

isitors can enjoy Roman parades in the afternoon and attend a carol service at the cathedral in the evening.

For most residents, the two festivals serve different purposes:

Saturnalia adds colour, theatre and historical flair.

Christmas provides spiritual grounding, community, tradition and celebration.

Chester has simply chosen to embrace both, one as heritage, the other as living faith.

Whether you see it as harmless fun or slightly peculiar, Chester’s Saturnalia festivities undeniably bring people into the city at a time when local businesses need it most. The key is balance: celebrating history without undermining the meaning of Christmas for those who observe it.

So is Saturnalia in Chester a good thing?

As long as it complements rather than competes with Christmas, many in the city seem to think so. And for visitors, it’s yet another reason to enjoy one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities during the festive season.

Wallace & Gromit's Cracking Christmas special Video

It's time for the latest Wallace & Gromit Christmas special Video! 

We at That's Christmas 365 love Wallace & Gromit and this Christmas special is absolutely wonderful, including the Dad jokes!

It's also nice to see a special old favourite friend making an appearance. And we'll not mention who it is so as not to spoil the surprise!

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating National Biscuits and Gravy Day – A UK...

That's Food and Drink: Celebrating National Biscuits and Gravy Day – A UK...: Every 14th December, the United States marks National Biscuits and Gravy Day, a celebration of one of its most beloved comfort foods.  For m...

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas: A Joyful Start to the Christmas Season

The Feast of Saint Nicholas, marked on 6 December, is one of the loveliest early-season traditions in the Christmas calendar. 

Although more commonly celebrated on the Continent than in the UK, it’s a wonderful feast day to embrace at home, especially if you’re looking to add a little extra magic, kindness and old-world charm to the run-up to Christmas.

Whether you have children, grandchildren, or simply enjoy marking the season with meaningful rituals, Saint Nicholas Day offers a gentle reminder of generosity, compassion and festive warmth. Here’s how you can bring the celebration to life in your own household.

Who Was Saint Nicholas?

Saint Nicholas of Myra was a fourth-century bishop known for his extraordinary generosity, humility and willingness to help those in need. Countless legends surround him, from saving families from poverty to secretly delivering gifts to the poor. 

Over time, these stories shaped the modern figure of Father Christmas and Santa Claus.

Celebrating his feast day is a lovely way to weave historical tradition into your festive season, giving children and adults alike a deeper understanding of where many of our Christmas customs come from.

A Charming Tradition: Shoes at the Door

One of the most recognisable Saint Nicholas traditions is placing shoes or boots by the fireplace or front door on the eve of 5 December. Children (and often adults!) wake to find small treats tucked inside:

Clementines

Chocolate coins

Gingerbread biscuits

A little toy or trinket

A handwritten note of encouragement or praise

It’s a gentle, exciting moment that doesn’t rival Christmas Day itself, perfect for building seasonal anticipation.

Celebrate with Simple, Heart-Warming Activities

1. Bake Speculaas or Spiced Biscuits

These traditional spiced biscuits are associated with Saint Nicholas across Europe. Baking them fills the home with the scent of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg – the unmistakable smell of Advent.

2. Read Stories of Saint Nicholas

Sharing tales of his kindness is a brilliant way to introduce children to the roots of Christmas giving. Books and online resources abound, and you can tailor stories to different age groups.

3. Enjoy a Small Gift Exchange

A modest gift exchange on 6 December, based on thoughtfulness rather than expense, helps keep the focus on kindness.

4. Light a Candle for Kindness

Lighting a candle on Saint Nicholas Day is an invitation to practise generosity throughout December. Challenge family members to carry out “one small act of kindness” each day until Christmas.

5. Support a Charity in His Honour

Given Saint Nicholas’s commitment to helping those in need, this is an ideal moment to:

Donate food or toys to a local appeal

Support a homelessness charity

Offer time or assistance to neighbours

It’s a powerful way to celebrate the true meaning of the season.

Make It a New Family Tradition

You don’t need to be part of a religious household to enjoy the customs of Saint Nicholas Day. It’s a celebration rooted in kindness, storytelling and simple joy. Many UK families are rediscovering this feast day as a lovely way to pace the season, adding a meaningful moment in early December before the Christmas rush fully sets in.

It’s also a wonderful tradition to share on social media or incorporate into children’s Advent calendars, helping the younger generation appreciate the origins of festive giving.

The Feast of Saint Nicholas is a charming, timeless tradition that brings warmth and generosity into the heart of the Christmas season. 

By adopting even one of these customs, you’ll add a beautiful and meaningful pause to the festive calendar.

If you’re looking for a way to slow down, savour the season and remind everyone at home what Christmas is really about, Saint Nicholas Day is a perfect place to begin.

Big Issue North launches new Christmas socks, cards and wrapping paper with Stanley Chow

It's that time of year, again! That's Christmas 365 is thrilled to be able to share this news with our readers.

Big Issue North has once again partnered with celebrated Manchester artist Stanley Chow and sock specialists Stand4Socks to create a limited-edition series of cosy, festive socks, plus matching Christmas cards and wrapping paper, with a charitable twist.

These limited-edition designs give customers the chance to give the gift of compassion this Christmas by supporting those in need across the north of England. 

Every purchase directly contributes to Big Issue North’s mission, empowering people experiencing poverty to earn an income, gain stability, and transform their lives.

Big Issue North vendors are self-employed and buy magazines from regional offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield for £2 each, then sell them on established pitches in towns and cities across the north for £4, keeping the £2 that they make from every sale. 

Selling The Big Issue also gives vendors motivation and helps to boost their self-esteem.

As well as selling the magazine, vendors are given advice by staff on how to get help with anything from developing their skills or accessing English language courses, to getting housing, financial or health advice, which can help them to achieve their goals and improve their lives for good.

Big Issue North vendors are making a commitment to earn an income. By working, not begging. 75% of vendors in the north have never begged, and all the 19% of vendors who had committed crime prior to selling the magazine say that they have offended less, including stopping entirely, since they have been selling.

Big Issue North Trust is a registered charity (charity number 1056041), which raises funds to provide a range of support for vendors, including support accessing services, help getting ID, home furnishing packages and projects such as breakfast clubs. 

During COVID-19, it also provided vendors with financial aid while they were unable to work, as well as funding PPE and contactless payment devices, and the photo ID required to use it. As well as improving the safety of our vendors and customers, this has increased earnings as the UK moves towards becoming a cashless society.

This year’s collection includes two new exclusive designs by Stanley Chow. Stanley’s iconic illustrations have earned him acclaim worldwide, with projects spanning from collaborations with The White Stripes to covers for The New York Times. This exclusive sock series embodies Stanley’s signature style, featuring a graphic, minimalist pixel design and a penguin design.

“I got the chance to design the pair of socks I’ve always wanted to wear and selling them will help raise money for a charity that I wholeheartedly support,” said Stanley Chow. “What’s not to like about that?!”

Priced at £12.99 per pair or £29.99 for three pairs of socks, £6 for 10 Christmas cards or five sheets of wrapping paper, or £10 for cards and wrapping paper, 100% of profits from each sale go directly to Big Issue North. This means that every purchase supports people in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber who are working by selling The Big Issue, providing them with the opportunity to earn income, develop skills, and gain independence.

Stand4Socks, a Manchester-based company, is known for their high-quality, personalised socks. Their ethos is centred on giving back; for each pair of charity socks sold, Stand4Socks donates a durable, antibacterial pair of socks to someone experiencing homelessness. Since their inception, Stand4Socks have donated over 150,000 socks, ensuring that comfort and warmth reach those who need it most.

Purchase socks: Big Issue North x Stand4 Socks Collaboration

https://www.stand4socks.com/pages/big-issue-north-x-stand4-socks-collaboration

Purchase cards and wrapping paper: Big Issue North online shop

https://shop.bigissuenorth.com

Make Sure Your Prescription Medications Will Last You Through Christmas and New Year

Ensure you stay healthy this festive season by checking you have enough prescription medication to last through Christmas and New Year. 

Avoid delays, closures, and winter disruptions with simple early planning.

The festive season is filled with joy, family visits, rich food, and glittering lights.

But it also brings changes to pharmacy opening hours, reduced GP availability, postal delays, winter illnesses, and all the unpredictability of the holidays. 

For anyone who relies on prescription medications, running short over Christmas and New Year can quickly turn a celebration into a crisis.

Whilst we were checking on our own medical prescriptions before the Christmas and New Year period, we thought: "This will make a very helpful feature on That's Christmas 365." So here it is. 

Here’s why it’s essential to make sure you have enough medication to comfortably cover the entire festive period and how to stay organised and stress-free.

Why Planning Ahead Matters at Christmas

1. Pharmacies and GP surgeries operate reduced hours

Most GP practices and pharmacies close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, with many also reducing hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. That means your usual routine repeat order might not be processed in time.

A simple oversight can leave you waiting days for a refill — not ideal when your health depends on it.

2. Winter weather and transport issues can cause delays

Snow, ice, flooding, or simply higher-than-usual holiday traffic can disrupt postal deliveries and supply chains. If your repeat prescription is delivered by post or collected from a pharmacy that relies on regular stock deliveries, delays are more likely in December.

Ordering early helps ensure you’re covered even if things don’t run smoothly.

3. You may travel or stay with family

Many people spend Christmas and New Year away from home. In the festive rush, it’s surprisingly easy to forget regular medications or underestimate how much you need for an extended stay.

Always pack more than you think you’ll need — including a couple of days’ extra supply just in case plans change.

4. Exacerbations of health conditions are more common in winter

Cold weather, seasonal infections, stress, richer foods, and irregular routines can all worsen existing health issues. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or mental health concerns often require more careful management at this time of year.

Having sufficient medication helps you maintain stability during the busiest, and often most stressful, season.

How to Make Sure You’re Prepared

Order your repeat prescriptions early, if possible.

Aim to request your medication at least two weeks before Christmas week. Many GP surgeries encourage patients to order early in December to avoid disappointment.

Check what you already have

Do a quick stock-take of:

daily medications

inhalers

rescue medications

creams or patches

test strips and other monitoring kits

Make sure everything is in date and that you have plenty for the full festive period.

Use electronic repeat prescription services

If you haven’t already, signing up for your pharmacy’s EPS (Electronic Prescription Service) makes reordering easier and avoids paper-based delays. Some services offer automatic reminders, which can be incredibly useful at this time of year.

Don’t forget over-the-counter essentials

While you're topping up your prescription items, consider picking up winter basics too:

pain relief

cold and flu remedies (compatible with your prescriptions)

indigestion tablets

plasters and bandages

It all supports a smoother, healthier Christmas.

Keep everything together when travelling

If you’ll be visiting loved ones, pack your medication securely in your hand luggage. Consider keeping a copy of your repeat prescription slip or a photo of your medication labels, especially if you're going away for several days.

Peace of Mind for a Perfect Festive Season

Christmas should be a time of warmth, celebration, and togetherness, not stress over missed prescriptions or unexpected health worries. By checking your supplies early and planning ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment with confidence.

Sometimes problems happen despite our best efforts. Should you find yourself, or a loved one, running out of a medication, or you need an emergency prescription over the Christmas and New Year period the NHS 111 service will be of benefit: If you need an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine, you can either visit the NHS 111 website or call 111. This service is available 24/7 for urgent but non-life-threatening situations.

A little preparation now means a healthier and happier Christmas for you and your loved ones.

Is Your Family’s First Aid and Emergency Kit Ready for Christmas and New Year?

Ensure your home is prepared for the festive season with a fully stocked first aid and emergency kit. 

Practical Christmas and New Year safety tips to keep your family protected and worry-free.

The festive season should be a time of joy, calm, and celebration – not a time spent rummaging through half-empty plaster boxes and expired antiseptic wipes. 

Yet every year, A&E departments see a surge in completely preventable Christmas mishaps: cuts from hurried wrapping, minor burns from cooking, slips on icy pavements, and strains from lifting heavy boxes of decorations.

Making sure your household has a fully stocked, up-to-date first aid and emergency kit is one of the simplest ways to keep everyone safe and confident over the holidays. Think of it as festive peace of mind in a box.

Why Christmas Needs Extra Preparedness

More cooking, more candles, more chaos

From turkeys to trifles, your kitchen is working overtime. Hot trays, sharp knives, boiling pans – they all increase the risk of small accidents.

More visitors, including children and older relatives

When you’re hosting, it helps to have supplies ready for bumps, falls, and unexpected sniffles.

Winter conditions

Ice, cold snaps, and seasonal viruses mean a well-equipped kit is more important than ever.

Reduced pharmacy and GP opening hours

Bank holidays can make it harder to pick up last-minute essentials. Better to have them in advance.

What Should Your Festive First Aid Kit Include?

Here’s a reliable list you can use to stock (or restock) your home kit in time for the big day:

Essentials

Assorted plasters

Sterile gauze pads and adhesive dressing tape

Antiseptic wipes or spray

Disposable gloves

Tweezers and small scissors

Digital thermometer

Pain relief suitable for your family (paracetamol, ibuprofen, children’s formulations if needed)

Cold/ice packs

Burn gel or burn dressings

Crepe or elastic bandages for sprains

Eye wash pods or sterile saline

Winter and Festive Add-Ons

Rehydration salts (particularly useful after winter illnesses)

Decongestants or cold/flu remedies

Lip balm and skin balm for winter dryness

Hand sanitiser

Heat pads

Small torch and spare batteries

A charged power bank for phones

For Households with Children

Child-safe plasters with hypoallergenic adhesive

Infant thermometer

Age-appropriate cold remedies

Bite/sting cream in case of body-heat-seeking winter insects (they still appear!)

Don’t Forget Your Home Emergency Supplies

Christmas storms, power cuts, and icy spells occasionally disrupt plans. Alongside your first aid kit, it’s wise to have:

Bottled water

Long-life snacks

Foil blankets

A battery-powered radio

Candles and matches (used safely, in stable holders)

A list of important phone numbers

A small folder with any essential medical information

How to Keep Your Kit Festive-Season Ready

Check expiry dates now

Painkillers, antiseptic creams, burn gels, and saline solutions all expire.

Make your kit easy to find

Store it somewhere central and known to every adult in the house. Also, keep it away from sources of direct heat.

Create a mini-kit for guests

A small pouch with painkillers, plasters, and wipes is ideal when you’ve got visitors staying over.

Restock on Boxing Day or before New Year

The shops reopen – take five minutes to replenish anything you’ve used.

A Small Job That Makes a Big Difference

Ensuring your home has a complete, up-to-date first aid and emergency kit is one of the simplest Christmas safety steps you can take. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does give you peace of mind – especially when the kettle is boiling, the children are crafting, the oven is full, and your home is filled with laughter and activity.

This Christmas and New Year, give your family the gift of preparedness. It’s one present you’ll hopefully never need – but will be immensely grateful for if you do.

The Surprisingly Festive Magic of Spam: From Everyday Suppers to Your Christmas Turkey

Discover the surprising magic of Spam this Christmas, from everyday recipes to layering thin slices over your turkey for extra flavour, moisture and festive fun.

When most people think of Christmas centrepieces, their minds jump straight to turkey, ham, beef, or a lavish veggie Wellington. 

Yet tucked away on supermarket shelves across the country sits a much-loved classic that quietly transforms everyday meals, and, believe it or not, can bring something rather special to your festive feast: Spam.

Yes, Spam. The humble, pink, oddly satisfying tinned icon. And this year, it deserves a little festive spotlight.

Why Spam Still Has Its Magic

Spam has been part of British kitchens for generations. It turns up in cosy family suppers, quick breakfasts, easy-to-make sandwiches and comfort-food classics. Part of its enduring charm comes from its versatility:

It fries to a gorgeous golden crisp

It dices beautifully for omelettes and hash

It’s a perfect base for quick lunches

It’s beloved in fusion cooking, from Hawaiian to Korean dishes

It stores brilliantly in the cupboard, ready when you need it most

Cheap? Yes. Cheerful? Always. Underestimated? Absolutely.

Everyday Ideas for Using Spam

Before we get to the Christmas turkey showstopper, it’s worth celebrating a few of Spam’s greatest hits:

Crispy Spam Fries

Slice into thick fingers, roll in flour, or dip in batter, and fry until crunchy. Serve with spicy mayo or brown sauce.

Spam and Egg Breakfast Muffins

Pan-fry thin slices and layer into a toasted English muffin with a fried egg and a touch of melted cheese.

Korean-Inspired Spam Rice Bowls

Dice and fry until crisp, then toss with rice, kimchi, spring onions, and a dash of soy sauce.

Spam Carbonara

Replace pancetta with golden cubes of Spam. It works shockingly well.

Spam Bubble & Squeak

Fold softened cubes into leftover mashed potatoes and greens, fry until crisp, and top with a poached egg.

Cheap ingredients, maximum comfort. Just what we love in the run-up to Christmas.

Now for the Festive Twist: Spam on Your Christmas Turkey

It sounds playful, and it is, but glazing and layering Spam over a turkey genuinely produces delicious results.

Why Spam Works with Turkey

It bastes the bird: As it cooks, Spam releases flavoured fat that keeps the turkey moist.

It crisps beautifully: The top develops a savoury, golden crust.

It’s effectively “built-in seasoning”: Spam is salty, lightly spiced, and creates a ready-made flavour layer.

It protects the breast meat: Much like bacon rashers, but with more flavour and better coverage.

How to Do It

Chill the Spam first so it slices very thinly—almost like thick bacon.

Carefully lay the slices in overlapping rows across the turkey breast, creating a neat “shield”.

Tuck small pieces around the thighs or legs if you’re feeling adventurous.

Add your favourite glaze—maple syrup, honey and mustard, or a brown-sugar rub work especially well.

Roast as usual. The Spam will crisp, baste, and infuse the meat as it cooks.

The result?

A gloriously moist turkey with a savoury, crackling-like topping and a subtle layer of flavour woven through the breast meat. It’s a festive surprise that starts as a bit of fun… and ends as something people ask for next year.

Serving Ideas

Chop the crisped Spam topping into bites and scatter over stuffing.

Mix the drippings into your gravy for a smoky, salty depth.

Save a few slices of uncooked Spam to fry on Boxing Day and serve with leftover turkey sandwiches.

A Christmas Tradition in the Making?

Spam may not be grand. It may not be glamorous. But it is dependable, delicious, nostalgic, and oddly magical. And sometimes that’s exactly what Christmas cooking needs, a sense of fun, a touch of comfort, and a willingness to try something wonderfully unexpected.

This year, why not give your turkey a Spam-tastic makeover? It might just become your new festive signature.

How to Make Sure Your Christmas Turkey Isn’t Rotten This Year

Learn how to choose, store and defrost your Christmas turkey safely, avoid spoiled birds, and spot warning signs, including a real-life cautionary tale about a butcher shut down for selling rotten meat.

A practical guide to choosing, storing and defrosting your festive bird safely

When you picture Christmas Day, you probably imagine the warm aroma of a beautifully roasted turkey drifting through the house. 

What you don’t imagine is discovering, too late, that your bird isn’t fresh or safe to eat. Sadly, it happens more often than people realise, and the consequences go far beyond a ruined dinner.

This guide will help you check the quality of your Christmas turkey, store it safely, and defrost it properly. It also includes a personal cautionary tale that shows why vigilance matters when buying from any supplier, including local butchers.

A Real-Life Warning: When a Butcher Lets You Down

A few years ago, my wife and I ordered a fresh turkey from a local butchers. We wanted to support a small business and enjoy a premium bird. But when we arrived to collect it, we were hit by a powerful, unmistakable stench of rotting meat. The smell filled the shop and that was all the warning we needed.

We turned straight around and went to a supermarket to buy our turkey instead.

After Christmas, the situation took a worrying turn. In the New Year, the butchers was closed down by environmental health following multiple complaints of food poisoning. It reinforced an important lesson: even trusted-looking shops can fall short on basic food safety, and you should always trust your senses.

How to Check That Your Turkey Is Fresh

Whether buying from a supermarket or a local butcher, there are several key signs that your bird is safe and high quality.

1. Look for clear, reliable labelling

Use-by date: Never buy a bird with a damaged label or unclear date.

Source information: Reputable suppliers include details of origin and assurance schemes (such as Red Tractor).

2. Check the temperature

Fresh poultry should be properly chilled. The surface should feel cold to the touch, never warm or clammy.

3. Trust your nose

A fresh turkey smells faintly meaty, never sour or “off”. Any strong, unpleasant smell is a major red flag. If it smells bad in the packaging or the shop, walk away.

4. Inspect the colour and texture

Skin should be pale cream to light pink.

No greying, greenish patches or sliminess.

Flesh should feel springy, not sticky.

5. Buy from reputable sellers

What happened to my wife and I is a perfect demonstration of why you should never feel pressured to accept a bird from a supplier that seems “not quite right”.

Check hygiene ratings.

Read recent reviews.

Avoid shops with visible cleanliness issues or strange smells.

A low price or friendly service is not worth the risk of food poisoning.

How to Store Fresh Turkey Safely

Once your bird is home, proper storage is essential.

Keep it cold

Refrigerate immediately at 0–4°C.

Store the bird on the bottom shelf to prevent juices dripping onto other foods.

Leave it in its original packaging

Only open it when you’re ready to cook. This helps preserve freshness and prevents cross-contamination.

Follow the use-by date strictly

Fresh birds often have a short life, especially if collected close to Christmas Day. If you are cutting it fine, consider cooking it early and reheating portions safely on the day.

How to Safely Defrost a Frozen Turkey

A frozen turkey is a brilliant option for many families, economical and easy to store, but only if thawed safely.

Never defrost at room temperature

This is one of the most common causes of food poisoning at Christmas. The outside warms up too quickly while the inside stays frozen, creating the perfect environment for bacteria.

Defrost in the fridge, instead

Allow 24 hours per 2–2.5 kg of turkey. Large birds may need up to 3 days.

Place the turkey in a large tray to catch any juices.

Check it’s fully thawed

Insert a clean skewer into the thickest part of the thigh.

If ice crystals remain or the flesh feels solid, it’s not ready.

Cook immediately once thawed

Never refreeze raw poultry that has been defrosted.

Don’t Forget: Cook It Safely Too

Once in the oven, your turkey should reach an internal temperature of 75°C in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. Clear juices, no pinkness, and properly cleaned preparation areas are all vital for a safe Christmas meal.

Trust Your Instincts

From dodgy butchers to poorly stored birds, food safety issues can appear in the most unexpected places. The best protection is a combination of common sense, proper storage, and refusing to accept anything that doesn’t look, smell or feel right.

Christmas should be memorable for all the right reasons, and a well-chosen, safely prepared turkey is one of the simplest ways to ensure that.