Let That's Christmas 365 Take You Through The Final Christmas Countdown

As Christmas 2025 hurtles towards us, the pressure can feel very real. 

Lists get longer, time feels shorter, and suddenly everything seems essential. But here’s the truth: not everything actually is.

If you’re in the final countdown, this is your moment to focus on what truly matters, deal with what’s still outstanding, and let go of the rest without guilt.

What You Still Need to Do (The Real Essentials)

These are the things that genuinely make Christmas work rather than just look perfect.

1. Food Basics

You don’t need a gourmet spread, but you do need:

A main meal plan (even if it’s simple)

Key ingredients bought or ordered

A rough idea of timings on the day

Shortcut wins:

Frozen veg is absolutely fine

Shop-bought desserts are still Christmas desserts

A smaller menu beats an over-ambitious one every time

2. Gifts That Are Already Covered

If gifts aren’t all wrapped or lavish, that’s OK. What matters is:

Everyone has something thoughtful

Digital gift cards and IOUs are valid and practical

Experiences beat objects when time runs out

Remember: late wrapping is not a moral failure.

3. A Tidy, Not Perfect, Home

You are not hosting a photoshoot.

Clear floors and surfaces

Clean loo and sink

Enough seating and crockery

That’s it. Nobody cares if a cupboard is chaos behind a closed door.

What Can Wait (Or Be Skipped Entirely)

This is where the pressure can ease.

1. Over-the-Top Decorations

If the tree is up and the lights work, you’ve done Christmas.

You don’t need themed rooms

You don’t need matching colour schemes

You definitely don’t need to replace decorations “just because”

2. Homemade Everything

Homemade is lovely.

Store-bought is still festive.

If baking, crafting, or DIY decorating is stressing you out:

Drop it

Nobody will miss it

Your sanity matters more

3. Trying to Please Everyone

You are allowed to:

Say no to visits

Keep plans small

Change arrangements if health, energy, or money demands it

Christmas is not a performance review.

If Push Comes to Shove: What Actually Matters

When everything is stripped back, Christmas comes down to:

Being fed

Being safe

Feeling connected (even quietly or briefly)

Getting through the day without burning yourself out

Everything else is optional.

A quieter Christmas, a simpler table, fewer presents, less rushing — none of these mean you’ve failed. In many homes, they’re the reason Christmas actually feels better.

A Gentle Final Thought

You don’t need to do everything for Christmas to arrive.

It will come whether the wrapping paper matches, the gravy is homemade, or the decorations are Instagram-ready.

Do what you reasonably can.

Let the rest go.

Christmas doesn’t need perfection... it just needs people. 

Why Maple Syrup Works So Well at Christmas

Maple syrup pairs beautifully with traditional Christmas flavours such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange, cranberry, and vanilla. 

Unlike white sugar, it brings complexity rather than just sweetness, making it especially suited to darker spirits like bourbon, rum, and brandy.

It also dissolves easily in cold drinks, which makes it far more cocktail-friendly than granulated sugar during the festive rush.

Maple Old Fashioned (A Christmas Classic)

A seasonal twist on a timeless favourite.

You’ll need:

50ml bourbon or rye whisky

1 tsp pure maple syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Orange peel and cinnamon stick (to garnish)

How to make it:

Stir the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive aroma.

Why it works at Christmas:

Rich, warming, and quietly luxurious, perfect after a big festive meal.

Maple Spiced Rum Punch

Ideal for parties and easy to scale up.

You’ll need (per glass):

40ml dark spiced rum

15ml maple syrup

60ml cloudy apple juice

A squeeze of fresh lime

Grated nutmeg (to finish)

How to make it:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Dust lightly with nutmeg.

Festive tip:

Serve in a heat-resistant glass and gently warm it for a winter punch version.

Cranberry Maple Gin Fizz

Bright, festive, and not too sweet.

You’ll need:

40ml gin

20ml cranberry juice

10–15ml maple syrup

Soda water

Fresh cranberries and rosemary (to garnish)

How to make it:

Shake the gin, cranberry juice, and maple syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass and top with soda. Garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a Christmas look.

Why it’s great for Christmas:

The sharp cranberry balances the maple perfectly, making this ideal as a pre-dinner drink.

Maple Espresso Martini (Festive After-Dinner Treat)

A cosy Christmas dessert in a glass.

You’ll need:

40ml vodka

20ml freshly brewed espresso (cooled)

15ml coffee liqueur

10ml maple syrup

How to make it:

Shake everything hard with ice until frothy. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa.

Christmas pairing:

Perfect with mince pies, chocolate truffles, or a slice of Christmas cake.

Hot Maple Buttered Bourbon

For cold nights and quiet evenings.

You’ll need:

40ml bourbon

1 tsp maple syrup

Small knob of butter

Hot water

Pinch of cinnamon or mixed spice

How to make it:

Add bourbon, maple syrup, butter, and spice to a mug. Top with hot water and stir gently until melted.

Why you’ll love it:

Comforting, soothing, and wonderfully indulgent—this is Christmas in a mug.

Choosing the Right Maple Syrup

For cocktails, always use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Grade A amber or dark maple syrup works best, as it has enough flavour to stand up to spirits and spices.

A small bottle goes a long way and makes a thoughtful Christmas pantry staple too.

A Final Festive Stir

Maple syrup brings warmth, richness, and a gentle sweetness that feels tailor-made for Christmas cocktails. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a festive date night, or simply enjoying a quiet drink after a long December day, these maple-based cocktails add something a little special to the season.

Pour carefully, sip slowly, and enjoy the glow of Christmas—one maple-sweetened cocktail at a time.

That's Christmas 365 would like to thank Maple From Canada for their incredible support in creating this feature. https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk

The Three Wise Men of the Nativity: Who Were They and Where Did They Come From?

At That’s Christmas 365, we love exploring the stories and traditions that sit just beneath the surface of Christmas. 

Few figures are as fascinating, or as widely misunderstood, as the Three Wise Men, also known as the Magi.

They appear briefly in the Nativity story, yet their journey has echoed through art, music, and Christmas tradition for nearly two thousand years. 

So who were they, where did they come from, and why do they still matter to Christmas today?

What the Bible Tells Us (and What It Doesn’t)

The Wise Men appear only in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1–12). The text tells us that Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, seeking a newborn king after observing a remarkable star.

What may surprise many people is this:

The Bible never says there were three Wise Men

They are never described as kings

Their names are not mentioned

The tradition of “three” comes entirely from the fact that three gifts were presented.

Who Were the Magi?

The word Magi refers to a respected class of learned men in the ancient world. They were often associated with:

Astronomy and the study of the stars

Interpreting dreams and signs

Religious and philosophical scholarship

These were not entertainers or magicians in the modern sense, but serious thinkers, advisers whose insights were sought by rulers and courts.

Historically, Magi are most commonly linked with Persia, though some scholars suggest origins in Babylon or neighbouring regions.

Where Did They Come From?

Matthew simply says they came “from the east”, which in the ancient world could mean hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Likely regions include:

Persia (modern-day Iran)

Babylon (modern Iraq)

Parts of the Arabian Peninsula

What is beyond doubt is that their journey would have taken weeks or months, guided by what became known as the Star of Bethlehem, until they reached Bethlehem.

This long journey speaks volumes about their determination and belief that the sign they saw truly mattered.

Why Are They Called Kings?

The idea of the Wise Men as kings developed later in Christian tradition, influenced by Old Testament passages such as Psalm 72 and Isaiah 60, which speak of kings bringing gifts and honour to God’s chosen one.

By medieval times, the Magi were firmly portrayed as crowned monarchs, reinforcing a powerful Christmas message: that Christ was recognised not only by shepherds and ordinary people, but by figures of wealth, learning, and authority from far beyond Judea.

The Meaning Behind the Gifts

The gifts of the Wise Men are among the most symbol-rich elements of the Nativity:

Gold – symbolising kingship and royalty

Frankincense – used in worship, representing divinity

Myrrh – associated with burial, hinting at suffering and sacrifice

Together, they reflect the Christian belief in who Jesus was — and what his life would mean.

Why the Wise Men Still Matter at Christmas

At That’s Christmas 365, we see the Wise Men as a reminder that Christmas is not just a cosy, local story. It is a global one.

They represent:

Faith that crosses borders

Curiosity and courage to follow the unknown

Recognition that Christmas is for everyone, everywhere

Their presence in the Nativity reminds us that Christmas reaches far beyond Bethlehem — and far beyond one day in December.

A Christmas Reflection

Whether you imagine the Wise Men as richly robed kings or thoughtful scholars beneath a winter sky, their story is one of patience, belief, and hope. They followed a sign they did not fully understand, trusting it would lead them somewhere extraordinary.

That spirit, of seeking light in the darkness, sits at the very heart of Christmas.

How to Cut Your Christmas Food Bill This Year (Without Cutting the Joy)

Christmas doesn’t have to come with a credit-card hangover. With a little planning, a few smart swaps, and a willingness to ignore the pressure to “overbuy just in case”, you can enjoy a generous, traditional Christmas while keeping your food bill firmly under control.

Here’s how to do it — calmly, practically, and without feeling deprived.

1. Plan First, Shop Second

Impulse buying is the single biggest reason Christmas food bills spiral. Before you step foot in a supermarket (or open a shopping app):

Write a realistic menu for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the days immediately after

Count exactly how many people you’re feeding — not how many you might feed

Decide which meals actually need to be special and which can be simple

Christmas doesn’t require luxury ingredients for every single meal. Save the splurge for where it truly matters.

2. Be Honest About How Much You Actually Eat

Most households massively overestimate Christmas consumption.

Ask yourself:

How much of last year’s cheese board went untouched?

Did anyone really want pudding after a full roast?

How much party food ended up forgotten in the fridge?

Buying slightly less is not being mean — it’s being realistic.

3. Don’t Fear Frozen (It’s Your Secret Weapon)

Frozen food has an unfair reputation at Christmas, but it’s one of the best ways to save money.

Frozen veg is often cheaper, just as nutritious, and never wasted

Frozen desserts can be portioned exactly

Bread, rolls, and pastry freeze beautifully and defrost quickly

Freezer space is worth more than gold in December — use it wisely.

4. Shop Little and Often Instead of One Big Panic Shop

A single massive Christmas shop encourages excess “just in case” purchases.

Instead:

Do one early essentials shop (tins, flour, sugar, long-life items)

Add fresh items closer to Christmas

Keep receipts and review what you’re actually using

This spreads the cost and reduces waste.

5. Supermarket Own Brands Are Your Friend

At Christmas especially, supermarket own-brand ranges often match branded products in quality — sometimes surpassing them.

Items where own brand makes little difference:

Flour, sugar, rice, pasta

Tinned tomatoes, beans, pulses

Stock cubes, sauces, condiments

Mince pies and biscuits (many are made by the same bakeries)

Reserve premium brands for the things you genuinely taste and appreciate.

6. Be Strategic With Meat

Meat is usually the most expensive part of Christmas dinner — but it doesn’t have to be.

Choose joints that stretch (turkey crowns, rolled pork, gammon)

Ask your butcher about smaller joints or half portions

Remember leftovers are only useful if you actually enjoy eating them

A perfectly cooked smaller joint beats a huge, dried-out one every time.

7. Reduce the “Nibble Creep”

It’s not the main meals that quietly drain your budget — it’s the constant grazing.

Instead of endless tubs of snacks:

Choose one savoury nibble and one sweet treat

Plate snacks rather than leaving bags open

Replace some nibbles with popcorn, nuts, or homemade dips

Less out means less eaten — and less wasted.

8. Batch Cook Once, Relax Later

Pre-Christmas batch cooking saves money and stress.

Make soups, stews, or curries for the days after Christmas

Use cheaper cuts of meat or plant-based proteins

Freeze portions so you’re not tempted by takeaway menus

Future-you will be very grateful.

9. Alcohol Is an Easy Place to Save

Festive drinks add up frighteningly fast.

Ways to cut back without feeling deprived:

Pick one “special” bottle and keep the rest simple

Add soft-drink mixers to stretch wine and spirits

Remember not everyone drinks, don’t buy for 'imaginary' guests

A smaller selection, enjoyed properly, costs far less than overflowing cupboards.

10. Accept That “Enough” Is Enough

Christmas marketing is designed to make you feel like you’re never doing quite enough.

But:

Enough food is enough

Enough choice is enough

Enough generosity is enough

A warm, relaxed Christmas table matters far more than excess.

Cutting your Christmas food bill isn’t about penny-pinching or denying yourself joy. It’s about spending intentionally, wasting less, and putting your money where it actually enhances your Christmas, whether that’s one lovely meal, a bottle you’ll truly enjoy, or simply the peace of mind that January won’t start with regret.

A calmer Christmas starts in the kitchen — and often, in the shopping list.

Lidl Offers Best Deals on Christmas Vegetables

With other retailers on the market offering this with loyalty scheme prices, it makes Lidl’s one of the most lucrative options for all shoppers this festive season.

To offer the best value, Lidl works on long-term agreements with producers and growers, ensuring that promotional prices do not affect the price paid to the farmer.

The full range will be available in stores nationwide from today (18th December 2025) until 24th December 2025, whilst stocks last.

Our Christmas Tradition: A Christmas Carol (1951), Mince Pies and a Bottle of Port

At That’s Christmas 365, everything we do is rooted in genuine love for Christmas, not just the lights, the food, or the shopping, but the traditions that quietly anchor the season and give it meaning.

 And for us, the driving forces behind the site, there is one tradition that has never wavered.

Every single Christmas season, without fail, we sit down together to watch the 1951 film version of A Christmas Carol, accompanied by mince pies and a bottle of port wine.

It is non-negotiable. Christmas simply doesn’t feel complete without it.

Why the 1951 Version Matters

There are many adaptations of Dickens’ timeless story, but for us, A Christmas Carol stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Alastair Sim’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge is, in our view, definitive. He captures every layer of the character — the bitterness, the pain, the sharp wit, and ultimately the profound humanity that emerges by the film’s end. This is not a pantomime villain or a cartoon miser. This Scrooge feels real.

There is something deeply comforting about the film’s pace, its shadowed Victorian streets, and its quiet moral certainty. It doesn’t rush. It doesn’t shout. It allows the story to breathe, and to sink in.

Each year, no matter how many times we’ve seen it, we still find new details to notice, new lines that resonate, and new moments that land just that little bit harder.

Mince Pies: A Christmas Essential

No screening would be complete without mince pies.

Freshly opened, dusted with icing sugar, still carrying that unmistakable Christmas aroma, fruit, spice, and nostalgia. They are not just a snack; they are part of the ritual. The moment the pies come out, Christmas feels official.

They sit beside us as Scrooge is visited by Marley’s ghost, disappear during the Ghost of Christmas Present, and are long gone by the time Tiny Tim speaks his famous words.

And the Bottle of Port

Alongside the mince pies is a bottle of port wine, rich, warming, and quietly festive.

Port feels like a Christmas drink that belongs to another era, which somehow makes it perfect for a Victorian story. It slows the evening down. It encourages conversation, reflection, and that gentle sense of indulgence that Christmas does so well.

A small glass poured, the lights low, the film beginning — it’s not about excess. It’s about atmosphere.

A Moment of Stillness in a Busy Season

Christmas can be loud. Busy. Overwhelming.

This tradition gives us a pause — a moment to sit together, switch off from the outside world, and reconnect with why Christmas matters to us in the first place. Kindness. Reflection. Change. Hope.

Those themes are at the very heart of A Christmas Carol, and they align perfectly with what we try to promote through That’s Christmas 365 all year round.

Why We Share This With You

That’s Christmas 365 isn’t just a website, it’s a reflection of how we live Christmas ourselves. The traditions we write about are the ones we genuinely treasure, and this is one of the most important.

If you’ve never watched the 1951 version, we wholeheartedly recommend making it part of your own festive season. Pour yourself something warming, grab a mince pie (or two), and give it your full attention. Sometimes we even add an artisan pork pie or a nice chunk of Stilton cheese to the menu!

You might just find, like we have, that it becomes a tradition you return to every single year.

Because sometimes, Christmas isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the same beautiful thing, again and again.

And here, for your viewing pleasure, is the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

The Ghostly Screen History of A Christmas Carol

Few stories have been adapted for the screen as often, or as lovingly, as A Christmas Carol. 

Since its publication in 1843, Dickens’ tale of redemption, compassion, and social responsibility has returned again and again, each generation reshaping it to reflect its own fears, values, humour, and hopes.

Cinema, in particular, has embraced the story with enthusiasm, producing dozens of adaptations across more than a century.

What follows is a journey through the film history of A Christmas Carol, from silent cinema to modern motion-capture epics.

The Silent Era (1901–1920s): Dickens Meets the Camera

The earliest surviving screen adaptations emerged almost as soon as cinema itself.

Scrooge, or, Marley's Ghost

Widely regarded as the first screen version, this short British silent film established visual traditions that would persist for decades—ghostly apparitions, dramatic shadows, and Scrooge’s fearful awakening.

A Christmas Carol

Produced in the United States, this version helped introduce Dickens’ morality tale to international audiences and demonstrated how adaptable the story was to new storytelling technologies.

These early films relied on exaggerated acting and simple visual effects, but they laid the foundations for every adaptation that followed.

The Early Sound Era (1930s–1940s): Finding a Voice

A Christmas Carol

Starring Reginald Owen as Scrooge, this MGM production softened some of Dickens’ darker edges, leaning into warmth, family, and festive charm. For many viewers, it became a comforting annual tradition.

This period marked the point where dialogue, music, and atmosphere could finally work together—bringing Dickens’ words closer to their theatrical roots.

The Definitive Classic (1951): A Benchmark for All Others

Scrooge

With Alastair Sim in the title role, this is often considered the definitive cinematic adaptation. Darker, more psychologically complex, and emotionally richer than its predecessors, it explores Scrooge’s bitterness, regret, and redemption with remarkable depth.

Many later portrayals—whether consciously or not—borrow heavily from Sim’s interpretation, making this version a cornerstone of Christmas cinema.

Animation and Musical Interpretations (1960s–1970s)

A Christmas Carol

Best remembered for the haunting song “When Love Is Gone”, this animated adaptation blended melancholy and music, capturing the emotional cost of Scrooge’s choices.

Animation allowed the supernatural elements—spirits, time shifts, and visions of death—to feel more fluid and dreamlike, broadening the story’s appeal to younger audiences without losing its emotional weight.

Reinvention and Popular Culture (1980s–1990s)

Scrooged

A modern retelling set in the world of television, this dark comedy starring Bill Murray proved the story’s themes could thrive outside Victorian London.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Remarkably faithful to Dickens’ original text, this adaptation balanced humour and sincerity. Michael Caine’s straight-faced Scrooge opposite the anarchic Muppets created a version that has become a firm festive favourite across generations.

Digital Spectacle and the 21st Century

A Christmas Carol

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jim Carrey, this motion-capture adaptation leaned heavily into visual spectacle. The ghosts were frightening, the environments immersive, and the moral consequences stark.

While opinions remain divided on its style, it demonstrated that A Christmas Carol could still be technologically innovative more than 150 years after it was written.

Why the Story Endures on Film

Each adaptation reflects its era’s concerns—poverty, greed, media obsession, loneliness, or social responsibility—yet the core message remains unchanged. Scrooge’s journey is not just about Christmas; it is about the possibility of change, no matter how late or how unlikely it seems.

That is why filmmakers keep returning to Dickens’ ghosts: not because the story is old, but because it is endlessly relevant.

A Living Tradition

From flickering silent reels to digital cinema, A Christmas Carol has never left the screen for long. Every new adaptation becomes part of a long, ghostly procession, past, present, and future, reminding us, year after year, that kindness is never out of season.

Year	Film Title	Country	Format	Notable Details
1901	Scrooge, or, Marley's Ghost	UK	Silent short	Earliest known screen adaptation; establishes core visual tropes
1910	A Christmas Carol	USA	Silent short	Early American adaptation; now partially lost
1913	Scrooge	UK	Silent feature	Longer and more detailed than earlier shorts
1922	Scrooge	UK	Silent feature	First feature-length adaptation
1935	Scrooge	UK	Sound film	Stars Seymour Hicks, who played Scrooge on stage for decades
1938	A Christmas Carol	USA	Sound film	MGM production; warmer, family-focused tone
1951	Scrooge	UK	Sound film	Alastair Sim’s definitive, darker portrayal
1970	A Christmas Carol	USA	Animated musical	Remembered for its emotional songs and somber mood
1984	A Christmas Carol	UK/USA	TV film	George C. Scott as a stern, forceful Scrooge
1988	Scrooged	USA	Modern retelling	Satirical contemporary adaptation starring Bill Murray
1992	The Muppet Christmas Carol	USA/UK	Musical fantasy	Exceptionally faithful to Dickens’ text despite comic format
1997	A Christmas Carol	USA	Animated	Traditional narration with classical visual style
2001	Christmas Carol: The Movie	UK	Animated	Features Simon Callow; closer to original Victorian tone
2009	A Christmas Carol	USA	Motion-capture	Jim Carrey in multiple roles; visually intense
2019	A Christmas Carol	UK	Animated	Stylised animation with darker emotional themes

Buckingham Palace Stages "First Ever" Christmas pop-up shop

For the first time ever, a Christmas pop-up shop has opened at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, transforming part of the 200-year-old stables into a glittering festive boutique while the Mews is closed to visitors for the winter.

The Royal Mews Christmas Shop, open until from 5 January, brings together the festive ranges of official royal gifts, food and drink from Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household.

Seasonal drinks and nibbles will also be available, adding to the festive spirit. 

With a selection of classic products and future heirlooms from the Royal Collection Trust Shops, the below gift guide includes ideas for loved ones including children, collectors of British chinaware, and party hosts.

New for this year are mini 20cl bottles of gins infused with botanicals hand-picked from the grounds of royal residences including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. 

Also newly launched is the Property of the Royal Kitchen range of kitchen accessories, which takes its inspiration from the Great Kitchen at Windsor Castle – the oldest working kitchen in the country. 

Official Royal Collection Trust chinaware is made in the UK, being cast, fired, and decorated by hand at The Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent, using the same traditional techniques that have been used for the past 250 years.

Also new are wine accessories including crystal wine glasses, delicately etched with a pattern of knotted vines and grape leaves inspired by the Grand Punch Bowl, a majestic wine cistern in the Royal Collection known to have been used by Queen Victoria. The glasses are the perfect way to serve the Palace Collection Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. 

Further highlights include tree decorations handcrafted in India using traditional embroidery techniques, which help keep jobs and traditional craft skills alive, and children’s plushies made of 100% recycled materials. 

The ranges can be purchased online from royalcollectionshop.co.uk, Royal Collection Trust Shops in London, Edinburgh and Windsor, and the pop-up The Royal Mews Christmas Shop.

The income from purchases contributes to the care and conservation of the Royal Collection and helps Royal Collection Trust to share it with everyone, wherever they are.

Millions connect with Church of England’s Christmas campaign as parishes invite communities to share the joy

Image by Jim Cox

Churches all over England are preparing to welcome millions through their doors this Christmas, with record numbers of services registered. 

Meanwhile, new figures suggest nearly one in two UK adults will attend a service or event in 2025.

Traffic to AChurchNearYou.com (ACNY), the Church’s national church-finder, is surging, with public hits reaching 891,000 yesterday, up from 743,000 on 7 December (around 20 per cent week-on-week increase). 

Over the last weekend alone, Church of England content recorded 1,393,467 video views, 95,650 engagements, including 5,707 clicks (mainly to ACNY) and 7,432 shares.

The recently published Christmas isn’t cancelled video has been seen nearly 2 million times across social media, generating 125,000 likes, comments and shares - far above industry averages. Related posts reached 2,413,574 impressions.

ACNY data shows parishes are stepping up activities to welcome their communities with 6,870 services tagged ‘Advent’ (already ahead of last year’s final 6,658), 23,147 services tagged ‘Christmas’, set to comfortably surpass last year’s total of 23,525.

Resources created by the national Church for local parishes to use for free are being used across the country, with 49,326 downloads of Advent and Christmas materials from the ACNY Resource Hub, helping churches invite and prepare.

Since 1 November, 5,403 services/events have been added to calendars and 2,196 shared via social media or email, signalling strong intent to attend locally. Looking ahead, there’s a 91 per cent increase in Candlemas services from last year and a 23 per cent increase in ‘Blue Christmas’ services compared to 2024.

This surge reflects an apparent wider national trend. New polling this week found that nearly one in two UK adults (45 per cent) plan to attend a church event or service this Christmas, up from 40 per cent last year, drawn by tradition, atmosphere and spiritual reflection. The polling was carried out by Savanta on behalf of the charity, Tearfund.

The engagement builds on the Church of England’s Joy of Christmas campaign, which offers videos, reflections and devotional content for people of all backgrounds - whether exploring faith for the first time or looking to deepen their discipleship. 

The campaign also features the Church of England’s first-ever Christmas picture book, The Grumpy Owl and Joy of Christmas, with its animated version already viewed more than 12,000 times on YouTube.

Wanting to Be Left Alone at Christmas Doesn’t Make You Wrong or Weird

Christmas is often presented as a season of constant togetherness. Packed diaries, busy houses, loud gatherings, long conversations, and an unspoken assumption that everyone should want to be surrounded by people from morning until night. 

When that isn’t how you feel, it can be deeply uncomfortable.

If you find yourself wanting quiet, space, or even complete solitude at Christmas, it does not mean there is something wrong with you. It does not make you cold, ungrateful, antisocial, or “doing Christmas wrong”. It simply means you are listening to your own needs.

And that matters.

Christmas Is Emotionally Intense

Christmas amplifies everything. Joy feels louder, but so does grief. Loneliness can feel sharper. Exhaustion accumulates quickly. For many people, Christmas isn’t just one day – it’s weeks of expectation, noise, social pressure, and emotional labour.

If you’re already overwhelmed, burnt out, neurodivergent, grieving, chronically ill, anxious, or simply tired, the idea of constant company can feel less like celebration and more like survival mode.

Wanting to be left alone can be your nervous system asking for rest, not a rejection of Christmas itself.

Solitude Is Not the Same as Loneliness

One of the biggest myths around Christmas is that being alone automatically equals being lonely. In reality, many people experience the opposite.

Solitude can be:

Calming

Grounding

Restorative

Safe

Emotionally regulating

For some, being alone with a book, a film, music, or a quiet meal is the most meaningful way to mark the season. That’s not emptiness – it’s intention.

You are allowed to enjoy Christmas quietly, softly, and on your own terms.

Not Everyone Recharges Through Socialising

There is nothing unusual about needing space, especially at a time when social interaction is intensified and prolonged.

Some people recharge through company. Others recharge through silence. Neither is superior.

If being around others drains you rather than energises you, forcing yourself into constant social settings can actually make Christmas harder, not better. Protecting your energy is not selfish – it’s sensible.

Boundaries Are Not a Personal Attack

Choosing to step back, decline invitations, or ask for time alone is often misinterpreted as rejection. In reality, it’s usually about self-preservation.

You can care about people deeply and still need space.

You can love Christmas and still want quiet.

You can value relationships without needing to perform festivity.

Setting boundaries is not about pushing people away – it’s about staying emotionally well enough to engage at all.

Christmas Doesn’t Have One Correct Format

Some people love big meals, full houses, and busy schedules.

Others prefer:

A simple meal

One trusted person

Or no company at all

None of these approaches are more “correct” than the others.

Christmas traditions are personal, not universal. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for choosing a version of Christmas that works for you.

You Are Allowed to Rest

Rest is not laziness.

Silence is not failure.

Solitude is not a flaw.

If the kindest thing you can do for yourself this Christmas is to slow down, step back, and be alone, that is enough. You are not missing the point of Christmas – you are honouring your wellbeing.

A Quiet Christmas Is Still a Valid Christmas

There is room in this season for loud laughter and quiet reflection.

For busy homes and peaceful spaces.

For togetherness and solitude.

If you want to be left alone at Christmas, you are not weird.

You are not broken.

You are not doing anything wrong.

You are simply human – and that deserves understanding, not judgement.

At That’s Christmas 365, we believe Christmas should be shaped around people, not pressure. However you spend it – quietly, socially, or somewhere in between – your Christmas counts.