Wednesday, 23 October 2024
That's Food and Drink: Title: Crafting Artisan Chocolates: A Sweet Christ...
That's Food and Drink: Title: Crafting Artisan Chocolates: A Sweet Christ...: As Christmas draws near, finding that perfect gift for loved ones can feel like a challenge. While shop-bought items may be easy, there’s so...
How to Support Unpaid Carers and Their Loved Ones During Christmas
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These carers often juggle the demands of daily life alongside their caregiving responsibilities, leaving them little time to relax or enjoy the festive season.
As their family, friends, colleagues or community members, we can make a significant difference by offering practical and emotional support during this busy time.
Here are some meaningful ways to help unpaid carers and their loved ones have a more comfortable and enjoyable Christmas:
1. Offer Practical Help
Unpaid carers often struggle to find time for even the simplest of tasks, such as shopping, cooking, or household chores. Offering to help with these tasks can lift a massive burden off their shoulders.
Grocery Shopping: You could offer to do their food shopping, either for the carer or the person they are caring for. If you're unsure what they need, a gift card for a local supermarket can give them the flexibility to buy essentials when it's convenient for them.
Cooking Meals: A homemade meal, particularly one that’s easy to freeze and reheat, can provide much-needed relief. You could even prepare a Christmas dinner for the family so that the carer can enjoy a festive meal without the stress of cooking.
Household Chores: From cleaning the house to running errands, offering a few hours of your time to help with these tasks can give a carer the opportunity to rest or focus on their loved one.
2. Provide Respite Care
Caring for a loved one is often a 24/7 responsibility, leaving little time for the carer to take a break. Offering respite care, even for a few hours, can give them the chance to relax and recharge.
Take Over Caregiving Duties: If you're comfortable with the caregiving routine, you could offer to step in for a few hours or even a day. This will give the carer time to rest, run errands, or enjoy some personal time. Even a short break can make a huge difference.
Arrange Professional Respite Care: If the carer is hesitant to leave their loved one in unfamiliar hands, help them find a trusted respite care service that specialises in their needs, whether that’s for dementia care, disability support, or medical assistance. This could be a wonderful gift, providing them with the peace of mind they need to enjoy some time off.
3. Offer Emotional Support
Caring for a sick or disabled relative can be isolating, and many unpaid carers feel alone in their journey. Emotional support is just as important as practical help, particularly during the holiday season when feelings of isolation or stress can be heightened.
Check-In Regularly: Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can lift a carer's spirits. Reach out regularly to ask how they’re doing, listen to their concerns, and offer words of encouragement.
Invite Them to Social Gatherings: Carers may feel they cannot join in on festive activities because of their responsibilities. However, inviting them to social events, even if only for a short time, can help them feel included and give them a sense of normalcy. If they are unable to leave their home, consider visiting them with some festive cheer or organising a virtual gathering.
Be Patient and Understanding: Christmas can stir up a range of emotions for carers, from sadness to frustration, especially if their loved one’s condition has worsened over the year. Being patient, offering a listening ear, and simply being present for them can be incredibly comforting.
4. Give Thoughtful Gifts
While material gifts are not always necessary, a well-thought-out gift can show your appreciation and support for the carer. Consider gifts that can either help with caregiving or offer them some well-deserved relaxation.
Self-Care Gifts: Carers often put their own needs last. A gift like a massage voucher, a subscription box for relaxation, or a cosy blanket could encourage them to take a moment for themselves.
Practical Gifts: If you know the carer is in need of specific items to help with their caregiving duties, such as assistive devices, comfortable clothing for their loved one, or mobility aids, offering to help with these costs or finding these items for them can make a big difference.
Entertainment Subscriptions: Streaming services, audiobooks, or magazine subscriptions can provide much-needed entertainment for both the carer and the person they are looking after, offering a form of respite without needing to leave the house.
5. Include the Carer's Loved One in Festivities
Carers often prioritise their loved one’s well-being, and making sure the person they care for is included in the festive season can bring both of them joy.
Adapt Festive Traditions: Depending on the condition of the cared-for person, you may need to adapt certain traditions. For example, if the person struggles with mobility, consider bringing Christmas to them – perhaps decorating their room or planning a quiet, low-key celebration that doesn’t overstimulate them.
Spend Time with Them: If appropriate, spending time with the person the carer looks after can offer a welcome change of pace. Engaging in simple activities like watching Christmas films, reading festive stories, or just sharing some conversation can bring joy to both the carer and their loved one.
6. Respect Their Boundaries
It’s important to remember that every carer’s situation is unique, and not all offers of help may be suitable or accepted. While you may have the best intentions, some carers may prefer to manage on their own or may not feel comfortable accepting certain forms of assistance.
Ask First: Before stepping in, ask the carer how you can best support them. Respect their wishes and be prepared for the possibility that they may not want or need certain help.
Be Flexible: If a carer declines your offer, don’t take it personally. Circumstances change, and they may be more open to your help later on.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a time for giving, and offering help to unpaid carers can be one of the most meaningful gifts of all. Whether you provide practical assistance, emotional support, the fact that you are available, even if they cannot perhaps take up your offer of help will give them some comfort.
Give them the Christmas gift of comfortable travel
Experiencegift, the company behind the world’s leading travel gifting brands Flightgift, Hotelgift, and Activitygift, is excited to announce the launch of its newest innovation: Traingift.
Founded by entrepreneurs Loes Daniels and Jorik Schröder, Experiencegift launches the first gift card for train journeys across Europe.
Explains Loes Daniels, co-founder of Experiencegift: "As a frequent traveler myself, I understand the growing appeal of train travel over flying or driving.
"It's convenient, flexible, eco-friendly, and you can admire the scenery while staying connected to work or family.
"With Traingift, we're responding to this rising trend and offering the world a way to gift memorable train journeys. I’ve personally enjoyed the ease of traveling by train between cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and London, and I believe our customers will appreciate this experience as well."
Traingift provides access to Europe’s largest rail networks, covering in excess of 25,000 destinations in over 33 countries, from high-speed Eurostar trains to scenic Eurail and Interrail passes. Traingift recipients can redeem their cards for one-way trips or unlimited travel passes, opening the door to cities like Paris, Munich, Milan, and more.
By partnering with leading rail networks such as Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia, and Eurostar, Traingift ensures a wide range of options, whether for business travellers, vacationers, or eco-conscious explorers.
Available in multiple languages and 15 currencies, Traingift is designed to be as flexible as possible, appealing to customers worldwide. Gift cards are available as a premium physical gift voucher, featuring a custom image and text printed in high-quality photo resolution. Alternatively, for a quicker option, the gift can be sent digitally as a PDF or eGift, perfect for last-minute gifting.
"We believe in experiences over things. That’s why we created Traingift, to make gifting train travel as exciting and accessible as possible," added Loes. "Train travel is sustainable, scenic, and stress-free, and we’re excited to offer this new gift card for people to experience Europe."
Jorik believes this new gift card perfectly fits the current shift towards more sustainable, experience-focused travel options. "More people are opting for train travel because it’s greener, and it’s more convenient than flying.
"I have friends who’ve even given up flying entirely in favor of train travel. With Traingift, we're offering the ultimate gift for the conscious traveler, something that allows people to create unforgettable experiences while reducing their carbon footprint."
Loes and Jorik's entrepreneurial journey hasn't been without its challenges. Starting with just two people, they have grown Experiencegift to a team of 70 colleagues with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, and Athens.
"Building a company from the ground up is no small feat," shared Jorik. "We faced numerous hurdles along the way, including the unprecedented challenges to the travel industry posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to innovation and adaptability. During this time, we managed to improve our operations and grow our gift card brands to the successful company we are today."
The launch of Traingift is a major step forward for Experiencegift, whose other brands have seen rapid global growth. The company is now active in over 50 countries and has earned a reputation for being innovative, with a strong focus on providing a wide range of redemption options and a personalized gift experience.
Traingift is now available for purchase at www.traingift.com.
To us at That's Christmas it seems like the ideal Christmas gift for the travellers in your life.
Diwali Online Greetings Cards Launched Poverty Alleviation Charity
The charity posted on its blog that eight new Diwali ecards have been added to its Diwali ecard collection.
The site creates a new set of Diwali ecards every year, to give people that celebrate this important Hindu holiday the opportunity to send greetings to friends and family members far and wide.
This also raises money for Hope Spring water charity.
The new sets of Diwali online greeting cards are inspired by the theme; festival: lights. With the traditional Hindu wishes and greetings that goes with the festival. Some of the new designs have themes specifically designed to appeal to UK audiences. Any of the ecards can be personalised, addressed and sent to the recipients by email or shared to WhatsApp. Hope Spring eCards worked with its partner Charity eCards UK on the final designs.
Hope Spring eCard volunteer and platform manager Seun Olonade said of the new designs “we use some elements of AI in our new Diwali greeting cards designs. This helped us to come up with some radically new design concepts”. She added “I hope everyone who celebrates Diwali will come to our website to send one or more of the new ecards to their family or friends. They can send a Diwali card free of charge or make a donation”.
Previous Diwali ecard sent by users of the platform have made a significant contribution to the organisation’s water poverty alleviation project funds. The new Diwali greetings ecard and those of the past years can be viewed and sent from Hope Spring eCards website.
Ginger Fox Games: The Perfect Christmas Gift from Cheltenham
One brand that consistently offers such joy is Ginger Fox Games, based in the beautiful town of Cheltenham.
Known for their innovative and entertaining range of games, Ginger Fox is making waves in the UK and beyond, and their products are ideal for Christmas gifting. Here’s why.
A Touch of British Charm
Ginger Fox Games pride themselves on delivering products that are full of British wit and charm, often with a playful twist.
Their games aren’t just ordinary board or card games; they are experiences designed to bring people together. Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive evening with friends, their unique and engaging games provide hours of fun, sparking laughter, competition, and conversation. What better way to celebrate Christmas than with a gift that creates such memorable moments?
Something for Everyone
One of the great things about Ginger Fox is the wide variety of games they offer. Whether you’re shopping for a trivia lover, a puzzle enthusiast, or someone who enjoys quick-fire card games, there’s something for everyone. Their catalogue features everything from party games to family-friendly puzzles, and even brain teasers. For example, their Taskmaster Board Game (based on the popular TV show) is perfect for fans of the series or those who enjoy a good challenge. Alternatively, the Popmaster Quiz Game is great for music lovers who enjoy a good test of their knowledge.
What’s more, Ginger Fox regularly collaborates with popular TV shows, comedians, and brands, ensuring their products are always fresh, relevant, and in touch with current pop culture. These collaborations add a layer of familiarity and excitement, making their games perfect for Christmas gifts that feel both personal and entertaining.
Affordable and Accessible
Another reason Ginger Fox Games make ideal Christmas presents is their accessibility. Not only are the games available online and through various retailers, but they are also reasonably priced. This makes them perfect for everything from stocking fillers to more substantial gifts. Their quality is consistently high, ensuring that even the smallest purchase feels like a well-thought-out present.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Christmas is a time for family and friends, and what better way to spend those festive evenings than with a great game? Ginger Fox Games provide the perfect icebreaker for gatherings, whether it’s for the whole family or an adults-only party. Their games are designed to be inclusive, easy to pick up, and entertaining for all age groups, making them an essential addition to any Christmas gift list. Whether you’re looking for something to entertain after Christmas dinner or a competitive game to play on New Year’s Eve, Ginger Fox has you covered.
Supporting a British Business
By choosing Ginger Fox Games, you’re not just giving a great gift, but you’re also supporting a local British business. Based in Cheltenham, Ginger Fox is a growing company that continues to innovate in the games industry, all while maintaining a focus on quality, creativity, and fun. For those who like to shop local and support UK-based brands, gifting Ginger Fox products this Christmas is a wonderful way to do so.
As Christmas fast approaches, finding the right gifts can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, Ginger Fox Games from Cheltenham offer a fantastic range of options that are not only affordable but also guaranteed to bring joy and laughter to any household. Their combination of British humour, pop culture connections, and well-designed gameplay makes them a go-to for thoughtful, fun, and interactive presents this holiday season.
So, if you’re looking to give a gift that will be used, appreciated, and remembered, look no further than Ginger Fox Games – the perfect addition to your Christmas shopping list!
Celebrating Global Champagne Day: A Toast to Bubbles and Elegance
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| Image courtesy of vbosica of Pixabay |
This joyous occasion not only highlights the exquisite effervescence of champagne but also pays homage to the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into producing this iconic beverage.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply enjoy a glass on special occasions, Global Champagne Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in the sparkling delight.
The Origins of Champagne
Champagne originates from the Champagne region in northeastern France, where the unique climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for growing grapes. The region’s signature grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—are essential to producing the distinct taste and aroma associated with this sparkling wine.
The history of champagne dates back to the 17th century, when Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon began experimenting with blending different grape varieties and striving for consistency in quality. His efforts led to the creation of what we now recognise as champagne, and he famously said, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars,” upon tasting his first bottle.
How to Celebrate Global Champagne Day
Raise a Glass: The simplest way to honour Global Champagne Day is to pour yourself a glass of your favourite bubbly. Whether you prefer a classic brut, a rosé, or a vintage champagne, each sip is a celebration of the craftsmanship involved in its production.
Explore Local Producers: While Champagne itself is a protected designation of origin, many regions around the world produce sparkling wines that are equally delightful. Consider exploring local vineyards or tasting rooms to discover unique sparkling wines from the UK or other regions, such as Prosecco from Italy or Cava from Spain.
Pair with Delicious Food: Champagne is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. For a classic touch, serve it alongside oysters or caviar. Alternatively, try it with a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with pairing champagne with spicy dishes—its acidity and bubbles can complement a range of flavours beautifully.
Host a Champagne Tasting: Gather friends and family for a champagne tasting party. Provide a selection of different champagnes or sparkling wines, and encourage everyone to share their thoughts on each bottle. This can be a fun way to learn about the nuances of flavour, aroma, and texture while enjoying great company.
Educate Yourself: Take the opportunity to learn more about champagne production. Consider attending a workshop or tasting event, or simply read up on the subject. Understanding the different styles of champagne and the methods of production can deepen your appreciation for this luxurious drink.
The Future of Champagne
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the champagne industry is also evolving. Many producers are adopting sustainable practices, focusing on organic and biodynamic farming methods. This not only helps to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Champagne region but also enhances the quality of the grapes.
In addition, the rise of craft producers is making champagne more accessible and diverse than ever. Smaller, independent vineyards are experimenting with innovative techniques, leading to exciting new styles and flavours.
Global Champagne Day is a delightful reminder to savour the finer things in life. Whether you choose to celebrate with a glass of vintage champagne or a sparkling wine from a local vineyard, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and tradition behind each bottle. So, gather your friends, raise your glasses, and toast to the magic of bubbles this October! Cheers!
You can use Global Champagne Day to work out which Champagnes you can select for your Christmas festivities.
Fantastic Festive Twist: Christmas Jamaican Jerk Turkey Recipe
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| Image courtesy of h kama from Pixabay |
While the traditional roast turkey holds a special place on many dining tables, why not add a touch of the Caribbean to your celebrations?
This Jamaican Jerk Turkey recipe infuses your holiday feast with bold flavours and a delightful spice that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the jerk marinade:
1 whole turkey (about 4-5 kg)
4 spring onions, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons of dried oregano
2 teaspoons of allspice (pimento) berries
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (to taste)
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Juice of 2 limes
60ml soy sauce
60ml vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the basting sauce:
60ml honey
60ml soy sauce
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade: Begin by making the jerk marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the spring onions, garlic, thyme, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, Scotch bonnet peppers (careful with the seeds if you prefer less heat), brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the Turkey: Clean and pat the turkey dry with kitchen paper. Rub the jerk marinade generously all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. This will ensure that the flavours penetrate the meat. For the best results, marinate the turkey overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to work their magic.
3. Preheat the Oven: On Christmas Day, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. Roast the Turkey: Place the marinated turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting tin. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Roast the turkey for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on its size. A good rule of thumb is 20 minutes per kg.
5. Baste for Flavour: While the turkey roasts, prepare the basting sauce by mixing the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Baste the turkey with this mixture every 30 minutes to keep it moist and enhance the flavour.
6. Check for Doneness: To check if the turkey is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 75°C (165°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when the thickest part is pierced.
7. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is succulent and full of flavour.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the turkey with fresh thyme leaves and serve it alongside traditional Christmas sides like roasted vegetables, rice and peas, and gravy. Your guests will be delighted by the unexpected yet comforting combination of flavours that this Jamaican Jerk Turkey brings to the table.
This festive season, step outside the norm and embrace the vibrant flavours of Jamaican cuisine with this jerk turkey recipe.
It’s a beautiful fusion of tradition and Caribbean spice, perfect for creating lasting memories with friends and family.
So, put on your apron, crank up some reggae tunes, and get ready to serve up a Christmas feast that will be talked about long after the last crumb has been devoured. Happy cooking and merry Christmas!
We feel that you should serve this with suitable drinks from Jamaica. Appleton Estate Signature Jamaica Rum, Guinness West Indies Porter, Red Stripe Lager or Dragon Stout. All of which are generally available in the UK.
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