Jingles the Christmas Elf and Midnight the Kitten. A Christmas story

Once upon a time, in the enchanting North Pole village, there lived a little Christmas Elf named Jingles. Jingles was a particularly small and adorable elf, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a heart full of Christmas cheer. 

He was known for his nimble fingers and his incredible talent for creating the most intricate and beautiful Christmas ornaments in the whole village.

One chilly December morning, as Jingles was busy crafting delicate glass baubles for Santa's tree, he heard a soft, mewling sound coming from behind his workbench. Curiosity piqued, he peeked around the corner and discovered a tiny, black kitten shivering in the snow. It had big, round, expressive eyes that seemed to sparkle with the same mischievous twinkle as Jingles.

"Oh my goodness, you poor thing," Jingles exclaimed. He carefully scooped up the little kitten and cradled it in his arms. "I'll call you Midnight," he said, as he stroked the kitten's velvety fur.

Jingles decided to take Midnight inside and offer him some warm milk and a cozy blanket. Midnight, grateful for the kindness, purred contentedly and snuggled close to Jingles. The two of them quickly became the best of friends.

As the days passed, Jingles and Midnight were inseparable. They went on all sorts of holiday adventures together. They built miniature snowmen and created a tiny elf-sized sleigh for Midnight to ride in. They danced around the Christmas tree as Jingles hung up his exquisite ornaments, their laughter filling the air with joy.

One evening, as Jingles was placing the finishing touches on a sparkling star ornament, he noticed Midnight's eyes fixed on the beautiful bauble, filled with wonder and curiosity.

"You like it, don't you, Midnight?" Jingles asked. Midnight responded with an enthusiastic purr.

With a mischievous grin, Jingles decided to let Midnight help with the final ornament. He handed Midnight a tiny silver bell and showed him how to attach it to the ornament's ribbon. Together, they worked on it, with Jingles guiding Midnight's tiny paws. The end result was a masterpiece, a beautiful ornament that shimmered and tinkled with the magical touch of a Christmas Elf and the love of a little black kitten.

Christmas Eve arrived, and the North Pole was buzzing with excitement. Santa and his reindeer were preparing for their journey around the world to deliver gifts. Jingles and Midnight joined the other elves in the village square, singing Christmas carols and sipping hot cocoa.

As the time neared for Santa's departure, Jingles hung the ornament they had created together on the tree. The whole village gathered around to admire its beauty. Midnight, now a cherished member of the North Pole family, sat proudly on Jingles' shoulder.

The moment Santa's sleigh took off, the tree and all the ornaments began to glow with an enchanting light. It was a sight to behold, and the magic of Christmas filled the air. Midnight's eyes sparkled even brighter as he gazed at the shimmering tree.

In that magical moment, Jingles and Midnight felt the true spirit of Christmas – the joy of giving, the warmth of friendship, and the wonder of the holiday season. It was a Christmas they would never forget, and they knew that they would be friends for many more magical Christmases to come.

And so, in the heart of the North Pole village, a little Christmas Elf and a black kitten found the most extraordinary gift of all – the gift of each other's love and the enchantment of a forever friendship, shining as brightly as the stars on a snowy Christmas night.

(Image courtesy of Andreas Lischka from Pixabay)

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Pop the Bublé, it's official: Michael Bublé to star in Asda's Christmas AD

Seasonal speculation has been rife, but Asda has confirmed popular singer Michael Bublé as the star of its Christmas show in a new 60-second teaser.

The rumours are true! Multi-platinum-selling global superstar Michael Bublé has been confirmed as the star of Asda’s 2023 Christmas campaign – well and truly kicking off the countdown to the festive season.

Giving fans a sneak peek of its much-anticipated Christmas advert, and a taste of what’s to come, Asda has released a 60-second teaser, created by Havas London, that finally puts seasonal speculation to rest as Michael makes his merry debut as the retailer's latest seasonal recruit.

The teaser, which premieres this morning, 1 November, during ITV’s Good Morning Britain sees Asda colleagues relaxing in a break room mid-shift until they’re disturbed by an unusual ‘gurgling’ sound as the clock ticks to midnight. Journeying through a fantastical festive warehouse to find its source, they eventually reach a door marked ‘MB inside. Do not open ‘til 1.11.23’. As the door swings open, a lone figure is revealed, silhouetted in the spotlight: it’s Bublé, who turns to the camera and breaks into the classic ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’. “Shall we?”, he implores with a smile.

But what festive fun does Asda have in store for the charming Canadian this Christmas?

Fans won’t be left wondering for long, as the best is yet to come. Stay tuned for Asda’s 90-second show-stopping Christmas ad due to air on 4 November.

David Hills, Asda’s Chief Customer Officer says: “At Asda, we absolutely love Christmas and this year we’re once again on a mission to bring that warm, festive feeling to households across the UK. Today, we’re putting the speculation to rest and confirming that the legend that is Michael Bublé is partnering with us this Christmas to put on a showstopping performance. With Bublé’s undeniable ability to spread seasonal smiles and our commitment to quality, at great value, we’re a match made in heaven, proving Asda is a one-stop-shop for families seeking magic this Christmas.”

To watch the first instalment, visit: https://youtu.be/uaQ3GxLpLZI Or check out the above video.

Exciting news for Meal Deal lovers! Tesco spreads Christmas cheer with Mini Mince Pies

As Christmas approaches, shoppers can get themselves into the Christmas spirit by adding a festive treat to their Meal Deal. 

For the first time ever, customers can pick up a two pack of Tesco Mini Mince Pies as a snack with their lunchtime Meal Deal in stores now. 

Tesco’s popular Christmas sandwiches get an extra boost with the option to select a limited-edition snack to take festive feasting at lunchtime to the next level with Mini Pork & Cranberry Pies and Pigs in Blanket Flavour Sausage Rolls alongside the Mini Mince Pies.

With millions of combinations available, the Tesco lunchtime Meal Deal is unrivalled for choice and value. Clubcard members pay just £3.40 for a main, snack and drink (£3.90 without a Clubcard).There is also an exciting new festive sandwich this year - the Tesco Festive Duo - a delicious combination of one Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich and one Chicken, Bacon & Stuffing Sandwich.

For some added luxury, customers can select a Premium Meal Deal which includes premium mains such as the limited-edition Tesco Finest Spiced Duck & Pomegranate Chutney Wrap or Tesco Finest Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich with a snack and drink from the wider Meal Deal range for only £5.00 for Clubcard holders (£5.50 without a Clubcard).

Tesco Brand Manager, Violaine Barthe, said: “We know how much people enjoy adding a festive item to their Meal Deal in the run up to Christmas, it really symbolises the start of the festive season. This year the new range of festive Meal Deal snacks, including two Mini Mince Pies for the very first time, make great additions if you want to feel Christmassy or just love traditional Christmas flavours.”

Limited Edition Christmas snacks and mains will be available as part of the lunchtime meal deal until 8th January 2024.

Festive Meal Deal Mains:

Tesco Festive Duo Sandwich (NEW)

Tesco Finest Spiced Duck & Pomegranate Chutney (Premium Main – NEW)

Tesco Finest Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich (Premium Main – NEW)

Tesco Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich

Tesco Brie & Cranberry Sandwich

Tesco Smoked Ham & Wensleydale Sandwich

Tesco Gluten Free Chicken, Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce

Tesco Yule Hog Wrap

Tesco Plant Chef Bright Spiced Butternut Squash & Chestnut

Tesco Chicken Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce Sub

Festive Meal Deal Snacks:

Tesco 2 Mini Mince Pies (NEW)

Tesco Pigs in Blanket Flavour Sausage Rolls (NEW)

Tesco 2 Tesco Pork & Cranberry Pork Pies  

Fridge Raiders Chicken & Stuffing Bites 

Stock up for Christmas wines with Aldi's amazing deals

Shoppers can stock up for Christmas with bottles of red, white and rosé for as little as £3.49. the promotions run right up until New Year’s Eve  

To celebrate the countdown to Christmas, Aldi is reducing the prices across its best-selling AND award-winning wine range in the lead-up to Christmas.  

Shoppers stocking up can save up to 65% on some classic winter wines, meaning they can pick up a £10 bottle for under £3.50!

Nineteen bottles will be on offer across eleven weeks; but shoppers will have to be quick, the price drop is limited to just one week for each bottle! 

6th November – 12th November

Specially Selected Gavi (WAS £7.99, NOW £4.99 – SAVING 38%, 75cl)

Moving into November, shoppers can enjoy an incredible 38% off Aldi’s Specially Selected Gavi. A deliciously fresh white wine with blossom, banana and apricot kernel aromas. A breath of summer in the depth of winter.

13th November – 19th November

Pierre Jaurant French Fitou (WAS £7.99, NOW £4.99 – SAVING 38%, 75cl)

This hearty autumnal red boasts flavours of plum, blackberry and spice with aromas of bramble fruits and blueberry for a full-bodied and well-structured finish.

20th November – 26th November

The Garden Route South African Sauvignon Blanc (WAS £7.99, NOW £3.49 – SAVING 56%, 75cl)

For those who’d rather something fresh and grassy, The Garden Route South African Sauvignon Blanc can deliver (and at amazing value too), with notes of asparagus, green pepper and gooseberry.

27th November – 3rd December

Estevez Chilean Malbec (WAS £5.79, NOW £3.49 – SAVING 40%, 75cl)

Smooth and juicy, the red offers ripe black fruit flavours with a slight herbal freshness on the finish – a bargain buy for under £4!

Savvy shoppers can expect to start making savings every week. We’ll raise a glass to that!

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Asda customers can pick up Christmas dinner for a family of six, for just £4.17 per head

This year, Asda customers can purchase a frozen Christmas dinner for six for just £25, working out at only £4.17 per head.

Including a turkey crown and seven sides, the same products are cheaper this year, than they were in 2022.

This offering will support families looking to cut the cost of Christmas this year, after Asda’s Income Tracker reveals disposable income continues to fall for 60% of UK households.

As Christmas gets ever nearer and households look for ways to start spreading the cost, Asda customers can stock up on frozen Christmas dinner essentials in advance, packing the freezer to feed a family of six for a mere £4.17 per head.

Now available to purchase in-store and online, the same products would have cost a total of £27.29 last Christmas in 2022, meaning this year, Asda customers can pick up a Christmas dinner for even cheaper, saving £2.29.

Plus, customers don’t have to buy all of the products to get the best value, as every product has reduced in price since Christmas 2022.

The list of frozen Christmas dinner products, that will feed a family of six for just £25 are:

Asda Frozen Medium British Turkey Crown (2.2kg) – now £16, was £16.50 in 2022  

Asda Frozen Maple Pigs in Blankets (232g) – now £2.25, was £2.50 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Yorkshire Puddings (220g) – now 98p, was 99p in 2022 

Asda Frozen Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls (400g) – now £1.80, was £2.25 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Parsnips (680g) – now £1.25, was £1.80 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Brussels Sprouts (1kg) – now £1, was £1.25 in 2022 

Asda Frozen Crispy Roast Potatoes (800g) – now 75p, was 80p in 2022 

Asda Frozen Sliced Carrots (1kg) – now 97p, was £1.09 in 2022 

This announcement follows Asda’s latest round of price cuts on 232 branded and own-label products, as part of its continued support for families impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Insight from Asda’s latest income tracker also reveals that despite improvements in inflation figures, disposable income continues to fall for 60% of UK households, compared to the same time last year, with the lowest earning households having a deficit of £72 in disposable income per week.

According to research commissioned by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), 38% of people are buying more frozen food than last year, further showing the impact inflation is having on consumer spending.

Smart Asda customers are already saving up for Christmas using the Christmas Saver Cashpot in the Asda Rewards app, after its launch in August. The feature enables customers to transfer savings from their Cashpot into their Christmas Saver Cashpot as many times as they’d like, up to a maximum amount of £300 in total.

For customers planning ahead, Christmas grocery delivery and click and collect slots are already available to book online at Asda.com or via the Asda app. With over one million slots available in Christmas week, shoppers can get ahead of the festive season by adding their frozen dinner to their baskets early.

In time for Christmas, Paperchase launches in Tesco stores

Tesco is excited to announce the relaunch of the popular Paperchase brand in its stores and online, bringing a range of cards and stationary products to existing Paperchase fans, and to new customers.

The products, including greetings cards and gift-wrapping materials; party decorations and accessories; notebooks, calendars and diaries; and home accessories, will be landing in over 250 Tesco stores from today, as well as being available online in selected areas.

In addition, a selection of Christmas products will also be landing in stores this week, including greeting cards, gift wrap, decorations and crackers.

The launch of Paperchase in Tesco stores is part of its ambition to make shopping at Tesco Easily the Most Convenient, making it quick and easy for customers to pick up stationary items for work and school, or grab a last-minute greeting card, as part of the weekly shop. 

The introduction of Paperchase in stores will offer customers an even wider range of cards, gifting and stationery, to complement Tesco’s existing range.

The news comes following the announcement earlier this year that Tesco had bought the Paperchase brand and related IP.

Speaking about the relaunch, Jan Marchant, Managing Director of Home and Clothing at Tesco said:

“Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many, and we’re proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK. We know many customers will be excited to see Paperchase products returning to stores, and we also hope to introduce the brand to many new customers. We look forward to exciting and delighting stationary fans with new products and some old favourites – look out for them in your local store”.

Customers can check if their local store stocks Paperchase using the store locator function on Tesco.com