Become a Child’s Secret Santa with Action for Children This Christmas. A That’s Christmas 365 Special Feature

At That’s Christmas 365, we spend all year celebrating the sparkle, joy, and togetherness that make the festive season so special. 

But for far too many children across the UK, Christmas is not a time of excitement, it’s a period of worry, cold nights, and empty cupboards.

That is why we are shining a spotlight on Action for Children’s Secret Santa scheme, a beautiful initiative that brings genuine Christmas magic to the young people who need it most.

What Is Action for Children’s Secret Santa?

Instead of buying yet another novelty gift or office Secret Santa trinket destined to sit in a drawer, you can become a real Secret Santa, the kind whose gift changes a life.

Action for Children’s scheme lets supporters purchase symbolic gifts, each representing vital support delivered by the charity’s frontline teams. Your money doesn’t go on packaging or wrapping; it goes straight into services that offer safety, warmth, and hope to vulnerable children across the UK.

Why It Matters This Year

Every Christmas, Action for Children sees demand rise, but the past few years have brought unprecedented challenges. 

Families already stretched to breaking point face the rising cost of living, unexpected bills, and the emotional strain of the season.

For a child experiencing poverty, instability, or isolation, your Secret Santa gift can make the difference between a bleak December and a Christmas filled with warmth and reassurance.

The Gifts You Can Give as a Secret Santa

One of the scheme’s strengths is its clarity. You choose a gift, and Action for Children turns it into real, practical support. Examples include:

A warm winter coat for a child who has none that fits

A hot meal for a young person struggling to get by

A safe night’s sleep for someone facing homelessness

A Christmas present for a child who may otherwise wake up to nothing

Mental health support for young people overwhelmed by the seasonThese are the sorts of gifts that immediately lift a child’s wellbeing, a truly meaningful way to share the spirit of Christmas.

More Than Just One Day of Magic

The beauty of the Secret Santa scheme is that its effects reach well beyond 25 December. 

Action for Children runs family support services, mental health programmes, youth outreach, financial guidance, early years centres, and crisis intervention throughout the entire year.

Your festive gesture helps fund sustained support, proof that Christmas kindness can ripple into spring, summer, and beyond.

How You Can Take Part

It couldn’t be simpler:

Visit Action for Children’s Secret Santa page.

Choose the gift that resonates with you.

Donate in minutes and become a real Secret Santa.

You can even donate in someone else’s name, a thoughtful present for family members, colleagues, teachers, or that friend who insists they “don’t need anything this year”.

Share the Christmas Spirit

If you’d like to do even more, spread the word. Share the scheme on social media, mention it at work, tell your church or community group, or organise a group donation. The more people who know about it, the more children have a chance at a joyful festive season.

This Christmas, Let’s Make the Magic Real

At That’s Christmas 365, we love the lights, the carols, the puddings, and the presents, but nothing embodies the true spirit of the season like helping a child feel safe, warm, and valued.

Becoming a Secret Santa for Action for Children is a small act that delivers immeasurable joy.

Just visit them at their website and see the loving, Christmas magic begin. https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk

Make a Seafood Feast the Star of Your Christmas Table

Create a stunning Christmas dinner with a luxurious seafood feast. 

From whole baked fish to extravagant shellfish platters, discover festive flavours, sides and serving ideas for a brilliant holiday centrepiece.

When most of us imagine Christmas dinner, we picture a golden turkey, a mountain of roast potatoes and the familiar trimmings passed down through generations. 

But in recent years, more households across Britain have been rethinking their festive menus and embracing something lighter, more luxurious and wonderfully celebratory: a seafood-focused Christmas feast.

If you’re ready to bring a touch of coastal sparkle to your holiday dining, here’s how to create a seafood centrepiece that feels both indulgent and perfectly seasonal.

Why Choose Seafood for Christmas?

Seafood offers a fresh, elegant alternative to the traditional roast. It’s ideal if you’re expecting fewer guests, catering for pescatarians, or simply fancy a change from the usual marathon of turkey-based cooking. 

It also tends to be quicker to prepare, giving you more time to enjoy the day rather than watching the oven like a hawk.

And from a presentation perspective, few things look as spectacular as a grand platter of lobster, gleaming prawns, plump scallops or a whole roasted fish.

Choosing Your Showstopper

Your centrepiece can take many forms, depending on budget, confidence level, and how dramatic you want the reveal to be.

1. Whole Baked Salmon or Sea Bass

A whole fish baked with herbs, citrus and seasonal vegetables looks impressive yet requires very little hands-on effort. It’s naturally festive when served on a large platter surrounded by sprigs of dill, pomegranate seeds and roasted new potatoes.

2. Luxury Shellfish Platter

For pure extravagance, nothing beats a cold seafood platter:

Lobster tails

King prawns

Oysters

Dressed crab

Smoked salmon

Add bowls of lemon wedges, Marie Rose sauce, and herb-infused butter, and you have a Christmas lunch worthy of a seaside grand hotel.

3. Scallops with a Winter Twist

Pan-seared scallops served with crispy pancetta, winter squash purée or even a splash of champagne butter make an unforgettable starter—or a decadent main if you serve larger portions.

4. Festive Seafood Paella

Perfect for a relaxed Christmas Eve gathering or Boxing Day feast. Packed with prawns, squid and mussels, it’s warm, colourful and a brilliant centre-of-table dish for communal eating.

Flavours That Feel Christmassy

Seafood pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients. Consider adding:

Citrus: clementines, oranges, lemons

Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, chives

Winter spices: saffron, star anise or nutmeg in small amounts

Festive garnishes: pomegranate arils, cranberries (fresh or dried), edible gold dust

And don’t shy away from serving with a chilled glass of English sparkling wine, it’s a match made in heaven with shellfish.

Sides That Complement a Seafood Feast

To keep your table balanced and Christmassy, pair your seafood centrepiece with:

Roasted new potatoes or buttery mashed potatoes

Winter greens with garlic and lemon

Honey-roasted carrots and parsnips

A zesty fennel and orange salad

Crusty bread for mopping up sauces

These sides are light enough not to overwhelm the star of the show, yet seasonal enough to keep the festive spirit alive.

Make It Social and Spectacular

Presentation is everything with a seafood Christmas. Use large white platters, rustic wooden boards, or tiered stands to show off different elements. Add greenery, bay leaves, rosemary or holly (for decoration only!)—to bring in that unmistakable Christmas feel.

A few candles and a scattering of sea-salt flakes over the platter just before serving can elevate the whole moment.

A seafood-led Christmas dinner is a refreshing, elegant and utterly delicious way to celebrate the season. Whether you opt for a majestic whole fish or a lavish shellfish tower, it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce new flavours and traditions to your festive table.

If you’ve never tried it before, this might just be the year to bring the seaside to your Christmas Day feast.

The Essential Sauces, Chutneys and Pickles for Your Christmastime Larder

Discover the essential sauces, chutneys and pickles to stock in your Christmastime larder, perfect for roasts, leftovers, cheese boards and festive buffets.

Christmastime brings together family, friends, and, let’s be honest, a lot of food. 

Whether you’re hosting the full feast, putting on a Boxing Day buffet, or simply trying to stay prepared for unexpected visitors, your festive larder is your secret weapon. 

Stocking it with the right sauces, chutneys, and pickles ensures that even the simplest leftovers or cold cuts can be transformed into something delicious.

Here’s a handy guide to what every Christmas kitchen should have at the ready.

1. Cranberry Sauce – the Christmas Classic

No festive table is complete without cranberry sauce. Whether you go for smooth, whole berry or a homemade spiced version, this is essential for turkey, nut roasts and Boxing Day sandwiches.

Tip: A jar of cranberry relish with orange or port adds extra luxury.

2. Bread Sauce – Comfort in a Bowl

A very British staple and often overlooked. Bread sauce pairs beautifully with poultry, gammon and even roasted vegetables.

Top up your larder: Pre-made sachets store well, but a homemade batch can be frozen ahead of time.

3. Horseradish – Not Just for Beef

Fiery, fragrant and incredibly versatile. Horseradish is a brilliant partner for roast beef, cold cuts and smoked fish. It also lifts leftover mash when stirred through.

4. English Mustard and Dijon Mustard

Two mustards, two purposes:

English mustard for heat and punch

Dijon mustard for creaminess and subtlety

Perfect for glazes, roast dinners, cheese boards and sauces.

5. Apple Sauce – For Pork, Turkey and Beyond

Usually associated with pork, apple sauce is also wonderful with turkey crown, savoury stuffing and many vegetarian centrepieces.

If you spot an apple and cider version, even better.

6. Redcurrant Jelly – A Roast Dinner Hero

Redcurrant jelly doesn’t get the attention cranberry sauce does, but it should. It cuts through richness, pairs brilliantly with lamb and beef, and adds gorgeous flavour to gravies.

7. Chutneys for the Boxing Day Feast

Boxing Day practically demands a chutney or three. Stock up on:

Caramelised onion chutney for cheese and pies

Ploughman’s chutney for cold meats

Tomato and chilli chutney for a little festive fire

A good chutney transforms leftovers into a full meal.

8. Pickled Onions – A Festive Favourite

Crisp, sharp and irresistible on any buffet table.

The strong ones are perfect with Cheddar and pork pie; milder sweet pickled onions are brilliant with pâté or sandwiches.

9. Cornichons and Gherkins

Small but mighty. These sharp little pickles cut through the richness of cheese boards, charcuterie, cold ham and terrines.

Keep one jar of classic gherkins and one jar of cornichons for variety.

10. Piccalilli – A British Treasure

That tangy, mustard-yellow mixture of cauliflower, onions and other vegetables is unbeatable with gammon, sausages, pork pies and cheese.

It’s one of the most useful jars in your Christmas cupboard.

11. Mint Sauce – Not Just for Spring Lamb

A light and refreshing counterbalance to heavier dishes.

Lovely with lamb, of course, but it also perks up leftover roast potatoes.

12. Gravy Granules and Stock Concentrates

Even if you plan to make gravy from scratch, always have a backup.

Christmas is hectic—and nothing ruins the mood like discovering you’re short on gravy during service.

13. Sweet Sauces and Pouring Treats

Keep a small sweet section ready for puddings and festive bakes:

Brandy butter

Vanilla custard

Salted caramel sauce

Chocolate sauce

Perfect for mince pies, Christmas pudding and impromptu desserts.

14. Chilli Jam – The Modern Must-Have

A dollop of chilli jam makes everything better: cheese boards, sausages, roasted veg, and even brie-topped crackers on Christmas Eve.

If you’ve never tried it, Christmas is the ideal excuse.

A well-stocked Christmastime larder gives you flexibility, creativity and peace of mind. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in quiet leftover meals between festivities, the right condiments elevate every plate.

Prepare now, and you’ll glide through the season with flavour and flair.

Why Steve’s Leaves Are Perfect for Your Christmas Salads

Bring freshness to your festive table with Steve’s Leaves. 

Discover why their tender, flavour-packed salads are perfect for Christmas dinners, buffets, and Boxing Day feasts.

When the Christmas season rolls in, most of us start thinking about rich roasts, golden potatoes, pigs in blankets, and decadent desserts.

 But there’s one unsung hero that quietly elevates the festive table: a fresh, vibrant, beautifully balanced salad. 

And when it comes to salad leaves that look and taste like Christmas cheer in a bowl, Steve’s Leaves deserves the spotlight.

Freshness That Makes a Real Difference

Steve’s Leaves is known for producing some of the freshest, most flavourful salad leaves available in UK supermarkets. They grow their leaves with care, harvesting them young so they’re naturally tender and mild. This makes them far more appealing than the limp or bitter salads we’ve all encountered at least once during the holiday rush.

Their leaves are washed in Hampshire chalk spring water, which not only preserves their crispness but enhances the clean, refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with heavier Christmas foods.

A Brilliant Balance for the Festive Table

Christmas dinners are famously indulgent. A bright salad is the perfect way to balance richer dishes—cutting through the fattiness of ham, turkey, or goose; complementing cheese boards; and bringing colour to the plate.

Steve’s Leaves blends often include mizuna, pea shoots, baby spinach, and other delicate greens that:

Add texture without overpowering other flavours

Hold dressings well

Stay crisp on the plate

Bring a welcome freshness to the meal

For a festive twist, you can mix their leaves with seasonal ingredients such as pomegranate seeds, orange segments, walnuts, or even roasted sprouts.

Ideal for Stress-Free Christmas Hosting

At Christmas, convenience matters just as much as taste. Steve’s Leaves packs are ready to serve straight from the bag, cutting down prep time when you’re juggling gravy, stuffing, roasties, and last-minute gift wrapping.

Their packaging is also thoughtfully designed to keep leaves fresher for longer, reducing the risk of waste—always helpful when you’re planning meals for guests who may or may not turn up depending on train strikes or flu season!

Great for Boxing Day and Beyond

Christmas salads aren’t just for the big day. On Boxing Day, when the leftovers come out, Steve’s Leaves offer a refreshing base for turkey salads, cold cuts, and buffet spreads. The light, green crunch adds variety and lifts what can often feel like a beige buffet into something colourful and inviting.

Festive Salad Ideas Featuring Steve’s Leaves

Here are a few easy combinations to try:

Pomegranate & Pistachio Salad: Baby leaves tossed with ruby pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios, with a drizzle of honey and lemon.

Brie & Cranberry Leaf Salad: A wonderful way to use up leftover cheese and sauce.

Citrus Winter Salad: Blood orange or clementine slices with pea shoots and toasted almonds.

Warm Sprout & Bacon Salad: Crispy bacon and warm roasted sprouts over fresh spinach for a cosy twist.

A Healthy Counterbalance

Let’s be honest—December can be a nutritional minefield. A bowl of Steve’s Leaves here and there helps bring fibre, vitamins, and a sense of balance to the season without feeling like a compromise. Their leaves aren’t a diet food—they’re simply delicious, and they fit naturally into festive eating.

If you’re planning your Christmas shop, don’t overlook the salad aisle. A few packs of Steve’s Leaves can elevate your festive meals, brighten your Boxing Day buffet, and add a dash of colour to even the greyest December afternoon. 

Fresh, flavourful, and beautifully grown, they’re a small addition that makes a big difference.

Steve's Leaves are available at Waitrose.com and https://www.ocado.com

Can You Still Book a Kitchen Fitter Before Christmas? Here’s What You Need to Know

For many households, Christmas brings not only festive cheer but also the annual urge to spruce up the home before guests arrive. 

A brand-new kitchen in time for the holidays sounds wonderful, perhaps you had an unexpected bonus from work, or a modest lottery win, but is it still possible to book a fitter this close to Christmas?

The short answer: sometimes, yes… but you'll need a little luck and a lot of flexibility.

In this guide for That’s Christmas 365, we break down what’s realistic, what isn’t, and how you can boost your chances of securing a last-minute installation.

Why December Is So Busy for Kitchen Fitters

The run-up to Christmas is one of the peak periods for tradespeople. As soon as autumn arrives, diaries begin to fill with homeowners eager to complete renovations before the big day. By December, many fitters, especially the highly rated ones, are fully booked until January or even later.

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, but it does mean you’ll need to be strategic.

When You Can Still Secure a Pre-Christmas Booking

While the majority of established kitchen installers are booked up, last-minute availability does crop up particularly for:

Smaller or straightforward jobs

If you're swapping cabinets, upgrading worktops, or fitting new appliances rather than ripping everything out, some fitters may be able to squeeze you in.

Independent fitters rather than big chains

Large retailers such as B&Q, Wickes or Magnet often have long lead times. Independent tradespeople, however, may have gaps between larger projects.

Cancellations

It happens more often than you’d think. A customer postpones or delays their install, and suddenly a fitter has two or three days free.

Premium short-notice work

Some teams specifically offer express installations at a higher rate. If your budget stretches, this can be a lifesaver.

What Could Hold Up Your Christmas Kitchen?

Even if you find a fitter, the install can only go ahead if everything is ready on your end.

Stock and Delivery

Cabinets, appliances and fittings must be:

Delivered

Checked

Undamaged

In your home before the fitter arrives

Any delays here can push the project into January.

Worktops

Solid-surface materials like quartz or granite require templating before they’re cut. This alone can take 1–3 weeks, making pre-Christmas installation unlikely at this point.

Laminate worktops, however, can usually be fitted immediately.

Tips for Finding a Fitter Fast

If you’re determined to get your kitchen sorted before Father Christmas pays a visit, try these steps:

Check local Facebook and community groups, many fitters advertise availability here.

Contact independent installers directly, don’t rely solely on big retailers.

Ask about cancellations, tradespeople appreciate polite, prompt customers who can act fast.

Be flexible with dates and timing, even a two-day job can make a big difference.

Consider splitting the job, for example, units installed now, tiling or specialist worktops fitted in January.

So, Is a Pre-Christmas Kitchen Still Possible?

Yes... but it’s not guaranteed.

If your kitchen is already delivered, the design is straightforward, and you move quickly, you may still secure a fitter in time. But if you’re only beginning the process now, you’ll likely need to plan for early in the New Year.

Either way, a refreshed kitchen, whether this month or next, can make all the difference to your home, your cooking, and your Christmas cheer.

The Best Teas to Buy In for Christmastime

Discover the best teas to buy for Christmastime, from classic black blends and festive spiced teas to soothing herbals and indulgent dessert-inspired brews for cosy winter moments.

As the nights draw in and the days start to sparkle with fairy lights, there are few things more comforting than wrapping your hands around a hot mug of tea. 

Christmastime all but invites you to slow down, breathe in deep, and enjoy flavours that feel nostalgic, cosy, and just a little bit indulgent. 

Whether you’re planning to host guests, stock a festive drinks trolley, or simply savour quiet moments by the tree, having the right teas on hand makes all the difference.

Here’s a guide to the teas worth buying in for a truly comforting Christmas season.

1. Classic Black Teas: The Heart of Winter Warmth

Black tea is the backbone of British winter drinking. Reliable, strong, and endlessly versatile, it’s essential for Christmastime.

Great options to stock up on:

Assam – Rich, malty, warming, perfect for bracing mornings or powering through Christmas preparations.

Darjeeling – Lighter and more floral, ideal for afternoon guests.

English Breakfast or Scottish Breakfast blends – Dependable crowd-pleasers that pair perfectly with mince pies or a slice of Christmas cake.

If you’re serving visitors, a large tin of quality loose leaf always looks impressive.

2. Festive Spiced Teas: Christmas in a Cup

No December tea selection is complete without something infused with spice.

Look for blends that feature:

Cinnamon

Clove

Nutmeg

Orange peel

Star anise

These warming flavours instantly evoke mulled wine, gingerbread, and cosy evenings. Popular choices include chai blends, spiced black teas, or more delicate spiced rooibos for a caffeine-free option.

3. Herbal Teas for Evenings or Guests Avoiding Caffeine

Late December nights are made for soothing cups before bed. Herbal infusions are also ideal when entertaining guests with varied preferences.

Top picks include:

Peppermint – Bright and refreshing after a big festive meal.

Chamomile – Calming and floral; a lovely pre-sleep ritual.

Lemon & Ginger – Helpful for winter sniffles and indulgent days.

Rooibos – Naturally sweet and earthy; blends beautifully with festive spices.

Herbals also make great after-dinner alternatives to liqueurs.

4. Green Teas: A Fresh Balance Amid Festive Indulgence

For those moments when you crave something lighter, green tea offers a gentle lift without overwhelming richness.

Consider:

Sencha – Clean, fresh, vibrant.

Jasmine green tea – Perfumed and calming.

Gunpowder – Stronger, slightly smoky, excellent for chilly afternoons.

Green teas are particularly popular around Boxing Day when people fancy something revitalising.

5. Decadent Dessert-Inspired Teas

A festive treat that won’t spoil your appetite! Many companies release limited-edition blends in December inspired by puddings and Christmas bakes.

Look for flavours such as:

Gingerbread

Sticky toffee pudding

Mince pie

Chocolate orange

Vanilla and almond

These make brilliant stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts, too.

6. Fruit Teas for Winter Brightness

Fruit infusions bring colour and cheer, especially for younger family members or those avoiding caffeine.

Try blends with:

Berry mixes

Apple and cinnamon

Cranberry and orange

Hibiscus (lovely and tart, with a stunning red hue)

These are delicious served piping hot—or even as a festive iced tea for parties.

7. Something Special for Guests: Festive Loose Leaf Blends

Many tea merchants release Christmas-themed loose-leaf blends each year. These often contain beautiful ingredients like:

Whole cloves

Orange slices

Rose petals

Cardamom pods

Real vanilla pieces

A pretty jar of loose tea not only tastes wonderful but also looks decorative on your kitchen counter.

8. Don’t Forget: A Good Teapot and Festive Mugs

The ritual is part of the pleasure. A seasonal teapot, a couple of Christmassy mugs, or a little infuser ball shaped like a bauble all help set the mood.

Stocking up on a variety of teas at Christmastime ensures you’re ready for every moment—from quiet early mornings to bustling family visits, cosy evenings by the fire, and everything in between. 

Whether you lean traditional, spiced, herbal, or adventurous, building a festive tea cupboard is one of December’s greatest joys.

That's Books and Entertainment: Welcome to Midlothian Boulevard Out Now in Paperback

That's Books and Entertainment: Welcome to Midlothian Boulevard Out Now in Paperback: In Welcome to Midlothian Boulevard author Benjamin Ryan brings us a murder mystery. Or is it a murder mystery?  It relates the story of th...

Annual Big Christmas Survey from Park Christmas Savings Shows Top Celebs For Christmas

Alan Carr is the male celebrity Brits most want at their Christmas dinner table, after his knockout win on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors turned him into the nation’s favourite festive entertainer.

A new poll of 5,000 UK households for the annual Big Christmas Survey 2025 from Park Christmas Savings shows the comedian has soared to the top of the male rankings, beating actors, sports stars and national treasures.

Respondents said Alan, 49, would bring “proper belly laughs”, “cackling chaos”, and “the best dinner-table stories in showbiz”. Many credited his Traitors victory as the moment they “fell in love with him all over again”.

But while Alan is the men’s champion, Stacey Solomon, who last year's poll, remains the queen of Christmas and No.1 dream female celebrity guest, with women praising her “relatable warmth”, “family-first vibes” and “creative Christmas sparkle”.

Stacey topped the poll of female choices — followed closely by Alison Hammond and Catherine, Princess of Wales — cementing her position as Britain’s festive sweetheart.

Despite the fun of imagining celebrity guests, thousands of the open-text responses told a deeper story: most women said they’d choose their family above anyone famous, with many saying they longed for “one more Christmas” with parents or grandparents they’ve lost.

The findings come from family budgeting experts Park’s ‘Big Christmas Survey 2025’, a nationwide study of festive spending, saving habits and lifestyle trends that reveals how Britain really prepares for Christmas.

Katherine Scott, Director of Marketing, Park Christmas Savings, told That's Christmas 365: “Alan Carr has had an incredible year and his win on Celebrity Traitors has clearly captured the nation’s hearts,  people see him as the ultimate entertainer to share some festive fun and Christmas crackers. Super-mum Stacey Solomon continues to be Britain’s festive favourite for her warmth and positivity.”

She added: “But what touched us most is that above any celebrity, voters overwhelmingly said they’d choose their family as dream guests. It reminds us what Christmas is really about – making happy memories with loved ones.”  

Top Male Celebrity Guests:-

Alan Carr – Fresh off his Celebrity Traitors win; “flowing festive booze, guaranteed laughs and stories”

Sir David Beckham – Warm, gentle, family man vibes

Sir David Attenborough – The dream dinner-table storyteller

Ant & Dec – Double the chaos, double the fun

Gary Barlow – Christmas crooner potential

Top Female Celebrity Guests:-

Stacey Solomon – The UK’s No.1 dream Christmas guest

Alison Hammond – “Brings the joy and the best laugh”

Catherine, Princess of Wales – Admired for her strength and dignity

Mary Berry – Baking royalty

Adele – "Funny, warm, naughty sense of humour" and "best guest for Christmas karaoke."

Park’s ‘Big Christmas Survey 2025’ surveyed over 5,000 UK households (November 2025) - the survey is an annual nationwide study of festive spending, saving habits and lifestyle trends that reveals how Britain really prepares for Christmas.

https://www.getpark.co.uk

Potatoes prove most faithful stalwart on our festive plates

Turkey may have been replaced by beef or a nut roast, sprouts by peas, but the one stalwart of the Christmas dinner is the potato according to a new survey by Statistia. 

Over two-thirds of Britons are steadfastly refusing to sacrifice their roast potatoes this Christmas and a third will be eating mash, proving one of the UK’s most widely grown vegetables stands the test of time. 

Potatoes are the non-negotiable above other festive favourites with turkey at 63% followed by gravy (52%), stuffing (49%) and pigs in blankets (48%).

Originally arriving on our shores from Latin America in the 1500s via Spanish merchants, our British soils proved just right, and potatoes weren’t fussy about the bouts of cold and rain.

The first knowledge of potatoes for Christmas dinner in England is under the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, and now approximately 250 million are consumed over the festive period, with Maris Piper and Rooster now among some of the most popular varieties on the Christmas plate. 

The variety of the potato is key to the perfect crispy result, says cookery writer Jenny Linford, whose book, Potatoes, inspires with 65 delicious ways with the humble potato from fries to pies:

Jenny Linford

Jenny told That's Christmas 365: “Whatever else is on the plate, it's the golden roast potatoes that all ages really look forward to. 

"Choosing the right potato to roast this Christmas will make all the difference. Each variety has different traits that lend it to baking, boiling, mashing or roasting. 

"Maris Piper or a heritage variety like King Edward, roasted in really hot goose fat, will give you the ultimate crispy on the outside, fluffy within. 

"And don’t forget to make extra for easy entertaining between Christmas and new year. One of our family traditions is Boxing Day bubble and squeak with left over roasties, sprouts and bacon.”

Beyond Christmas, potatoes have had to compete for turf with pasta and rice since they entered the British culinary scene in the 1980s. However, the potato selection in many supermarkets is now very sophisticated offering a wide seasonal range from new and salad potatoes to those suited for roasting, mashing, and other culinary uses, rivalling the variety seen with rice and pasta.

“The potato is often taken for granted but it's still one of the most versatile and brilliant kitchen staples. Potatoes comes in so many different types and varieties that you can eat them every day of the week but it’s like you are eating something different, a jacket potato is totally different to buttery new potatoes or gnocchi. 

"They keep well, so can be in the fridge for any last-minute cooking, you can make a huge range of tasty dishes with leftovers so there’s no waste, and they are a brilliant natural source of nutrition and energy.”

Potatoes may not always be recognised for their nutritional benefits, but they are high in Vitamin C, antioxidants and other key minerals, and provide more potassium than bananas. They're a healthy and nutritionally balanced food and can be a satiating source of low-calorie energy. 

"Their health benefits can be further enhanced by certain cooking methods, such as cooling after boiling and steaming without peeling."

In GB about 75% of potatoes are produced in England & Wales, with 25% coming from Scotland, and around 80% of the potatoes consumed in the UK are home-grown.

Tom Stevenson who grows many different potato varieties says: “Potatoes are a brilliant British food story. 

"They grow well across the UK, and we are really proud to grow such an iconic vegetable, that is as much a Christmas dinner staple, as they are all year round on the plate. 

"Beyond the traditional types, there are plenty of modern varieties – like Sagitta, Rooster, Jelly, Panther, Markies and Nemo – that roast beautifully. I would encourage people to experiment with new potato varieties and discover what they like the best.”

“It’s fantastic to see the potato is still king of the plate at Christmas and that’s no surprise,” adds Alex Godfrey, Chair of GB Potatoes, the trade body for the potato industry. “The potato has a place in both our history and our hearts, and, frankly, no Christmas dinner would be complete without it. Our growers work very hard throughout the year to bring potatoes to tables across the country, and it’s very rewarding that of all the wonderful foods that make up the Christmas meal, potatoes are the ones that won’t be compromised on.”

Five ways to entertain with potatoes this festive season

By Jenny Linford

For a classy canape on New Year's Eve, serve slices of boiled salad potatoes topped with soured cream, smoked salmon and dill.

After that bracing Boxing Day walk, enjoy a warming bowl of comforting potato and leek soup. It's easy to make in advance and, if you're feeling fancy, you can serve it decorated a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives.

Give the cook a break after the Christmas Day roast and enjoy an easy meal of baked potatoes warm from the oven. Serve with cold cuts, cheeseboard cheese and chutneys and tuck in!

Top tips for best roast potatoes this Christmas from Jenny

Choose a variety that lends itself to roasting: King Edwards and Maris Piper are great and widely available.

For added luxury - and it is Christmas after all - use goose fat as your cooking fat. It has a high smoking point, which means you can roast at a high temperature and get great, golden, crispy roasties and adds a rich, savoury flavour.

https://www.gb-potatoes.co.uk/

How Your Christmas Gifting Can Help Young Minds With Sport in Mind

Sport in Mind is the leading mental health sports charity in England and Wales. A spokesperson told That's Christmas 365: "Our mission is to transform the nation’s mental health through sport and our trailblazing work harnesses the power of sport to inspire, educate, and promote good mental health."

Since its formation back in 2010, Sport in Mind’s long-term partnership with the NHS has enabled them to transform the lives of in excess of 31,000 people who were struggling with mental health challenges. 

While research shows being active is clinically proven to improve mental health, sedentary living remains prevalent among children and adults with mental health problems caused by many issues (eg non-supportive environments, low levels of confidence and self-esteem, social anxiety, mental health challenges, etc).

Sport in Mind’s unique UK-based programmes are designed to combat these barriers and champion the benefits of physical activity to make sport accessible to all. 

They support, unite and transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable, disengaged members of society, creating vital sustained social impact.

In 2023/24 there were 3.8 million people being treated by the NHS mental health services, including one million children and young people

Sport in Mind's mission to transform the nation's mental health through sport and physical activity has never been more important.

They have also recently launched their Soles of the Season Appeal after finding that short winter days negatively impact mental health and wellbeing.

The research found that 55% of people say darker evenings negatively impact their mental health and 67% reported that shorter days reduce their motivation and ability to be physically active.

The winter fundraising campaign invites the public to “step up” for mental health by supporting the charity’s life-changing programmes to ensure people continue receiving vital support at the time they need it most.

Chief executive Neil Harris told That's Christmas 365: "Christmas can be a good amazing time for some people but for a lot of people it creates a lot of anxiety.

"A lot of people feel quite lonely and quite isolated so it's really important to reach out to people and connect with them."

How can you help? By visiting their shop https://www.sportinmind.org/shop and buying their wide range of clothing, including socks, drinking cups, journals and breathing cards.