Why Now Is the Time to Make Your Last Push to Promote Your Services for Christmas

Every December, there comes a moment when hesitation becomes the enemy of opportunity. Christmas is no longer “approaching." It’s here!

Shoppers are in buying mode, diaries are filling up, and decisions are being made quickly.

If you offer a service rather than a physical product, now is the crucial window to make your final promotional push.

Whether you’re a tradesperson, shop owner, artisan creator, consultant, caterer, cleaner, designer, photographer, or run a local service business, this final stretch before Christmas can still deliver real results.

Christmas Isn’t Just About Gifts

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Christmas promotion only benefits retailers. In reality, services are in high demand in the final weeks before Christmas:

Homes need cleaning, decorating, repairs and last-minute fixes

Businesses need marketing support, design work and admin help before year-end

Families look for childcare, pet care, tutoring and event support

People actively seek services that reduce stress and save time

Christmas creates pressure — and pressure creates demand for help.

People Are Actively Searching Right Now

In the run-up to Christmas, people are no longer “browsing”. They are searching with intent:

“Can anyone do this before Christmas?”

“Is there availability this week?”

“Who can help quickly?”

If your business is visible right now, on your website, social media, That's Christmas 365, Google Business profile or local listings, you are far more likely to be chosen than a competitor who has gone quiet for December.

Silence suggests you’re unavailable. Activity suggests you’re open for business.

The Urgency Works in Your Favour

Christmas brings a powerful psychological driver: urgency.

People know time is short. That means:

Faster decisions

Fewer price objections

More willingness to book immediately

A clear message such as “Limited pre-Christmas availability” or “Last slots before Christmas” isn’t pushy — it’s helpful. It reassures customers that you understand their time pressures and encourages them to act.

You’re Also Planting Seeds for January

Even if someone can’t book you before Christmas, your visibility now still matters.

December is when many people:

Shortlist suppliers

Bookmark services

Plan January improvements

Set business and personal goals

Being visible now puts your business front of mind for the New Year, when enquiries often surge.

Small Actions Can Still Have Big Impact

A final Christmas push doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Simple actions can work wonders:

Post a reminder that you’re still taking bookings

Update your website homepage with a Christmas message

Share availability on social media

Email existing customers to remind them you’re open

Add a festive but professional tone to your messaging

Consistency and clarity matter more than perfection.

Don’t Assume It’s “Too Late”

Many businesses stop promoting because they assume the opportunity has passed. In reality, this is when indecision turns into action.

If someone needs your service and sees you clearly offering it, right now, you may be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

Christmas rewards businesses that stay visible, helpful and proactive until the very end.

If you’ve been telling yourself “It’s probably too late,” consider this your sign that it isn’t.

Make the post. Send the email. Update the website.

Your next Christmas booking, or your first January client, may depend on it.

Please note, to be included on That's Christmas 365 email us afj_uk@yahoo.com.

Why Every Business Should Help Promote a Merry Christmas for Everyone in Their Community

Why businesses of all sizes should promote a Merry Christmas in their community, supporting goodwill, inclusion, charity and long-term customer trust.

Christmas is more than a retail season or a line on the marketing calendar. For many people across the UK, it is a time of connection, kindness, shared traditions and community spirit. 

Businesses of every size, from independent traders and family-run firms to national brands, have a unique opportunity to help foster a genuinely Merry Christmas for everyone around them.

Christmas Is a Community Event, Not Just a Commercial One

While sales, footfall and seasonal offers matter, Christmas has always been rooted in togetherness. Communities come alive at this time of year: lights go up, charity collections appear in shop doorways, and familiar faces become even more important. When businesses lean into this spirit, they help reinforce the idea that Christmas belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford to spend freely.

A welcoming window display, a festive greeting, or simply creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere can make a surprising difference to someone who may be struggling, lonely, or under pressure.

Supporting Local Charities and Good Causes

Christmas is the peak season for food banks, community kitchens, homelessness charities and mental health support organisations. Businesses are often perfectly placed to help, whether by hosting collection points, donating surplus stock, offering staff volunteering hours, or promoting local initiatives through their own platforms.

Even small gestures can have a large impact. A single supermarket trolley of donations, a café offering suspended meals, or a small firm fundraising for a local cause can help ensure fewer people feel forgotten during the festive period.

Creating Inclusive and Considerate Spaces

Not everyone experiences Christmas as a joyful time. Bereavement, financial hardship, ill health and isolation can make December particularly difficult. Businesses that promote a Merry Christmas thoughtfully, rather than aggressively, show empathy and awareness.

Simple steps such as clear pricing, avoiding pressure-based sales tactics, training staff to be patient and kind, and being mindful in festive messaging all contribute to a more inclusive environment. A business that recognises this will be remembered long after the decorations come down.

Strengthening Trust and Long-Term Loyalty

Consumers increasingly value businesses that demonstrate social responsibility and genuine care for their communities. Promoting a Merry Christmas isn’t about virtue signalling, it’s about aligning actions with values.

Customers notice when a business supports local events, sponsors community activities, or goes out of its way to help others. These actions build trust, strengthen reputations and encourage long-term loyalty that lasts well beyond December.

Setting the Tone for the Year Ahead

Christmas often sets the emotional tone for the months that follow. A business that ends the year by spreading goodwill, generosity and positivity enters the new year with stronger relationships — with customers, staff and the wider community.

For employees especially, seeing their workplace contribute to something positive can boost morale and reinforce a sense of purpose. Staff who feel proud of their employer are more engaged, motivated and likely to stay.

A Merry Christmas Benefits Everyone

Promoting a Merry Christmas doesn’t require grand gestures or large budgets. It starts with kindness, awareness and a willingness to play a positive role in the lives of others. Whether through charity support, inclusive practices, community engagement or simply treating people well, businesses help shape the festive experience for those around them.

When businesses work to ensure Christmas is warmer, fairer and more welcoming, the entire community benefits, and that is something truly worth celebrating.

When I was a child one company that employed my father arranged for the children of all employees to either visit a professional pantomime performance or to attend a special Christmas party. 

Foodstock Charity: Tackling Poverty and Building Community in Belfast

In the heart of Belfast, a grassroots movement is making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hardship. 

Foodstock Charity is a community-focused charity dedicated to alleviating poverty, providing vital food support and empowering people through practical services and long-term initiatives. 

A Mission Born From Community Solidarity

What began as a simple act of kindness in the founder’s own home has grown into a powerful force for good across the entire city. 

Foodstock’s mission centres on tackling poverty and building a more resilient, connected community. The charity endeavours not only to provide immediate food relief but also to support people holistically, recognising everyone’s situation is different and that support needs to reach beyond the basics. 

Support That Makes a Real Difference

At the core of Foodstock’s work is its food-support programme. With the help of community donations and local partnerships, the charity distributes tens of thousands of meals each year to people living in crisis. 

Referrals from health trusts, schools, advice centres and other local organisations help Foodstock identify where support is most needed and act quickly to offer food parcels, fresh food and other essentials. 

But the charity’s impact doesn’t stop there. Their Community Solidarity Hub also offers:

Healthy school breakfast provision, ensuring children start the day nourished and ready to learn.

A pre-loved school uniform hub, easing financial pressures on families during the school year. 

Advice and wellbeing services, including benefits guidance, job support with CVs and interview preparation, and healthcare initiatives. 

Community projects, such as growing initiatives, wellbeing groups and warm spaces for vulnerable people. 

A Christmas appeal that provides gifts for over 2,000 children and festive dinners for hundreds of people who might otherwise spend the holidays alone. 

Community at Its Heart

Foodstock’s volunteers are integral to its success. From distributing food and welcoming visitors at the hub to supporting community events and outreach programmes, their dedication helps the charity reach many more people in need. Whether you’re looking to offer time, skills or simply a listening ear, volunteering with Foodstock is a meaningful way to contribute to the wellbeing of others. 

Get Involved and Support the Cause

Like many charities, Foodstock relies on the generosity of individuals, local businesses and community groups. Donations, whether of time, funds or food, help sustain and expand their reach across Belfast. Every contribution plays a part in building a stronger, more compassionate community where no one has to face hardship alone. 

To learn more about Foodstock’s work, how to refer someone for their support, especially this Christmas, or ways you can get involved, visit their official website or drop into their Community Solidarity Hub on Andersonstown Road in Belfast.

https://www.foodstockcharity.com

Christmastime Loneliness Is Rising Globally, New Reports Reveal: Clinicians Share How to Cope

As the Christmas season kicks into full swing, global reports show that loneliness is on the rise despite the festiveness. 

Clinicians explain the reasons behind the paradox, how loneliness plays out in the brain, and share insights on how to ease the feeling.

Recent research reveals that during the Christmas season, a time traditionally associated with family gatherings and joy, loneliness is on the rise worldwide, reported across the UK, EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, the US, and other countries.

According to the OECD’s 2025 Social Connections and Loneliness Report, up to 14% of people in member countries feel lonely most or all of the time. In the US, the “Stress in America 2025” report from the American Psychological Association shows that half of adults report signs of loneliness, including emotional disconnection and isolation.

“No matter the part of the world, Christmas come with a lot of ‘shoulds’ and unrealistic social expectations of happiness and connectedness.

" But in reality, many people naturally struggle with those, and that doesn’t suddenly disappear during the end-of-year festivities,” Dr. Hannah Nearney, clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience, a company that developed brain stimulation treatment for depression, told That's Christmas 365.

Some of the main reasons behind loneliness during the festive season are distance from family and strained relationships.

This Christmas, 14 million Americans will spend it alone, with almost half due to conflict or being far from family, reports AMFM (A Mission for Michael), while OECD finds that the frequency of in-person interactions with friends and family has been declining over the past decade.

“The festive attributes of December, like Christmas traditions, songs, and movies, trigger the brain to think of family. Because Christmas is so commercialized, even different cultures are affected,” said Dr. Kultar Singh Garcha, NHS GP and Chief Medical Officer at Flow Neuroscience. “If the family is far, someone has passed, or there’s a conflict, all the emotions come out: grief, anger, disappointment, and loneliness, of course.”

Stress, including financial, can amplify the feeling of loneliness. According to the 2025 “Festive Feeling” study from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, more than 1 in 3 people feel tired “for no good reason” and lonely this holiday season.

OECD adds that people typically facing financial stress, such as those unemployed or with low incomes, are nearly twice as likely to report feeling lonely.

“Stress can impair the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex, which is essentially the brain’s control centre for executive functioning. When that happens, it’s much harder to regulate emotions or make considered decisions, thus social cues can feel harsher. Small disconnections can feel bigger, strengthening the sense of isolation,” explained Dr. Nearney. “Financial stress is especially intense: it pushes the brain into survival mode, and social connections become much less of a priority.”

To those struggling with loneliness this Christmas season, clinicians recommend fostering meaningful connections and supporting emotional well-being.

“Focus on nurturing relationships that you already have and set boundaries with difficult relatives. If you can’t meet loved ones in person, organize regular video calls. Also, small acts of kindness can help you feel more connected to your community: simply compliment someone or offer help with heavy bags,” said Dr. Garcha. 

“If you’re persistently struggling with stress or low mood, not just loneliness, consider seeking professional help. It can be psychotherapy, support groups, or clinician-guided mental health tools like brain stimulation.”

Rising loneliness is a signal to start prioritizing our own well-being instead of trying to meet unrealistic holiday expectations. 

Even simple actions like reaching out to an old friend or setting up a video call with family can help ease the loneliness many feel this holiday season.

Age Concern Hampshire Welcomes Festive Corporate Support from Lawcomm Solicitors

Age Concern Hampshire has welcomed the generous support of Lawcomm Solicitors, who played a key role in helping to deliver festive celebrations for older people across the county this Christmas.

As part of the partnership, members of the Lawcomm team joined clients and staff at Lockswood Care and Wellbeing Centre on Wednesday 17th December, volunteering their time to support the Christmas lunch and take part in festive activities, helping to create a warm, joyful atmosphere for those attending.

As well as volunteering on the day, Lawcomm Solicitors’ financial support enabled Age Concern Hampshire to provide Christmas gifts, festive food and entertainment across all four of its Care and Wellbeing Centres, ensuring hundreds of older people were able to enjoy a special celebration during what can be a particularly isolating time of year for many of them.

Age Concern Hampshire’s Care and Wellbeing Centres provide vital support to older people across Hampshire, including those living with dementia, helping to reduce loneliness, promote social connection and support wellbeing throughout the year.

Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire, told That's Christmas 365: “We are really incredibly grateful to Lawcomm Solicitors for their generosity and hands-on support this Christmas. 

"Their funding helped us deliver festive celebrations across all of our centres, and having their team volunteer alongside our staff at Lockswood added something really special to the day. Partnerships like this make a genuine difference to our clients and help us continue delivering vital services at a time when demand is higher than ever.”

Bill Dhariwal, who is MD at Lawcomm Solicitors told us: “We're truly delighted to have been able to support Age Concern Hampshire during the Christmas season. Their care and wellbeing centres, lunch clubs, help at home, social groups and other important services provide a vital support system to look after the needs of local people through their ageing journey. 

We're grateful for the opportunity to be able to sponsor their festive lunches as well as attend to help and hopefully, spread some happiness at this festive time of year.

To find out more about how Age Concern Hampshire’s Care and Wellbeing Centres support older people across Hampshire, visit www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk or call 01962 868545.

You can learn more about Lawcomm here https://www.lawcomm.co.uk

Harvey the Elf Returns: The Plot Thickens on the Shelf

Harvey the Elf on the Shelf is back, bringing festive mischief, quiet judgement and a reminder of Christmas magic as December antics escalate.

Just when we thought things might calm down, Harvey – our resident Elf on the Shelf – has reminded us all that Christmas mischief is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you’ve been following Harvey’s antics so far, you’ll know he’s already established himself as a keen observer of household routines, a questionable interior decorator, and someone with a slightly worrying interest in cupboards, snacks, and anything left unattended overnight. 

This week, however, Harvey seems to have entered what can only be described as his creative phase.

Escalation, Elf-Style

Gone are the gentle “oh look, he’s moved again” moments. Harvey has clearly decided that subtlety is overrated.

One morning he was discovered perched far higher than any elf has a right to be, gazing down like a festive gargoyle.

 On another, he appeared to have attempted some sort of administrative role, leaving notes that strongly implied he was “reporting back to the North Pole”. No explanation was offered. None was needed. The implication alone was enough.

There is, of course, something uniquely unsettling about being silently judged by a felt figure before you’ve had your first cup of tea.

The Elf Who Watches

What makes Harvey particularly effective is not just what he does, but what he might do next. Every evening now ends with a cautious glance around the room.

Is he watching? Is he planning? Has he learned too much?

This is, arguably, the true genius of the Elf on the Shelf tradition. It isn’t about elaborate set-ups or Pinterest-perfect scenes. It’s about anticipation, imagination, and that delicious moment of discovery first thing in the morning.

Harvey doesn’t need to cause chaos. He merely needs to exist in a slightly different place each day and let the human brain do the rest.

A Gentle Reminder of Christmas Magic

In the middle of all the planning, shopping, cooking, and general December exhaustion, Harvey’s reappearances have provided something genuinely valuable: a pause.

A laugh.

A shared moment.

A reminder that Christmas is allowed to be a bit daft.

That’s easy to forget when the to-do lists are long and the calendar feels unforgiving. An elf turning up somewhere unexpected can be surprisingly effective at cutting through the noise.

What’s Next for Harvey?

At this point, predicting Harvey’s next move would be foolish. He’s proven himself unpredictable, observant, and far too comfortable with heights.

All we know is this: Harvey is very much settled in for the season, and December will not be passing quietly.

We’ll keep you posted.

Assuming, of course, that Harvey allows us to.

After all… he’s watching. 

And you can order your own Elf on the Shelf from the That's Christmas 365 shop here https://amzn.to/4skvAdk

Why Nudie Crisps (Especially Cauliflower) Are Your Must-Have Christmas Snacks

The festive season is all about indulgence, but after weeks of mince pies, quality chocolate and cheese boards, your body might start begging for something lighter without sacrificing crunch or flavour. 

Enter Nudie crisps: a seriously moreish snack that’s just as at home under the tree as it is on your New Year’s grazing board.

Whether you’re hosting guests, prepping for cosy movie nights or simply craving better-for-you crunch, here’s why Nudie crisps, particularly their cauliflower crisps,  deserve a starring role in your Christmas snack lineup.

What Makes Nudie Crisps Different?

At a time of year when so many snacks are rich, creamy or deep-fried, Nudie crisps stand out because they’re:

Vegetable-based, not potato-dominant

Lower in calories and fat than traditional crisps

Free from artificial nasties, no colours, flavours or preservatives

Often vegan and gluten-free, depending on the flavour

Made with a focus on clean, simple ingredients

That means you get satisfying crunch and flavour without the same heaviness that can leave you sluggish after grazing.

Cauliflower Crisps: The Christmas Game Changer

While Nudie make several great varieties, their cauliflower crisps are a festive favourite, and for good reason.

Why We Love Them

Vegetable first. Cauliflower as the base gives them a subtle, savoury edge that pairs beautifully with dips or cheeseboards.

Nutrient lift. More fibre and vitamins than many traditional snacks, so you feel better about snacking.

Delicate but crunchy. Perfect contrast to softer Christmas treats.

Versatile. Serve with hummus, herby yoghurt, smoked salmon dip, warm brie or even alongside mulled wine.

These crisps bring an element of grown-up sophistication to a season often full of overly sweet or heavy snack choices.

Five Festive Ways to Enjoy Nudie Crisps

Here are creative ways to use these crisps throughout the holidays:

1. Classic Sharing Platter

Add cauliflower and other Nudie flavours to your cheeseboard alongside olives, quince jelly, nuts and chutney.

2. Gourmet Dip Station

Set up small bowls of:

Smoky paprika yoghurt

Beetroot hummus

Herby guacamole

and let guests dunk to their heart’s content.

3. Posh Party Canapés

Top individual crisps with:

Whipped goats’ cheese and chives

Smoked trout & lemon zest

Caramelised onion & thyme

4. Healthy Crunch Snack Bowls

For a lighter nibble between meals, serve them with carrot sticks, celery and radishes.

5. New Year’s Eve Grazing

Perfect for late-night crunching with festive fizz — without the post-party regret.

The Healthier Snacking Win

Christmas is a marathon, not a sprint. Nudie crisps, especially cauliflower, offer:

A better macro balance than standard crisps

A more satiating crunch (thanks to veg and seasoning)

A way to keep energy levels steady between meals

You’re not just snacking, you’re caring for your body without missing out on the fun.

Where to Find Them

Nudie crisps have become more widely stocked in UK supermarkets and health-food aisles, and they’re also easy to order online if you’re planning ahead for Christmas deliveries.

Final Crunch: Why You Need Nudie This Christmas

This festive season, make space on your table (and in your snack drawer) for crisps that feel special and sensible. Nudie, particularly their cauliflower variety, brings:

Better-for-you ingredients

Unique, versatile flavour

That satisfying party crunch

A textural foil to rich seasonal food

Whether you’re hosting, grazing or gifting, these crisps are a snack upgrade worth unwrapping.

You can buy Nudie Crisps at the That's Christmas 365 shop, here https://amzn.to/4pS8vgu

Batteries Not Included and Other Pre-Christmas Disasters That You Should Plan For and Avoid

Avoid common pre-Christmas disasters like missing batteries, forgotten tools, tech troubles and meal mishaps with simple planning tips to keep Christmas stress-free.

There is a particular kind of Christmas disappointment that never quite leaves you. The wrapping paper has barely settled, the room is full of festive anticipation, and then it happens.

“That’s odd… it doesn’t turn on.”

A frantic search follows, drawers are opened, toolboxes raided, and the dreadful truth emerges: batteries not included.

It’s a classic Christmas mishap, but it’s far from the only pre-Christmas disaster waiting to happen. A little planning now can save stress, tears, and a last-minute dash to the petrol station on Christmas Day. Here are the most common festive pitfalls — and how to quietly avoid them.

1. The Battery Fiasco

Toys, remote-controlled gadgets, fairy lights, novelty gifts, kitchen scales, bathroom gadgets — they all seem to require batteries, and often an unusual size.

Plan ahead:

Stock up on AA, AAA, C, D, and at least one 9V.

Check if any gifts require button cells (CR2032 are common).

Keep a small “Christmas battery stash” hidden away.

Pro tip: Remove batteries from toys before wrapping them, tape them to the instructions, and note where they are. You’ll look like a festive genius.

2. The Forgotten Tool Problem 

Some gifts are deceptively complex. Flat-pack toys, bikes, electronic devices with tiny screws, or anything that needs assembly often require tools you don’t own, or can’t find or are broken.

Plan ahead:

Check packaging for assembly notes.

Make sure you have:

A set of screwdrivers (including tiny Phillips and flat-head)

Allen keys

Scissors and a craft knife (and plasters!)

Charge your cordless drill or screwdriver now, not on Christmas morning.

Nothing drains Christmas spirit faster than hunting for an Allen key while everyone waits.

3. Wi-Fi Woes and Tech Tantrums 

Smart gadgets are wonderful... when they work. But Christmas Day is not the time to discover your Wi-Fi password was changed in 2022 and never written down.

Plan ahead:

Test smart gifts before wrapping if possible.

Check you know your Wi-Fi password.

Make sure there’s space on phones and tablets for new apps.

Have charging cables and plugs ready.

If instructions are vague or pictorial, YouTube is your best friend. Someone, somewhere, has already filmed the solution.

4. Missing Ingredients for the Big Meal

You can plan the perfect Christmas dinner and still be undone by one missing item, gravy granules, cranberry sauce, flour for the pudding, or that crucial sprout you forgot to buy.

Plan ahead:

Write your menu early and cross-check ingredients.

Buy non-perishables well in advance.

Keep a printed list in the kitchen so nothing is overlooked.

Shops may be closed, queues may be long, and substitutions on Christmas Day are rarely satisfying.

5. The “We Forgot the Tin Opener” Moment 

You may have all the food in the world, but without the basics, it’s useless.

Plan ahead:

Check you have:

A working tin opener

A bottle and jar opening device

Sharp knives (and the plasters!)

A roasting tin large enough for your bird or joint

Serving spoons and gravy boats

Wash and set aside anything needed for Christmas Day only.

It’s amazing how often essential kitchen tools vanish at precisely the wrong moment.

6. Wrapping Paper Regret

Christmas Eve. Midnight approaches. You have gifts left. The wrapping paper? Oh, no!.

Plan ahead:

Buy more wrapping paper than you think you need.

Keep extra gift tags, tape, ribbon, and bows.

Don’t forget scissors, they mysteriously disappear every December.

Emergency wrapping with newspaper may be charming once. After that, it’s just annoying.

7. Clothing Catastrophes 

That Christmas jumper you love might no longer fit. Shoes pinch. Buttons pop. Tights ladder.

Plan ahead:

Try outfits on in advance.

Check for missing buttons or broken zips.

Keep spare tights, safety pins, and a sewing kit handy.

Comfort matters. Christmas is long, and nobody enjoys festive misery caused by tight trousers.

8. Power Cuts, Bad Weather, and the Unexpected 

British Christmases have a habit of throwing surprises at us, storms, travel disruption, or power issues.

Plan ahead:

Keep torches and candles accessible.

Have a charged power bank for phones.

If you have a generator make sure you have fuel

Keep emergency food that doesn’t need cooking.

Know where your fuse box is.

A small contingency plan can make a big difference.

9. The Forgotten Bin Day 

Christmas generates rubbish at an alarming rate. Overflowing bins are not festive.

Plan ahead:

Check holiday bin collection dates.

Clear bins before Christmas Day.

Have extra bin bags ready.

It’s not glamorous, but it matters.

10. Exhaustion and Burnout 

The biggest disaster of all? Reaching Christmas Day utterly exhausted.

Plan ahead:

Spread preparation across several days.

Accept that “good enough” is often perfect.

Delegate where possible.

Schedule rest, not just tasks.

Christmas should be enjoyed, not endured.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Most Christmas disasters aren’t dramatic, they’re small, irritating, and entirely avoidable. Batteries. Tools. Forgotten items. All it takes is a short checklist and a bit of forward thinking.

Plan calmly, prepare quietly, and when Christmas morning arrives, you’ll be free to enjoy the moment — not search the house for a AA battery while muttering festive words best left out of carols.

Because the best Christmas surprise is when everything simply works.

Why You Should Visit Loungers Before Christmas for Their Boxing Day Ham Meal

Despite the name, Boxing Day Ham at Loungers isn’t actually served on Boxing Day, and that’s precisely why it deserves a special mention on That’s Christmas 365.

This much-loved dish appears on the pre-Christmas festive menu, giving you the chance to enjoy all the comforting familiarity of a traditional Boxing Day meal without the crowds, the chaos, or the post-Christmas fatigue.

A Taste of Boxing Day Calm. Before the Big Day

Boxing Day food has always been about comfort rather than ceremony. It’s unfussy, hearty and reassuring. Loungers capture that spirit perfectly by offering their Boxing Day Ham ahead of Christmas, when you’re still able to savour it properly. The Boxing Day Ham is Treacle cured pork belly, roast potato chips, slaw and truffle stuffing mayo.

Enjoying it earlier in December feels like a gentle warm-up to the festivities, a reminder of what’s coming, rather than something squeezed into an already busy holiday.

Festive Comfort Without the Pressure

Pre-Christmas can be surprisingly intense: shopping trips, appointments, social commitments and year-end deadlines all competing for attention. Sitting down to a Boxing Day ham meal at Loungers offers a pause button moment.

No stress.

No prep.

No expectations.

Just proper food, served in a relaxed setting, at a time when you actually have the headspace to enjoy it.

Perfect for Catch-Ups and Low-Key Celebrations

Because it’s available before Christmas, the Boxing Day Ham is ideal for:

Casual festive meet-ups with friends

A midweek lunch during Christmas shopping

A relaxed family meal without the formality of “proper” Christmas dining

An office or company Christmas party. (Actually, a Loungers cafe bar was where That's Christmas 365 staged its own office party!(

It feels festive without being overwhelming, exactly what many people are looking for in the run-up to Christmas.

Loungers Do Relaxed Festivity Exceptionally Well

Loungers café bars are known for their welcoming, informal atmosphere. In December, that translates into gentle festive décor, a warm buzz, and none of the pressure you can feel in more formal seasonal venues.

You can turn up as you are, linger over your meal, and enjoy a festive dish that feels familiar rather than forced.

A Festive Treat That Doesn’t Clash With Christmas Day

One of the best things about having this meal before Christmas is that it doesn’t compete with Christmas Day itself. You’re not repeating leftovers or feeling like you’re rushing through traditions.

Instead, it becomes part of the build-up — a small but satisfying Christmas ritual that marks the season without taking anything away from the big day.

A Quietly Brilliant Christmas Tradition

Calling it “Boxing Day Ham” is almost a stroke of genius. It evokes everything we love about the days around Christmas, comfort, simplicity and slowing down, while fitting neatly into the busiest part of December.

If you’re looking for a festive meal that feels genuinely enjoyable rather than obligatory, Loungers’ pre-Christmas Boxing Day ham is well worth adding to your Christmas countdown.

To find your nearest Loungers cafe bar visit https://thelounges.co.uk

Christmas Isn’t Always Merry For Everyone: Why Reaching Out Matters More Than Ever

A gentle reminder to reach out to friends and family who may be struggling with physical or mental health issues over Christmas, and why small acts of kindness matter.

Christmas is often wrapped up as a season of joy, togetherness and goodwill. For many people, it genuinely is. 

But for others, the festive period can be one of the hardest times of the year, especially for those living with physical illness, mental health challenges, or a combination of both.

That’s why one of the most meaningful things we can do at Christmas isn’t buying another gift or planning another social event, but simply reaching out.

The Hidden Struggles of the Festive Season

Illness doesn’t pause for Christmas. Chronic pain, mobility issues, fatigue, anxiety, depression, grief and loneliness all continue regardless of what the calendar says. In fact, the pressure to “be festive” can make these struggles feel even heavier.

For some people:

Cold weather worsens pain or breathing conditions

Shorter days increase feelings of depression or isolation

Financial stress compounds existing anxiety

Grief feels sharper when traditions highlight who is missing

And many people suffer quietly, not wanting to “spoil Christmas” for others.

Why People Often Don’t Ask for Help

One of the cruellest parts of both physical and mental illness is how isolating it can be. People may worry about being a burden, feel embarrassed, or assume everyone else is too busy enjoying themselves to notice.

At Christmas, this reluctance can deepen. No one wants to be the person who admits they’re struggling while everyone else seems cheerful and busy.

That’s why waiting for someone to ask for help often isn’t enough.

The Power of a Simple Message

Reaching out doesn’t require the perfect words. A short text, message or call can be incredibly powerful:

“I was just thinking of you and wanted to check how you’re doing.”

“No pressure to reply, but I’m here if you need anything.”

“Would you like some company, or a quiet cuppa, this week?”

You’re not trying to fix anything. You’re simply reminding someone that they’re seen, remembered and not alone.

Practical Support Can Mean the World

For those with physical health issues, small practical gestures can be just as valuable as emotional support:

Offering to pick up shopping or prescriptions

Dropping off a home-cooked meal

Helping with transport to appointments

Sitting and chatting while they rest

These acts of kindness don’t need to be grand. Often, they’re remembered long after Christmas has passed.

Respect Boundaries, But Keep the Door Open

Not everyone will feel able to engage, and that’s okay. If someone declines an invitation or doesn’t respond straight away, don’t take it personally.

A gentle follow-up later, or a message that makes it clear there’s no obligation, can help keep the connection alive without pressure.

Christmas Kindness Lasts Beyond the Day

One important thing to remember is that struggles don’t magically end on Boxing Day. For many people, January can be even harder once the lights come down and routines return.

If you can, keep checking in after Christmas too. A message in early January can feel like a lifeline.

A Different Kind of Christmas Spirit

Reaching out to someone who may be struggling is one of the quiet, uncelebrated acts that truly embody the spirit of Christmas. It doesn’t come with wrapping paper or social media photos, but it can make an immeasurable difference.

This Christmas, alongside the food, the decorations and the traditions, let kindness take centre stage. A message, a call, or a knock at the door might be the most important gift you give.

Some useful resources:-

Samaritans – Free, confidential support 24/7

Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

NHS 111 – For urgent mental health help and advice

Call 111 or visit nhs.uk

Mind – Mental health information and local support services

Visit mind.org.uk

Age UK – Support for older people, including loneliness and health concerns

Call 0800 055 6112 or visit ageuk.org.uk

Shout – Text support for anyone in crisis

Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.