Christmas Party Planning. How Stressful is it?

Christmas party planning, more stressful than doing your tax return?  

A new survey reveals what really matters to us Brits when planning the perfect festive get together.

As the festive season approaches, a new survey carried out by Cosy Club – part of the Loungers family, reveals how the UK is gearing up for Christmas celebrations, and what makes party planning sparkle or spiral.

The restaurant group of 37 venues across the UK, conducted the survey asking what matters most to those planning Christmas parties for family, friends and work colleagues this year.  

Over half (53%) of respondents confirmed they’ll be attending a Christmas party this year, with the majority (63%) celebrating with work colleagues rather than friends.  

And while party planning can be a joy, it’s not without its challenges…planning the office Christmas party was ranked more stressful than doing your tax return, but less stressful than attending a job interview.

Venue stress tops the list, with respondents naming ‘finding a venue to suit everyone’ as the most stressful part of organising a Christmas party, followed closely by catering to diverse menu preferences and sticking to a budget.

When it comes to what matters most, location reigns supreme, followed by food and drink options, cost, entertainment then aesthetics and décor.

Lucy Knowles, Managing Director, Cosy Club told That's Christmas 365: “Our survey shows that that Christmas party planning is a shared experience - one that brings people together, even before the first cracker is pulled.  

"Here at Cosy Club, we pride ourselves on catering for everyone - serving up feasts for those following vegan or gluten free diets, and providing a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks -  so it is important that venues offer the same inclusive experience.

“We know how much effort goes into making parties memorable, and we’re proud to be part of the festive magic whether it’s a family and friends celebration or a work knees up.  

"Christmas parties are about connection, celebration, and indulgence which is why we’ve taken the stress out of the planning with fabulous food and drink packages to suit all tastes and pockets, stunning interiors, superb hospitality and the perfect Christmas atmosphere.”

Despite the stress, 85% of past organisers said they’d do it again, showing that the spirit of Christmas, and perhaps a well-earned glass of fizz, is well and truly alive.

https://cosyclub.co.uk

Loungers operates through its three established complementary brands - Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside. 

Gifting a Home Hair Grooming Kit This Christmas

If you’re searching for a practical Christmas gift that still feels indulgent and a bit luxurious, a home hair grooming kit is a brilliant choice. 

With the cost of professional haircuts and styling on the rise, more people are trimming, styling and generally taming their hair at home. 

A well-chosen kit can help them do it safely, confidently and in comfort – and it’s the kind of present that keeps on giving all year.

Here’s how to turn a simple grooming set into a thoughtful, personal Christmas gift.

Why a home hair grooming kit makes a great gift

1. It’s genuinely useful

Unlike novelty gifts that end up at the back of a cupboard, a grooming kit will be used regularly. From fringe trims to beard shaping, tidy necklines and kids’ quick tidy-ups before school, it earns its place in the bathroom cabinet.

2. It saves money in the long term

Trips to the barber or salon can add up, especially for families or anyone who likes to keep a very neat cut. A quality kit can’t fully replace a professional stylist, but it can comfortably stretch the time between appointments or cover simple cuts at home.

3. It’s ideal for busy lives

Shift workers, parents of young children, carers, and people in rural areas all know that getting to a salon isn’t always easy. A home kit allows them to freshen up when it suits them, not just when there’s an available appointment.

4. It works for all ages and styles

From a teenager experimenting with their first fade, to a grandparent who prefers a quick tidy-up at home, grooming kits can be chosen to suit almost anyone.

Types of home hair grooming kits to consider

When you think “grooming kit”, you might picture clippers and not much else. In reality, there are several types, and you can pick the one that best suits your recipient.

1. Hair clipper and trimmer sets

These are ideal for:

Short haircuts and fades

Tidy necklines and around the ears

Buzz cuts and crew cuts

Look for:

Adjustable guards/combs for different lengths

A corded or cordless option (cordless is easier to use in small bathrooms)

A quiet motor if they’re likely to cut children’s hair

2. Beard and moustache grooming kits

Perfect for the bearded person in your life who’s constantly fiddling with their facial hair.

They often include:

Beard trimmer with multiple length settings

Precision detailing head for moustaches and edges

Beard oil or balm

Comb and scissors

You can make this more Christmassy with a small bottle of seasonal-scented beard oil (think subtle spice or woody notes).

3. All-in-one grooming stations

For someone who really loves their grooming ritual, consider a more comprehensive set. These can combine:

Hair clippers

Beard trimmer

Nose and ear trimmer

Precision detailer for sideburns and edges

This type of kit is ideal for people who like everything in one place and hate hunting around for separate gadgets.

4. Scissors and comb sets

Not everyone wants electrical equipment. A high-quality pair of hairdressing scissors, sectioning clips and a good comb set can make a lovely minimalist gift, especially for someone with longer hair who’s only likely to trim split ends or fringes at home.

Features to look for when choosing a kit

To make this a gift that feels premium rather than “bargain bin”, pay attention to the details.

1. Quality blades

Stainless steel or self-sharpening blades are easier to maintain and will give a smoother, less snaggy cut.

2. Battery life and charging

If you’re going cordless, check how long a full charge lasts and whether it can be used while plugged in too. USB charging can be handy for travellers.

3. Ease of cleaning

Detachable, rinseable heads and a small cleaning brush make it far more likely they’ll look after and actually use the kit.

4. Noise and weight

Heavy, loud clippers are tiring and off-putting, especially for nervous users or children. A lighter, quieter model is worth the extra few pounds.

5. Storage case or stand

A tidy storage case or stand helps keep guards, combs and accessories together. It also makes the present feel more “complete” and giftable.

Safety and confidence: helping them use it properly

A grooming kit is only a good gift if the person feels confident using it. You can help with that:

Include printed instructions if the kit’s own leaflet is confusing. You could print or handwrite a simple step-by-step card for a basic trim or beard tidy.

Add links to video tutorials written on a small gift tag. “Scan this QR code for an easy home haircut guide” feels modern and helpful.

Emphasise hygiene and safety – remind them to:

Always use the right guard length

Cut hair when it’s clean and dry

Unplug mains-powered tools before cleaning

Keep sharp tools away from small children

Personalising the gift

To keep it from feeling like “just” a gadget, add a personal touch.

Create a grooming hamper:

The kit itself

A good shampoo and conditioner

Styling product (wax, gel, mousse or curl cream)

A microfibre towel or barber-style cape

Choose colours and styles they’ll actually like

Sleek black or steel for minimalists

Retro barber-shop style for those who love vintage looks

Add a handwritten note

“For all the fresh trims and sharp beards ahead in 2026 – thought this might save you a few trips to the barber!”

Who this gift is perfect for

A home hair grooming kit can be spot-on for:

Busy parents who cut their children’s hair at home

Students or young adults on a tight budget

Anyone who maintains a regular short cut and hates looking “overgrown” between appointments

People who travel a lot and like to stay neat on the go

Those who struggle to get out easily due to health or mobility, and appreciate the independence of home grooming

When a grooming kit might not be ideal

It’s also worth considering when this present might not land as well:

Someone very attached to their regular stylist or barber may not want to touch their own hair.

People who are anxious about using clippers, or who have very complex cuts or colour jobs, might find it stressful rather than helpful.

If there are any sensitivities around hair loss, tread gently and think carefully before gifting anything hair-related.

In those cases, a voucher for their favourite salon or a luxury hair-care hamper might be a kinder alternative.

Turning a practical idea into a thoughtful Christmas gift

At heart, a home hair grooming kit is about more than clippers and guards. It’s a gift of:

Confidence – helping someone feel neat and put-together.

Convenience – allowing them to stay on top of their grooming on their own schedule.

Comfort – especially if they find busy salons overwhelming or difficult to get to.

Wrap it beautifully, add a personal note, perhaps build it into a little “grooming and self-care” bundle, and you’ll have a present that’s not just useful on Boxing Day, but appreciated week after week, long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.

Why Tenzing Drinks Are Ideal for Getting You Through the Christmas and New Year Season – and Beyond

Stay energised this Christmas and New Year with Tenzing Natural Energy. Discover why its clean ingredients, natural caffeine and hydration support make it the perfect festive season pick-me-up and a smart choice for the months ahead.

The festive season is joyous, sparkling and full of celebration, but it can also be exhausting. 

Between late-night socials, extra work deadlines, Christmas shopping, family gatherings and the inevitable last-minute dashes, it’s no wonder so many of us reach for something that gives a gentle boost without leaving us jittery or weighed down by sugar.

That’s where Tenzing Natural Energy comes into its own. Inspired by the energy of the Himalayas and crafted with plant-based ingredients, Tenzing has quietly become one of the most reliable and refreshing pick-me-ups during the busiest time of the year. Here’s why it’s such an ideal drink not only for Christmas and New Year, but for powering into the months beyond.

A Clean, Natural Lift When You Need It Most

From mid-December right through to the back-to-work slog of early January, many people look for an energy boost that doesn’t rely on artificial caffeine or heavy additives. Tenzing uses plant-based caffeine from green tea, giving a smooth, sustained lift without the sharp peaks and crashes associated with some traditional energy drinks.

Whether you’re wrapping presents at midnight, prepping Christmas dinner, or heading out for one last festive event, Tenzing helps you stay alert and focused — naturally.

Low Sugar, Low Calories, Big Flavour

While Christmas may be full of indulgences, not everyone wants their energy drink to be one of them. Tenzing’s low-sugar formulation is a welcome break from the seasonal onslaught of rich food and sweet treats. You get the flavour and the refreshment without the guilt, making it perfect for:

Designated drivers

Early-morning shoppers

Gym-goers trying to keep their routine on track

Anyone looking for a smarter alternative to sugary fizzy drinks

Come January, when many people begin “reset” routines, Tenzing fits right in.

Hydration and Energy in One Can

Winter is surprisingly dehydrating, cold air indoors and outdoors dries you out faster than you realise. Tenzing contains electrolytes sourced from Himalayan rock salts, supporting hydration while delivering its energy blend. This makes it a great companion when you’re dashing between events, travelling, or simply trying to stay sharp during long days.

It’s especially handy on New Year’s Day, when a refreshing, hydrating lift is often very welcome.

Great for Winter Walks and Outdoor Festive Fun

Many people enjoy long winter walks, Boxing Day strolls, or New Year hikes to blow away the cobwebs. Tenzing’s clean formula, natural caffeine and light, crisp flavour profile make it a brilliant companion for:

chilly morning dog walks

countryside rambles

Christmas market trips

outdoor family adventures

It’s energising without feeling heavy.

Supports a Balanced Lifestyle Beyond the Holidays

Tenzing aligns perfectly with the “new year, new focus” mindset. Made with simple, recognisable ingredients and designed to give a mental and physical boost without artificial additives, it’s ideal for:

returning to work in January

keeping active during the cold months

using as a pre-workout pick-me-up

staying motivated through long winter evenings

It’s not just for Christmas – it’s a refreshingly sensible everyday energy option.

A Sustainable Choice for a Thoughtful Season

The brand takes sustainability seriously, including carbon-labelling each can and reducing emissions across production. 

At a time when many people look for more environmentally responsible choices, especially around Christmas gifting and seasonal shopping, Tenzing is a feel-good option you can enjoy with a clear conscience.

Christmas and New Year are wonderful, but they can take their toll. With its natural ingredients, clean energy release, hydration support and fresh flavours, Tenzing is the ideal drink to carry you through the festive whirlwind and help you stay energised well into the new year.

Whether you’re powering through parties, managing mountains of preparation, or simply wanting to greet January with clarity instead of fatigue, Tenzing is a reliable companion for the season — and beyond.

https://tenzingnaturalenergy.com

A Sparkling Guide to Christmastime Bubbles: From Budget Bottles to Luxurious Labels

Discover the best sparkling wines for Christmas, from budget Cava and Prosecco to English sparkling and luxurious Champagne. 

A festive guide to bubbles for every celebration and budget.

Few things mark the start of the festive season quite like the pop of a cork. 

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering, toasting with family on the big day, or welcoming in the New Year, sparkling wine adds instant celebration to any occasion.

And with more choice than ever, from bargain-friendly Cava to world-class English sparkling wine and truly indulgent Champagnes, it’s easier than you think to find the perfect bottle for your Christmas festivities.

Here’s your guide to choosing bubbles for every taste and every budget.

Budget-Friendly Sparkle (£6–£12)

Christmas can be an expensive time, so it’s reassuring that the lower end of the sparkling wine market is better than ever.

Cava (Spain)

If you want Champagne-style complexity without the price tag, Cava remains one of the best-value sparkling wines on the shelf. Traditionally made, aged on the lees, and often delightfully dry, Cava brings crisp citrus, toasted notes and fantastic consistency.

Perfect for:

Larger gatherings

Party punches

Christmas morning mimosas

Italian Prosecco (Extra Dry or Brut)

Prosecco continues to be a crowd-pleaser, lighter, fruitier and often slightly sweeter than Cava or Champagne. Choose Brut for a drier style or Extra Dry if you enjoy a touch of festive sweetness.

Perfect for:

Aperitifs

Festive grazing boards

Those who prefer softer bubbles

The Mid-Range Magic (£12–£28)

Stepping up the price ladder brings more depth, finesse and character, ideal for dinners and toasts.

Crémant (France)

Crémant is one of the sparkling wine world’s best-kept secrets. Produced in several French regions (Alsace, Loire, Burgundy), these wines use the same method as Champagne but offer tremendous value.

Expect elegant, fine bubbles and a refined finish, ideal for serving with smoked salmon starters or Christmas canapés.

English Sparkling Wine (Non-Vintage)

England’s chalky soils and cool climate are producing some of the world’s most exciting sparkling wines. In fact, some have beaten Champagne in blind tastings!

Bright acidity, orchard fruit and a yeasty richness make English sparkling an elegant festive choice, and a brilliant way to support local producers.

Perfect for:

Christmas Day lunch

Small, special celebrations

A proudly British festive table

Premium Bubbles (£30–£60)

Champagne (Non-Vintage)

If Christmas isn’t a time for a little indulgence, when is? Non-vintage Champagne remains the gold standard for predictable quality and sophistication. Expect flavours of brioche, lemon zest, almond and tiny, delicate bubbles.

Top names such as Taittinger, Piper-Heidsieck, and Pol Roger frequently appear in Christmas offers, making them perfect for:

Formal celebrations

Toasting on Christmas Eve

Pairing with seafood, pâté or festive cheese boards

For the Ultimate Treat (£60–£200+)

Vintage Champagne

Vintage Champagne is made only in exceptional years and aged longer, giving it extraordinary depth and elegance. These bottles aren’t for mixing or casual sipping—this is the moment to pour a glass, sit back, and savour.

Flavours range from honeyed citrus and toasted brioche to baked apple and almond praline.

Perfect for:

Christmas Day decadence

Impressing guests

New Year’s Eve grand countdowns

Prestige Cuvées

Think Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Bollinger La Grande Année. These are the world’s most celebrated bubbles, crafted with meticulous detail and meant to be enjoyed slowly.

If you’re marking a milestone, an engagement, a new arrival, or simply a year well-lived—these bottles deliver fireworks in a glass.

Choosing the Right Sparkling wine for Your Festive Plans

Occasion Best Choice Why

Large festive party Cava or Prosecco Affordable, crowd-pleasing and versatile

Christmas Day lunch nEnglish sparkling or NV Champagne Elegant, food-friendly, celebratory

After-dinner toast Crémant or NV Champagne Balanced, refined, not too sweet

New Year’s Eve countdown Vintage Champagne or Prestige Cuvée Luxurious and memorable

Cocktail making Prosecco or Cava Keeps cocktails fresh without overspending

From cheerful bargain bottles to once-in-a-lifetime Champagnes, there’s a sparkling wine for every Christmas moment. The key is matching your bubbles to your plans, whether you’re hosting the whole family, welcoming neighbours in for nibbles, or raising a quiet glass by the tree.

And remember: the best sparkling wine is the one you enjoy. So pick a bottle (or several), chill it well, and let the celebrations begin!

Why a Traditional Mechanical Watch Makes a Brilliant Christmas Gift

In a world overflowing with digital screens and endless notifications, there’s something quietly reassuring about a traditional mechanical watch. 

As Christmas approaches and shoppers hunt for meaningful gifts that last longer than the festive season itself, interest in old-fashioned timepieces is enjoying a revival. And it’s easy to see why.

A Watch That Always Tells the Time – No Updates Required

Smartwatches promise convenience, but they don’t always deliver the basics. Many owners will recognise the frustration of raising their wrist only to be greeted by a blank screen, an unresponsive display or a menu of icons offering everything except the actual time. Battery drained? Update pending? Sensor not cooperating? Suddenly you’re tapping, swiping, and muttering.

A mechanical watch, by contrast, gets straight to the point. No boot-ups. No software glitches. No distracting alerts. 

Just a clear, beautifully designed face showing the hours, minutes and – if you’re lucky – a graceful sweeping second hand. It performs a single job, and it performs it flawlessly.

A Gift Built to Last for Decades

Most smartwatches become outdated within a couple of years. Battery performance declines, apps stop being supported, and brands move on to the next model. A mechanical watch is the opposite: it’s built with longevity in mind.

With occasional servicing, a mechanical watch can last for generations. It becomes a keepsake – something that can be worn, cherished, and eventually passed on. That sense of permanence makes it a thoughtful Christmas gift in an age of throwaway tech.

Craftsmanship You Can Feel

Mechanical watches are miniature works of engineering art. Hundreds of tiny parts, gears and springs move together in perfect harmony, powered entirely by human motion or a daily wind. For anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, heritage, or tactile objects that feel “alive”, this makes them particularly special.

Giving a mechanical watch is a way of gifting not just timekeeping, but artistry.

A Break from Digital Overload

Christmas often inspires people to rethink how they manage their time and wellbeing. Many are keen to reduce screen use, avoid constant notifications, and reconnect with analogue experiences.

A mechanical watch supports that aim. It gives the wearer the ability to check the time without checking everything else. No emails, no app suggestions, no fitness goals flashing across the screen. Just the simple, steady rhythm of time itself.

Suits Every Style and Personality

Whether your recipient adores vintage pieces, clean minimalist designs, rugged field watches or elegant dress styles, there’s a mechanical watch to match. Unlike smartwatches, which tend to look similar across brands, the variety in mechanical designs is huge.

It’s the sort of gift that feels personal, thoughtful and chosen with care – exactly what a Christmas present should be.

A Daily Reminder of the Giver

Every time the recipient glances at their wrist, they’re reminded of you. Few gifts are used as frequently or with such warmth. A mechanical watch becomes a quiet companion, marking the hours and days long after the Christmas wrapping has been recycled.

In a festive season often dominated by the latest gadgets, choosing an old-fashioned mechanical watch is a delightful act of rebellion. 

It’s reliable, long-lasting, beautifully made and blissfully free of digital fuss. 

And at a time when people are looking for more meaningful, enduring gifts, a mechanical watch stands out as both practical and poetic.

If you want to give a present this Christmas that truly stands the test of time, a classic mechanical watch might be the perfect choice.

Boots Christmas 2025 Advert: Puss in Boots Steals the Show This Festive Season

Every year, there’s one Christmas advert that seems to get everyone talking — and for Christmas 2025, that honour firmly belongs to Boots. 

Their new festive campaign, “Gift Happily Ever After,” puts a fabulously flamboyant CGI Puss in Boots front and centre, whisking us into a fairytale world filled with sparkles, snowy forests, and (of course) some very thoughtful Christmas gifting.

It’s whimsical, it’s warm, and it’s already one of the standout festive films of the season.

A Fairytale Christmas Brought to Life

This year’s Boots advert tells the story of Puss desperately trying to find the perfect gifts for his friends before the Snow Queen’s Ball. Consulting a magic mirror, as all stylish cats surely do, he’s transported from an enchanted kingdom straight to a modern UK high street. And where does he go for the perfect presents?

To Boots, naturally.

Once inside, Puss in Boots confidently pads through the aisles selecting beauty sets, fragrances, grooming gifts, and little luxuries for each member of his fairytale crew. 

Cinderella gets something glamorous, Rapunzel receives a sleek styling tool, Prince Charming gets a handsome new mirror… and Puss himself? 

Well, he looks pleased enough with his own fabulous reflection.

The advert then returns to the magical realm, where our feline hero arrives at the Snow Queen’s Ball with the perfect presents in paw, all set to a nostalgic blast of Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film.”

It’s playful, polished, and packed with festive sparkle.

Why the Advert Works So Well

Boots has intentionally leaned into the feel-good charm of classic fairytales — and it works.

Here’s why the campaign is hitting the mark:

1. Nostalgia meets modern gifting

Puss in Boots is instantly recognisable and appeals across generations. The blend of childhood storytelling and up-to-date gifting makes for a comforting and clever pairing.

2. Showcasing Boots as the ultimate one-stop Christmas shop

Everything Puss picks out is readily available in store or online, making the advert both magical and useful. It highlights the brand’s huge range of beauty, grooming, fragrance and accessory gifts without feeling like a hard sell.

3. A message about thoughtful gifting

Boots says the heart of the campaign is about “meaningful gifts that show care,” and the advert reflects that. Whether you’re buying for a princess, a prince, or a slightly dramatic talking cat, the idea is that it’s the thought that counts.

4. Proper festive escapism

From snowy palace courtyards to twinkling city streets, the visuals deliver a lovely hit of escapism, something we all crave at Christmastime.

Reactions So Far

Unsurprisingly, viewers have fallen in love with the character animation and the advert’s sweet, storybook tone. Many have praised its cinematic quality and the nostalgic vibes brought by the music choice.

Of course, some critics have called it a little over-the-top (it is essentially panto with better lighting), but at Christmas, isn’t that exactly what we want? And the whole concept is a bit of cheeky British panto humour as Puss in Boots first performed in the early 19th century and performed every year since then.  

What It Means for Christmas Shoppers

Boots is positioning itself as one of the go-to destinations for beauty and gifting this year, with more than 50 new brands added to its festive ranges.

So if, like Puss, you find yourself searching for that perfect something, whether it’s a cosy fragrance set, a skincare trio, a men’s grooming kit, or stocking fillers that don’t break the bank, Boots is gently reminding us that it’s all waiting on the high street.

And unlike our dashing feline hero, you won’t need a magic mirror to find it.

A Touch of Christmas Magic

As adverts go, this one captures what so many of us adore about the season: sparkle, nostalgia, a little silliness, and gifts chosen with real care. Puss in Boots fits right into the Christmas landscape, dramatic, dapper, and just the right amount of over-the-top.

If this is how Boots is kicking off the Christmas countdown, we’re in for a wonderfully enchanted festive season.

And to see exactly how the advert was made please check out this video

When Poundland Closes Its Doors: A Christmas Heartbreak for British Shoppers

For many households across Britain, Christmas begins with a trip to Poundland. 

It’s where we pick up the glittery wrapping paper, the surprisingly lovely baubles, the bargain stocking fillers, the tubs of festive sweets, and the little extras that make the season sparkle without frightening the bank balance.

But this year, as yet more Poundland branches close their doors for good, a surprising number of people are feeling genuinely sad — and on That’s Christmas 365, we completely understand why.

A beloved festive staple is fading from the high street

Poundland has long been one of the unofficial cornerstones of the British Christmas season. 

It’s where families could stock up on decorations for a few quid, grab novelty toys for Christmas Eve boxes, or top up the snack cupboard with chocolate coins and candy canes.

When news spreads yet another branch is shutting, it isn’t just a commercial story. It feels personal. For many communities, especially smaller towns, Poundland wasn’t just convenient, it was the place where Christmas magic became affordable and accessible.

The closures hit harder at Christmastime

Festive shopping is more than a transaction. It’s ritual, nostalgia, and tradition. Losing your local Poundland means losing:

a reliable source of budget-friendly decorations

an easy stop for stocking fillers

the simple joy of browsing aisle after aisle of festive bits and bobs

a place families could visit together without worrying about overspending

And during a time when many households are tightening their belts, the closure of a low-cost retailer feels particularly cruel.

The emotional impact of a disappearing high street

Shops come and go, but certain retailers become woven into our Christmas memories. Poundland earned that place by making festive fun accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

When another branch goes, it’s not just a building going dark. It’s a sigh across the community. Shoppers feel it. Staff feel it. And high streets, already struggling, lose yet another piece of their festive soul.

What comes next for Christmas bargain hunters?

Even as branches close, many Poundland stores remain open, and still offer their famous aisles of seasonal treasures. But with fewer locations, many people may need to:

travel further for their festive essentials

switch to alternatives like B&M, Home Bargains, The Range or Wilko (where available)

explore local markets and small shops for affordable Christmas items

lean more heavily on online bargains

But the truth remains: nothing quite replaces that familiar green sign at the start of December.

A goodbye nobody wanted

Here on That’s Christmas 365, we celebrate the joys, quirks, memories and traditions that make the festive season special. And for millions across the UK, Poundland was firmly part of the Christmas soundtrack, cheerful, helpful, affordable, and dependable.

As more stores close, it’s perfectly natural to feel sad. It’s another reminder that our high streets, and our Christmas rituals, are changing faster than many of us would like.

But as ever, the festive spirit adapts. New traditions form. And somewhere out there, someone is still proudly hanging a £1 bauble bought years ago from a Poundland branch that’s now gone, a small glittering reminder of Christmases past.

A golden Christmas: Degussa shows how wealth-building begins during Advent

During the festive season, our attention turns to what matters most: lasting values. More and more people are choosing gold as a reliable form of investment – a symbol of permanence, security and responsible asset management.

 As the year draws to a close, Degussa demonstrates how precious metals can bring not only joy, but also help build and preserve wealth across generations.

Gold: bringing cross-generational value

Ever more investors are now seeking stable alternatives. Gold represents a solid foundation for long-term security. Whether small units or larger bars – even modest amounts can make a crucial contribution in building lasting wealth.

Christian Rauch, CEO of Degussa, told That's Christmas 365: "Gold is something that retains its value across generations. It represents security, trust and the responsibility of passing on wealth wisely. 

"This year, we’ve put together something special for the Degussa Advent calendars in our branches,  inspiration for all those who want to give a gift with genuine value at Christmas."

Inspiration for lasting value at Christmas

The Degussa Advent calendar highlights a broad range of gift ideas during the run-up to Christmas – from small tokens of appreciation to high-quality, valuable gifts. Precious metals can accompany family and friends throughout their lives. Degussa supports customers in their desire to share lasting value in the form of coins, bars and individual gift ideas.

Holiday opening hours

They are here for you during the festive season, too, to ensure you can purchase your gifts in good time and with no stress.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wednesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

He added: "Pay us a visit and find out how easy it is to offer a gift with lasting value."

https://www.degussa-goldhandel.de

Give the Gift of Motoring Safety This Christmas with a Halfords Gift Card

Give the gift of motoring safety this Christmas with a Halfords gift card, perfect for winter car checks, essential accessories, new drivers and cyclists.

Christmas gifting doesn’t always have to be about novelty socks, box sets, or yet another tin of biscuits. 

Sometimes the most thoughtful presents are the ones that keep people safe and make everyday life just a little bit easier. 

This year, one of the smartest and most practical gifts you can pop under the tree is a Halfords gift card, a simple stocking filler with huge potential to support safer motoring all year long.

Why a Halfords Gift Card Makes Such a Sensible Christmas Present

Whether you’re buying for a new driver, a busy commuter, a friend who loves a weekend road trip, or someone who just wants their car to run smoothly through winter, or a cyclist, a Halfords gift card is wonderfully versatile. It’s one of those gifts that strikes the perfect balance between useful and thoughtful.

Here’s what makes it such a brilliant festive choice:

1. It Can Be Spent on Essential Winter Car Checks

Winter takes a toll on vehicles, especially in the UK where frost, rain, grit, and short daylight hours can cause all sorts of issues. Your recipient can use their gift card to book vital seasonal safety services, including:

Winter car checks

Battery health checks

Bulb replacements

Wiper blade fittings

Tyre inspections

These quick services can prevent roadside breakdowns and ensure safe, confident driving through the harshest months.

2. Perfect for New Drivers

If someone in the family has just passed their test, a Halfords gift card can help them buy the kit they need: L-plates, dash cams, emergency breakdown tools, screenwash, jump leads, or interior accessories to make their first car feel like home. It’s a practical vote of confidence for their new independence.

3. Ideal for Those Long Winter Journeys

Visiting family and friends at Christmas often means long motorway stretches, unpredictable weather, and heavy traffic. A gift card can help them pick up essentials such as:

De-icer and ice scrapers

Snow socks and chains

Emergency torches

Phone mounts

In-car chargers

It’s the kind of gift that says, “I care about you getting there safely.”

4. Great for Cyclists Too

Halfords isn’t just for motorists, cyclists have plenty to gain from a well-timed gift card. From helmets to lights, reflective clothing to winter servicing, it’s an excellent present for those who prefer pedal power.

5. A Stress-Free, Last-Minute Option

Running short on time? A Halfords gift card can be bought in-store or online, making it a clever last-minute gift that doesn’t feel last-minute. Slip it into a Christmas card, pair it with a chocolate reindeer, and you’re sorted.

A Practical Gift That Shows You Care

At a time when many people face rising motoring costs, especially during the winter months, a Halfords gift card can genuinely make a difference. 

It helps loved ones stay safe, avoid unexpected expenses, and keep their vehicles in top condition when the roads are at their most challenging.

This Christmas, consider giving a present that’s more than a festive novelty.

Give a gift that protects, supports, and lasts well into the New Year.

https://www.halfords.com

The Elf on the Shelf Phenomenon: Why We Still Can’t Get Enough of Christmas’s Cheekiest House Guest

If there’s one modern Christmas tradition that has completely embedded itself into British festive culture, it’s the annual return of the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon. 

Once a simple storybook character, the Elf has become a full-blown festive phenomenon, part mischief-maker, part family entertainment director, and, if you’ve splashed out on the official accessory kits, part miniature interior designer and patisserie chef, too.

Parents swear the Elf encourages good behaviour. Children love waking up to see what chaotic, silly, or surprisingly industrious antics their Elf has been up to overnight. And adults? Well, we secretly adore the excuse to unleash our inner set designer and stage whisper: “Just one more photo… move his little arm to the left…”

A Modern Christmas Classic

Every December, social media fills with Elf escapades: zip-wiring down curtain rails, commandeering toy trains, trying to post themselves to Santa, and (inevitably) getting tangled in the biscuit tin. The charm is in the surprise. The more imaginative the scenario, the bigger the reaction in the morning.

But over the past few years, the accessories have moved the game on. Now the Elf has wardrobes, pets, craft sets, sleighs, playhouses, and even a fully fledged baking station. Yes—your Elf can now officially work hard in the kitchen.

Kitchen Chaos: The Elf Who Bakes

One of the most popular official kits this year is the Elf on the Shelf Sweet Treats or Baking Set, which includes miniature ingredients, tiny utensils, and props to make it look as though the Elf has been sweating over the stove all night. Think rolling pins, mixing bowls, flour bags, and adorable little “cakes” that look good enough to eat (but aren’t, because the Elf is famously carb-averse).

Parents have great fun staging scenes such as:

The Elf covered in “flour” (icing sugar works beautifully)

A tray of fairy cakes half-decorated, as if he got distracted by Midnight Mischief

The Elf perched with a whisk bigger than his entire torso

A disaster zone of sprinkles, toppers, and a stern note: “I tried my best!”

Children absolutely love it. The idea that their Elf has been hard at work, making festive treats just for them, adds a magical boost to the morning routine.

More Accessory Kits = More Stories

The official kits mean your Elf can take on roles beyond baking:

Movie Night Set – popcorn, blankets, tiny drinks

Spa Day Kit – cucumber slices, towels, bubble bath

Christmas Countdown Kit – chalkboards, clues, messages from Santa

Elf Pets Sets – because even Elves deserve fluffy companions

These kits turn the Elf from a lone troublemaker into a whole cast of festive characters. They also make your life easier: instead of cobbling together props at midnight, you’ve got everything ready to go.

Why Adults Love It Too

Let’s not pretend the Elf is just for children. Adults get a huge kick out of staging scenes, some sweet, some daft, some bordering on avant-garde theatre.

It’s a chance to play, to be silly, to embrace a little Christmas magic at a time of year when everything else can feel a bit frantic. And honestly? It’s a lovely creative outlet at the end of a long day.

Plus, the look on the kids’ faces in the morning is priceless.

Making Elf Memories That Last

Whether your Elf is mixing batter, stealing Quality Street, attempting yoga, or hiding under the tree pretending to be a bauble, the fun is in the shared surprise. 

These little nightly transformations create lasting memories, ones your children will look back on fondly long after they’ve stopped believing the Elf truly moves on his own.

So if your Elf hasn’t yet tried his hand at baking, this is the year to give him a shift in the kitchen. Just be prepared to sweep up imaginary flour for the rest of December.

You can buy your own Elf on the Shelf and official Elf on the Shelf accessories at the That's Christmas 365 online shop powered by Amazon https://amzn.to/3XEXnai