The online source for all things Christmas
Friday, 6 March 2026
That's Food and Drink: Homemade Treats for Mother's Day, With Bonne Maman
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New UK Energy App Launches as Wholesale Gas Prices Double - Helping Households Lock In Deals Before They Disappear
However, there's good news on the horizon for UK households, because a new energy monitoring platform has launched to help UK households find and lock in better tariffs as wholesale gas prices surge and suppliers begin reviewing their fixed-rate deals.
EnergyScan (energyscan.co.uk) combines AI-powered bill analysis, whole-of-market tariff comparison, and smart meter data to track energy prices daily and alert users when a cheaper tariff becomes available.
The launch comes as wholesale gas prices briefly hit 151p per therm this week, following disruption to Qatari LNG production amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Prices rose an eye-watering 93% in a week, reaching levels not seen since 2023. Analysts warn suppliers could begin withdrawing their cheapest fixed deals if wholesale volatility continues.
Households on standard variable tariffs are currently paying up to £1,758 per year under the Ofgem price cap. While the cap will fall to £1,568 from 1 April 2026, the calculation was made before the recent wholesale spike, meaning future caps could rise if prices remain elevated.
EnergyScan aims to simplify switching by analysing real household energy use rather than relying on estimated “typical consumption” figures often used by comparison sites.
Users upload or photograph their energy bill and the platform’s AI automatically extracts usage data, tariff details, unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and contract end dates. The system then compares the information with tariffs across the market in under a minute.
Subscribers receive alerts when a deal appears that would save them money after accounting for any exit fees. Those who connect their smart meter can also access an energy dashboard showing daily costs in pounds, bill forecasts, direct debit checks and tariff modelling based on real half-hourly usage data.
EnergyScan costs £29 per year, although a one-off bill comparison is available free of charge.
The company receives a flat commission of £20 per fuel (£40 for dual fuel) if a user switches supplier through the platform. The commission is disclosed during comparisons and does not vary between suppliers.
“Most comparison sites earn variable commissions that aren’t always transparent,” EnergyScan founder Steve Middleton told That's Christmas 365.
“We charge a clear subscription and a fixed commission so our incentive is simply to keep finding customers better deals over time.”
EnergyScan is operated by SCM Digitech Limited. The platform uses tariff data from The Energy Shop and smart meter data from n3rgy Data Ltd through the UK’s national DCC network.
A free bill check is available at app.energyscan.co.uk/free-check.
Thursday, 5 March 2026
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Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Why Audible Memberships Make the Perfect Gift for Book Lovers
If you are looking for a thoughtful, modern, and genuinely useful present, an audiobook subscription is hard to beat. Services like Audible, the audiobook platform owned by Amazon, have transformed how people read, learn, and enjoy stories.
For readers, commuters, busy parents, students, and lifelong learners, an Audible membership opens up a world of books without needing to sit down and turn a single page. That is exactly why it also makes a brilliant gift idea for birthdays, holidays, or Christmas morning.
Here’s why more people are choosing Audible memberships for themselves—and why they make such fantastic presents.
Audiobooks Fit Into Real Life
One of the biggest barriers to reading is time. Many people want to read more books but struggle to fit them into a busy schedule.
Audiobooks solve that problem beautifully.
With Audible, books can be enjoyed while:
Commuting to work
Cooking dinner
Walking the dog
Cleaning the house
Exercising
Travelling
Instead of replacing reading, audiobooks extend it into parts of the day that would otherwise go unused. For anyone who feels too busy to read, Audible can make books accessible again.
A Library That Travels With You
An Audible membership allows users to download audiobooks directly to their phone or tablet and listen anywhere.
The Audible App works on:
Smartphones
Tablets
Computers
Smart speakers
Car audio systems
This means a whole library of books travels with you wherever you go. Whether someone is on a train journey, a long flight, or simply relaxing at home, they can dive into a story instantly.
Even better, downloads allow for offline listening, which is perfect when travelling or when mobile signal is unreliable.
Thousands of Books Across Every Genre
Audible’s catalogue is enormous. Members can explore:
Bestselling novels
Classic literature
Crime and thrillers
Science fiction and fantasy
Memoirs and biographies
Self-development and business books
Podcasts and original productions
For people who enjoy learning, the selection of history, science, psychology, and professional development titles is especially impressive.
It is essentially a portable library that grows with your interests.
Narration Brings Books to Life
One of the magical aspects of audiobooks is the narration.
Talented voice actors and authors often read the books themselves, creating an experience that feels almost theatrical. Characters gain personality, humour lands better, and emotional moments feel more powerful.
Some productions even include:
Multiple voice actors
Music and sound design
Dramatised storytelling
For many listeners, audiobooks become a completely different experience compared with traditional reading.
Audible Credits Make It Great Value
Most Audible memberships include monthly credits that can be exchanged for any audiobook in the catalogue.
This system works brilliantly because:
Credits can be used on expensive titles
Books are yours permanently once redeemed
Members get exclusive discounts
Even if someone pauses their membership later, the books they redeemed remain in their library forever.
For regular readers, it quickly becomes one of the most affordable ways to build a large collection of books.
A Perfect Gift for Christmas
For a blog like That’s Christmas and More, Audible memberships are particularly appealing because they make excellent gifts.
Unlike many presents that get used once and forgotten, audiobooks deliver enjoyment for months.
Reasons Audible makes a brilliant gift include:
No need to guess clothing sizes or tastes
Instant digital delivery
Suitable for all ages
Perfect for people who “already have everything”
You can even gift 3, 6, or 12 months of membership, making it ideal for stocking fillers or larger festive presents.
Imagine someone unwrapping a gift that gives them dozens of stories to enjoy throughout the year.
Subscribe Through That’s Christmas and More
Readers of That’s Christmas and More can also subscribe to Audible directly through our website. By using our recommended subscription link, you can start your Audible membership in just a few moments and immediately gain access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.
Subscribing through our site is a simple way to begin enjoying audiobooks while also supporting the blog at the same time. If you’re planning a gift, it’s also an easy way to send someone a thoughtful present that will provide entertainment and inspiration throughout the year.
Ideal for Reluctant Readers
Audiobooks can also help people who struggle with traditional reading.
They are especially useful for:
People with dyslexia
Those with visual impairments
Busy professionals
Teenagers who find reading difficult
Listening to stories can build confidence, improve vocabulary, and spark an interest in books that might otherwise never develop.
For parents, it can be a wonderful way to encourage children and teens to engage with literature.
A Gift That Lasts All Year
Unlike chocolates or novelty gifts, an audiobook subscription continues to deliver value long after the wrapping paper is recycled.
Every month brings a new credit and a new story waiting to be discovered.
Listeners might find themselves exploring:
A gripping crime series
A historical biography
A personal development book
A comforting classic novel
Over time, their library becomes a personal collection of stories they can revisit whenever they like.
If you are searching for a gift that is thoughtful, practical, and genuinely enjoyable, an Audible membership is hard to beat.
It encourages reading, fits into modern lifestyles, and opens the door to thousands of books and stories.
Whether you are buying one for yourself or giving it to a friend or family member, it is a present that keeps delivering long after the festive season has ended.
And in a world where time is precious, the ability to enjoy great books anywhere might just be the perfect gift of all.
To place your orders, please follow this link:-
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
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Saturday, 28 February 2026
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Thursday, 26 February 2026
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Tuesday, 24 February 2026
How to Celebrate Christmas Late – With Luxury Hampers at Knockdown Prices
The pressure has gone, the supermarkets are quieter, and the best part? The food and drink bargains can be exceptional.
If you’re willing to wait until late January or even February, you can recreate all the magic of Christmas, but at a fraction of the cost, by seeking out reduced hampers and festive food collections from department stores and specialist hamper companies.
Why Celebrate Christmas Late?
A delayed celebration works brilliantly if:
Illness disrupted December plans
You work in retail or hospitality and missed out
Family schedules didn’t align
You simply enjoy stretching the festive season
Without the December rush, you can focus on good food, good drink, and good company.
The Joy of Reduced Christmas Hampers
Luxury hampers are often heavily discounted once 25 December has passed. Retailers need to clear seasonal stock quickly, and that’s where the savvy late celebrator wins.
Department stores such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer frequently reduce their festive collections, including:
Champagne and prosecco gift sets
Stilton, cheddar and artisan crackers
Special festive ale collections
Chocolate assortments and biscuit tins
Chutneys, preserves and pâtés
Premium shortbread and panettone
Christmas cakes and mince pies
Meanwhile, hamper specialists like Virginia Hayward and Fortnum & Mason often offer post-Christmas reductions on selected lines.
The contents are usually long-life pantry staples, so they’re perfect for a celebration weeks later.
How to Plan a Late Christmas Feast
The beauty of bargain hamper shopping is that much of your menu is chosen for you. Build your evening around what you’ve picked up.
1. Start with a Festive Grazing Board
Use:
Reduced cheeses
Charcuterie
Crackers and chutneys
Nuts and festive nibbles
Add a discounted bottle of fizz, red wine and some festive winter ales and you’re instantly back in December, but without the December bill.
2. Create a Simple Centrepiece
You don’t need a full roast turkey. Consider:
A glazed gammon joint (often reduced in early January)
A slow-cooked beef brisket
A quality ready-prepared pie from the chilled section
Pair with roast potatoes, buttered greens and gravy, and you have a feast worthy of Christmas Day.
3. Lean into the Dessert Trolley
This is where late Christmas truly shines.
Leftover or discounted:
Christmas pudding
Brandy butter
Mince pies
Luxury chocolate boxes
Warm the pudding, drizzle custard, and it feels every bit as festive, just without the stress.
Make It Feel Special Again
Celebrating late isn’t about “making do”. It’s about reclaiming the atmosphere.
Put the tree back up (or at least some fairy lights)
Use the good crockery
Light candles
Play your favourite Christmas playlist
When the pressure is gone, the enjoyment often increases.
The Financial Upside
A premium hamper that cost £150 in December might drop to £90 – or even less – in January or February clearance sales.
That saving can mean:
Upgrading your wine (We found the best Merlot be have have tried)
Adding extra treats
Hosting friends for a second festive gathering
Or simply enjoying luxury for less
In a time when household budgets are under strain, celebrating Christmas late can feel like a quiet act of financial common sense.
A New Tradition Worth Keeping
There’s no rule that says Christmas must only happen on one specific date. A late festive weekend, fuelled by discounted hampers, department store reductions and good cheer, can become a cherished annual ritual.
Sometimes the best celebrations happen when the world has moved on, the shops are calm, and the luxury food aisle has a red clearance sticker waiting for you.
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