Tag: Christmas

Go Smashing Through the Snow to win with Jet2holidays this Christmas!

  • Jet2holidays launches a cracker of a Christmas competition, offering 13 tree-mendous holidays

 Jet2holidays has announced the launch of Smashing Through the Snow – a very merry competition online, giving holidaymakers the opportunity to win one of 13 tree-mendous holidays over the festive period.

Customers are being given daily chances to win a holiday between 14th-25th December by smashing through presents to gain as many points as possible in 30 seconds. Watch out for the coal, however, as points will be deducted!

To enter customers must sign up to become a myJet2 member and download the Jet2 mobile app.

With points contributing towards entries into a grand prize draw on 28th December to win a 7-night Indulgent Escapes holiday for two adults and two children to the 5-star Cullinan in Antalya, there are additional ways for players to increase their chances of winning. Entering consecutive days in a row creates a bonus multiplier which increases each day users play and sharing the campaign with friends earns extra entries too!

In addition to the lucky grand prize draw winner, twelve more holidaymakers will be jetting off with Jet2holidays, Jet2CityBreaks, Jet2Villas, Indulgent Escapes or VIBE by Jet2holidays in the instant daily wins hidden behind each door.

With a total of thirteen prizes up for grabs and multiple chances to win, entrants have plenty of opportunity to grab a getaway with Jet2holidays in the run up to Christmas.

The prizes on offer include:

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be giving the gift of holidays this Christmas and spreading some festive fun by unwrapping our Smashing through the Snow competition.

“With 13 holidays up for grabs, customers have plenty of opportunity to win a holiday this festive season. We wish everyone the best of luck!”

For further information on the campaign, visit www.jet2holidays.com/smashing-through-the-snow

The Christmas Switch: Half of professionals aren’t attending their work Christmas party this year

  • 48% professionals aren’t planning on attending their work’s Christmas party this year
  • Almost two fifths state it being ‘too much effort’ this year
  • 31% are not attending because of the ‘cost associated’ with going
  • 59% of workplaces are having a downsized celebrations or none-at-all
  • Over a quarter planning to ’not drink at all’ at their office celebrations

48% of professionals in the UK and Ireland are planning on missing their work’s Christmas party this year – whilst 20% are going just to ‘show their face’.

A new poll from Walters People has shown that many professionals in the UK and Ireland are being deterred from the idea of a workplace Christmas party this year – with less time in the office, cost-of-living, and economic uncertainty all playing a role in employees decision making.

What’s changed?

When asked about the reason behind them not wanting to attend their work Christmas party – the two most common responses from professionals were that it is ‘too much effort this year’ (37%), and the personal costs associated with attending (33%).

Janine Blacksley, Director of Walters People UK comments: “The Christmas or end-of-year party has always been an important diary entry in professionals calendar – in particular in the white-collar world where the end of the year is typically a period where the company is able to slow-down or shut for a few days.

“This year it feels there has been a tide-change on the end of year Christmas party being a festive calendar staple. Our poll results show that the main deterrents echo a fatigue in professionals to make the effort or foot the costs associated with attending their office party this Christmas – they’d rather spend on their own personal Christmas plans.”

A mixed bag for many

A further quarter stated another primary deterrent for attending their Christmas work party is that their employer is spending less on the actual event.  In fact, when asked if their employer was holding a Christmas party this year – 59% stated they were either having smaller celebrations or none at all due to cost cuts.

Contrastingly, less than a third (32%) of professionals stated their workplace Christmas party was going to be a ‘big one’ this year.

Janine comments: “2023 has been a mixed bag for many companies, so it isn’t surprising that festive celebrations this year will be very dependent on industry and employer. Whilst the majority are having pared down celebrations or none at all – a percentage are planning to push the boat out.

“Whilst typically more money being spent often signifies that a company is doing well from a profit perspective, we are increasingly seeing organisations invest in their workplace culture – including Christmas parties – as an attraction and retention tactic.”

But what do professionals want this Christmas?

When asked what sort of Christmas party they’d prefer – 38% of professionals opted for ‘an open bar, party, Santa hats galore’ – whilst an almost equal amount (32%) stated that ‘a simple lunch would suffice’. A further fifth wanted a relaxed affair, with less focus on alcohol.

Many keeping this festive period dry

The theme of not drinking seems to be a preoccupation for many professionals this year – with almost double the amount (39%) of professionals planning to ‘only stick to one or two festive tipples’ at their office celebrations, compared to just a fifth who are planning to go ‘all out’ (22%). Whereas, a further 31% are planning to ‘stay entirely tee-total.’

Whilst Gen-Z seem to leading the charge in lessening the dependence of alcohol in workplace socialising, and more generally – according to Drinkaware UK, 86% of employees in the private sector are still more likely to say there is an ‘expectation’ to drink at employer events than those who work in the public sector.

Janine comments: “Our polls show a real change in attitudes towards how work Christmas parties could be carried out going forward – and potentially a permanent shift in workplace culture where there is more focus on oneself rather than team building, and a bigger lens on wellbeing and balance rather than socialising.

“Time will tell – on whether this is a more fleeting change in light of what has been a globally economically difficult year.”

RoSPA: Make it an accident-free December to remember

  • RoSPA: with overall hospital admissions up across the board it’s more important than ever to prevent accidents and both reduce pressure on the NHS and ensure people’s Christmas isn’t ruined by spending hours in overcrowded A&Es.
  • RoSPA: Have fun and enjoy the festive period safely

Enjoy the festive season but make it a safe one too, that’s the message from accident prevention experts, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), ahead of the Christmas chaos.

NHS figures show that overall total hospital admissions for all causes were up last year[i], with over half a million emergency admissions – the equivalent to the population of Edinburgh requiring urgent treatment. 

Jim Oram, Public Health Project Officer at RoSPA advises reducing accident risk to avoid spending hours in overcrowded accident and emergency departments:  “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement during the festive period, but having more people in the home can add to the risks.

“With some forward planning and awareness of potential hazards, your festive season can be safe and happy for everyone.”  

Here are RoSPA’s top tips to stay safe this festive season:   

  1. Reduce the risk of a fall

In the UK, we saw 7,229 patients admitted to hospital last December with hip fractures and that was up 20 per cent on the year before[1]. Keep yourself and loved ones safe by keeping the floor, stairs and walkways clear, and clean up any spillages as soon as you can. And if the weather takes an icy turn, grit the paths and walkways outside. 

  1. Only purchase gifts from reputable traders

When buying presents, opt for reputable retailers, especially when shopping online. If a trader does not have a high street presence in the UK, check online reviews before buying.  Online sellers should have a UK address listed on their website.

Look for the CE, UKCA, UKNI, and Lion marks on toys, and check for age-appropriateness and warnings.

Button batteries in toys should always be inside a lockable compartment, and any magnets used in toys should be secure to avoid ingestion.
 

  1. Prepare for young visitors

There are some fantastically fun novelty decorations out at this time of year, but it’s important to remember these are not toys and therefore do not have to comply with toy safety regulations.

If you have a young family or have children visiting, always be mindful of decorations they could put into their mouths. Some decorations are particularly risky, such as ones with unsecure button batteries, ones made from glass and those with magnets inside. It’s also worth having a check that cleaning products, vapes and medications are kept out of reach, and blind cords have the appropriate safety fixtures. 

  1. Think fire safety

Last year there were nearly 200,000 house fires in the UK alone[2], so taking fire safety seriously is key.

Use electrical candles over real flames, keep decorations and cards away from heat sources, replace old Christmas lights and try not to leave anything plugged in overnight. 

  1. Maximise kitchen safety

It’s a familiar scene – the chef cooking the roasties while helpers ferry plates from A to B, and children run around high on the festivities of the day. And while everyone should enjoy the atmosphere, it’s best to keep spirits high by avoiding accidents. Allow ample time to avoid accidents from rushing and where possible, keep non-helpers out of the kitchen.

Figures from the Hip Fracture Database indicate a peak in falls around December[3], so be sure to clean up spills and clutter promptly to reduce the risk of your family or friends falling over.

  1. Keep hot crockery and drinks out of reach

Burns are the fourth common form of trauma worldwide, after road traffic collisions, falls and interpersonal violence[4], with around half of those affected children. With a higher frequency of hot drinks, food, and cooked edibles around, be mindful to keep hot pans, plates and drinks out of reach. 

New Lanark welcomes the return of Carols by Candlelight  

New Lanark’s popular Carols by Candlelight event will return to the New Lanark Mill Hotel this Christmas, with a performance from the Strathaven Choral Society.  

Taking place on Thursday, 14 December from 6.45pm until 9pm, guests can get into the spirit of the season with an evening filled with music, merriment, and a festive feast. 

The Strathaven Choral Society is a mixed-voice choir which was first formed in 1972 to bring classical music to the region. Since then, it has grown in numbers with singers, sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses travelling from Lanarkshire and beyond to participate in rehearsals and events.  

The choir will perform a repertoire of classical carols in two sets, illuminated by candlelight, in the Robert Owen Suite, followed by a traditional three-course meal. The first set will begin once guests are seated, and the second set will commence after dinner, finishing with the ultimate, joyous sing-along. 

Tickets are priced at £32 which includes the performance, meal, and a glass of mulled wine on arrival.  

John Stirrat, General Manager, New Lanark Mill Hotel added: “We are delighted to welcome back our Carols by Candlelight evening, which has been a favourite for many in of our winter calendar.

“This year’s celebration promises an unforgettable experience, featuring the Strathaven Choral Society for a night of live musical renditions to uplift the soul and set the festive mood.” 

Tickets can be reserved by contacting the New Lanark Mill Hotel events team at 01555 667 500 or by emailing events@newlanark.org 

Located on the picturesque banks of the River Clyde, New Lanark World Heritage Site is a historic location dating back to 1785. The historic village of New Lanark is one of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland.   

For further information on New Lanark, visit:  https://www.newlanark.org  

Dogs Trust delivers Christmas hope to people experiencing homelessness across Scotland 

The Christmas elves at Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, are busy getting ready to spread Christmas cheer across Scotland by delivering gifts to the canine companions of people experiencing homelessness.  

Every Christmas, through its Together Through Homelessness scheme, Dogs Trust brings festive cheer to the dogs of people experiencing homelessness by delivering canine hampers of collars, leads, coats, treats and toys to dogs and their owners.

Dogs Trust has been running the unique service for over 30 years and as well as Christmas gifts, provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.  

 In recent months* Together Through Homelessness have seen an 82% rise in phone enquiries, as Crisis Homelessness Monitor 2023 shows that homelessness is on the rise in the UK. 

This year, Together Through Homelessness will deliver almost 2,000 Christmas parcels to dogs and their owners at over 215 homelessness services across the UK. Services in Scotland that benefited from the scheme include Scottish Veterans Residences, Simon Community, All4Paws, The Salvation Army, Big Issue and Right There. 

Richard Kerr of Streetwork at Simon Community Scotland, says: “The hampers from Dogs Trust benefit the people we are working with massively. It is a great idea and gives our clients and their dogs an experience that they might otherwise not have.

“The people we work with are generally very attached to their animals and create very strong bonds with their companions as in some cases they don’t have anyone in their lives that they can rely on for companionship. I know this support means a lot to our clients.” 

Megan Evans, Together Through Homelessness Team Leader at Dogs Trust, explains:  “Everyone knows that the bond between a dog and its owner is a strong one but for people experiencing homelessness, the bond is often unbreakable. Christmas can be an especially difficult and lonely time for people in housing crisis, but the company of a canine friend can often help to ease some of this loneliness.” 

“However, thanks to the generosity of Dogs Trust supporters, this year we’ll spread a little bit of Christmas cheer and help almost 2,000 dogs celebrate Christmas with their best friends. Not only that, but we will be able to continue to support them into the New Year and beyond so that more dogs can stay with their owners, regardless of their housing situation”. 

As well as distributing Christmas hampers and offering free veterinary treatments Together Through Homelessness supports homelessness services to accept clients with dogs and helps them put in place practical guidelines.  
 
To support Dogs Trust Together Through Homelessness and help dogs and their owners who are experiencing homelessness, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/hope-project/donate 

Cash-strapped Christmas 

British frontline workers worse off than European peers, despite clocking up more hours

  • Study finds 51% will go into debt to pay for Christmas 
  • 43% feel there’s ‘too much pressure to spend’ during the festive season

Brits are feeling the pinch more than their overseas counterparts, with 56% saying their wages barely cover living expenses compared to 39% of Germans, 31% of Nordic workers (Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland) and 29% of Dutch contemporaries.

That’s according to a first-of-its-kind study by global workforce management provider, Quinyx. It polled over 3000 shift and non-desk-based workers in the retail, fashion, wholesale, shipping, distribution, warehousing and logistics industries to gain a fuller understanding of how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting employees in Europe. 

Despite respondents across all countries working more hours in 2023 compared to previous years – peaking at 46% in the UK and The Netherlands, many had to accept help to cover the cost of everyday essentials. 

Around two in five (39%) workers in The Netherlands received financial support from family and friends to pay the bills (31% in the UK), while more than a quarter (26%) of those surveyed in the Nordics and Germany turned to food banks (11% in the UK).

With Christmas only weeks away, apprehension around the cost and associated pressures at home and work are mounting in the UK and overseas.

More than half of Brits (51%) will be getting into debt this festive season – a sentiment echoed in the Nordics (58%), 29% are dreading Christmas because of the cost, felt by 32% and 26% of Nordic and Dutch respondents respectively, and 43% think there’s too much pressure on people to spend money at Christmas.

However, it’s not all bah humbug! 41% surveyed in the UK said it makes them happy when they see people spending lots of money on seasonal gifts and activities – as Christmas is a time to be enjoyed, and 39% like working in December because of the festive cheer.

Toma Pagojute, Chief HR Officer at Quinyx, says: “Beyond the excitement and merriment of the holidays, many frontline workers – everyone from delivery drivers and waiting staff to warehouse operatives and retail assistants, are faced with increased workloads and insurmountable financial challenges.

“And as our study proves, the UK isn’t alone in that – the cost of living is proving a burden in Europe too. 

“So, what’s the best gift business leaders can give our dedicated workforce on the frontline this year? Engage with them, listen, and provide support when and where they need it the most. This can be through flexible work schedules, improved communications and by ensuring their working conditions are the best they can be.”

Download the country comparison study breakdown: https://www.quinyx.com/2023-cost-of-christmas 

Infographic-Frontline-Worker-Christmas-Campaign-Europe-wideDownload

Barratt Developments teams up with Dobbies Garden Centres to create sustainable festive front door display 

Stylist shares top tips on how to dress your door on a budget this Christmas

Barratt Developments Scotland has joined forces with Dobbies Garden Centres to share top tips and insights on how to dress your front door this Christmas – sustainably and on a budget.

Together with Dobbies’ top stylist, the housebuilder, which includes Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has created a handy guide with festive ideas on how to add a wow to your front door décor this December.

Front door transformations were named as one of Pinterest Predicts’ leading trends for 2023, with the holiday season marking the perfect time to embrace the trend and add a touch of festive sparkle to the exterior of the home. 

While the makeovers online are impressive, they can also be costly. Barratt and Dobbies’ handy and sustainable suggestions are designed to achieve the trend without breaking the bank.

To achieve the look in a sustainable way, foliage can be foraged from your garden, local woods or outside spaces. You can use plants from your garden such as Conifer, Skimmia ‘rubella’ or eucalyptus, enabling you to get creative depending on what’s available and your personal style. Foraging the items is a great way for families, friends and couples to come together and take part in a festive activity.

If you would like to add some seasonal sparkle to your sustainable decorations, Dobbies has a dedicated section in-store and online where customers can pick faux décor ideal for wreaths and garlands, as well as Christmas baubles, lights and decorations for different styles and looks.

Estelle Sykes, Sales Director at Barratt Developments West Scotland, said: “We’ve loved collaborating with Dobbies to create this festive front door display.

“As the entrance to the home, it’s important that the front door makes a good first impression, which is why statement décor and wreaths are becoming increasingly popular at Christmas and all year round.

“Dobbies has done an excellent job and has provided some great tips on how to recreate this at home, both sustainably and at relatively low cost. We hope to see more and more people tap into the front door trend this winter using our top tips.”

Barratt Developments & Dobbies’ handy step-by-step guide on how to recreate at home:

  • Lay out thick rope (about two metres long) on the ground. Attach chosen foliage in bundles along the rope with garden twine. You can make this as full as you like for your chosen look
  • Attach the rope, with all foliage, to the drainpipe or porch. We started at the top of the drainpipe and attached downwards
  • Using garden twine, tie various sizes of baubles together for impact and attach (with other décor of your choice) to the foliage. Baubles are available to buy in multipacks from Dobbies. We also added oversized baubles for extra impact and LED lights which don’t emit heat
  • Use the same approach for the wreath, creating little bundles of foliage, attaching them using garden twine. We added heather for an additional pop of colour. Create your wreath shape from twigs or buy a wreath base
  • Add baubles, décor and wire battery lights before hanging on your door
  • Decorate the area with reindeers, potted trees and other festive ornaments of your choice. We selected a Nordmann fir potted tree and a Blue spruce which can be taken indoors and decorated for Christmas, and you can plant in your garden after the festive season. You could also opt to keep them in their pots to maintain their size for next year, giving them longevity

Rebecca Stanton, Stylist at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “Dressing your front door is huge at the moment and we’re thrilled to partner with Barratt to bring this trend to life. Christmas is a great time of year to experiment with decorations and what better way to do this than to get creative with your own front door.

“We have selected low-cost items, most of which can be foraged from outside, and everything else can be chosen to suit your preferred colour scheme and taste. We used items from our Classic Luxe theme, which suited the style and colouring of the house. Our step-by-step guide should be straightforward enough so people can get creative and try at home, with family and friends.”

All items used in the display are available from Dobbies Garden Centre. Costs are scalable depending on budget.

You can visit Dobbies Garden Centres in the following locations:

Aberdeen
Ayr
Braehead
Dundee
Dunfermline
Edinburgh and little dobbies Stockbridge
Inverness
Livingston
Milngavie
Perth
Sandyholm
Stirling

Coca-Cola truck spreads Christmas cheer at Fort Kinnaird

Shoppers at Fort Kinnaird were treated to a very special visit from the Coca-Cola Christmas truck on Saturday as part of its tour of the UK.  

The festive experience offered a whole host of fun for all the family, including ‘elfie selfie’ photo opportunities and food huts serving delicious seasonal treats, as well as free personalised cans of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar given out to mark the occasion.

Visitors were also able to snap their all-important photo in front of the famous truck with the iconic image of Father Christmas on the side. 

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Christmas is a really special time for us, and we were thrilled to be chosen as one of the locations on the tour, bringing the famous truck to Edinburgh.

“It was great to see so many visitors from across the region join us on Saturday for some festive fun as the countdown to Christmas officially begins.”   

Find out more about Christmas at Fort Kinnaird here: 

www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas.  

Christmas display opens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

VISITORS to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.

Highlights of Christmas at the Palace of Holyroodhouse:

(Thursday, 23 November), visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.Royal Collection Trust staff making final adjustments to the Christmas displays at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which are open today to the public. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023. Photographer David Cheskin.
  • A magnificent Christmas tree in the wood-panelled Throne Room is the centrepiece for the displays. Another glittering Nordmann Fir tree and two decorated mantelpieces create a festive atmosphere in the storied Great Gallery.
  • Velvet garlands, vibrant berries and seasonal foliage adorn the Great Stair leading to the historic State Apartments, and wreaths are hung in the windows in the enfilade of the King’s Rooms.
  • In the Royal Dining Room, the grand table is laid with a silver service and with sugared fruit and foliage.
  • In the Café at the Palace in the Mews courtyard, visitors can enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine surrounded by wreaths and garlands. Decadent Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea can also be booked in advance.
  • Visitors interested in learning how monarchs have celebrated Christmas over the centuries – from exchanging Christmas cards and personal gifts to holding festive pantomimes – can hear short talks held on Thursdays throughout December.
  • A programme of festive music will be performed in evening Christmas concerts on Sunday, 10 and Monday, 11 December, concluding with a glass of wine and mince pies.
  • On Saturday, 2 December, a festive session of the Abbey Strand art club will allow families to see the beautiful decorations and discover some Christmas stories before decorating their own porcelain Christmas tree decoration.
  • A special version of Royal Rhyme Time on Monday, 4 December will give toddlers and their parents or carers the chance to celebrate through interactive storytelling, festive songs, and rhymes. 
  • On Mary, Queen of Scots’ birthday, Friday, 8 December, a special evening event at the Palace will explore life at Mary’s court. Visitors will have the chance to join an intimate curator-led tour of Mary’s chambers as well as experience the sights and sounds of Mary’s court at Christmas through festive talks, music performances, and activities.
  • The Carols and Crafts: Christmas Activity Day on Saturday, 16 December gives families the chance to try their hand at making either clay decorations, inspired by the Palace’s 17th-century interiors, or Christmas crackers, a Victorian invention. There will also be local choirs performing songs.
  • New Christmas products are available in Royal Collection Trust’s shops, including festive home accessories, charming tree decorations, food hall favourites and luxury hampers: www.rct.uk/shop.