Could Britain See a White Christmas in 2025? Forecasters Say “It’s Possible”

As the festive season approaches, meteorologists are once again analysing Britain’s notoriously unpredictable winter, with early indicators suggesting that a White Christmas in 2025 is possible, though far from guaranteed.

The Met Office notes colder Arctic air patterns are expected to influence the UK in late December, increasing the likelihood of snow showers, particularly in northern and elevated regions. 

However, forecasters emphasise conditions remain highly changeable, and long-range predictions should be treated with caution.

Where Snow Is Most Likely

Current models show Scotland as the frontrunner for Christmas Day snowfall, with the Highlands having the highest probability of seeing flakes. 

Northern England may also experience wintry showers if temperatures drop sufficiently. 

The Midlands sits firmly in the “wait and see” category.

Further south, prospects weaken. London and the South East are expected to remain milder, with rain more likely than snow unless a sudden cold snap arrives in the days leading up to 25 December.

A Tradition of Uncertainty

Despite the public’s yearly anticipation, genuine, widespread White Christmases remain rare in the UK. Officially, the Met Office declares a White Christmas if any snow is observed anywhere on Christmas Day—even a single flake at a weather station counts.

Bookmakers have already reported an uptick in seasonal bets, following public interest boosted by early cold spells in November and December. Social media speculation has also driven renewed attention to the forecast, with many Britons hoping for a postcard-perfect festive scene.

Travel and Safety Considerations

Should snow materialise, authorities are urging travellers to stay alert for potential disruption. Roads, rail services and airports could all be affected by sudden freezes or wintry showers, particularly in northern regions.

Outlook

While it remains too early to confirm, meteorologists say the ingredients for a White Christmas in 2025 are present, though Britain’s winter weather has a well-known history of last-minute surprises.

A more definitive forecast is expected closer to the big day, as short-range models provide clearer data.

Blue Christmas Services: A Gentle Light for Those Feeling Lonely This Festive Season

A gentle guide to Blue Christmas church services, offering comfort and reflection for anyone feeling lonely or overwhelmed during the festive season.

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy, glittering lights, family gatherings and comforting traditions. 

But for others, it can be a season that highlights loneliness, loss, or emotional strain. 

This is where Blue Christmas services, sometimes called Longest Night services, offer something truly meaningful: a quiet, reflective space for anyone who finds this time of year difficult.

These services have been growing in popularity across the UK, not only within Anglican and Methodist churches but also among independent Christian communities who recognise Christmas can be emotionally complex. 

They provide a space to pause, grieve, remember, and breathe, away from the noise and pressure of festive cheer.

What Is a Blue Christmas Service?

A Blue Christmas service is usually held in the week leading up to Christmas, often on or near the winter solstice. It’s designed for people who might be:

Coping with loneliness

Grieving a bereavement

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious

Struggling with health or financial pressures

Experiencing family estrangement

Facing the season alone for the first time. Or again

Unlike traditional Christmas services filled with upbeat carols, Blue Christmas gatherings are quieter, gentler and more contemplative. Churches often dim the lights, light candles, play soft music and offer readings focused on comfort, hope and resilience.

Why They Matter: Recognising That Not Everyone Feels Merry

In a culture where “Christmas spirit” is everywhere, from supermarket ads to office parties—people who aren’t feeling joyful can begin to feel even more isolated.

Blue Christmas services acknowledge this reality without judgement. They send a powerful message:

It is okay not to be okay at Christmas. You are not alone.

By holding space for sadness, churches help reduce stigma around loneliness and mental health. They also create opportunities for pastoral support, community connection, and gentle companionship during a time of year when those things matter most.

What to Expect if You Attend One

Every church will shape its service slightly differently, but most include:

Candle Lighting

Each candle may represent loss, love, hope or healing. Attendees can light a candle for someone they miss or for something they’re carrying with them.

Quiet Music and Reflection

Instead of triumphant carols, there may be reflective hymns or instrumental music to create a sense of calm.

Prayers, Readings and Words of Comfort

Themes often centre on hope, light in darkness, remembrance, and the promise of new beginnings.

A Safe, Welcoming, Unpressured Space

People are free to participate as much or as little as they choose. There’s no expectation of forced joy or socialising.

Some churches also offer tea, mince pies, or a quiet chat afterwards for those who want a sense of companionship without the bustle.

Who Are These Services For?

Absolutely anyone.

You don’t have to be a church member. You don’t even need to consider yourself religious. Many attendees simply want a peaceful place where their feelings are seen and validated.

Blue Christmas is particularly valued by:

People who have recently been bereaved

Those living alone

Carers exhausted from a difficult year

People who feel left out by the commercialised Christmas ideal

Anyone finding December emotionally heavy

Why More Churches Are Embracing the Idea

Across the UK, clergy and pastoral teams have seen growing demand for support around loneliness and mental wellbeing—especially since the pandemic.

Blue Christmas services are a compassionate, community-centred response. They remind us that Christmas has always been about light coming into darkness and hope rising quietly, not noisily.

They also complement wider community efforts, including warm spaces, carol-free quiet hours, and local support groups that help people feel seen during winter’s darkest days.

If You’re Feeling Lonely This Christmas…

Blue Christmas services offer a gentle hand of solidarity. If you’re struggling, you might find comfort in attending one at your local church—or simply in knowing they exist.

Christmas does not have to be merry to be meaningful. Sometimes, the softest celebration is the one that heals the most.

https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/blue-christmas

Are German Christmas Markets in the UK Really “Rip-Offs”? Here’s How to Create Your Own at Home for a Fraction of the Cost

Every November and December, UK cities burst into life with twinkling chalets, the scent of sizzling bratwurst and sweet Glühwein drifting through the frosty air. 

German Christmas markets have become a festive staple, but recent press reports have sounded a rather sour note, claiming that many of these markets are “rip-offs”, with eye-watering prices for food, drink, and gifts.

For families already feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, the idea of paying upwards of £7 for a single bratwurst or £6–£8 for a small cup of Glühwein can make a festive outing feel more stressful than magical.

So, is there truth in the criticism? And if so, how can you still enjoy the spirit of a German-style market without draining your Christmas budget?

The good news: you absolutely can recreate the experience at home, and often using the very same brands you’d find at German stalls, thanks to Lidl, Aldi and a bit of creative flair.

Why the “Rip-Off” Headlines?

UK-based German markets are wonderful for atmosphere, but they come with real issues:

1. High stall fees for traders

Many operators charge premium fees for vendors to participate. These costs inevitably trickle down to the consumer.

2. Imported ingredients and logistics

Bringing authentic German sausages, mulled wine, pretzels and pastries into the UK adds transport and storage costs, particularly now, post-Brexit.

3. Attraction pricing

Because these markets have become seasonal “experiences”, prices often reflect what visitors will tolerate rather than what products are worth.

4. Central city locations

Whether it's Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds or Edinburgh, city-centre rents are steep, and consumers end up footing the bill.

None of this diminishes the charm of the markets… but it does make them pricier than many families can comfortably manage.

Create Your Own Mini German Christmas Market at Home

Recreating the magic is far easier, and cheaper, than you’d think. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a festive family night, or simply want the flavours of Christmas without the queues, here’s how to bring Bavaria to your living room or garden.

1. Stock Up on German Christmas Market Classics at Lidl or Aldi

Both supermarkets offer large German speciality ranges in the run-up to Christmas, many of them the exact foods and brands sold at UK markets.

Bratwurst & Bratwurst XXL

Lidl’s “Deluxe Nürnberger Bratwurst”

Aldi’s “Bavarian Bratwurst” and “Frankfurter-style sausages”

Just grill or pan-fry, nestle in a crusty roll and add mustard.

Glühwein / Mulled Wine

Aldi’s Christkindl Glühwein is a genuine German import.

Lidl’s Glühwein is similar in flavour and strength — and often half the price of market stalls.

Warm gently (never boil!) and serve in festive mugs. Which you can also buy at the same retailers. 

Pretzels

Frozen Bavarian-style pretzels appear at both supermarkets in November and December. Sprinkle with salt, bake for five minutes and enjoy.

Stollen & Lebkuchen

Import labels such as Favorina, Wicklein and Berggold regularly appear in Aldi and Lidl. These are the same brands featured in many European markets, just at supermarket prices.

Potato Rösti & Sauerkraut

A tasty and traditional pairing with sausages, available year-round in both stores.

2. Create a Cosy Market Atmosphere

A German Christmas market is as much about ambience as flavour. You can easily recreate that magical feeling:

Lighting

Use warm fairy lights indoors or LED lanterns in the garden. Hang them along fences, windows, or an outdoor pergola.

Market Stall Vibes

Create small “stations” around your home:

Sausage Grill Stall – your kitchen or BBQ

Glühwein Bar – slow cooker or hob

Sweet Treats Chalet – stollen, gingerbread, waffles

Craft Corner – handmade decorations, children’s crafts

Music

Play traditional German Christmas songs or instrumental festive playlists featuring accordions, violins and glockenspiels.

Outdoor Option

If you have a garden, add blankets, a firepit, and hot drinks for a cosy Nordic-style experience.

3. Offer Market-Style Treats and Activities

Make Your Own Baubles

Let the children decorate clear plastic baubles with glitter, paint or fake snow.

Marzipan & Chocolate Tasting

Pick up assorted German chocolates (Dominosteine, marzipan bars, fruit jellies) and create a tasting board.

Warm Waffle Station

Use a waffle maker and serve with cherries, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar.

DIY Photo Spot

Hang lights and evergreen garlands for an instant Christmas-market photo backdrop.

4. Cost Comparison: A Pleasant Surprise

Item Typical UK  Market Price Lidl/Aldi Price

Bratwurst in a bun £6–£8        £0.80–£1.20 per sausage

Glühwein (small cup) £6–£8        £3–£4 per bottle (4–6 servings)

Pretzel £4–£5                                40p each (frozen batch)

Stollen slice £3–£4                       £1.49 for a whole loaf

In fact, hosting your own market evening for a family of four can cost less than two snacks at a city centre market,  and you enjoy it in comfort, with no crowds or parking costs.

German Christmas markets in the UK bring plenty of magic, but the headlines calling them “rip-offs” reflect a real frustration. With prices climbing each year, families are increasingly looking for budget-friendly alternatives that still offer the enchantment of a festive evening out.

By turning to Aldi or Lidl and using a little creativity, you can recreate the taste, smell, warmth and wonder of a German Christmas market right at home, for a fraction of the cost and with all the joy.

It’s cosy, affordable, fun, and truly captures the heart of the season. Prost... and Frohe Weihnachten!

Boots Puss in Boots TV Advert is (Prince) Charming

The 2025 Boots Advert is (Prince) Charming.

Our feline hero is invited to the Snow Queen's Ball, so he asks the magic mirror for advice on where he should go shopping for his presents.

"Boots!" says the magic mirror, so Puss in Boots takes a dangerous journey (which costs him three of his nine lives) to a branch of Boots where he buys all the presents he needs, including hand warmers for the Snow Queen.

 

Why Waitrose Is the Most Expensive and One of the Busiest Supermarkets in Britain

Discover why Waitrose remains one of Britain’s busiest supermarkets despite being the most expensive, exploring its focus on quality, customer experience and strong brand loyalty.

Every year, various price comparison surveys reveal what many shoppers already suspect: Waitrose consistently ranks as the most expensive supermarket in Britain. 

And it's excellent for your Christmas shopping, too.

Yet in the same breath, their stores across the country remain remarkably busy, with loyal customers who choose it over cheaper alternatives.

So why does a supermarket that charges more continue to thrive in a cost-conscious market? The answer is more layered than simple brand prestige, it taps into psychology, customer experience, quality, and a long-established reputation for treating both suppliers and shoppers well.

A Reputation Built on Quality

For decades, Waitrose has positioned itself at the premium end of the grocery market. Its customers expect:

Higher-welfare meat

Better traceability and sourcing

A wider range of specialty items

Consistent produce quality that tends to outlast cheaper supermarket alternatives

While you can certainly save money shopping elsewhere, many households argue that Waitrose’s quality reduces waste and improves meal satisfaction, making the price difference feel worthwhile.

An In-Store Experience People Actually Enjoy

In an age where shopping can feel rushed and transactional, Waitrose has leaned into the opposite. Shoppers often describe their stores as calm, well-organised and, crucially, pleasant. Clear aisles, lower noise levels, tidy displays, and attentive staff create an environment that encourages people to return.

This atmosphere becomes especially appealing during peak times of year, Christmas, Easter, and bank holiday weekends, when other supermarkets can feel chaotic.

Strong Brand Loyalty Among Middle-Income Households

While many assume Waitrose shoppers are exclusively high earners, the reality is more nuanced. A large portion of their customer base consists of middle-income, comfort-driven families who prioritise consistency and trust.

Research shows that people tend to stay loyal to a supermarket once it proves reliable, and Waitrose has spent years cultivating that reliability.

Even during tighter economic times, some shoppers reduce spending elsewhere before switching supermarkets, perceiving groceries as an area worth maintaining.

Ethical Sourcing Still Matters

A key part of the Waitrose appeal is its long-standing ethical commitments. Customers say they appreciate:

Fair treatment of farmers and suppliers

Strong environmental policies

Higher-welfare standards for dairy and meat

Minimising plastic where possible

For many shoppers, the knowledge that their food choices support responsible supply chains justifies the premium.

Partnerships and Perks: MyWaitrose and Beyond

The myWaitrose scheme, while not as discount-heavy as loyalty cards at other supermarkets, still drives footfall. Perks such as:

Personalised vouchers (We have something to pick up from our nearest branch of Waitrose next week)

Good-quality free publications and recipes

Discounts in Waitrose cafés

Occasional member-exclusive promotions

help keep shoppers engaged.

The “Waitrose effect” on neighbourhoods also persists, homes near a Waitrose store tend to be valued more highly, reinforcing the notion that shopping there is part of a lifestyle choice rather than simply a weekly errand.

People Are Willing to Pay More for Less Stress

In the end, one of the most consistent themes among Waitrose customers is simple: the shopping experience is less stressful than in cheaper supermarkets.

While low prices are essential for many households, others place equal value on:

Cleanliness

Staff availability

A quieter environment

Reliability of stock

Better product curation

When shoppers feel calmer and more respected in a supermarket, they’re more inclined to stay loyal, even if it costs more.

So Why Is Waitrose Still So Busy?

Because the supermarket isn’t selling groceries alone, it’s selling reassurance, quality, and a smoother shopping experience.

Its customers don’t simply compare shelf prices; they compare how they feel in the store, how long their food lasts, and how confident they are in the supermarket’s ethics.

In a market where consumers are becoming more discerning, those factors remain powerful.

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The Warming Charm of The King’s Ginger: A Royal Tipple with Timeless Appeal

Santa unwinds with a glass of The King’s Ginger and a plate of mince pies in this cosy festive feature celebrating the warmth and charm of this iconic liqueur.

There are festive drinks, and then there are festive legends. 

The King’s Ginger sits firmly in the latter category, a bold, aromatic ginger liqueur originally created in 1903 specifically for King Edward VII. 

Designed to fortify His Majesty against Britain’s cold wintery weather, this golden spirit has become a firm favourite for anyone seeking warmth, indulgence, and a touch of royal flair in their glass.

Whether you’re mixing up cocktails for a Christmas party, strolling a crisp winter market, or simply settling in for a cosy evening at home, The King’s Ginger brings a luxurious heat that feels like slipping into a velvet smoking jacket by a roaring fire.

A Royal Recipe Born from Necessity

The story of The King’s Ginger begins with a unique challenge: how do you keep the King warm during brisk automobile rides in an open-top Daimler? 

The solution was a specially commissioned liqueur crafted with fiery ginger root and citrus oils, robust, invigorating, and perfectly suited to chilly Edwardian winters. And remember these were days before central heating had made inroads in even many country houses.

More than a century later, the recipe has evolved but still honours its origins: bold ginger warmth, zesty lemon brightness, and a smooth sweetness that makes it exceptionally versatile.

What Does The King’s Ginger Taste Like?

If you’ve never tried it, imagine a balance of:

Fresh, punchy ginger heat

Bright citrus notes that lift the sweetness

A warming finish that spreads slowly and luxuriously

It’s richer and more vibrant than many ginger spirits, making it ideal for both sipping and cocktail-making.

How to Enjoy The King’s Ginger

Part of this liqueur’s charm lies in its flexibility. Here are some popular ways to serve it:

1. Neat or on the Rocks

A small measure over ice delivers its full, warming depth, perfect for late-night winter relaxation.

2. The King’s Ginger Hot Toddy

A festive favourite:

50ml The King’s Ginger

Hot water

Lemon slice

A touch of honey (optional)

It’s aromatic, soothing, and ideal for cold evenings.

3. Christmas Fizz

Add a splash to prosecco or English sparkling wine for a luxurious seasonal twist.

4. The Modern Mule

Mix with ginger beer and lime for a refreshing yet fiery cocktail that works equally well in winter and summer.

5. Baking with Ginger Punch

Home bakers love to add a dash to festive bakes, gingerbread, fruitcake, mince pie filling, or even a drizzle over Christmas pudding.

A Fabulous Bottle for Gifting

The bottle itself is handsome and distinctive, instantly recognisable on the shelf. Its stylish, regal design makes it a brilliant Christmas gift, from the cocktail lover to the relative who “has everything”. It also pairs beautifully with hampers, winter picnic kits, and gourmet food selections.

Why The King’s Ginger Belongs in Your Festive Season

It’s not just a drink, it’s an atmosphere. A sense of heritage, comfort, and spirited indulgence. With its deep winter warmth and lively citrus top notes, The King’s Ginger manages to feel both traditional and contemporary.

Whether you serve it at a Christmas gathering or sip it quietly as snow begins to fall, it brings an unmistakable glow to the season.

And you can buy The King's Ginger from the That's Christmas 365 shop at this link https://amzn.to/4owHeOV

Discover the Magic of Ravensburger Advent Calendar Puzzles This Christmas

There's only 20 of the 24 here. That's all we could fit on!

Every December, Advent calendars bring a daily spark of anticipation. For many of us, that used to mean a small square of chocolate behind a cardboard door. 

But in recent years, Advent traditions have expanded into something far more imaginative, and one of the most enchanting options now comes from Ravensburger, the much-loved German puzzle maker known for its craftsmanship and family-friendly designs.

Ravensburger Advent Calendar Puzzles blend the slow, comforting joy of jigsaws with the excitement of a festive countdown. Instead of sweets, each day reveals a handful of pieces that gradually build into a complete Christmas scene by the 24th. It’s gentle, screen-free entertainment during a month that can easily feel rushed.

What Makes These Advent Puzzle Calendars So Special?

1. Beautiful, high-quality artwork

Ravensburger is famous for its crisp printing, satisfying textures, and sturdy pieces. Each Advent edition features whimsical winter illustrations, think snowy villages, cosy cottages, and cheerful holiday characters straight out of a Christmas storybook.

2. A daily ritual the whole family can enjoy

Opening a door to discover puzzle pieces sounds wonderfully simple, and that’s the beauty of it. You can build it alone with a cup of tea, or make it part of your household’s evening wind-down. By Christmas Eve, you’ve not only created a gorgeous picture but also built 24 days of memories.

3. A brilliant alternative to chocolate calendars

Whether you're reducing sugar, shopping for adults who “don’t need anything”, or wanting something longer lasting, these puzzle calendars tick the box. They offer the same element of surprise but without perishable treats or plastic tat.

4. Perfect for crafters, puzzlers and mindful moments

A few pieces a day encourages mindfulness, a rare pause in a busy season. Ravensburger’s Advent calendars appeal just as much to adults seeking calm as they do to children.

5. Reusable (with a little organisation!)

If you carefully keep the doors and pieces sorted, you can re-create the countdown next year or pass it on to a puzzle-loving friend.

Popular Ravensburger Advent Calendar Puzzle Themes

Although designs vary each year, recurring favourites include:

Santa’s Workshop – cheerful elves, toys, and sparkling detail.

Winter Wonderland – snowy landscapes, animals, and frosty magic.

Festive Village Scenes – warm windows, market stalls, and twinkling lights.

Children’s Christmas Stories – gentle, nostalgic illustrations perfect for young families.

For serious puzzlers, Ravensburger also releases mini puzzle Advent calendars, where each day includes a complete tiny puzzle — a lovely collectible series.

Why These Calendars Make Brilliant Gifts

If you’re looking for something thoughtful that lasts the whole season, Ravensburger Advent Calendar Puzzles are a winner. They suit:

grandparents

teachers

puzzle enthusiasts

families with young children

anyone who prefers experiences over consumables

They’re also fantastic for Secret Santa exchanges because they feel premium without being overly expensive.

Tips for Enjoying Your Puzzle Countdown

Use a small tray or board to keep pieces safe and tidy.

Make the daily build part of your evening routine — a soothing moment with a mince pie or hot chocolate.

Frame the finished picture if you fall in love with it; they make surprisingly lovely seasonal decorations.

Keep the pieces sorted by day if you intend to reuse it next year.

A Christmas Tradition Worth Starting

In a season that can easily become hectic, Ravensburger Advent Calendar Puzzles offer something rare: a calm, creative pause. They transform each December day into a moment of discovery, and by Christmas Eve you’re rewarded with a picture full of warmth, detail, and festive delight.

If you’re ready to swap chocolate for creativity this year, a Ravensburger Advent calendar puzzle might just become your new favourite tradition.

And you can purchase the Ravensburger range at the That's Christmas 365 shop https://amzn.to/4pN0DMx

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.