Choosing eco-friendly Christmas crackers
Christmas crackers are a much-loved Christmas dinner tradition in most UK homes (including mine) – but they are also incredibly wasteful and bad for the environment. So how can we make them more eco-friendly? Luckily there are lots of environmentally-friendly options to choose from. And as a massive 154 million Christmas crackers are pulled in […]
How to write a Christmas round-robin newsletter
Boastful and annoying Christmas round-robin newsletters have given them a bad name – but, done well, they can also be a brilliant way to keep in touch. In my experience they help keep friendships alive and spark conversations that would never have happened if all I’d sent was a signed Christmas card. But how do […]
The 10 best ever Christmas films
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without spending a good chunk of time watching Christmas films on repeat. I’m not the only one who feels this way, judging by the passionate response I got on social media when I asked you to let me know your favourite Christmas movies of all time! But what makes […]
My top five advent calendar ideas
Advent calendars are an important part of Christmas for lots of children, adults…and pets! But do you know how and when the Advent calendar tradition began? Here’s a short history for you to impress your friends with and share with children. German-born Gerhard Lang is considered to be the producer of the first printed Advent […]
My favourite Christmas e-card websites
If you’re on a budget this Christmas, e-cards are a cost effective way of sending friends and family your festive greetings. There are some great value electronic Christmas cards available – including a few free ones and some (often short!) free trial periods – so you could save on the cost of physical cards, plus […]
Embracing a more eco-friendly Christmas
If we all make just one or two small changes to reduce our environmental footprint this Christmas, it could be hugely beneficial to the planet. We’re less likely to panic buy things that we don’t really need if we plan ahead – so just by being more Christmas organised you’re most likely reducing your negative […]
The best UK Christmas markets
Visiting a Christmas market is one of my must-do Christmas traditions – it’s one of the first fun festive things I do each year and it marks the start of the celebrations! I love the lights, the atmosphere, the chance to buy Christmas decorations and gifts – and sampling some warming and delicious glühwein to […]
Christmas organising you can do in March
Sometimes I feel there’s a bit of a lull in Christmas organising in March. In January I’m still ‘in the zone’ and there’s obvious jobs to be done like tidying and storing things away after the festive season. By the end of February I’ve usually reviewed how last Christmas went, updated my Christmas card list […]
Planning for your pets at Christmas
Ever since my sister became proud owner of Indie the beagle I’ve been aware of the importance of planning ahead for pets at Christmas. Lots of people have become pet owners over the last couple of years, so there’s even more reason to get their Christmas care booked early if you know you’re going to […]
Christmas traditions inspiration from around the world
Every year I look forward to Christmas traditions that my family and I have celebrated for as long as I can remember – some of them since my childhood. But it can be good to introduce some new ones from time to time, especially if you’re not finding your existing ones enjoyable anymore! For example, […]