Booze-filled advent calendars

Do you remember the fun you had as a child when, throughout the run up to Christmas Day, you got to open up that day's advent calendar window and ate a piece of chocolate?

Would you like to recreate the advent calendar magic of your childhood but with something a little more grownup?  

Why not have yourself a merry Christmas with The Food Market's selection of boozy advent calendars?

With advent calendars getting bigger, better and heavier every year, there's one clear winner. Celebrating the lead up to Christmas with an alcohol-themed advent calendar.

This year there are even more options to choose from and whether for yourself or as a gift for someone else, an alcohol advent calendar always proves itself to be really popular.

Fans of gin, vodka or rare whiskies will have plenty of options this Christmas, and what's better, the majority of them come in stunning, beautifully designed boxes so they're practically a nifty Christmas decoration in their own right.

Here are our picks of the best alcohol advent calendars to buy now for 2023

1) Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar

Don't expect to find any little squares of plain chocolate here, because behind the 24 windows of the Single Cask Whisky Advent Calendar you'll discover a different 30ml wax-sealed dram of single cask whisky, made by some of the best whisky makers around. Just the ticket for any whisky fan looking for a uniquely delicious Christmas countdown!

2.  Bourbon & American Whiskey Advent Calendar

Explore whiskey from some of America's most excellent producers, spanning the delicious range of styles across the USA, including bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey and more! If you've marvelled at the Whisky Advent Calendar and thought, "That sounds fantastic, but I specifically love bourbon and the gamut of whiskeys from America", this one's for you.

3. Festive Vodka Advent Calendar

Discover some of the finest and most exciting vodkas from around the world as you count down to Christmas one tipple at a time. Behind these doors you’ll find a unique selection of vodka from delicious classics, to delectably innovative flavoured expressions

Discover some of the finest and most exciting vodkas from around the world as you count down to Christmas one tipple at a time. Behind these doors you’ll find a unique selection of vodka from delicious classics, to delectably innovative flavoured expressions

4. Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar

Embark on a truly special tasting adventure with This Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar, filled with some of the finest liquid from a variety of fantastic producers. Prepare to count down to Christmas with a plethora of delicious styles and flavour profiles, or it'll make the ultimate gift if you're looking for a way to delight a whisky fan this year.

5. Very Old & Rare Whisky Advent Calendar

As the name might indicate, this calendar contains some exceedingly special whiskies, the sort you probably won't be coming across again any time soon - perfect for the billionaire in your life!

After searching far and wide to unearth a selection of whiskies jaw-dropping enough to fit the bill, we have landed on the very rare an old Collection, with 24 wax-sealed drams, each containing a 30ml measure of a different precious whisky, presented in a superbly smart walnut box alongside an accompanying tasting glass. This absolute treasure trove has all you need to seriously upgrade your whisky collection.

To order please visit https://www.thefoodmarket.com

Ideal for Christmas? Proscenic launches the P12 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with anti-tangle roller brush and Vertect™ Light technology

It's a cordless vacuum that can swiftly transform into a handheld version, it features 33kPa strong suction and can provide up to 60 minutes of cleaning time.

Smart home appliance manufacturer Proscenic, with a history of making components for Panasonic, Hitachi, Zojirushi, and Philips, has announced the availability of its new P12 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. 

The P12 combines high-performance suction power with ultimate versatility, making it the ideal choice for modern homeowners who are looking for a convenient and efficient cleaning solution. (In the opinion of That's Christmas, it's an ideal Christmas gift for the new homemaker or new home owner. Or for the student who is studying away.)

Featuring an upgraded anti-tangle roller brush, the V-shaped guiding bristle works with an internal comb to reduce hair tangling, conveniently delivering a powerful performance with less maintenance needed. 

Alongside this, the 33 kPa strong suction of the 400W brushless motor provides the motorised roller brush power to efficiently pick up dirt and debris on the floor. The vacuum also has four suction modes available so there will be an option for user’s various cleaning needs.

The Proscenic P12 cordless vacuum can innovatively transform into a handheld version of itself allowing it to more effectively clean small spaces such as the sofa, upholsteries, vents, car seats, and more, making it a versatile vacuum with several different functions. The retractable vacuum tube also provides an adjustable length to allow for user’s maximum comfort while using, meaning the vacuum can be made to suit all users’ preferences.

The in-built Vertect™ Light uses green detection headlights to detect small particles that are invisible to the naked eye, helping users to see dust and debris more clearly, improving the efficiency of cleaning. Combined with the 180-degree swivel steering, the P12 ensures a thorough clean in even hard-to-reach areas. 

The P12 Cordless Vacuum not only provides an easy clean, but it also ensures users are able to use the device undisturbed; the large 2500mAh battery enables up to 60 minutes of cleaning in the quiet mode and 13 minutes in the max and, thanks to the 1.2L dust capacity, it provides users with powerful, convenient, and reliable cleaning.

The five-stage sealed filtration system with cyclonic dust separation and two HEPA filters capture 99.99% of dust particles, expelling non-allergenic purified air. This cyclone separates large particles, avoiding clogging and suction loss and the two HEPA filters also work to prevent particles larger than 0.3-micron from emission. The noise reduction technology also ensures that the device has a quieter operation of just 70 dB, so users may clean their homes without disturbing the family or pets.

The P12 is designed to facilitate an easy cleaning experience - with a convenient all-in-one large LED screen that shows the battery level, suction mode, and warnings for blockages in the V brush, the P12 is fully user-friendly. The Proscenic P12 also comes with a range of attachments, including a crevice tool, a brush tool, and a 2-in-1 combination tool, to help users tackle different cleaning tasks.

On Amazon UK, the vacuum cleaner has £40 off making it just £149.99 until the 10th October.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CCN7W1WD?ref=myi_title_dp

US Government shutdown delayed, but exporters should brace for Christmas disruption, warns ParcelHero

An 11th-hour deal means a potential US Government shutdown has been postponed until 17 November. But international parcel delivery expert ParcelHero says a long-term agreement looks further away than ever. UK exporters to the US should prepare for disruption before Christmas, it warns.

The US Government narrowly avoided a shutdown of many services after a stopgap funding deal was finally agreed last Saturday. 

The shutdown could have had an impact on UK-US trade and deliveries. But home delivery expert ParcelHero is warning the deal may have only delayed the inevitable until November 17th.

With mere hours to spare, the Republican House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, managed to delay a Government shutdown for a further 45 days. 

Tens of thousands of US Government employees would have been furloughed without pay and many federal services suspended from 00:01 ET (5am BST) on Sunday.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: "The short-term funding deal is good news for the US economy and everyone who does business with America. But in truth it's only kicked the can down the road. And a deal in November now looks even less likely to be a success.

‘The Government funding bill was narrowly passed in the House when McCarthy struck a deal with the Democrats, in defiance of the hard-line right in his own party. Rebel Republicans previously threatened to trigger moves to replace McCarthy if he were to make such a deal. Now they have started proceedings that will end in his replacement, possibly with a Speaker less willing to seek a compromise. If that happens, the chances of a funding deal on 17 November look even more distant."

He went on to say: "If there's a US Government shutdown after 17 November, it could have an impact on UK businesses and individuals who are sending products, gifts and mail to the US. That’s bad news leading in to the peak Christmas season. Some of the services which may be potentially affected are:

Mail

‘Many traditional UK Post Office mail services and certain economy courier services to the USA make use of the United States Postal Service for final delivery. There were some fears a shutdown could disrupt low-cost UK-US mail deliveries.

‘However, the USPS is funded via the sales of products (like stamps) and services, and not directly by the US Government. That means deliveries shouldn't be interrupted.

"The US National Postal Mail Handlers Union says: "It needs to be emphasised that the Postal Service and its employees won't be directly impacted by a shutdown. The USPS isn't an appropriated federal agency, and Mail Handlers will still receive pay checks and will still report to work." US Post Offices should also remain open.

Customs and maritime shipments

"The US Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) says a potential shutdown “will hinder the work of Government agencies that contribute to the foreign commercial activities of the United States”. That list includes US Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Maritime Commission.

"CSIS says: “Essential work from agencies such as Customs and Border Protection’s cargo processing and inspection at ports, will continue, but functions less essential to day-to-day work but ultimately critical to these agencies’ long-term capabilities, like training activities, will be suspended.”

"Likewise, Government activities related to imports and trade monitoring, such as tariff exclusion request processing, would likely cease.

Airfreight

‘Many UK products are airfreighted to America, often in the holds of passenger services. The US political news site The Hill reports US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, has warned of potential disruptions in the airline industry, and highlighted the possible impact of a shutdown on air traffic control training:

“A shutdown would include, just in the transportation side alone, shutting down air traffic control training at the exact moment when the country recognizes the need for more, not less air traffic control staffing, and when we have finally got cancellations back at or below normal rates. 

"The air traffic controllers who would be working in the towers, they wouldn’t get paid. They’re under enough stress as it is doing that job without having to come into work with the added stress of not receiving a pay check.”

US services

‘Finally, during the last shutdown, almost 90% of the Department of Commerce’s staff was furloughed and the International Trade Commission was closed. Any progress on the elusive US-UK free trade agreement would also be further hindered. ParcelHero’s USA page will give live information on all available services in the event of a US Government shutdown, as well as full details on Customs advice, sending food, prohibited items, etc. 

‘The US is ParcelHero’s biggest individual overseas market. For expert advice on UK-US shipping, including Customs information, help for exports and prohibited items details, see: https://www.parcelhero.com/en-gb/international-courier-services/usa-parcel-delivery

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Cocoba Chocolate introduces Fantastic Christmas gifting range

Cocoba, the Kent-based chocolate company which is renowned for producing irresistible chocolate and hot chocolate gifts, has launched this year’s very special Christmas gifting range.  

From a very cheery Santa & His Reindeer Chocolate Bites, to a beautifully presented Hot Chocolate Bombe Christmas Bauble and delicious Hot Chocolate Christmas Puddings, Cocoba’s Christmas gifting range really has something for everyone. 

Cocoba Chocolate has also created delicious, stunning Christmas Hampers crammed full of many delicious treats; you needn’t look further than Cocoba for a complete range of festive gifts to get everyone fully into the Christmas spirit.

Share some yuletide joy this Christmas with Cocoba’s Santa & His Reindeer Chocolate Bites at £9.95. Each box includes a sweet collection of bitesize festive characters, all handmade using high quality Belgian milk chocolate in the shape of Santa and his Reindeers. 

Presented in a beautiful selection box, the seasonal chocolate bites make a fun and loveable gift to bring out the child in everyone this Christmas season.

Discover the magical Hot Chocolate Bombe Christmas Bauble, which is an utterly fantastic festive tin bauble decorated with Cocoba Christmas characters, containing a Belgian hot chocolate bombe that has a generous helping of yummy fluffy marshmallows. A must-have addition for hanging on the Christmas tree or a great surprise to gift as a Secret Santa present or stocking filler for a very nifty £4.95.

Bursting with a generous helping of mini marshmallows, the delicious Christmas Pudding Hot Chocolate Bombe is handcrafted from silky Belgian milk and delicious white chocolate. At just £3.95 the Christmas Pudding Hot Chocolate Bombe makes a sweet surprise for stockings, Christmas Eve boxes, or for festive hampers to delight your family and friends. 

Finally, Cocoba has it all wrapped up with a collection of exquisite Christmas hampers starting out at £19.99.  Each hamper is carefully put together to display an array of delicious, yummy chocolate treats, fastened with a special hand-tied ribbon to add just that perfect finishing touch. 

Please visit Cocoba Chocolate’s website for more information including the lovely Christmas vegan product range. www.CocobaChocolate.com

Cocoba’s chocolate products include Belgian hot chocolate, chocolate bars and lollipops, truffles and buttons, and a growing range of vegan dark and ‘milk’ chocolate. 

Cocoba’s range is available from www.CocobaChocolate.com. But if you live in Kent, why not visit Cocoba’s flagship chocolate café at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent?

They are also available via independent farm shops, good delis, John Lewis, Selfridges and more, besides.  All products are handmade in Kent.

Incidentally, if you want a 10% deduction in the price you pay, please join their mailing list. Also, remember deliveries on orders over £35 are free, please check for details.

Check them out on socials:-

Instagram: @cocobachocolate

Facebook: @CocobaChocolate

Pinterest: @CocobaChocolate

TikTock: @cocobachocolate

Twitter: @CocobaChocolate

https://www.cocobachocolate.com

Embrace the Joy of a Debt-Free Christmas: Tips to Make it Happen

The Christmas season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebration. 

However, it can also be a season of financial stress and anxiety, as people often overspend in the spirit of giving. But it doesn't have to be that way!

With some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can have a debt-free Christmas and still enjoy the magic of the season. In this blog post, we will explore some practical tips to help you achieve a debt-free Christmas without sacrificing the joy and warmth of the Christmas season.

Set a Realistic Budget

The first step in having a debt-free Christmas is setting a realistic budget. Take a close look at your financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on gifts, decorations, and festivities. Remember that your budget should cover not only gifts but also other Christmastime expenses such as travel, food, and entertainment, too.

Create a Gift List

Once you have a budget in mind, create a list of all the people you want to buy gifts for. Prioritise your list and allocate a specific amount for every person. Be mindful of your budget and avoid the temptation to overspend. Consider meaningful and thoughtful gifts that don't have to be very expensive.

Embrace Homemade and DIY Gifts

Homemade gifts can be incredibly meaningful and can save you a significant amount of money. Consider making personalised gifts such as handmade crafts, baked goods, or custom photo albums. Not only will these gifts be cherished by the recipients, but they'll also reflect your thoughtfulness and creativity. You can also hand make Chirstmas decorations, too, knitting, sewing, crafting gluing, etc!

Shop Smart

Take advantage of sales, discounts, and cashback offers whilst you are shopping for gifts. Compare prices and use price-tracking apps to ensure you always get the best possible deals. Consider shopping online to avoid impulse purchases that often happen in physical stores. 

Also, do remember that discount retailers such as Lidl, Aldi, Home Bargains, The Range, B&M Bargains, Savers, The Works, etc often retail items such as scented candles, perfumes and so on, at much better prices than department stores, so do check them out to potentially save some money.

Use Cash, Not Credit

When making your Christmas purchases, try to pay with cash or your debit card rather than using credit cards. Using cash helps you stay within your budget and avoid accumulating debt. If you must use a credit card, ensure that you have a plan to pay off the balance promptly to avoid interest charges.

Plan Christmas Time Activities That Don't Cost Too Much

Create memorable experiences with your loved ones without breaking the bank. Host a potluck dinner instead of an extravagant feast, enjoy a movie night at home, or participate in community events and free holiday activities like parades or tree lighting ceremonies.

Regift Thoughtfully

If you have items that you received as gifts and never used, consider regifting them to someone who might appreciate them more. Just be sure to rewrap and present them thoughtfully, and avoid regifting to someone in the same social circle who might recognise the gift.

Re-use Christmas decorations, whenever possible. Rather than automatically going out to buy more new Christmas lights, tinsel, decorations and the like, reuse festive decorations from previous years to make your home a festive winter wonderland. 

For example, my late Mother had a celluloid Father Christmas that her Father had bought which was at least 70 years old. It always had pride of place on the family's Christmas tree. And now it adorns the Christmas tree for my sister's little ones. You could start your own Christmas decorations tradition for your own family with Christmas decorations going from generation to generation, going down through the years? And how cool would that be?

Secret Santa or Gift Exchanges

Instead of buying gifts for everyone in your extended family or friends group, why not suggest a Secret Santa or gift exchange? This way, each person only has to buy only one gift and not several, and it can be a more thoughtful and meaningful present within a budget.

Start Saving Early

To prepare for a debt-free Christmas, consider setting up a dedicated savings account at the beginning of the year. Contribute a small amount each month, so you have a substantial sum by the time the holiday season arrives.

Conclusion

A debt-free Christmas is not only possible but also immensely rewarding. By setting a budget, getting creative with your gifts, and making mindful spending choices, you can enjoy the holiday season without the stress of financial debt. Remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the joy of giving and spending quality time with loved ones, not in lavish gifts or extravagant spending. So, this holiday season, focus on what truly matters, and celebrate the magic of Christmas without the financial burden.

You might find inspiration in a previous blogpost here https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/10/11-unique-and-budget-friendly-christmas.html

(Noel Picture courtesy of  VIVIANE M. from Pixabay)

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