Remember This at Christmastime: “No” Is a Complete Sentence

Christmas is often described as the season of goodwill, generosity and togetherness. Alongside that warmth comes a long list of expectations: invitations, favours, traditions, gatherings, purchases and obligations. 

Somewhere in the middle of all this, it can become very easy to forget a simple truth, even at Christmastime, “no” is a complete sentence.

Learning to say no is not about being unkind or ungrateful. It’s about protecting your time, energy and wellbeing during an already demanding season.

Why Christmas Makes Saying No Feel So Hard

The festive period comes with emotional weight. Many of us feel pressure to please others, keep traditions alive and avoid disappointment.

You might recognise thoughts such as:

“It’s only once a year”

“I don’t want to upset anyone”

“I should be able to manage”

“Everyone else is doing it”

These beliefs can push us into commitments that leave us exhausted, stressed or resentful.

The Cost of Not Saying No

When you say yes to everything, something usually pays the price — often your health, your rest or your enjoyment of the season.

Overcommitting can lead to:

Burnout before Christmas even arrives

Increased anxiety or irritability

Worsening physical or mental health

Feeling trapped or overwhelmed

Resentment towards people you care about

A reluctant yes rarely leads to festive joy.

“No” Does Not Require an Explanation

One of the most powerful things to remember is that you do not owe anyone a detailed justification for your boundaries.

“No” does not need:

An apology

A long backstory

A medical disclosure

A better excuse

You can simply say:

“No, that won’t work for me.”

“I won’t be able to do that.”

“I’m keeping things simple this year.”

Polite, calm and clear is enough.

What Saying No Makes Space For

Every no you give is also a yes to something else.

Saying no can mean:

More rest and recovery

Time with people you genuinely want to see

Protecting your health and routines

Enjoying Christmas rather than enduring it

Showing others how to respect boundaries

Boundaries don’t cancel kindness, they make it sustainable.

Saying No Without Guilt

Guilt often shows up even when a boundary is necessary. This doesn’t mean the boundary is wrong.

Helpful reminders:

You are not responsible for other people’s feelings

Traditions can change and still be meaningful

Looking after yourself is not selfish

People who care about you will adapt

Discomfort passes. Exhaustion lingers.

Modelling Healthy Boundaries

When you say no calmly and respectfully, you quietly give others permission to do the same. This can be especially important for children, partners and colleagues who are also struggling under festive pressure.

Healthy boundaries are learned through example.

Christmas does not require you to overextend yourself to be meaningful. You are allowed to choose a quieter, simpler, more manageable season.

If you take one thing with you this Christmas, let it be this:

“No” is a complete sentence, even, or especially, in December.

And sometimes, it’s the kindest one you can say, to yourself and to others.

Booking a Christmas Getaway: A Different Way to Do the Festive Season

For many people, Christmas means home, routine and familiar traditions. For others, the idea of escaping it all, or at least changing the scenery, is increasingly appealing. 

Booking a Christmas getaway can be a wonderful way to reduce stress, create new traditions and enjoy the festive season on your own terms.

Whether it’s a quiet countryside retreat, a festive city break or a winter sun escape, a Christmas getaway can offer both rest and renewal.

Why Consider a Christmas Getaway?

Christmas can be emotionally, physically and financially demanding. A break away from home can help to reset expectations and strip the season back to what matters most.

Common reasons people choose to travel include:

Escaping the pressure of hosting or family tensions

Wanting a quieter, more peaceful Christmas

Marking a life change, loss or new beginning

Making the most of time off work

Creating a special experience instead of buying more “stuff”

There is no right or wrong way to do Christmas – only what works for you.

Choosing the Right Type of Trip

The best Christmas getaway is one that suits your energy levels, health and expectations.

Cosy UK breaks

Cottages, lodges and small hotels offer fires, winter walks and a slower pace. These are ideal if you want festive atmosphere without travel stress.

Festive city breaks

Cities at Christmas can feel magical, with lights, markets, concerts and restaurants doing the hard work for you. Perfect if you enjoy atmosphere but not hosting.

Visiting friends or chosen family

Spending Christmas somewhere familiar but not your own home can feel supportive without responsibility.

Winter sun escapes

For some, swapping cold, dark days for warmth and daylight is a powerful boost to wellbeing.

Book Early – or Be Flexible

Christmas accommodation fills quickly, particularly in popular UK destinations. If you want a specific location or property, early booking is essential.

That said, flexibility can pay off:

Travelling just before or after Christmas Day is often cheaper

Shorter stays can be easier to find

Last-minute cancellations sometimes appear

Being open to alternatives widens your options.

Think Practically as Well as Festively

Before booking, consider the realities of Christmas travel.

Check:

Whether shops, pubs and restaurants will be open

Travel arrangements on Christmas Day itself

Heating, accessibility and winter weather readiness

Cancellation and refund policies

If you have medical needs or mobility considerations, make sure the property and location are suitable.

Pack a Little Christmas With You

A getaway doesn’t mean abandoning Christmas entirely.

Small touches can make a big difference:

A few decorations or fairy lights

A favourite festive jumper or pyjamas

Special food, drinks or treats

A playlist, film or book that feels seasonal

These comforts help make unfamiliar places feel special.

Manage Expectations

A Christmas getaway won’t magically fix everything – but it can change the tone of the season.

Let go of:

Trying to recreate a “perfect” Christmas

Over-scheduling activities

Comparing your plans to others

Instead, focus on rest, presence and enjoyment.

Booking a Christmas getaway is not about running away from Christmas, it’s about reshaping it. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure or simply a break from routine, travelling at Christmas can offer something deeply restorative.

If your festive season feels lighter, calmer and more intentional as a result, then your getaway has done exactly what it should.

Revealed: the top 10 ‘cosiest pubs’ for Christmas

Experience the warmest and most inviting spots to celebrate the festive season

With Christmas fast approaching, there’s no better time to escape the winter chill and retreat to a welcoming pub for festive cheer with loved ones.

Nothing compares to settling into a snug corner beside the Christmas tree, basking in the glow of a crackling fire, and enjoying a well-earned pint. But where are the best boozers to indulge in a festive tipple?

Eat Drink Meet, a website and app that helps users discover nearby pubs, bars, and restaurants, has unveiled its list of the cosiest pubs across the UK this festive season. https://www.eatdrinkmeet.co.uk

Carefully selected from thousands of venues by Eat Drink Meet’s expert curators, these top pubs go the extra mile to deliver an unforgettable festive experience at Christmas time.

1. The Coal Hole, London

Nestled in the heart of London’s city centre, the Coal Hole is a historic pub brimming with yuletide charm and a fascinating past.

Situated in the iconic Savoy Court on the Strand, this Grade II listed pub has been spreading seasonal cheer since 1903. It was designed by the renowned architect T. E. Collcutt and exudes historical charm.

Throughout the years, the Coal Hole on the Strand has welcomed famous faces, including Victorian musical composers Gilbert and Sullivan. With its rich history and prime location near the historic Savoy Hotel, the Coal Hole offers a magical authentic British dining and drinking experience perfect for the holiday season.

This year’s Christmas menu at the pub offers traditional favourites including hand-carved turkey with all the trimmings and a festive nut roast – plus, more unique options including a pan-roasted salmon fillet and dark chocolate truffle torte to finish. https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/london/thecoalholestrandlondon

2. The Sandpiper, Ormskirk

Found in the picturesque winter wonderland town of Bickerstaffe, The Sandpiper is a charming country pub that can offer magical views over the snow-dusted countryside.

This pub offers guests a delightful dining experience in a beautifully converted farmhouse setting. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere glowing with festive cheer, this enchanting pub seamlessly combines cherished Christmas traditions with the cosy seasonal comforts you know and love.

Indulge in a festive menu brimming with delicious delights, including an apple and mince pie crumble or a traditional cheese board, perfectly complemented by a well-stocked bar including cask ales, fine wines, and a selection of British gin. The Sandpiper is the perfect destination for celebrating the magic of the festive season, where every visit feels like you’re returning home for the celebrations. https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/north-west/thesandpiperbickerstaffe#/

3. The Black Bull, Liverpool

Just a short sleigh ride from Liverpool City Centre, The Black Bull is commended as a perfect winter pub for festive celebrations and heartwarming gatherings. After a bustling day of Christmas shopping in the city, there's nowhere better to rest your weary feet and soak up the seasonal cheer.

Whether you're hosting a Christmas party, meeting up with friends by the fireside, or treating your nearest and dearest to a sumptuous festive feast, The Black Bull has something to make everyone's Christmas extra special this year. The pub is also dog-friendly too, so even your four-legged friends can join in the yuletide joy.

With specially crafted festive menus for Christmas Day dinner, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve including interesting twists on Christmas classics such as a camembert and bacon stack burger and turkey and pancetta pie, the celebrations don't have to end when the big day is over. Guests can still toast to good times, great food, and unforgettable memories. https://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/northwest/the-black-bull-liverpool#/

4. The Glover Arms, Huntingtower Park  

Discover the charm of The Glover Arms in Perth, a delightful country pub where cherished traditions meet the warmth of the festive season. Only a stone’s throw from the historic Huntingtower Castle, the pub offers guests an unforgettable winter dining experience, donned with Christmas trees and carefully chosen decorations.

Here, you can indulge in a range of hearty pub favourites and comforting country pub classics from The Glover Arms carefully crafted festive menus, including the Christmas and Boxing Day menus. Plus, the pub is hosting ‘breakfast with Santa’ experiences – the perfect way for the little ones to enjoy Christmas cheer.

It’s time to cosy up beside the crackling log fires with loved ones and indulge in a drink or two from the well-stocked bar. Visit The Glover Arms this Christmas season and immerse yourself in the warmth of the festive spirit at this charming country pub.

5. The Travellers Rest, Caerphilly

Nestled in the enchanting small town of Thornhill, The Travellers Rest is a historic country pub that has been spreading warmth, cheer and Christmas magic since the 1800s.

Throughout its storied history, this beloved pub has been the heart of the community, even keeping the festive spirit alive during the Second World War under the steadfast management of Mr George Lightfoot.

This Christmas, step into a festive wonderland and indulge in the pub’s seasonal menus brimming with chef classics and festive twists that capture the true taste of the season, including hand-carved turkey breast, root vegetable wellington and sticky toffee Christmas pudding.

Whether you're gathering with loved ones for a memorable Christmas feast, unwinding with a pint by the crackling hearth after a ramble around the Caerphilly mountain, or simply soaking up the cosy hospitality, The Traveller's Rest is your perfect winter retreat.

This pub also earned points for being really dog-friendly, so punters can enjoy the festive atmosphere with their four-legged friends by their side. https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/wales/thetravellersrestcaerphilly#/

6. The Old Cottage, Cardiff  

The Old Cottage is a dog-friendly country pub based in the charming area of Lisvane, in South Glamorgan.

With its beautiful, cosy winter views of the Welsh countryside, it’s the perfect place to indulge with loved ones this festive period. The Old Cottage invites guests to experience its luxurious country pub charm this Christmas, where crackling fires give respite from the winter chill and decorations adorn every corner.

Whether you're planning an intimate family dinner or a joyous large group celebration, The Old Cottage will make your Christmas gatherings truly magical and memorable. https://www.oldcottagecardiff.co.uk

7. The Sheep Heid Inn, Edinburgh

Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, and not far from the world-famous Arthur’s Seat, Duddingston Loch and Edinburgh Castle, The Sheep Heid Inn is a Christmas card come to life.

As one of Edinburgh's oldest and most beloved pubs, it has welcomed everyone from monarchs to poets over the centuries. Nowadays, the pub extends its cosy embrace to all this festive season, even four-legged guests.

Enjoy an extensive range of real ales, lagers, and wines, and tuck into delicious Christmas inspired dishes including port and cheddar mushrooms, pan roasted salmon and festive crème brûlée.

The Sheep Heid is perfect for creating Christmas memories with family and this festive season, where history, hospitality and Christmas sparkle come together. https://www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/#/

8. Bacchus Bar, Birmingham  

Looking for somewhere unusual to celebrate Christmas this year? Then look no further than Bacchus Bar in the heart of Birmingham, ranked one of the best by Eat Drink Meet and hidden beneath the city’s iconic Christmas markets.

Dubbed ‘Harry Potter-style’, the bar is one of Birmingham’s oldest pubs with an eclectic mix of themed rooms, which makes it a magical setting for all your festive celebrations this winter. Located beneath the Burlington Arcade on one of the city’s oldest streets, the Bacchus Bar offers guests an extraordinary Christmas experience. Step inside and be transported to a winter wonderland of enchantment as you explore the pub’s rooms, each with its own captivating character and adorned with seasonal touches.

From stunning Greek and Roman mosaics to atmospheric medieval archways, and impressive suits of armour, the pub’s remarkable underground interiors will make it a festive experience you and your guests won’t forget.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate with colleagues, host an unforgettable Christmas dinner with family, or just enjoy a mulled wine in a pub unlike any other in the city, Bacchus Bar provides a captivating choice this Christmas. https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/eastandwestmidlands/bacchusbarbirmingham?

9. The White Lion, Allesley

Nestled in the enchanting countryside setting of Allesley, The White Lion has been welcoming guests with warmth and heartfelt hospitality since 1835.

Originally a family home and village shop, this charming pub now offers guests a cosy, country haven perfect for festivities. Whether you're exchanging gifts with friends beside the crackling fireplace, enjoying a leisurely Christmas meal without the washing up afterwards, or simply seeking refuge from the winter chill, The White Lion wraps you in comfort and Christmas cheer.

Step inside and you'll find exposed timber beams adorned with Christmas decorations, their timeworn character providing a magical backdrop to your festive celebrations.

The White Lion sits in the heart of a picturesque conservation area surrounded by a network of scenic rural footpaths, making it perfect for a brisk winter walk to work up an appetite before settling in by the fire. The White Lion is a hidden gem worth discovering when you need a break from your busy Christmas shopping. https://www.vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/midlands/thewhitelionallesley

10. Old Bull and Bush Hampstead

The Old Bull & Bush is a stylish, dog-friendly pub nestled in the heart of North London, where Christmas cheer meets idyllic views of North Hampstead's winter wonderland.

The pub also offers a number of festive menus with a range of Christmas classics and seasonal twists such as chicken, leek and Davidstow cheddar pie, 12oz pork tomahawk and Christmas pudding.  All of which can be washed down with a carefully curated selection of warming tipples, from real ales and crisp lagers to fine wines and winter cocktails.

It's the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of Christmas shopping or after a winter walk on Hampstead Heath, all wrapped up in the cosy atmosphere of the pub’s stylish, fire-warmed interiors. https://www.thebullandbush.co.uk

Whether you’re looking to warm up by the fire after exploring the winter countryside, or for a delicious yuletide meal with loved ones, these cosy Christmas pubs offer the perfect setting for a festive season you’ll remember for years to come.

How to Keep on Top of Normal Routines During Christmastime

Christmas has a habit of sweeping away everyday structure. 

Late nights, rich food, visiting relatives, time off work and a calendar full of “just this once” exceptions can quickly turn normal routines upside down. 

While a little disruption is part of the season, losing all structure can leave you feeling tired, disorganised and out of sorts.

Maintaining a few steady routines can make Christmastime feel calmer, healthier and far more enjoyable.

Decide Which Routines Matter Most

You don’t need to preserve every habit. Focus on the routines that keep you functioning well.

These often include:

Regular sleep and wake times

Meals at roughly the same times each day

Medication schedules

Personal hygiene and self-care

Daily movement or fresh air

If everything else shifts slightly, that’s fine. Keeping these core routines in place provides a sense of stability.

Keep Your Morning and Evening Anchors

Morning and evening routines are especially powerful during busy periods.

A simple morning anchor might include:

Getting up at a consistent time

Washing, dressing and having breakfast

Taking medication or supplements

An evening anchor could be:

A set wind-down time

Reducing screens before bed

Preparing for the next day

Even when the day itself is chaotic, these bookends help your body and mind stay regulated.

Use Gentle Planning, Not Rigid Schedules

Christmas rarely sticks to timetables, so flexibility is essential.

Instead of hour-by-hour plans, try:

A short daily to-do list with just a few priorities

Reminders for key routines like meals or medication

Blocking out time for rest as well as activity

Think of routines as guide rails rather than rules.

Fit Routines Around Festivities

Routines don’t have to compete with Christmas – they can adapt to it.

Examples include:

Taking a walk before or after a festive meal

Keeping breakfast simple even if lunch is indulgent

Going to bed at your usual time, even if others stay up

Doing your normal skincare or medication routine while travelling

Small consistencies add up.

Protect Sleep Where You Can

Sleep is often the first routine to collapse at Christmas, yet it underpins everything else.

Helpful strategies:

Stick to your usual bedtime as often as possible

Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol late in the evening

Create a calm sleep environment, even when staying elsewhere

Accept that leaving early is sometimes the healthiest choice

Rest is not optional fuel – it’s maintenance.

Keep Essentials Visible and Accessible

Disruption often leads to forgotten routines simply because things aren’t where they normally are.

Try:

Keeping medications, glasses or hearing aids in one visible place

Packing a small “routine kit” when staying away

Using alarms or reminders during busy days

Reducing friction makes consistency easier.

Let Go of Perfection

Christmas routines will never be perfect, and they don’t need to be. Missing a workout, having a late night or eating differently for a few days does not undo everything.

The aim is not rigid control, but gentle continuity.

Routines are not about denying yourself enjoyment. They exist to support you, especially during busy, emotional or tiring times.

By holding onto a few simple, familiar habits, you give yourself a steadier footing through the festive season. Christmas can still be joyful and spontaneous, just with enough structure to keep you feeling like yourself.

Looking After Your Physical Health at Christmastime

Especially if You Live with a Chronic Medical Condition

Christmas is often busy, indulgent and tiring. 

For people living with chronic medical conditions, like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory illness, autoimmune conditions or chronic pain, the festive season can place extra strain on the body. 

Cold weather, disrupted routines and social pressure can all make symptoms harder to manage.

With a little planning and kindness towards yourself, it is possible to enjoy Christmastime while still protecting your physical health.

Stick to the Basics (Even When Routines Slip)

Christmas rarely follows a normal routine, but some fundamentals are worth protecting:

Take medication as prescribed, even on busy days. Make sure you have enough prescription medications to take you through the Christmas and New Year season  

Eat regularly, rather than skipping meals and overindulging later

Stay hydrated, especially if alcohol or rich food is involved

Prioritise sleep, even if that means leaving events early

If you use alarms, pill organisers or written schedules, keep using them throughout the festive period.

Plan Ahead for Your Condition

A little forward planning can prevent unnecessary flare-ups:

Ensure you have enough medication to cover bank holidays and pharmacy closures

Keep spares of essentials such as inhalers, glucose supplies, mobility aids or pain relief

If travelling, pack medications in your hand luggage and keep a list of prescriptions with you

Consider whether you’ll need extra rest days built into your plans

Planning is not pessimism – it’s self-protection.

Be Sensible with Food and Drink (Without Deprivation)

Christmas food is part of the season, but moderation matters – particularly for conditions affected by sugar, salt, fat or alcohol.

Helpful approaches include:

Enjoying treats mindfully, rather than constantly grazing

Balancing rich meals with lighter options later in the day

Watching portion sizes rather than banning foods entirely

Alternating alcohol with soft drinks, or choosing alcohol-free options

You don’t need to explain your choices. Protecting your health is reason enough.

Keep Gently Moving

Cold weather and busy schedules can reduce activity, which may worsen stiffness, pain and circulation issues.

You don’t need intense exercise. Instead, aim for:

Short walks when weather allows

Gentle stretching at home

Chair-based or low-impact exercises

Regular movement breaks if sitting for long periods

Even small amounts of movement can help manage symptoms and boost energy levels.

Manage Fatigue and Pain Honestly

Pushing through pain or exhaustion “because it’s Christmas” often leads to setbacks later.

Give yourself permission to:

Take naps or quiet breaks

Use mobility aids without embarrassment

Pace activities over several days rather than one long push

Leave gatherings early if needed

Listening to your body is not spoiling the occasion – it’s respecting it.

Stay Warm and Prevent Winter Illness

Cold weather can aggravate many chronic conditions. Layer up, keep your home warm where possible, and take extra care to avoid infections.

Simple steps include:

Wearing thermal layers indoors if needed

Keeping vaccinations up to date where appropriate

Washing hands regularly

Avoiding close contact with others if they are unwell

Catching a winter illness can have a much greater impact if you already live with a long-term condition.

Advocate for Yourself

You are not obliged to meet other people’s expectations at the expense of your health. Clear, calm communication can help others understand your needs.

It’s okay to say:

“I can come, but only for a short time”

“I need to rest this afternoon”

“I’m managing my condition and need to be careful”

The people who care about you will understand – and if they don’t, your health still comes first.

Looking after your physical health at Christmastime isn’t about missing out. It’s about making choices that allow you to enjoy the season without paying for it afterwards

Christmas does not need to be exhausting, painful or punishing to be meaningful. If you finish the festive period feeling stable, rested and cared for, you’ve done it right

Mental Health at Christmas: It’s OK If You’re Not Feeling Festive

Christmas is often presented as a season of joy, togetherness and goodwill.

 Adverts glow with perfect families, overflowing tables and endless cheer. 

Yet for many people, Christmas can be one of the most emotionally difficult times of the year. 

If you’re finding the season overwhelming, lonely or exhausting, you are far from alone.

Why Christmas Can Be Hard on Mental Health

The pressure to feel happy can be intense. There’s an unspoken expectation that Christmas should be magical, and when reality doesn’t match that ideal, it can leave people feeling inadequate or isolated.

Common challenges include:

Loneliness and isolation, particularly for those who live alone, are estranged from family, or have recently lost someone

Grief, which can feel sharper during traditions and anniversaries

Financial stress, as costs rise at a time when budgets are already stretched

Family tensions, with forced togetherness reopening old wounds

Exhaustion and burnout, from planning, hosting, travelling and social obligations

For people already living with anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions, Christmas can amplify existing struggles.

You Are Not Failing Christmas

One of the most important things to remember is this: struggling at Christmas does not mean you are doing it wrong. Christmas is not a test of your worth, your relationships or your success. It’s simply a date on the calendar, and your mental health matters more than any tradition.

It’s okay if:

You don’t feel festive

You simplify or skip traditions

Your Christmas looks different to everyone else’s

You need quiet rather than company

Gentle Ways to Protect Your Wellbeing

You don’t need to transform your Christmas to protect your mental health. Small, kind choices can make a big difference.

Lower expectations

Give yourself permission to do less. Not every card needs sending, not every event needs attending, and not every meal needs to be perfect.

Set boundaries

It’s okay to say no. Whether it’s limiting time with difficult relatives or declining social invitations, boundaries are a form of self-care, not selfishness.

Create your own version of Christmas

Your Christmas can be a walk, a film, a simple meal, or a quiet day with a book. Meaning doesn’t have to look traditional.

Stay connected in small ways

A message, a phone call, or a short visit can help maintain connection without overwhelming you.

Look after your body

Regular meals, hydration, fresh air and rest all support mental health, especially during darker winter days.

If You’re Struggling Right Now

If Christmas is bringing up feelings you’re finding hard to cope with, support is available. Speaking to someone you trust can be a powerful first step. If things feel heavier, professional help can make a real difference.

In the UK, organisations like Samaritans, Mind, and NHS 111 can offer support and guidance. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness – it’s an act of strength.

Christmas doesn’t have to be loud, busy or perfect to be meaningful. It can be quiet. It can be gentle. It can simply be about getting through.

If all you do this Christmas is take care of yourself, that is more than enough.

504 Families Thrown a Lifeline as Local Volunteers Rally Against Hunger

In a powerful display of community resilience amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the Mehiel Foundation has successfully delivered vital grocery supplies, toy vouchers and hygiene products to 504 underprivileged families across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Under the banner of the foundation's flagship "Sacks of Hope" initiative, an army of over 50 local volunteers mobilised this week, turning compassion into action. 

Working in unison, they packed, sorted, and delivered hundreds of sacks filled with essential groceries and treats, ensuring that struggling families in the region do not have to face empty cupboards this Christmas. 

Since 2019, the Mehiel Foundation has been a quiet force for good, supporting families who are often suffering in silence. However, organisers note that the need has never been greater than it is today.

A Community United Against Hardship

The logistical feat involved a coordinated effort with 32 local partners, including schools, churches, and community organisations. These partners helped identify those most in need, ensuring the aid reached the most vulnerable households in the community, many of whom are working families forced to choose between heating and eating.

"What we saw today was the very best of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire," says Lawrence Patrick, Founder of the Mehiel Foundation. "When you hand a family a Sack of Hope, you aren't just giving them pasta, rice, or tinned goods. You are telling them that they are seen, that they are valued, and that their community has not forgotten them. Since 2019, we have watched the need grow, but we have also watched the heart of our community grow to meet it."

More Than Just Groceries

The "Sacks of Hope" contain high-quality, non-perishable food staples designed to alleviate the grocery bill burden for several weeks. But for the volunteers and recipients, the sacks represent something far more intangible: dignity.

One volunteer, who spent the day packing sacks, remarked:

"It’s easy to feel helpless when reading the news, but being here with 50 other people, all working towards one goal, is electrifying. We aren't just packing bags; we are packing kindness. Knowing these sacks are going to 32 different schools and organisations means we are reaching deep into the community to help neighbours we might see every day."

FACTFILE:

Founded with a mission to alleviate poverty and social injustice, the Mehiel Foundation has been supporting underprivileged communities in the UK and abroad since 2019. Through food distribution, educational support, and community development, the foundation strives to bring hope to the most vulnerable.

https://www.mehiel.org

Had Your Flu Jab but Still Feel Ill? Why Flu-Like Symptoms Can Appear Weeks Later at Christmas

Had the flu vaccine but still feel unwell weeks later? Here’s why flu-like symptoms can happen at Christmas, and what to do next.

Had Your Flu Jab but Still Feel Ill? Why It Can Still Happen at Christmas

You’ve done the sensible thing.

You booked your flu vaccination, rolled up your sleeve, and ticked off an important pre-Christmas health task.

So why, several weeks later, are you sitting there with a headache, sore throat, aching limbs, and that heavy, drained feeling that makes even putting the kettle on feel like a chore?

It’s a surprisingly common question at this time of year, and thankfully, there are some reassuring answers.

First Things First: The Flu Vaccine Can’t Give You Flu

One of the biggest myths that resurfaces every winter is the idea that the flu jab causes flu.

It doesn’t.

The standard flu vaccine used in the UK contains inactivated virus, meaning it cannot cause influenza. Feeling unwell weeks later is not the vaccine “kicking in” or “wearing off”.

Timing Is Everything

After vaccination, your immune system needs time to build protection. This usually takes around 10 to 14 days.

If you were exposed to a virus:

shortly before your jab

during that two-week window

or later in the season when virus levels are high

you can still become ill, even though you’ve been vaccinated.

It May Not Be Flu at All

Christmas is peak season for many circulating viruses, not just influenza.

Symptoms such as:

headache

sore throat

fatigue and general malaise

mild fever or chills

can be caused by:

common cold viruses

RSV

adenoviruses

COVID-19

Many of these illnesses feel very similar to flu, especially in the early stages.

The Flu Jab Isn’t a Magic Shield. But It Still Matters

Even in a good year, the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective. What it does do extremely well is reduce:

the severity of illness

the risk of complications

hospital admissions

recovery time

So if you do catch flu after vaccination, it’s usually milder and shorter-lived than it would have been otherwise, something especially important during the already demanding Christmas period.

Why Christmas Makes It Worse

Let’s be honest, December is not kind to our immune systems.

Between:

busy schedules

disrupted sleep

cold weather

crowded shops and public transport

rich food and extra alcohol

emotional stress and financial pressure

our bodies are often running on empty just when viruses are at their most active.

That’s why even a relatively mild infection can feel disproportionately draining at Christmas.

What You Can Do If You’re Feeling Ill Now

If your symptoms are manageable, supportive care is usually enough:

Rest properly Christmas can wait

Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks

Paracetamol or ibuprofen for aches and headaches (if suitable for you)

Lozenges or honey for a sore throat

Take a COVID test if you have access to one

Avoid pushing through “for the sake of Christmas” — that often prolongs recovery.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your GP or NHS 111 if:

symptoms last longer than 7–10 days

you develop a high or persistent fever

you feel short of breath or dizzy

fatigue becomes severe or worsening

you’re in a higher-risk group (long-term illness, weakened immune system, over 65)

Trust your instincts, you’re not wasting anyone’s time.

A Final Reassuring Thought

If you’re feeling unwell after doing everything “right”, it can feel frustrating, especially when Christmas plans are involved.

But having the flu vaccination still means you’ve:

protected yourself from severe illness

reduced the risk to others

given your immune system a head start

That’s not failure, that’s sensible seasonal self-care.

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe Christmas should be about kindness, including being kind to your own body when it needs rest.

If that means a quieter day, simpler plans, or an early night with a mug of tea, then that’s perfectly okay.

Whatever Happened to Christmas? Why “Holiday Season” Feels Wrong in the UK

Why is Christmas increasingly being called the “holiday season” in the UK? A thoughtful look at culture, language and why Christmas still matters.

Here at That’s Christmas 365, we celebrate Christmas all year round, not just as a religious festival, but as a deeply rooted part of British culture, community life, and shared tradition. 

Which is why a growing trend has caught our attention: the quiet replacement of Christmas with the far vaguer phrase holiday season.

Walk through a British high street in December and you will still see Christmas trees, crackers, baubles and mince pies. 

Yet increasingly, the words around them feel oddly non-committal. Holiday offers. Seasonal greetings. Festive period savings.

So what’s going on, and why does it feel so jarring in a UK context?

Christmas Is More Than a Date in the Diary

In the UK, Christmas is not just a single day or a narrow religious observance. It shapes our national calendar. Schools break up for Christmas. Parliament adjourns for Christmas. Entire industries, from transport to broadcasting, work around Christmas as a fixed cultural anchor point.

Even for those who don't celebrate Christmas personally or religiously, it remains a shared reference. It is woven into family routines, public life, and the national rhythm of winter.

Calling all of this the holiday season feels oddly detached, as though something with meaning has been replaced by something generic.

Inclusion Doesn’t Have to Mean Disappearance

Britain is proudly diverse, and many people celebrate festivals other than Christmas during the winter months. That diversity is a strength, and one that has long been recognised without difficulty.

We already acknowledge Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid and other celebrations openly and respectfully, without renaming them or blending them into a single catch-all phrase. Inclusion has never required the removal of Christmas from our vocabulary.

There is a difference between making space for everyone and quietly stepping away from naming Christmas at all.

A Marketing Import That Doesn’t Quite Fit

The phrase holiday season feels increasingly imported, rather than home-grown. It is far more common in North American usage, where “holiday” covers a range of celebrations clustered together.

In the UK, however, we traditionally talk about holidays in the summer, and Christmas in December. When global brands adopt one-size-fits-all language, it can flatten cultural differences and leave British traditions feeling oddly diluted.

Why Language Matters at Christmas

Language shapes how we experience tradition. When Christmas becomes a “seasonal event” rather than Christmas itself, it loses some of its character and warmth.

Christmas markets become winter markets. Christmas concerts become festive showcases. Christmas messages become generic greetings.

Each change is small, but together they create a sense that something familiar is being quietly nudged aside rather than openly discussed.

Confidence in Our Traditions

Questioning this shift is not about insisting everyone must celebrate Christmas in the same way. It is about being confident enough in our culture to name it honestly.

Christmas has always existed alongside other traditions. It has never needed to be hidden, softened, or rebranded to make room for others.

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe it is possible, and healthy, to celebrate Christmas openly while respecting the many different ways people mark the winter season.

When We Mean Christmas, Let’s Say Christmas!

Not everything needs to be endlessly reworded or rebranded. When we are talking about Christmas, perhaps the simplest and most respectful approach is to call it exactly that.

Christmas is not exclusionary. It is part of Britain’s cultural fabric.

And for many people across the UK, whether they celebrate quietly, enthusiastically, traditionally, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, Christmas is still Christmas.

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