Tuesday 3 October 2023

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Hope Spring launches first sets of charity Christmas eCards

Herefordshire based, international clean water advocacy charity, Hope Spring, has today announced the launch of its first set of charity Christmas greetings ecards for 2023. 

The international development NGO has released a set of Christmas eCards annually as part of its fundraising efforts in the last quarter of each year, for the past three years.

The set of Christmas eCards announced is titled the twelve cats of Christmas, a tongue in cheek parody of the popular twelve days of Christmas song. The twelve cats of Christmas eCards featured one breed of popular cat breed found in British homes each day leading up to Christmas. 

The dozen cats featured included the popular and most common moggy to the exotic Korat and Bengal cats.

Says Hope Spring eCard platform and social media manager Seun Olonade “Cat lovers will appreciate and enjoy receiving the twelves cats of Christmas eCard as a Christmas greetings card”. 

She went on to say: “The inspiration for the twelves cats Christmas card came from a mixture of the popularity of our cats charity birthday ecards and my fondness for the twelve days of Christmas song!”

The twelve cats of Christmas and other ecards to be launched in the coming weeks, are expected to help Hope Spring water Christmas fundraising efforts. The holiday period around December is one of the busiest for Hope Spring fundraising platform and for other charities in the UK in general.

A successful fundraising campaign in the last quarter of this year, will enable Hope Spring to fund some of their outstanding well and borehole projects in 2023. You can view and send the twelve cats of Christmas ecards at Hope Spring ecards website. You will also find more information about their clean water advocacy projects on their homepage.

https://www.hopespring.org.uk

Timor Release a Modern Successor to the Legendary WWW (Dirty Dozen)

The Timor Watch Company is thrilled to unveil its latest masterpiece, the Modern Field 100M. Drawing inspiration from their iconic field watches, the Modern Field 100M is the pinnacle of utility; it's a blend of history and innovation, encapsulating the legacy of the revered Dirty Dozen while heralding a new era of watchmaking excellence. 

This watch represents the next step in our journey, seamlessly merging the past's robustness with today's elegance and functionality. And That' Christmas feels sure it will be the ideal Christmas gift for the watch enthusiast in your life.

Key Features:

Durability and Elegance: Crafted to endure the toughest of challenges, the Modern Field 100M embodies the strength and resilience required for today's battleground. Yet, its elegance and usability make it suitable for any adventure.

Specifications: With a diameter of 36.5mm, thickness of 12mm, and weight of 94g, this watch is designed for comfort. It boasts a water resistance of 10ATM (100M, 330ft), ensuring reliability in most water encounters. The watch features a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Sellita Modified SW260 movements, and is made with 316L stainless steel with an anti-glint PVD finish.

Highly Legible Dial: No more squinting or searching for the correct angle! The time is clear, day or night, ensuring that a rapid glance is all you need.

Anti-Glint Coating: The Modern Field 100M features a matte black anti-reflective PVD coating, ensuring discretion when it matters most, adding a touch of stealthy sophistication.

Water Resistance: Designed to be a trusty companion in rain, river, or during a rigorous workout. (Note: While robust, it's advised against using this watch for diving.)

For Everyone: While it's the successor to their esteemed military field watches, the Modern Field 100M is for everyone. Its simplicity, durability, and elegance make it the perfect accessory for adventurers, professionals, and everyday enthusiasts alike.

Pricing and Availability: The Modern Field 100M is priced at £990.00. Pre-orders opened today and will be shipping next Summer, 2024.

For more details and to be notified when the Modern Field 100M becomes available, visit Timor Watch Company.

Founded in 1923 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Timor Watch Company quickly gained a reputation for crafting durable Swiss watches. During World War II, Timor was among the legendary "Dirty Dozen" watchmakers that produced timepieces for the British Military. 

After navigating challenges like the quartz crisis, Timor made a resurgence by returning to its roots, focusing on iconic WWII designs. Now headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, Timor continues its legacy with modern interpretations of classic designs.

https://timorwatch.com.

A Very Social Spirit! Celebrate Togetherness at Xmas With Masons of Yorkshire's Personalised Products, Award-Winning Gins and Vodkas, All Locally Produced in Yorkshire

Following on from our previous blogpost featuring amazing personalised Christmas gifts, That's Christmas brings you news of Masons of Yorkshire.

Ten years ago, gin lovers Karl and Cathy Mason set up a Facebook page about their favourite spirit. They were posting reviews of their delicious finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page, joining in the chat and sharing their gincredible finds too.

It took a lot of time to manage thousands of comments and reviews - and then the couple had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time? And Masons of Yorkshire was born. The distillery was the first to open in Yorkshire, right at the start of the gin boom that swept across the UK and beyond.

This year the company celebrates a decade of distilling. 24 people are now employed at the stunning state-of-the-art distillery in beautiful Bedale, North Yorkshire, which is open for tours and events all year round. Masons of Yorkshire has won countless awards the world over, (over 180!) and exports products internationally. 

With a gin portfolio consisting of the 10th Anniversary Gin, Original, Tea Edition, Orange & Lime Leaf, Pear & Pink Peppercorn, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Fruit of the Tropics and English Lavender, the Masons have lent their expert hand to crafting Luxury British Vodka, and sales have doubled in the last year as at-home cocktail enthusiasts and bars discover the smoothness of the Original, Citrus, Espresso and Chocolate expressions. 

Now a proudly carbon-neutral business, Masons of Yorkshire will dedicate the next 10 years to creating business and jobs for local people as sustainably as possible, building on a legacy of creating award-winning 'no gimmicks' gin and vodka, and being at the forefront of British produced distilled spirits.

Stand out products for stand out gifts, let your family and friends know how much you treasure them by sending the original and best.

Perfectly Personalised Presents

They can personalise their award-winning range of Gins and Vodkas with up to 20 characters on the front label. From £37.95 for 70cl.

The serious Gin for the serious Gin Lover - 52% abv

To mark the 10 year anniversary, Masons of Yorkshire has released a special edition gin, with the star of the show being juniper, to celebrate the plant that started it all. The gin has been crafted to be juniper rich, to share with the gin aficionados and gin lovers out there that have supported the brand.

In addition to the juniper, the gin also features other key botanicals such as coriander, fresh lime and bay leaf. These botanicals add complexity to the gin, making it a well-rounded and delicious spirit.

The gin features two different varieties of juniper, distilled three ways: pot still, vapor basket, and vacuum distillation. It's bottled at 52% ABV, 10% higher in ABV than the Masons of Yorkshire Original Edition, (1% for every year!) a punchy flavour fitting for a 10th anniversary celebration and the perfect strength to deliver a juniper hit. The gin will be presented in a beautiful presentation box, made from fine linen with foiled copper detailing. The ultimate in luxury gin.

Available from www.masonsofyorkshire.com. £45 for 70cl, 52% ABV.

Stocking Fillers - Luxurious Gin and Vodka for under £25

Why not treat Santa to something a little special this year? Swap the cookies for a miniature bottle of Masons to enjoy with a tonic under the tree?

These perfectly formed presents also make absolutely wonderful stocking fillers, or why not save them for Christmas Dinner? The smooth flavours will make amazing aperitifs for your guests on arrival.

The Taste Experience Gift Set, £22.50

Each pack includes five miniature 5cl bottles of Masons gin including The Original, Tea Edition, Pink Grapefruit & Cucumber, Pear & Pink Peppercorn and Orange & Lime Leaf. Perfect as a gift for all premium gin lovers, or why not treat yourself?

Vodka Miniatures Gift Set, £16

The Masons Vodka Gift Set bundle includes all three of their original Vodkas: Classic Vodka, Espresso Vodka & Citrus Vodka, now in a 5cl miniatures tasting set. It's ideal to explore the flavour, clarity and smoothness their Vodkas have won awards for. Perfect as a gift set to treat a vodka lover.

Classic Vodka: Designed with clarity and freshness in mind. Savour the crisp, gloriously smooth characteristics of Masons Classic Vodka over ice, in long drinks or as a base for your favourite cocktails.

Espresso Vodka: Masons Espresso Vodka is slowly distilled for smoothness. Delicately nuanced with vapor-infused coffee beans from El Salvador results in a taste experience of rich, silky coffee.

Citrus Vodka: Masons Citrus Vodka is distilled for smoothness and quality. Citrus is delicately vapor-infused through the process to create a vodka with crisp and punchy citrus notes.

As we say, ideal, personalised Christmas presents, but this time for the gin and vodka lovers in your life!

11 Unique and Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, filled with love, laughter, and the joy of giving. While it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas gift shopping, finding unique and budget-friendly Christmas gifts can be a rewarding challenge. 

This year, why not surprise your loved ones with gifts that show thoughtfulness and creativity, without breaking the bank? In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 10 unique and inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that are certain to bring smiles to the faces of your friends and family members.


Personalised Ornaments

Create custom ornaments that reflect the recipient's interests or special memories. Whether it's a photo ornament or one with their name beautifully crafted, personalised ornaments are both sentimental and affordable, too.


Homemade Treats

Put your culinary skills to work and bake a batch of homemade cookies, fudge, or other treats. Package them in decorative containers or jars, and add a heartfelt note. Homemade goodies are always appreciated.


Home filled wicker hamper

Everyone loves a special wicker hamper filled with delectable Christmas treats such a mince pies, Christmas cakes, Christmas puddings, waxed cheeses, wines, beers, liquors, spirits, scented candles, trinkets and special, quirky gifts. You can easily obtain your own wicker basket (we buy ours from The Works https://www.theworks.co.uk and fill them up with whatever we think the intended recipient will love. Especially helpful if you want to create a bespoke wicker hamper for someone who has health issues such as being a coeliac, vegan, etc.  


Indoor Plant

A small potted plant, such as a succulent or a mini herb garden, can be a thoughtful gift that brings a touch of nature to a loved one's home. It's a gift that keeps on giving.



DIY Photo Album

Create a scrapbook or photo album filled with cherished memories and mementos. You can find budget-friendly albums at craft stores, and it's a wonderful way to relive special moments.


Handmade Jewellery

Craft a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery using beads, wire, or even polymer clay. Personalize it to match the recipient's style and taste. Handmade jewellery carries a unique charm and sentimental value.


Customized Recipe Book

Compile a collection of your favourite recipes or family recipes and present them in a beautifully decorated notebook or binder. Add personal touches like handwritten notes or cooking tips.


Film Night Kit

Put together a cosy film night kit with popcorn, their favourite cinema-style sweets, and a DVD or a streaming service gift card. It's a thoughtful gift that encourages relaxation and quality time.


DIY Candles

Make your own candles with scents that you know the recipient will love. You can find candle-making kits and supplies at craft stores, etc. And the end result is both personal and functional, too.


Personalised Calendar

Create a custom calendar featuring photos or artwork that hold special meaning for the recipient. They can enjoy a year filled with memories and reminders.


Craft Kits

Give the gift of creativity with a DIY craft kit. Whether it's knitting, painting, or making handmade soap, there are numerous affordable kits available that provide hours of creative enjoyment. They can be found at craft stores, B&M Bargains, Home Bargains, The Range, on Amazon, etc.

Finding unique but inexpensive Christmas gifts doesn't have to be a daunting task. By putting thought and effort into your gift-giving, you can show your loved ones how much you care without breaking the bank. 

Whether it's a personalised ornament, homemade treats, or a handmade craft, these thoughtful gifts are sure to warm the hearts of those you cherish. This Christmas season, let your creativity shine and celebrate the spirit of giving in a meaningful and budget-friendly way. You'll have fun sourcing them and creating them and the recipient will have a special and unique Christmas gift that is personal to them.

You'll find more details of what to do, where to go and what to buy in this blogpost

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-not-try-crafting-for-christmas.html

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Exploring the Magic of Worldwide Christmas Markets

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, cities and towns around the world transform into enchanting wonderlands filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the irresistible aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Christmas markets, a beloved tradition in many countries, offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season. In this blog post, we will embark on a virtual journey to discover some of the most captivating Christmas markets around the world.

Strasbourg, France - The Capital of Christmas

Located in the heart of Alsace, Strasbourg is often hailed as the "Capital of Christmas." The city's Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Strasbourg's charming half-timbered houses provide the perfect backdrop for the market's 300 stalls, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to mouthwatering Alsatian specialties. The centerpiece is the Grande Île, where a towering Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights casts a magical glow over the festivities.

Vienna, Austria - A Fairytale Wonderland

Vienna's Christmas markets are renowned for their elegant and traditional charm. The city hosts several markets, each with its own unique character. The Rathausplatz market, in front of Vienna's City Hall, features a giant ice skating rink, while the market at Schönbrunn Palace offers a regal backdrop for festive shopping. Visitors can savor Austrian delicacies like apple strudel and enjoy classical music performances throughout the season.

Nuremberg, Germany - The Christkindlesmarkt

Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is a quintessential German Christmas market experience. Dating back to the 16th century, it boasts a picturesque setting in the city's Old Town. The market is famous for its handmade wooden toys, gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), and the Christkind, a young angelic figure who opens the festivities with a prologue. Don't forget to try the Nuremberg sausages served with sauerkraut.

Prague, Czech Republic - A Bohemian Christmas

Prague's Christmas markets are set against the stunning backdrop of the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The markets here are known for their intricate handmade crafts, like delicate glass ornaments and wooden toys. Enjoy a warm cup of svařák (mulled wine) while taking in the beauty of the city's Gothic and Baroque architecture illuminated by festive lights.

Toronto, Canada - A North American Gem

While European markets often steal the spotlight, Toronto's Christmas Market deserves recognition. Located in the Distillery Historic District, this market has a unique charm with its Victorian-style decorations and a massive Christmas tree. The market offers an array of artisanal goods, from local crafts to international delights, and it's a perfect place for families with its carousel and Santa's house.

Tokyo, Japan - A Taste of Christmas Abroad

Tokyo may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but it offers a delightful blend of Japanese and Western holiday traditions. The German-style Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park offers a taste of Europe in the heart of Japan. Visitors can enjoy German sausages, mulled wine, and shop for European-style crafts while surrounded by a stunning winter illumination display.

Conclusion

No matter where you find yourself during the holiday season, there's likely a Christmas market nearby, each with its unique charm and cultural influences. From the enchanting markets of Europe to the unexpected delights of North America and Asia, these markets offer an opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in diverse and wonderful ways. So, this year, consider adding a visit to a Christmas market to your holiday itinerary and create unforgettable memories surrounded by festive cheer.