The Traitors Card Game. The perfect family Christmas gift

The Traitors Card Game will be an absolutely fun game to be shared with friends and family this Christmas. It's made by Ginger Fox Games. 

It's been featured on BBC TV.

What happens during the game? You'll be immersing yourself in the very interesting world of The Traitors.

You'll be able to learn if  you have what it takes to outwit your fellow players. Can you survive to the end of this game which serves as the fun test of trust and treachery?

You'll secretly take on the role of  Faithful or Traitor whilst you are working together to build up a massive communal prize fund of Gold.

Faithful members must identify the Traitors amongst them and banish them to win their share of the Gold. But what must the Traitors do? They must stay underneath the radar, remaining undetected to the very end of the game, where they'll try to snaffle the special prize fund from under the noses of the Faithful members.

You need to get them before they get you!

There's also an option for digital play, too.

It's aimed at ages eight and upwards, aimed at being played by four to eight players and should take 30 to 45 minutes to play.

It costs £11.99 and you can buy them direct from Ginger Fox Games, here:-https://www.gingerfox.co.uk/products/the-traitors-2023-special-edition-card-game?srsltid=AfmBOoo2vD79Tv0eMt_0eKIL_oJ0XbijDDR5v8sbhasa6auY7SF_-7Xp

And there's a 10% discount, too.

There's a wide range of other games and toys available, too.

Age UK launches its Together, We're Not Alone Christmas Campaign

Age UK has launched its Christmas campaign, Together, we’re not alone, and is putting out a call for support and donations to help those facing the festive period by themselves.

Loneliness can become more common as we age, due to ordinary life changes such as the bereavement of a partner, increased mobility issues or health complications. 

Many also feel the need to sacrifice their social spending to be able to afford the rising cost of household bills, especially following the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment.

Last year, Age UK found that nearly 1.4 million older people said they felt more isolated at Christmas than any other time of the year, while a similar number told Age UK that they would be eating dinner alone on Christmas Day.

However, Age UK’s research also shows that change is possible, with nearly a quarter of those over 65 (3.1 million) agreeing that just a phone call or a visit from a loved one, friend or neighbour would make Christmas easier for them.

That’s why donating to Age UK’s Together, we’re not alone campaign is so important. Funds raised will help the Charity to continue its vital work in tackling loneliness amongst older people, by supporting its free, national services, including its Telephone Friendship Service, The Silver Line Helpline and Advice Line, all of which are crucial for those who have no one else to turn to.

Age UK Telephone Friendship Service user, Ted, 89, first began to experience loneliness when his wife of 67 years developed dementia. She was moved into a care home and sadly passed away a couple of years ago: “When Jess went, it was so lonely. She was my life. We did everything together. I miss being able to go into a room and give her a little cuddle and a kiss.

“Age UK is so important. If I’ve got a problem, I know I can phone them up and they will be there for me. I look forward to the call with my Telephone Friend, Lisa, every week. If I’m feeling down, she takes me out of myself. I organise my dinner around it so we can have a good chat. It’s a lifeline really.”

Dame Judi Dench, who is Age UK ambassador, said: “The idea of being completely alone and isolated at a time when so many people are coming together with their nearest and dearest rally breaks my heart. 

Dame Judi went on to say: "No older person should feel like they don’t have anybody to talk to which is why I’m supporting Age UK’s ‘Together, we’re not alone’ campaign. Please donate to Age UK if you can this Christmas. Your donations will truly help to change lives!”

Obviously, Age UK can’t be there without the public’s support, which is why the Charity is asking everybody to donate what they can this Christmas. Together, the Charity promises to help change the lives of older people. Together, we’re not alone.

To donate, please visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/christmasappeal. Age UK has also launched a new Loneliness Guide which features the Charity’s latest information and advice on the subject as well as bringing together lived experiences from different focus groups. This can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/loneliness-guide.

Discovering Genuine Artisan Cheeses for Your Christmas Cheeseboard

As Christmas draws near, many of us begin to prepare for festive gatherings and indulgent feasts. 

Amidst the mince pies, mulled wine, and roasted delights, one star of the holiday table often gets overlooked: the cheeseboard.

For those who appreciate the finer things, seeking out genuine artisan cheeses can elevate your festive spread and impress even the most discerning guests.

Why Artisan Cheeses?

In a world of mass-produced dairy, artisan cheeses stand out for their unique flavours, rich textures, and heritage. Unlike their factory-made counterparts, artisan cheeses are crafted in small batches by skilled cheesemakers who respect time-honoured techniques and use high-quality, often locally sourced ingredients. Each cheese tells a story of its region, the animals that provide the milk, and the hands that shape it.

The effort and care invested into creating these cheeses mean that you won’t find two batches exactly the same. This diversity makes artisan cheeses a delightful adventure for your Christmas cheeseboard, offering something unique for every palate.

What Makes a Perfect Christmas Cheeseboard?

A well-balanced cheeseboard is key to impressing your guests. You’ll want to curate a selection that offers a range of textures and flavours, from soft and creamy to firm and sharp. Here's a guide to building a cheeseboard that celebrates the best of artisan cheese-making:

1. Soft and Creamy

For the creamy category, a luscious brie or camembert is a festive favourite. Look for an artisan producer who uses unpasteurised milk for a richer, more complex flavour. English options like Tunworth or a locally made Somerset brie are fantastic choices. These cheeses are indulgent and best served with a crusty baguette or artisan crackers.

2. Blue Cheeses

No Christmas cheeseboard is complete without a blue cheese. Stilton, the ‘king of cheeses,’ is a British classic, but there are other exceptional blues to explore. A wedge of artisan Shropshire Blue adds a striking colour and deep, nutty flavour to your board. Or, for something truly special, seek out a smaller, lesser-known producer who crafts blue cheeses by hand.

3. Hard Cheeses

Cheddar is a staple for most cheeseboards, but if you want to impress, skip the supermarket versions and find a handmade, cloth-bound cheddar. West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, for example, is made using traditional methods and matured for at least a year, developing an earthy, nutty complexity. A crumbly Lancashire or an artisan Caerphilly also make excellent additions, adding a robust, savoury element to your selection.

4. Goat’s Cheese

For a fresh and tangy contrast, include a goat’s cheese. Artisan varieties often come with a natural rind and a more pronounced flavour than their mass-produced counterparts. Ticklemore or Ragstone are both British-made options, offering a beautifully creamy texture and a delicate citrus tang that pairs well with fruit or honey.

5. Washed-Rind Cheeses

For the adventurous, a washed-rind cheese can be a bold choice. These cheeses, often matured by repeatedly washing the rind in brine or alcohol, develop strong aromas and deep, complex flavours. Stinking Bishop, a British favourite, is famously pungent but delightfully creamy on the palate. It’s a real showstopper for those who enjoy more robust cheeses.

Where to Find Genuine Artisan Cheeses

Now that you’ve got a better idea of what to include, the next step is sourcing your cheeses. While supermarkets may stock some artisan varieties, for a truly authentic experience, consider visiting a local cheesemonger or a farmer’s market. Many artisan cheesemakers sell directly to consumers at Christmas markets or through specialist online retailers, offering a much wider selection than you’ll find on the high street.

If you're in the UK, look for cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which guarantees the product is made in a specific region using traditional methods. British classics like Stilton, West Country Cheddar, and Single Gloucester all boast this mark of quality.

You might also consider putting together a cheeseboard with international artisan cheeses. French Comté, Italian Gorgonzola, and Spanish Manchego can all add an extra layer of sophistication to your festive spread, and many specialist retailers import these delicacies.

Pairing Your Cheeses

Once you've curated your cheeseboard, consider the accompaniments. Serve your cheeses with a selection of artisan crackers, fresh fruit like grapes or figs, and a drizzle of honey or chutney. A crisp white wine or a rich, full-bodied red often pairs well with most cheeses, though for a truly festive touch, a glass of port with your blue cheese is a time-honoured combination.

This Christmas, treat your guests—and yourself—to the indulgence of genuine artisan cheeses. By selecting varieties that showcase craftsmanship, heritage, and unique flavours, your cheeseboard will be the highlight of the holiday feast. 

Whether you stick to British favourites or add some international flair, the art of cheese selection will ensure your festive celebrations are as delicious as they are memorable.

Traditional Christmas Celebrations in Estonia

Jõuluvana

As part of our series of Christmas celebrations in different parts of the world, we are now looking at Christmas in Estonia.

Estonia, a country nestled in Northern Europe, boasts a rich blend of ancient pagan customs and Christian traditions during its Christmas festivities. Estonians celebrate Jõulud, which translates to Christmas, with a distinct combination of folklore, family warmth, and a deep respect for nature. 

The season is marked by several unique rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations, making Christmas in Estonia a magical and intimate affair.

Advent and Christmas Markets

The Christmas season in Estonia officially begins with Advent, which Estonians observe with candlelight and reflection. Each Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit to symbolise hope, peace, joy, and love. It's a time of quiet anticipation for the main event, and many homes are adorned with wreaths and festive decorations.

One of the key features of Estonian Christmas celebrations is the Tallinn Christmas Market, located in the capital’s medieval town square. This market is often ranked among the most beautiful in Europe and features wooden stalls selling traditional crafts, mulled wine (known as glögi), and delicious holiday foods. At its heart is a towering Christmas tree, a tradition dating back to 1441, making Tallinn the first city in Europe to display a public Christmas tree.

Jõuluvana: Estonia's Father Christmas

Estonia’s version of Father Christmas is known as Jõuluvana. Much like the British Father Christmas or Santa Claus, Jõuluvana brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. However, there is a charming twist – children often perform a song, poem, or dance to receive their presents, adding an element of joy and engagement to the gift-giving process.

Jõuluvana traditionally arrives during the family’s festive meal, either in person or with gifts left under the Christmas tree. In more rural areas, he might be represented by a family member or neighbour, maintaining the personal touch of the celebration.

Christmas Eve: A Time for Family and Feasting

Christmas Eve, or Jõululaupäev, is the most important day of the Christmas season in Estonia. Unlike in many Western countries where Christmas Day holds more significance, Estonians gather on the evening of the 24th for a family meal and the exchange of gifts. The holiday is a time to honour loved ones, both present and departed.

Estonians traditionally prepare a hearty Christmas meal featuring dishes like pork roast, blood sausages (verivorstid), sauerkraut, and potatoes. Accompaniments such as cranberry jam and mustard are also common. Dessert might include piparkoogid (spiced gingerbread cookies) and kringle (a sweet, braided bread). A vital part of the Christmas table is hapukapsas (sauerkraut), which is fermented in a way unique to the region, giving it a special flavour.

Sauna Tradition

One of the most unique and ancient aspects of Estonian Christmas traditions is the Christmas sauna. Estonians have a long-standing relationship with the sauna, and Christmas Eve is considered one of the best times to enjoy it. Families gather to relax and purify themselves in the sauna before their festive meal, symbolising a fresh start for the new year. This practice is especially cherished in rural areas where traditional wood-fired saunas are still prevalent.

Honouring the Ancestors

In addition to family gatherings and feasts, many Estonians observe the practice of visiting cemeteries on Christmas Eve. Lighting candles at the graves of deceased loved ones is a significant part of the celebration, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. Estonian cemeteries are often illuminated with thousands of candles, creating a beautiful and poignant scene that reflects the deep respect Estonians have for their ancestors.

Jõulupuu and Decorations

Like in many other parts of the world, Estonians decorate Christmas trees, known as jõulupuu, as part of their festive traditions. The tree is usually set up in homes a few days before Christmas Eve and adorned with candles, baubles, and straw decorations. Straw is particularly important, symbolising the agricultural roots of the country and the old pagan customs that pre-date Christianity.

The use of straw goats, or jõulukits, is another traditional decoration, often placed under the Christmas tree or around the home. In Estonian folklore, the Christmas goat was a mischievous figure who delivered presents before being replaced by the more benign Jõuluvana. However, the goat figure remains a popular symbol during the holidays.

The Christmas Day

Although Christmas Eve is the focal point of Estonian Christmas, Christmas Day itself is quieter, often reserved for relaxation and reflection. Families may attend church services, with the midnight mass on Christmas Eve being especially popular. The day is usually spent visiting relatives or continuing the festivities with close family.

Estonian Christmas celebrations are a beautiful blend of pagan and Christian traditions, highlighting the country’s deep connection to nature, family, and history. From the lively markets of Tallinn to the quiet moments of reflection by candlelight in cemeteries, Estonians celebrate Christmas with a strong sense of community and reverence for the past. 

Whether through the warmth of a family sauna, the joy of giving with Jõuluvana, or the lighting of Advent candles, Estonian Christmas is a time to cherish both the present and the memories of those who have come before.

The £20 Christmas Charity Shop Challenge: Festive Fun for Great Causes!

As the festive season approaches, many of us are looking for ways to make Christmas a bit more meaningful, affordable, and fun. 

One brilliant way to combine all three is by organising a Christmas Charity Shop £20 Challenge. 

This challenge is a creative and cost-effective way to spruce up your Christmas decorations while supporting charities and having a blast with family, friends, or work colleagues.

What is the Christmas Charity Shop £20 Challenge?

The concept is simple yet exciting. Each participant is given a budget of £20 and tasked with visiting local charity shops to purchase Christmas-themed items. 

Whether it’s ornaments, fairy lights, tinsel, cards, or any other festive knick-knacks, the goal is to find the best and most unique Christmas items within the budget.

At the end of the challenge, everyone shows off their haul, and a winner is crowned for the best finds! The prize could be something small but fun, like a quirky Christmas hat, or perhaps an extra £10 donation to the charity of the winner’s choice.

How to Organise the Challenge

Gather Participants

Invite family members, friends, or colleagues to join in the festive fun. This challenge works perfectly as part of a Christmas party, a weekend outing, or even as an icebreaker for office celebrations. The more people involved, the merrier!

Set a Budget

The £20 budget is key to keeping things affordable and fair. While some charity shop prices can vary, this amount is usually enough to pick up several lovely Christmas items. It also encourages people to be a bit thrifty and creative with their finds!

Choose a Timeframe

Depending on schedules, you could set a time limit for the challenge. For example, give everyone an hour or two to visit different charity shops, then reconvene to showcase the treasures they’ve discovered. Alternatively, if time is tight, participants could be given a week to complete the challenge at their own pace.

Set Criteria for Judging

Once everyone has completed their shopping, gather to share your purchases. You could judge the items based on different criteria, such as:

Most Festive Find: Something that really captures the spirit of Christmas.

Most Unique Item: The weird and wonderful Christmas item nobody expected.

Best Bargain: Who found the best value for money?

Best Overall Haul: The best combination of quality and quantity.

Announce the Winner

After the judging, award a prize to the person with the best haul. While the main goal is to have fun and support charity, a small prize adds an extra layer of excitement. You could even do a fun Christmas-themed quiz or activity as part of the awards ceremony!

Why Charity Shops?

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, but charity shops offer a budget-friendly way to embrace the season without breaking the bank. By shopping at these stores, you’re not only finding unique decorations but also supporting charitable causes. Many charity shops raise money for a range of important work, from local hospice care to international aid.

What’s more, charity shops are treasure troves for all sorts of festive finds. You never know what you’ll come across – from vintage baubles to handmade ornaments, there’s always something special just waiting to be discovered. And by reusing and recycling Christmas items, you’re also giving a nod to sustainability, which is particularly important in the current climate.

The Joy of Giving

At the heart of Christmas is the spirit of giving, and the Charity Shop £20 Challenge embodies this beautifully. Not only are you giving back to charitable causes, but you’re also sharing in a fun, festive experience with loved ones. The items you find will likely become a cherished part of your Christmas décor, with the added warmth of knowing they came from a good cause.

So, if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to celebrate the festive season this year, why not try the Christmas Charity Shop £20 Challenge? It’s budget-friendly, charitable, and full of festive cheer – the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.

Ready, set, Christmas shop!

But I'm Not That Keen on Wine! How to Pair Beer and Cider with Christmas Foods and Cheeses

As the festive season rolls around, many of us find ourselves knee-deep in rich Christmas dinners, endless cheese platters, and indulgent puddings. 

For some, the natural beverage accompaniment is wine—perhaps a spicy red or a crisp white. But what if you're just not that keen on wine? If you’re more of a beer or cider enthusiast, don’t worry. 

There are plenty of exciting pairings that will not only complement your Christmas spread but elevate it. Here’s how you can enjoy your favourite brews with traditional festive fare.

Starters: Light, Crisp, and Fresh

Food: Prawn Cocktail, Smoked Salmon Blini

Pair with: Lager or Pilsner

When starting with something light and fresh, like a prawn cocktail or smoked salmon, you want a beer that won’t overpower the delicate flavours. A crisp, clean lager or pilsner is a great match. These beers have a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the seafood and cuts through the richness of the cream or butter often used in starters. Alternatively, a dry cider can also work wonders here, with its bright acidity complementing the briny seafood notes.

Main Course: Roasts and Trimmings

Food: Roast Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, and all the Trimmings

Pair with: Pale Ale or English Bitter

Christmas dinner is a hearty affair, full of bold flavours and plenty of richness. A pale ale, with its moderate bitterness and fruity notes, works brilliantly alongside roast turkey and stuffing. The malt character of the ale will enhance the caramelised elements of roast vegetables, while the bitterness cleanses the palate after bites of rich gravy and cranberry sauce. If you prefer something more traditional, an English bitter is an excellent choice, offering a mild hop flavour that complements the savoury herbs in your stuffing and roast.

Food: Roast Beef or Lamb

Pair with: Stout or Porter

If beef or lamb is more your Christmas choice, go bold with a stout or porter. These dark beers, with their roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate undertones, stand up well to the intense flavours of red meat. A stout with a slightly sweet, creamy finish can balance out the savoury notes of the gravy, while a porter’s rich, roasted character adds depth to the dish. Think of it as the beer version of a full-bodied red wine.

Cheese Course: A World of Possibilities

Food: Strong Cheddar or Stilton

Pair with: IPA or Barleywine

Cheddar, especially an aged one, needs something equally robust to stand up to its sharpness. An India Pale Ale (IPA), with its pronounced hop bitterness and citrus notes, is a wonderful contrast to the creamy, salty tang of mature cheddar. If you’re tackling a blue cheese like Stilton, a barleywine is a match made in heaven. This strong ale, with its malty sweetness and complex flavours, balances the funkiness of the blue cheese, creating a harmonious pairing. We laid down several bottles of our homemade barleywine for our Christmas feasting. We made it during the summertime.

Food: Brie or Camembert

Pair with: Belgian Dubbel or Wheat Beer

For softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert, opt for something a little lighter but still full of flavour. A Belgian Dubbel, with its rich malt character and subtle spice, is an intriguing partner for these creamy cheeses. Alternatively, a wheat beer, with its fruity and slightly tangy profile, can cut through the richness of the cheese while complementing its earthy, mushroom-like undertones.

Puddings and Dessert: Sweet but Not Too Sweet

Food: Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies

Pair with: Spiced Ale or Cider

Christmas pudding and mince pies are packed with rich fruits, warming spices, and plenty of sweetness. A spiced ale, brewed with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, mirrors the flavours in the pudding without overwhelming it. If you’re more of a cider fan, a traditional mulled cider or a sweeter, still variety can be an excellent pairing here. The tartness of the apples cuts through the richness of the dessert, while the sweetness complements the dried fruits.

Food: Chocolate Yule Log

Pair with: Milk Stout or Cream Ale

Chocolate desserts can be tricky to pair, but a milk stout, with its sweet, creamy texture and hints of chocolate, is the ideal companion for a rich yule log. The malt sweetness and mild bitterness help balance the dense chocolate, while the smooth finish makes each bite more indulgent. A cream ale, with its light sweetness and smooth mouthfeel, is another great option, providing a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the dessert.

So, even if wine isn’t your cup of tea (or pint of beer), you can still enjoy the perfect Christmas feast with the right beer or cider in hand. From the seafood starters to the cheese course and all the way through to pudding, there’s a brew for every bite. So, raise a glass—be it a pint or a bottle—and cheers to a merry and beery Christmas!

Pairing Wine with Cheese: A Beginner's Guide for Your Christmas Dining

As the festive season approaches, the joy of sharing good food and drink with loved ones becomes a key part of our celebrations. 

Wine and cheese, timeless staples of Christmas feasting, are a perfect match for creating a luxurious yet simple dining experience.

But with so many varieties of both, pairing them can feel a little daunting, especially for beginners. 

Fear not—this guide will help you make delicious combinations that will impress your guests and elevate your Christmas table.

Understanding the Basics of Pairing

When it comes to pairing wine with cheese, it’s all about balance. The idea is to match the intensity of flavours and textures, ensuring that neither the wine nor the cheese overpowers the other. Lighter wines typically pair better with delicate cheeses, while more robust wines complement stronger, aged cheeses.

A general rule of thumb is to look for wines and cheeses that originate from the same region. Traditional pairings often stand the test of time because local produce and flavours naturally complement one another. However, don’t be afraid to experiment—part of the fun is discovering your own favourites.

Classic Wine and Cheese Pairings

Brie and Champagne Brie, with its creamy texture and mild flavour, pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine or Champagne. The bubbles and acidity of Champagne cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. This is a sophisticated choice for a Christmas appetiser or a casual afternoon gathering.

Goat’s Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc The tangy, slightly earthy flavour of goat’s cheese finds a perfect partner in the crisp, citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc. This combination is particularly refreshing and ideal for lighter Christmas starters or as part of a festive cheese board.

Cheddar and Cabernet Sauvignon Aged Cheddar is rich, sharp, and full of flavour, making it a great match for the bold and tannic qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s structure complements the intensity of the cheese, making this pairing an excellent choice for a hearty Christmas meal or for indulging in an evening cheese course.

Blue Cheese and Port For those who enjoy stronger cheeses, blue varieties such as Stilton or Roquefort pair wonderfully with sweet wines like Port. The saltiness and bold flavour of blue cheese are mellowed by the sweetness and richness of the Port, creating a festive and indulgent experience that’s perfect for Christmas.

Parmesan and Chianti Parmesan, though often thought of as a grating cheese, also makes a fabulous pairing with red wine. Its nutty and slightly salty flavour pairs well with Chianti, a medium-bodied Italian red. The acidity in the wine balances the richness of the cheese, making this a great combination to serve alongside Christmas nibbles or during a main course.

Tips for Your Christmas Cheese Board

Mix Textures and Flavours: Aim to offer a variety of cheese types, including soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses, as well as mild and strong flavours. This will give your guests the chance to experience different pairings and enjoy a more dynamic cheese board.

Serve at the Right Temperature: Cheese should be served at room temperature to allow its full flavour and texture to develop. Take it out of the fridge about 30–60 minutes before serving.

Accompaniments Matter: Complement your cheese and wine pairings with a selection of festive accompaniments such as nuts, fresh fruit, chutneys, and crackers. A drizzle of honey over blue cheese or a handful of walnuts beside your Brie can elevate the experience.

Label Your Cheeses: If you’re hosting a Christmas gathering, label the cheeses on your board so your guests know what they’re tasting. You could also include recommended wine pairings to make it easier for everyone to explore the flavours. Pickled walnuts or caramalised walnuts are awesome with cheese.

Pairing wine with cheese doesn’t need to be complicated—it’s all about balancing flavours and enjoying the experience. Whether you stick to classic combinations or get adventurous with new pairings, the key is to have fun and embrace the festive spirit. This Christmas, elevate your dining experience by curating a beautiful wine and cheese selection, and delight your guests with perfect pairings that will have them raising a glass to your culinary skills.

Cheers to a delicious and merry Christmas!