Category: North Edinburgh News

Last minute Christmas gifts from Fort Kinnaird

Christmas is just round the corner and to help visitors pick up any last-minute gifts they need for the big day, Fort Kinnaird has rounded up a selection of ideas to help make the search easier.

From fashion gifts to jewellery, there is something for everyone in this collection, with some retailers even offering gift wrapping services so any purchases can go straight under the tree. 

And late-night shopping continues at Fort Kinnaird for the festive season, with visitors able to take advantage of shopping until 9pm at selected stores on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd.

Here’s a roundup of the best gifts you can pick up at Fort Kinnaird:

Fashion

Fort Kinnaird is home to an abundance of clothing stores, from M&S to Next and H&M to Primark.

Timeless cashmere jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves from Marks & Spencer and Next are always a welcome surprise on Christmas morning, and Clarks remains the place to visit for men’s footwear. While Ugg’s Classic Ultra Mini Boots are topping the most-wanted lists at schuh along with Veja’s sustainable trainers.

Visitors can discover new looks at Fat Face, or head to Mountain Warehouse and Trespass for weatherproof jackets, walking boots and backpacks ideal taking with you on a long winter walk.  

Jewellery

If you’re thinking of a more luxurious gift, Beaverbrooks and Swarovski are the places to look for gorgeous keepsakes and timeless classics, with their team being on hand to make sure you pick up the most perfect present. 

For a tailored gift, visitors can head to the newly opened Pandora for a bracelet filled with carefully chosen charms plus rings, pendants and lab-created diamonds. 

Beauty 

With most wish lists this year including fragrances by Chanel and Dior and make-up sets from No 17, Maybelline and Benefit, Boots, Superdrug and The Perfume Shop are the places to go. While the Philips Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer, leather wash bags, and skincare gift sets can also be found in Boots and Superdrug and are this year’s grooming essentials. 

Holland & Barrett also have a range of special gift sets from CBD to self-care and sustainable heroes featuring calming tea bags, vegan snacks and naturally soothing beauty.

Gifts for children

With Smyths Toys, Hobbycraft and TK Maxx filled with great ideas for children’s presents, Christmas shopping for little ones is made easy at Fort Kinnaird. 

This year’s most wanted gifts include V-Tech designs, Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue, Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, Sylvanian Families, Squishmallows, Funko dolls and a big soft Bluey. 

Or if you’re looking for gift ideas for new parent and babies, Mamas & Papas has everything you need from Jellycat toys to soft, comforting clothes, blankets and accessories.

Foodie gifts 

This season’s must-buy recipe and food writing books, including Jamie Oliver’s One, Stanley Tucci’s Taste and Nadiya’s Everyday Baking are all available at Waterstones.

Fort Kinnaird is also a great place to find other special gifts for foodie lovers including chocolate boxes and panettone from Marks & Spencer, barista-grade hot chocolate and Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat and the latest kitchen gadgets from ProCook.   

Locally made gifts

Fort Kinnaird is home to independent stores including Born in Scotland which specialises in Scottish cards, gifts and crafts – perfect for Christmas. For sustainable and thoughtful gifts, The Leith Collective has beautiful clothes, homewares and gifts recycled, remade and repurposed by local crafts people.

Fort Kinnaird is open 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com. 

Edinburgh Castle gives the green light this Christmas in support of the NSPCC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Ice Rink and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions illuminated green on the longest night of the year on Wednesday, December 21, in support of the child protection charity, the NSPCC and its Childline counselling service.

On the same night, people dusted off their walking boots and took part in the charity’s 5k fundraiser in the city. The NSPCC invited families, friends and colleagues to get together for the sponsored walk to raise money to support it and its Childline service this Christmas.

On average, two children a minute contact Childline. The service’s counsellors receive calls about many concerns and issues, including abuse, neglect, self-harm, and anxiety.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support given by Edinburgh Castle and Camera Obscura in helping raise awareness of the NSPCC and its Childline service. It was fantastic to see them illuminated green on Wednesday evening.

“And thank you to all those who joined in and raised money for our Walk for Children. Every pound raised will make a difference and help Childline to be there for children, this Christmas and beyond.”

For anyone that took part in Walk for Children in Edinburgh, please remember to share any photos on social media using #WalkforChildren.

Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed

Improving the legal recognition system for trans people

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The legislation improves the system by which transgender people can apply for legal recognition through a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

Trans people aged 16 and older applying for a GRC will be required to make a legally binding declaration that they are already living in their acquired gender and intend to do so permanently.

The Bill includes safeguards against misuse of the system. It will be a criminal offence for applicants to make a false application. A new statutory aggravator and a risk‑based approach in relation to sex offences strengthen these protections.  

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “This is an historic day for equality in Scotland with the Gender Recognition Reform Bill being approved by parliament and by members of all parties.

“It simplifies and improves the process for a trans person to obtain a gender recognition certificate – which many currently find intrusive, medicalised and bureaucratic.

“The legislation makes no change to the reserved Equality Act 2010 and that principle is enshrined in the Bill. As I have made clear, the Scottish Government continues to support the provision of single-sex services and the rights of women.

“The passing of this bill is a significant step forward in creating a more equal Scotland, where trans people feel valued, included and empowered.”

Background

Factsheet and background to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

Cancer charity receives donation from Amazon

A cancer charity headquartered in Edinburgh has received a £6,000 donation following nominations of support from employees at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh. 

The donation was made to Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust, a charity that offers a support service to cancer patients and their families, during any stage of their treatment. 

The charity provides a range of workshops, one-to-one and group support to help people change the way people live with cancer. Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust is based in Glasgow but has operations across the UK. 

This donation from Amazon will go towards supporting people with cancer along with their friends and family. The donation can help to provide 2 full days of support at Maggie’s. 

Speaking on the donation, Oliver Masting, Director at Amazon Development Centre, Scotland, said: “The Maggie Keswick Cancer Caring Centres Trust provides free support and advice for families across Scotland and around the UK who are living with cancer.

“Its services are a lifeline for many families in our community and we wanted to support their impactful work with this donation. We hope it helps the staff and volunteers at the charity’s sites around the UK to continue helping those most in need.”

Amy Robertson, Centre Fundraiser from Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Centres Trust, added: “Thank you to the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland for their support and recognition.

“It is donations like this that help us continue to help patients and families in need.”

Kaukab Stewart MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, where the Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Centres Trust is located, commented. ‘This is a generous and very welcome donation to a hugely important charity which does such valuable caring work from its base in Glasgow Kelvin.

“Well done to the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland.’

Community donations are one of several ways in which Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than six million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.

Dog fosterers providing room at the inn this Christmas

Thanks to dog-loving volunteers in Scotland homeless hounds from Dogs Trust Dundee have found room at the inn this Christmas.   

As well as opening presents on Christmas Day, volunteer foster carers have opened their hearts and homes to dogs in need of a temporary abode whilst they wait to be adopted.   

Dogs Trust’s Home From Home scheme launched in 2015 to find foster homes for dogs that need a little extra care and attention, away from the hustle and bustle of rehoming centre life. This can include young puppies, older dogs and those that have lived their entire life in a home.  

Earlier this year Dogs Trust extended its Home from Home Scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Tayside, Perthshire and Fife. Two dogs will spend this Christmas in Dogs Trust foster homes in these areas with 34 being rehomed this year through the scheme. 

Volunteer foster carers also help to free up space in Dogs Trust kennels, something that has proved to be essential this year as the charity faces the busiest time in its history.  Since January, Dogs Trust has received a record number of enquiries throughout the UK from owners needing to rehome their dogs, and there are currently around 1,000 dogs on the waiting list to come into Dogs Trust care. 

Foster carers, Malcolm Rae and Judy Butellova, live in Glenrothes and Labrador/cross Seth is the first dog they have fostered through the scheme since October when they became fosterer carers.  

Malcolm said: “Being a foster carer is a new experience for us and we are finding it so rewarding, especially seeing the change in the dog as they settle into a home environment and their personality starts to emerge.

“We love lavishing our attention on them and taking them into our home whilst they wait to be adopted. Having a dog with us at Christmas is particularly special and we are looking forward to celebrating the festivities with Seth and spoiling him with a present or two.”  

Eight-year-old Seth, who came into Dogs Trust care after being found as a stray, is a super sweet boy who loves a snuggle on the sofa. He can be a little shy at first but soon comes round and when he does you have a best friend for life. He loves toys and thoroughly enjoys playing with his favourite ball. He’s housetrained and can live with children aged 16 and over. He enjoys walking with doggy friends and can live with another calm dog. 

Megan Wilkinson, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Dundee, said: “Our foster scheme means some of the dogs that have found themselves in our care can continue to enjoy the home comforts which come with being part of a loving family.

“Our team of volunteer foster carers are amazing and allow us to look after even more dogs as every dog in foster care, frees up a kennel for another dog in need. 

 “Christmas is often thought of as a time for family so we are so incredibly thankful to our fantastic foster carers taking in our rescue dogs at this special time of year. They are dedicated to providing our dogs with a safe and loving home environment whilst they await a visit from Santa and their new families.  

“For anyone who is a dog lover but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution.” 

Volunteer foster carers are provided with everything the dog needs including food, bedding and toys, and the charity will cover the cost of any necessary vet bills. They are also supported by the Dogs Trust team for guidance and advice whenever needed.    

If you can help or would like to find out more, please contact Dogs Trust Dundee on 0303 003 000 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk 

For more information about Seth or any of the dogs in Dundee patiently waiting to find their special someone check out our website https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming 

Charities share £189,000 national boost from Barratt Developments

— The housebuilder donated more than £80,000 in 2022 to good causes in the east of Scotland, from children’s recreation and sports groups to foodbanks and conservation trusts —

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £189,000 in donations across Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting health, employability and care among many other causes. This is done through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.

Over the last 12 months, Barratt Developments has provided financial support to a diverse mix of charities in the east of Scotland. Totalling a whopping £80,000, donations came at a vital time for many families, individuals and organisations affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

In light of this, the housebuilder made significant donations to a range of organisations which support families in need. St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides world-leading hospice care to those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was Barratt’s main charity in the east for 2022 – securing a £60,000 donation.

Other Lothian donation included a £10,000 donation to Social Bite, a £1,500 donation to Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, which rescues surplus food to make meals for those in need, and Edinburgh Food Project which received a £1,000 funding boost. East Lothian Roots and Fruits, which aims to make fruit and vegetables more affordable and therefore more accessible, also received a donation of £1,500.

Other organisations which received donations in the east of Scotland included Dnipro; which supports orphans in Ukraine, disability-focused Capability Scotland, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust and Sporting Start – a group that encourages young people to get active and enjoy sport.

Alison Condie, Barratt Developments’ Managing Director for East Scotland, said: “At Barratt, we’re committed to using our scale for good whenever and wherever we can. As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, it’s important that we give back to the areas in which we build and lead by example.

“There is so much vital work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we’re extremely proud to have been able to support these activities and help them continue during what has been a very challenging year.

“From foodbanks through to environmental projects, we’ve donated to a variety of causes this year and look to continue supporting such a diverse mix in 2023. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activity, and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.”

The full list of 2022’s beneficiaries includes:

•                  Highland Homeless, Inverness

•                  Aberdeen Cyrenians, Aberdeen

•                  Social Bite, Edinburgh

•                  The Coming Home Centre, Glasgow

•                  CATH, Perth

•                  St Columba’s Hospice Care

•                  Link Living

•                  Capability Scotland

•                  Cross Reach

•                  The Water of Leith Conservation Trust

•                  Sporting Start

•                  Edinburgh Food Project

•                  Four Square

•                  Dnipro

•                  Tenovus Scotland

•                  East Lothian Roots and Fruits

•                  Empty Kitchen Full Hearts

•                  Pink Saltire

•                  Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home

•                  Cash for Kids

•                  Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA)

•                  Perth & Kinross Foodbank

•                  Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation

•                  Trees for Life

•                  Hamish Dear Warm Hugs

•                  Ellon Castle Gardens – Bill Bruce Memorial Garden Project

•                  Elgin Sports Community Trust

•                  Cove Woodland Community Trust

•                  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland

•                  Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust – Seal Beach Project

•                  Dream, Believe, Achieve Highland

•                  The Leanne Fund

•                  Cash for Kids Coat Appeal 2022

•                  The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow

•                  The Lily Foundation

•                  Parklea Branching Out

•                  St Andrew’s Hospice – Thanksgiving Thistle Appeal                   

•                  The Simba Charity                                               

•                  Trust Jack Foundation                                        

•                  Kindness Homeless Street Team Glasgow

•                  Nil by Mouth                                       

•                  CHAP                                                                        

•                  CHAS

•                  Children 1st – Bairns’ Hoose Project                                                         

•                  The Prince’s Trust

•                  Glasgow Spirit of Christmas

•                  Canine Partners

•                  Selkirk Food Bank

•                  Stable Life

•                  Brake Road Safety

•                  The Wave Project

•                  Artbeat Scotland

•                  Earlston Scouts Group

•                  Rowlands, Selkirk

•                  The Difference, Special Baby Care Unit

Scotland’s pioneering rewilding project exceeds 50% of crowdfund target in less than three weeks

  • £271,320 of £500k target raised, so far from 239 (98 Scots) investors, with 10 weeks still to go
  • Halfway point comes as COP15 30×30 agreement reached to safeguard world’s ecosystems

Highlands Rewilding, Scotland’s 2,000-acre project focused on combating biodiversity collapse and climate meltdown, has raised over 50% of its £500,000 target in less than three weeks.

The crowdfund for mass ownership of the company Launched on 1st December and runs until the end of February. Exactly £271,320 (54.26%) has been raised from 239 investors, 98 of which are Scottish, so far.

The crowdfund’s milestone comes as the historic 30×30 deal at COP15 has been agreed, with 196 countries agreeing to the deal which aims to conserve 30% of the land, freshwater and ocean globally by 2030.

The Highlands Rewilding project intends to serve as an example of how citizen projects can help support the Scottish government reach their ambitious climate and biodiversity targets which are set on reversing nature loss by 2030 and substantially restoring and regenerating biodiversity by 2045.

Highlands Rewilding’s crowdfund encourages ‘citizen rewilders’ – those with a passion in the fight against climate meltdown and biodiversity collapse – to invest as little as £50 and anything up to £200,000.

Dr Jeremy Leggett, Founder and CEO of Highlands Rewilding, said: “We have been blown away and so encouraged by the support we have received from the nation’s citizen rewilders so far and thank every single investor for their support. Every pound really does count in enabling us to grow and expand the Highlands Rewilding model. We hope many more Scots will choose to join us in our quest.

“There has never been a more pivotal time for the nation to consider how nature recovery can support our world’s future, especially as the thirty-by-thirty deal has been reached at COP15 which makes a giant leap in conserving our land, freshwater and ocean globally. It acts as a hopeful exemplar of how grassroots projects, like Highlands Rewilding, can help governments meet their targets to safeguard vital ecosystems by the end of the decade.”

The ambitious Highlands Rewilding project, which stretches over 2,000 acres across two estates in the Scottish Highlands – Bunloit Estate in Inverness and Beldorney Estate in Aberdeenshire, – is pursuing a business model to scale nature recovery like no other.

As the project’s crowdfund and fundraising efforts continue, the Highlands Rewilding science team have released their second Natural Capital Report which uses cutting-edge methods, from satellites, to drone-based and ground-based sensors, eDNA analysis, and detailed observational work by ecologists, to assess biodiversity habitats and carbon stocks.

The results give an unprecedented insight into the Bunloit and Beldorney estates, and the methods that can be used to maximise benefits for the environment and the planet’s future prosperity.

Dr Jeremy Leggett added “Our Natural Capital Report provides us with a rich source of natural capital data which covers a variety of habitats so that we can better understand where efforts should be concentrated to harness and maximise carbon sources.

“In our continued efforts of producing high-quality, evidence-based data on natural capital quantification, our hope is that our work will begin to feed into the ongoing policymaking process in government to generate the best possible outcomes to support our nation’s long-term climate goals.

“After two and a half years of operations in our start phase, we have a strong and growing team, deep roots in our local communities, and a rapidly expanding core of cutting-edge science. Our intention is to become a world-class open laboratory for natural-capital verification science and demonstrate that natural capital can be grown verifiably for planet, people, and profit, both in wildland and actively managed land.”

It is hoped that £500,000 will be raised through the crowdfund by ‘citizen rewilders’. Investments are also expected from equity investors and financial institutions. No funding limit has been set for the entirety of the Highlands Rewilding fundraiser, but the organisation is aiming to raise at least eight million plus.

As with any investment, we encourage those interested in our project to make sure they fully understand the process, what their investment means and the potential risks of investing.

Find out more about the Highlands Rewilding and the crowdfund here:  

https://www.highlandsrewilding.co.uk/crowdfund 

You can download a copy of the Natural Capital Report here: 

https://www.highlandsrewilding.co.uk/research

Miller Homes helps Santa access its new homes in Edinburgh

Miller Homes is dialling up the festive cheer in Edinburgh and is giving residents living on its three developments in the area a magic key to help Santa access their home this Christmas Eve.

Miller Homes will be gifting magic keys to families moving into its West Craigs Manor, Edgelaw and Highbrae at Lang Loan developments to help Santa access the new builds without chimneys. Families already living on the developments will also receive a key to help spread some excitement and get kids excited for Christmas.

Santa’s Magic Keys is a popular tradition with those living in new build homes, as these are often built without a chimney. Instead, children can leave out a magic key for Santa to pay them a visit and leave presents under their tree.

Miller Homes’ Regional Sales Director, Lynsey Brown said: “We’ve had a busy year with our Edinburgh developments, and we can’t wait for buyers to experience Christmas in their new Miller home. Now that we’re nearing the big day, we want to make sure every child on our developments gets a visit from Santa, so we’re giving away magic keys that will ensure no home is left behind on his route.”

To find out more about Miller Homes’ Edinburgh developments, visit:

millerhomes.co.uk/locations/scotland/edinburgh.aspx

Letter: Swap the salt and reduce your risk of stroke 

Dear Editor 

In Scotland, more than five million adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. And for every ten people diagnosed with high blood pressure, seven remain undiagnosed and untreated. 

That’s extremely worrying to our charity as high blood pressure is the biggest single risk factor for a stroke. 

Please consider making a New Year’s Resolution to lower your blood pressure, even by a small amount, to help stay healthy in 2023. 

One way to do this is to reduce your sodium intake. Most sodium is in the salt we eat and that’s why we’re proud to support Season with Sense, a public health campaign which aims to drive down consumer sodium intake.

Find out more at www.seasonwithsense.com. 

By making small changes to our diet – such as cutting the amount or type of salt we use – we can greatly reduce our risk of serious health conditions such as stroke. 

We know it can be hard to cut out salt completely, so it’s good to know there are alternatives to regular table, sea and rock salts, such as LoSalt® – which has two thirds less sodium (66%), without any taste compromise.  

When you’re out shopping, look out for the special tubs of LoSalt® on sale in supermarkets. For every tub sold, a 20p donation will be made to the Stroke Association to help fund the vital work we do to support stroke survivors and carers. Last year, the promotional tubs raised a staggering £30,000, all of which helped towards rebuilding lives.  

The tubs will also have information on the FAST test. Face, Arms, Speech, are the most common signs that someone is having a stroke. Time tells you that Stroke is a medical emergency and you must phone 999 straight away. By Acting FAST you could save someone’s life or reduce the likelihood of serious disability. 

Please note that if you take certain types of medication that affect potassium levels, LoSalt® and other reduced sodium salt alternatives may not be suitable for you. This may include people receiving medication for diabetes, heart or kidney disorders. Check with your GP for advice. 

John Watson

Associate Director Scotland, The Stroke Association 

Christmas rituals can provide comfort during tough times, says BPS

With Christmas just around the corner and concerns about the cost of living and affordability of the festive season being a worry for many, the rituals associated with Christmas can still provide psychological comfort and joy, says the British Psychological Society.

From decorating the tree, to attending a carol service or listening to Christmas songs, the activities and milestones we associate with the festive period can help lift spirits and provide solace when times are tough.

“Christmas comes once a year, but it comes every year – that becomes a ritual in itself”, says chartered psychologist Dr Audrey Tang, in considering the psychological factors behind the rituals that can help bring the feel-good factor at Christmas.

“We know Christmas can be a difficult and challenging time for people for many reasons, but for others, Christmas can evoke warmth and joy like no other time of year.”

Familiarity and nostalgia brings comfort

Nostalgia and looking back at something with affection can generate feelings of warmth and comfort.

“In uncertain times, like the cost of living crisis, people seek something they can predict or feel in control over – for example if we know a film has a happy ending or because we’ve done something before and we know we enjoy it”, says Dr Tang.

Psychological evidence has shown that people engaging in nostalgic emotion[i] report higher levels of feeling that they belong, and a higher continuity between their past and present, even describing their lives as more meaningful. This also correlated with higher levels of self-reported self-esteem and positive mood.

Christmas offers an element of hope and magic

Christmas films are effective at capturing an element of hope and magic with their storytelling, and watching them can often bring positive emotion to the surface.

“These feelings may also connect us with an experience we have loved in the past, or trigger exciting thoughts of what is to come”, says Dr Tang.

“Sentiment enables us to focus on feelings rather than thoughts, and in a world that is often dominated with rationale and reason, it is healthy to have the opportunity to sit for a moment with our feelings.”

Christmas gives us permission to feel child-like

From switching on the Christmas tree lights to the glee of unwrapping presents, Christmas can unlock childlike feelings and give us permission to have fun and celebrate, just as we might have when we were young. For some, permission to start their Christmas rituals begins with external events:

“Where some people ask if November 6 is too early to put up the Christmas decorations, others will mark the start of the festive season by seeing the John Lewis ad on TV, almost as if it gives them permission to begin our celebrations”, says Dr Tang.

“The funny thing about human nature here is that we are seeking permission at all. These ‘rules’ are so ingrained into our upbringing, and while perhaps we can choose to mark our seasons by external events, we also need to remember that we are living our lives for ourselves not for the judgment of others.”

We see the people we love

Psychologists say relationships with others are as important to human existence as food and water.[ii] “At Christmas we get to see the people we care about. If we have been feeling lonely, we may also feel “skin hungry”, but know we will have an opportunity to give and receive a hug”, says Dr Tang.

We practice the “love language” of gifting

Gifts are a way of expressing and receiving love. However the cost of living crisis can make this expression of love fraught rather than feel-good.

“Giving and receiving gifts is a ritual that can bring joy, but it’s important to do so within your own means, and those of your loved ones. Perhaps set a limit on the amount everyone will spend, make presents or think of a different contribution you could make, like making a dish for a Christmas meal, or create something to entertain”, suggest Dr Tang.

“The act of being able to do something to make a difference to others is a huge contributing factor to wellbeing.”