It's STILL looking a lot like Christmas! Some Christmas markets are still open for business!

Reading's Christmas market will remain open until January 7th. Edinburgh is keeping its Christmas Market open until the day before Reading's, January 6th.

Remaining in Scotland, we learn that Glasgow’s Christmas markets will also stay open until after the New Year, closing on January 4th. 

Southampton’s festive markets will also stay open until right up to January 2nd, giving shoppers a whole 48 hours after the turn of the New Year or 8 days to keep the festive spirit alive.

So, if you are within reaching distance of any Christmas Market that is still open, why not pop along and see if you can find yourself a nice festive bargain or two?

That's Christmas would like to thank the Business Name Generator website for helping us prepare this blogpost.

https://businessnamegenerator.com/the-best-christmas-shopping-cities

Trussell Trust reveals new figures on emergency food parcel needs. Learn how you can help

New figures released by the Trussell Trust showed 1.5 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September 2023 by food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network. This is the most parcels the network's ever distributed at this point in the year and represents a 16% increase from the same period in 2022.

Low incomes, especially from social security, debt, health conditions and issues with social security payments such as delays or sanctions were the main reasons people were left with no option but to turn to food banks for help.

A record 540,000 food parcels were provided for over 265,000 children living in families who couldn't afford the essentials. That's an 11% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the continuing rise in need for the support provided by food banks.

The new data also revealed 65% of all the parcels provided by Trussell Trust food banks between April and September this year were for families with children.

Furthermore, the charity has reported an alarming 320,000 people have needed to use a food bank for the first time in the past six months, warning food banks are at ‘breaking point’ as more people in communities across the UK find themselves unable afford the essentials.

The Trussell Trust believe the situation is unlikely to change in the coming months with this stark new data leading them to forecast that food banks in their network will distribute more than a million emergency food parcels between December 2023 and February 2024 – the equivalent of providing a parcel every eight seconds this winter.

Jess Holliday, Deputy CEO at Eastbourne Foodbank said: “At Eastbourne Foodbank, our donations are down even as need remains very high. We are deeply concerned about the alarming rise in the number of children needing our support. 

"Last month, 633 of the food parcels we provided were for children. Day after day, people tell us they simply don’t have enough money to buy the basics. A client told me, ‘I have sold my car. I have sold everything and cut everything out. But that’s still not enough. All I want is enough money to pay the basic bills and have some left to buy my own food.'”

In order to reduce these relentless levels of need, the Trussell Trust is calling on the UK Government to use the upcoming Autumn Statement to build on its work to protect households on the lowest incomes.

Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust said: “These statistics are extremely alarming. An increasing number of children are growing up in families facing hunger, forced to turn to food banks to survive. A generation is growing up believing it’s normal to see a food bank in every community. This isn't right.

“Rising hunger and hardship have devastating consequences for individuals and our communities, damage the nation’s health and hold back our economy. People in work, as well as people who cannot work, are increasingly being pushed into debt and forced to turn to a food bank to survive.

“That’s why the UK Government must build on its work to protect people from increasingly severe hardship and commit to putting an Essentials Guarantee into legislation, to embed in our social security system the widely supported principle that, at a minimum, Universal Credit should protect people from going without essentials."

The Trussell Trust is encouraging people to show their support for people facing hardship by signing a petition urging UK political party leaders to support the introduction of an Essentials Guarantee to ensure that the basic rate of Universal Credit at least covers life’s essentials, such as food and bills.

That's Christmas believes that the spirit of Christmas must be with us all year round. So if you can offer any help to your local foodbank, please do so. Even if it's buying a couple of extra items of food during your regular shopping trips and donating these, as everything helps.

Also, supermarkets such as Morrisons and Tesco offer special schemes to help to ensure food gets to people in need, so do look out for these.

To learn more about The Trussell Trust please visit them here:- https://www.trusselltrust.org

Your Ultimate Christmas Day Checklist: Creating Memories and Magic

The Christmas season is here, and with it comes the joy and excitement of Christmas Day. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy day with loved ones, planning is key to ensure a perfect Christmas celebration. 

To help you navigate the yuletide festivities, we've compiled the ultimate Christmas Day checklist. Follow these steps to create a memorable and magical day for everyone involved.

Decorate with Care:

Start the day by immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit. Deck the halls with festive decorations, hang stockings by the chimney, and don't forget the twinkling lights. A well-decorated space sets the stage for a joyful Christmas celebration.

Festive Feast Planning:

Plan your Christmas menu well in advance. Whether you're cooking a traditional turkey dinner or opting for a unique culinary experience, make a detailed shopping list. Check for any dietary restrictions or preferences among your guests, and ensure you have all the ingredients you need for a delicious feast. (And make sure your turkey is properly defrosted if you have a frozen bird.)

Perfect Presents:

Double-check your gift list and make sure you have thoughtful presents for everyone. Consider adding a personal touch, such as handwritten cards or customized gifts. Don't forget to have a designated area for unwrapping presents, it adds an extra layer of excitement to the day.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere:

Ensure your home feels warm and inviting. Set up a cozy corner with blankets and cushions, and if you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, light it up for added ambiance. Create a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes to play in the background.

Plan Engaging Activities:

Have a plan for entertainment that suits all ages. Whether it's board games, a Christmas movie marathon, or a sing-along session, having a list of activities ensures that everyone stays engaged and entertained throughout the day.

Capture the Moments:

Assign someone the role of family photographer or set up a camera on a tripod to capture candid moments. These pictures will serve as cherished memories for years to come. Encourage everyone to put down their phones and be present in the moment.

Schedule Downtime:

Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, so schedule some downtime for relaxation and reflection. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa or a stroll around the neighborhood to admire the lights, taking a break will help everyone appreciate the magic of the season.

Spread Holiday Cheer:

Encourage guests to bring a little something for charity, whether it's a canned good, a toy, or a small donation. It's a simple way to spread the holiday spirit and make a positive impact in your community.

Stay Flexible:

While planning is essential, be prepared to adapt. Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, so if things don't go exactly as planned, embrace the spontaneity and enjoy the day for what it is.

Express Gratitude:

Before the day comes to an end, take a moment to express gratitude. Whether it's through a heartfelt toast or a round-the-table sharing session, acknowledging the love and joy in the room adds a meaningful touch to your Christmas celebration.

By following this comprehensive Christmas Day checklist, you'll be well-prepared to create a festive atmosphere filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. From decorations to delicious food, thoughtful gifts to engaging activities, each element contributes to the magic of the season. Embrace the spirit of Christmas and enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest as you celebrate this special day together.

And That's Christmas would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry and Happy Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Also, thank you to all the PR firms and companies who have helped us to make That's Christmas such a joy to publish.

Christmas gifting disaster? That's Christmas has it covered!

Sometimes Christmas gifting can go awry for a variety of reasons. And they're usually not your fault, either. 

A warehouse burns down, a delivery firms goes bankrupt, a Royal Mail Sorting Office goes on strike, a retailer promises to deliver but, in reality, they never had them in stock are only a short list of the problems that can result in a gift going AWOL.

No matter what the reason or excuse for you being let down, you will probably feel guilty, even though it's not your fault. You probably think "It's not my fault, but it is my responsibility."

So, what can you do to make sure that the person who should have been the recipient of your gift doesn't go without a present on Christmas Day?

Amazon Gift Vouchers which you can send electronically or print off, depending on how you want to deal with it.

Also, how about a Wetherspoon gift voucher which they can exchange for meals and/or drinks?

There are also other retailers who offer electronic gift vouchers and All4One (and similar companies) offer physical or electronic gift vouchers that can take the place of the missing gift. And after the New Year you can get on to the retailer or delivery company who let you down to see how they intend to make things right for you. 

(Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

A positive experience for temporary retail staff will boost the Christmas spirit, says expert

With retailers expecting an uptick in footfall this Christmas and increasing temporary hiring as a result, employment screening and identity verification expert, Sterling, has urged employers to use this opportunity to create better relationships with workers.

According to the latest Barclays Business Barometer, 60% of retailers are expecting to see more customers instore compared to online shopping estimates, with 82% planning to rely on temporary resources. With the data also showing that almost a third of retailers are hiring in greater numbers than previous Christmases, Sterling has highlighted that now is the time to invest in improving the hiring experience for workers, including temporary staff.

Steve Smith, President International at Sterling commented: “Seasonal workers have always played a significant role for retailers during Christmas, but it would seem as optimism grows across the sector, many firms are increasing their reliance on those not currently in full-time employment. However, these temporary workers aren’t just valuable in December. It’s important for employers to treat them as the longer-term commodity they really are."

He went on to say: “Retailers will often welcome the same short-term employees back time and again, and not just around the December rush. Temporary staff are increasingly being used as the backbone of the retail sector. However, to ensure they want to return, employers are having to provide the best experience for these workers, and that includes getting them through the screening process quickly. 

"With competition for this segment of the workforce increasing, it will be the brands able to screen and onboard temporary workers quickly that win both now and in the long run. In order to deliver this on the scale that’s needed, retailers are going to have to increasingly rely on remote screening and digital identity verification that’s quick, seamless for the end user and, perhaps more importantly, allows for the reuse of certifications in the future.”

(Image courtesy jacqueline macou of Pixabay)

The ideal Christmas gift for a foodie. Tickets for the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival

The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival is back for 2024, returning to London for its fourth installment with a host of new features and a fresh line-up of big-name contributors, including headliner Nadiya Hussain.

The TV chef, best-selling author and winner of the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off, will appear on the Main Stage on Saturday 20 July, where she’ll be treating visitors to a live cooking demonstration peppered with tales from her own kitchen.

The Main Stage

Nadiya will be joined by a host of big-name chefs, cooks and food personalities on the Main Stage, who’ll be cooking up some of their signature dishes. Visitors can look forward to demonstrations by the likes of Nisha Katona, Matt Tebbutt, Ravneet Gill and Richard Corrigan. Expect further announcements over the coming months.

Authors’ Area, Masterclass Theatres & More

In the authors’ area, visitors can catch interviews with writers behind some of the most exciting recent food releases. Elsewhere, the Masterclass Theatres offer attendees the special chance to pick up cookery tips from guest chefs representing cuisines from all over the world, while the newly expanded Wine & Spirits Theatre will host a programme of expert-led tutorials and tasting sessions.

Looking ahead to next year’s show, Glen Mutel, editor of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) says: “It’s great to be back on the festival calendar and I’m confident the 2024 edition will be our best ever. Not only will we welcome some of the food world’s most exciting talent to our stages, but we’ll be combining new ideas and fresh features with all the elements that have made the festival so memorable in previous years.”

Festive Ticket Offer

Tickets are on sale now, just in time for Christmas gifting to the foodies in your life. It's the perfect Christmas gift for food lovers and travel enthusiasts, single day tickets are currently £10 plus booking fees- and that’s a third off the full ticket price.

foodfestival.natgeotraveller.co.uk

nationalgeographic.com/travel

Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK

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Instagram: instagram.com/NatGeoTravelUK

The National Geographic Traveller (UK) digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle devices: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital

Baileys crowned as Brits' favourite tipple and Christmas pud pairing

Baileys is declared to be the nation’s favourite festive tipple, with 47% of Brits naming it as their Christmas drink of choice.

The results form part of a survey of over 1,000 people by liquor infused ice cream company LiQ, with Baileys beating the likes of prosecco, mulled wine and seasonal coffees or hot chocolates to take the top spot.

The study also found Christmas pudding to be Brits’ festive dessert of choice, garnering 31% of votes. And, not content with just enjoying the popular Irish cream brand as a drink, over a quarter of respondents stated they prefer Baileys infused cream as their Christmas pudding accompaniment of choice, second only to the traditional option of custard.

The festive survey follows the launch of LiQ’s new range of ice cream pralines which bring together two British Christmas favourites, Baileys and ice cream.

Jorgo Struyve, co-founder of LiQ, said: “Baileys has become synonymous with the festive season for many Brits over recent years, so it wasn't a surprise when it claimed the top spot. It’s become an iconic part of many people’s festive celebrations, whether they prefer to have it poured over some ice while sitting by the fire, a splash in their hot drink or drizzled over their Christmas pudding, there are so many ways to enjoy Baileys. That’s why we couldn’t think of a more perfect combination for our new pralines.

“Our new Baileys ice-cream pralines, offer another exciting way for Brits to enjoy their favourite tipple this Christmas. They can be enjoyed on their own or as an accompaniment to their Christmas pudding or favourite dessert, making them the perfect way to celebrate the festive season.”

The results of LiQ’s festive survey are also backed up by Google data which found searches for Baileys recipes peak around the festive months, with 12,100 searches for Baileys recipes last December, compared to an average of 2,100 searches each month. Last December also marked an increase in searches by 17%, compared to December 2021 which saw 9,900 searches for Baileys recipes, showing Brits still can’t get enough of the creamy and dreamy Irish cream drink.

The bitesize treats are indulgent bites of smooth vanilla ice cream, infused with Baileys and enrobed in crisp Belgian milk chocolate, with an Irish cream heart.

Made to be enjoyed on their own or as a special dessert accompaniment, the ice cream pralines are ready to eat straight from the box for the perfect festive treat.

Launched in 2017 by co-founders Jorgo Struyve and Nicolas Destoop when they were students, the idea for LiQ’s ice cream pralines came from the pair wanting to market an ice cream experience designed for adults. The brand focuses on offering indulgent experiences through its strong partnerships with global alcohol brands like Baileys.

Since its launch, LiQ has enjoyed immense success internationally, with its pralines stocked in over more 6,000 shops across eight countries, cementing the brand as one of the leaders in the alcohol infused ice cream market.

LiQ Baileys pralines are currently available in over 300 Morrisons stores across the nation, as well as all COSTCO stores and via delivery service Ocado.

To learn more about LiQ, including a full list of all Morrisons stores its ice cream pralines will be available at, visit: https://www.liq.cool/en

Incidentally this survey disproves at least one other survey that claimed pudding was on the way out! Perhaps the secret is to serve it with Baileys and some LiQ Pralines? 

And they are available at the Morrisons store nearest to us! That's good to know!