Tag: Christmas

Tesco reveals 42% of hosts will be serving low or no alcohol drinks during Christmas celebrations

The nation’s biggest supermarket launches fourth annual Tesco Christmas Report, offering a unique look into how Britain plans to celebrate Christmas 2021

Tesco has lifted the lid on how the nation plans to spend the festive season in its fourth annual Christmas Report.

Key trends for this year’s festive season include; a growing preference for Christmas brunches and ‘Instagrammable’ spreads, a continued thirst for no and low alcohol, increasingly ‘conscious’ celebrations, a surge in popularity for turkey, and a bleak outlook for traditional Brussels sprouts as younger generations abandon them.

With the supermarket’s data revealing that 86 percent of UK adults claim that nothing will stand in the way of them having a joyful Christmas this year, one thing is for sure – Christmas is officially back, and the nation will be celebrating in style.

Going big and celebrating early

With a desire to return to pre-pandemic celebrations, it’s no surprise that the nation is keen to embrace the festive season like never before. Nearly half (47 percent) of the people surveyed want to spend more time with family than in previous Christmases, while 20 percent want to spend more time with friends. Additionally, a third (33 percent) plan on socialising more, and one in six (15 percent) plan on hosting more parties than in previous years.

However, when it comes to celebrations on December 31st, 18 percent of 18–34-year-olds claim to have started a new New Year’s Eve tradition last year that they’ll be continuing this year – the ‘big night in’. So instead of going out this year, they will be staying at home for when the clock strikes midnight.

With so many people more excited for the festivities than usual, the celebrations are set to begin early with over one in 10 (12 percent) families putting the tree and decorations up by the end of November.

The rise of Christmas brunch

While we’re looking for a return to normality overall, there are new trending occasions that Tesco predicts could become traditions in the not-too-distant future, such as Christmas brunch.

The supermarket’s data revealed an interesting trend for an earlier celebratory meal come Christmas Day, with the festive brunch gaining in popularity particularly among younger adults (18–34-year-olds), a fifth (19 percent) of whom said they would replace their traditional Christmas lunch in favour of a brunch affair.

Insta-perfect centrepieces

When it comes to Christmas dinner, it can’t just be any roast dinner, it’s also got to look great – almost a third (31 percent) of younger adults (18-34-year-olds) plan to put in extra effort to make their festive offerings more Instagrammable this year.

However, it’s not just the youngsters – one in six (16 percent) UK adults of all ages claim they’ll be going all out to make this year’s spread look picture perfect, with men slightly leading the charge (18 percent versus 16 percent).

Popular tactics used to ensure festive offerings are looking good for the ‘gram this year include serving food on platters as opposed to everyday dinner plates (31 percent) and using festive plants and flowers as additional decoration (31 percent).

Food innovation is a key trend for Christmas 2021, with over a third (38 percent) of UK adults seeking out innovative dishes and products. This is especially true of 18-34-year-olds, with 62 percent planning to be innovative with their food and drink choices this year.

Ways in which they plan to do this include buying new, talkable products (20 percent), opting for twists on classics (20 percent), and looking to social media trends for inspiration (15 percent). With this in mind, Tesco has launched a showstopping range of treats such as Tesco Finest Black Forest Christmas Pudding and the Tesco Speculoos Profiterole Gateau.

Turkey reclaims its crown

Despite an increased focus on ‘talkable’ and innovative festive food, when it comes to the centrepiece, turkey is still king. In fact, 68 percent of UK adults plan to tuck into a turkey roast on the 25th, suggesting that many are craving the return of a traditional family Christmas.

Whether it is a full bird, such as a Tesco Finest British Free Range Narragansett Turkey, or smaller crowns, the Christmas bird is more popular than ever.

Plant based Christmas

While traditional turkey is very much in vogue, a quarter (27 percent) of UK adults will be catering for vegan, vegetarian or plant based guests this Christmas.

That said, a quarter (26 percent) of vegans and vegetarians are actually considering pausing their usual diets on the big day so they can enjoy the many meat and dairy dishes on the Christmas table. For those keeping temptation at bay, Tesco is making it easy to enjoy a meat-free celebration with mouth-watering alternatives, like the Tesco Plant Chef Meat-Free Festive Vegan Roast and the Wicked Kitchen No-Turkey Roast Crown.

Popularity of pigs in blankets soars and younger generations ditch the traditional Brussels sprout

The popularity of pigs in blankets continues to soar, with just under two thirds of UK adults claiming them to be their favourite trimming (63 percent) – a 24 percent increase on last year.

A quarter (24 percent) of 25-34-year-olds will eat more than 10 over the Christmas season.

To offer an innovative spin on the side-dish favourite, this year Tesco has launched inventive varieties such as Tesco Finest Pigs in Blankets Candy Canes with Orange & Maple Glaze, and plant based options such as Plant Chef Meat Free Bangers in Blankets and Wicked Kitchen Choriz-NO Pigless Duvets.

Meanwhile, the good old roast potato was named the most essential veg on the Christmas lunch plate for 87 percent of people, replacing carrots, which took the top spot last year but has fallen to third place this year.

Taking the second spot is the divisive Brussels sprout (61 percent), with a 22 percent uplift from 2020 in people citing it as the most essential vegetable on the Christmas dinner plate.

However, the sprout’s position as a festive staple might be at risk, with a clear pattern emerging that shows the vegetable’s popularity waning with each generation. Those aged 75+ are the biggest advocates, with 65 percent declaring their love for them, but this drastically drops to just 26 percent when it comes to 18-24-year-olds.

But even though the vegetable continues to split the nation, more of us still love them than hate them, with 49 percent claiming to ‘love’ them, while only 21 percent claim to ‘hate’ them.

Cheese please

Over two thirds (71 percent) of the nation will tuck into a cheese board on Christmas Day, with Cheddar (52 percent), Brie (36 percent) and Stilton (24 percent) set to be the top cheeses chosen.

However, younger adults (18–34-year-olds) were four times as likely to opt for adventurous cheese like Halloumi (12 percent) compared to the over 60s (3 percent). Its new position as a festive staple saw sales of Halloumi soar by 33 percent in the five weeks leading up to Christmas last year.

A not so merry Christmas

For the big day itself, red wine was named the top tipple of choice by 29 percent of UK adults, overtaking white (27 percent), which took the top spot in 2020.

The nation is also partial to a glass of the finer things, as nearly a fifth (19 percent) say they’ll have Champagne on Christmas day.

However, the recent growth in mindful drinking seems set to continue with a quarter (24 percent) of UK adults set to opt for no and low alcohol tipples only on the big day itself – a 10 percent increase on last year (15 percent). Brighton (40 percent), Norwich (40 percent) and Cardiff (35 percent) are the capitals of this growing trend.

Conscious Christmas celebrations

Last year was a year like no other – but there are signs that the events have made more people aware of social issues and become more active in their communities.

This Christmas 34 percent of Brits will donate to a food bank, with one in five (20 percent) gifting via an in-store collection point, whilst one in 10 (9 percent) will give warm clothes to the homeless or to a shelter, and a further 9 percent will help a neighbour in need.

Giving to charity will also prove to be important to many, particularly amongst the older generation (55-74-year-olds) with just under a third (33 percent) of this age group donating money to a charity.

The younger generation are also being thoughtful in innovative ways, with over one in 10 (11 percent) 18-34-year-olds asking for charity donations in lieu of Christmas gifts.

As well as charitable acts, this Christmas is also set to be an environmentally aware one. Over 36 percent of the nation plans on being more sustainable over the festive period and 49 percent claim that thinking about the environment will impact their purchasing decisions this Christmas.

Ways in which the nation plans to be more sustainable this Christmas include reusing old Christmas decorations (49 percent), recycling wrapping and packaging (43 percent), buying loose fruit and veg (42 percent), being more precise with quantities to ensure minimal food waste (36 percent) and cooking with leftovers (33 percent).

Alessandra Bellini, Tesco Chief Customer Officer said: “As we enjoy the freedom to extend the dinner table and make wonderful memories, it’s perhaps no surprise that 86 percent of the nation say nothing will stop them from having a joyful Christmas in 2021. 

“In our fourth annual Tesco Christmas Report, we’ve lifted the lid on what the seasonal comeback will look like – from reviving family traditions to finding new food occasions and being sustainably savvy throughout celebrations.

“However you choose to spend this Christmas,  Tesco is here to help you mark the moments that matter, with innovative, quality products at excellent value for money. On behalf of Tesco, we wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Support small businesses and buy responsibly this Christmas

Edinburgh’s Small Business Champion Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron is encouraging residents to buy local this weekend and support Small Business Saturday today (4 December).

Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday aims to bring shoppers and business owners together to support small businesses this holiday season – and to help their communities thrive all year long.

From a knitting and sewing shop in Tollcross to a bohemian boutique jewellers in the Old Town, there are a number of different businesses spread right across Edinburgh taking part.

Cllr Cameron called into Mysa and Eden on Cockburn Street ahead of Small Business Saturday to offer her support to the group of four shops which started out life as a local market offering an eclectic range of products and gifts.

Cllr Cameron said: “It’s great to see small businesses like Mysa and Eden thriving and taking part in Small Business Saturday this Christmas. They have a quiet hour every Sunday and they’re dog friendly as well.

“With so many businesses struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we all try to shop local and support businesses in our area.

“I’d encourage everyone to do this all year round, not just at Christmas, and if you’re out and about in your local shops, hospitality and other businesses please help us to keep everyone safe by wearing a face covering, sanitising your hands regularly and adhering to social distancing where required.

“Please also think about your impact on the environment this Christmas, be less wasteful, reuse items where you can and follow the other hints and tips featured in our new Green Christmas campaign.”

Rum & Cake – Scottish botanists launch NEW wild sipping rum

Combining flavours of the wild with some of our seasonal favourites, Scottish alchemists, Buck & Birch, have launched an innovative and indulgent spirit just in time for Christmas. A wild sipping rum, Rum & Cake, will warm the cockles and tease the tastebuds, as it quickly becomes your go-to drink for the cold winter nights.

The finest dark rum is infused with the incredible Buck & Birch Hogseed Parkin, then cold-filtered to ensure a sumptuous sipping sensation, laced with molasses and Scottish spice. And what is hogseed we hear you say? A lesser known but fantastic spice that grows abundantly in Scotland and enlivens this rum with the heady scent of orange peel and warming spice on the palate.

Offering a fresh, but heady scent of orange peel with a spicier kick on the palate, the Hogseed Parkin adds a snappy taste note to make this luxurious liquor unmistakeable.

Big, bold and well-rounded, Rum & Cake is rich, buttery and full bodied in your mouth. With notes of warming ginger and clove, orange zest and a touch of  caramelised fennel, this is a spirit to sip  

Creative Director and co-founder, Tom Chisholm on the creation of this new taste sensation: “Rum in cake works a treat, but cake in rum – even better! No tricks or fancy science. We don’t rely on over complicated techniques  or any other chemical wizardry to capture this unforgettable flavour. Instead, we rely on good old-fashioned methods of infusion and patience.

“Newly baked parkin is added to rum and left to macerate, slowly imparting all of those beautiful flavours into the liquid. The finished spirit is then cold filtered for clarity whilst the all-important flavonoids are kept intact. Basically, it’s what Santa will want you to leave out for him with the mince pies this year.”

Decadently seasonal when served with ginger ale or apple juice, it is just as much at home neat and over ice with a twist of orange. Salivating yet?

Rum & Cake – go on, name a better duo …we’ll wait!

RRP: £32.99. 700ML. 39.6% ABV.

To view a full selection of drinks and gifts available or to book a distillery tour in The Tasting Room, visit www.buckandbirch.com

What The Dickens?

Take a walk through Edinburgh Old Town with none other than Charles Dickens as the  boundaries between the past and present collide. 

Get to know the man who invented Christmas and witness the conception of a Christmas  classic which changed the world. This is a quirky promenade performance led by an excitable  Dickens-obsessed tour-guide. ‘What the Dickens?’ runs from 13th December to 19th  December 2021. 

Stravaig Theatre aims to excite its audience and connect them with their heritage. Edinburgh  inspired history and they want to tell the story.

The audience will meet their tour guide at  7pm or 9pm outside Canongate Kirk. There are two showings each day across the week  13th-19th 

“Some of you might already have noticed the faint glow in the sky above us. If  my calculations are correct then tonight, the lines which separate the past from  the present, the here from the there, the living from the departed are at their  weakest…” – Holly the Tour Guide.  

Out for his evening stroll in 1841, Mr. Charles Dickens ponders an absurd inscription on a  gravestone. The last thing he is expecting is to be visited by otherworldly spirits from 2021. 

The time voyagers accidentally give the famed author an existential crisis and its up to you to  help put history back in order. A once in a lifetime meet and greet with history; with a little  Christmas magic thrown in for good measure, come with us, on a journey to Christmas Past.  

“Then come with me spirits, I want to take your uneducated, unenlightened  minds somewhere and show you the true character of this town.”- Dickens.  

Charles Dickens is played by Marc McKigen while the tour is led by Kiera Manson. “What  the Dickens?” is directed by Stravaig’s Emma McNeill and written by Scott Thomas. 

After sell-out shows, at Edinburgh’s Horror Festival, Stravaig Theatre is excited to launch  their first Christmas show.

You can follow the production of ‘What the Dickens?’ at  facebook.com/stravaigtheatre or follow on Instagram @stravaigtheatre. 

Tickets are £8 for adults with concessions available at £5.

They can be purchased from  Eventbrite by searching – What the Dickens? Or from the following web-link: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-the-dickens-immersive-christmas-show-tickets 215620636127

Charities bracing themselves as nearly one third of Scots say they may need to take on debt to cover the costs of Christmas

Charities bracing themselves as nearly one third of Scots say they may need to take on debt to cover the costs of Christmas

Nearly one third of people in Scotland (29%) may need to take on debt to cover the cost of Christmas this year, according to a survey of 2,000 people carried out by Censuswide for charity The Big Give.

Nearly one quarter of Edinburgh residents (24%) are not looking forward to the holiday season this year, with money worries being the most common reason, the survey also found.

While lower than the national average (16%), a shocking 13% of Scottish residents are worried they may need to use food banks to help them manage this Christmas.

Thankfully, more half of respondents from Scotland plan to donate the same amount to charities over the Christmas period. Between rising financial concerns and the ongoing health crisis that is the Covid-19 pandemic, the work done by local charities is more important than ever.

A campaign organised by the Big Give and backed by celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, Russell Brand and others is aiming to help. 

The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest Christmas coordinated fundraising appeal, is supporting over 900 charities to raise funds with the unique offer of matching any donations made during the week of 30th November – 7th December.

Alex Day, Director of The Big Give said: ‘Our study shows that, sadly, people across Scotland and the rest of the UK are facing an imperfect storm; High fuel prices, chronic mental health problems, rising debt, loneliness and fears about Covid-19 will mean that, for many, this festive period will be a far cry from picture perfect scenes portrayed on Christmas cards.

‘Some will rely on charities which will be further and further stretched as demand grows.’

‘That is why, for those who can, supporting charities is more important than ever. Through The Christmas Challenge campaign, we are offering to match any donation made to hundreds of amazing charities through theBigGive.org.uk. That means whatever you can give will go twice as far.’

Festive fun for furry friends at little dobbies Stockbridge

The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than treating your pooch to some festive fun this Christmas at Dobbies.

The UK’s leading garden centre will be debuting its ever-popular Santa Paws event at the recently opened little dobbies Stockbridge store on limited weekend dates during December. A perfect opportunity to give four-legged friends a fun day out and get some great snaps for those Christmas cards.

Santa Paws offers the adorable chance for dogs to meet Santa and take home a special Christmas gift. A memorable experience for pets and owners alike.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager at Dobbies, said: “We love welcoming furry friends to our stores throughout the year, and can’t wait to meet our four-legged customers this Christmas.

“This will be the first time Santa Paws has come to our little dobbies Stockbridge store, and we really hope locals and visitors alike can enjoy this offering.

“We have a wide range of products in-store that would make for the perfect Christmas treat for your furry friend, or special new accessory to don on Christmas day.”

This exclusive festive experience will take place outside the little dobbies Stockbridge store, where each dog will have a pre-booked slot with Santa. Booking is essential to enjoy this experience, and subject to availability.

Running on the 11,12, 18 and 19 December, customers and canines can enjoy this experienced in the run up to Christmas, priced at £6.99 per pet.

Santa Paws will also be taking place in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store during selected dates in December.

Find the full list of festive events and more information online, www.dobbies.com.

Christmas celebrations start at Fort Kinnaird

Christmas will officially arrive at Fort Kinnaird this weekend as Santa Claus comes to town for three weekends of festive fun.

Santa and his chief elf Twinkle will be popping up at the centre every Saturday until the 18th December to sprinkle some Christmas cheer.

Shoppers will also be able to take in the glittering Christmas decorations around the centre, including trees, star lights and Santa’s very own trusty reindeer which is located near Odeon.

Throughout the festive season Fort Kinnaird visitors will be able to make contactless donations to the centre’s chosen charity, Radio Forth Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, at the giant Giving Box located outside Boots.

Mission Christmas is a lifeline to families living in poverty, for who Christmas is a luxury they can’t afford. Generous donations from the public can help ensure children across the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk receive a gift on Christmas morning.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Christmas was a difficult time for many last year, so we want to do what we can to help make this year extra special. We’re excited to have a range of activities and festive characters to help visitors get into the Christmas spirit.”

Fort Kinnaird’s later opening times mean visitors have a full twelve hours to pick up their Christmas shopping every weekday from 9am – 9pm, with opening hours from 9am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Please check with individual retailers for opening hours.

Free parking is available as usual and shoppers are being encouraged to visit outside of peak times if they can, with quieter times usually before 11am and after 6pm on weekdays.

For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit: 

https://www.fortkinnaird.com/christmas

Miracle wee boy is first to switch on new Sick Kids Christmas lights

A little boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at only 12 days old was first to switch on the Christmas lights at Edinburgh’s new children’s hospital. 

Joey Sharp, now 11 months old, endured two life-saving surgeries just days after he was born at Christmas time last year, and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the hospital ever since. 

Alongside his proud parents and with the help of big sister Carly (3), Joey pressed the button to light up the 20ft tree and surrounding area, following an introduction and countdown from Forth One presenter Boogie in the Morning. 

Mum Sam said: “Our little Joey was only 12 days old when he had emergency surgery in December last year. Hours before, we were given the devastating news that he had a brain tumour.  

“We were told to prepare for the worst. Our world had shattered. I had been making Christmas lists, buying presents and organising family fun. Suddenly, it all seemed hopeless.  

“After eight agonising hours, 50% of the tumour was removed. But Joey was still seriously ill and needed a second operation. The days passed in a blur as we sat by his side in Intensive Care.  

“Two days before Christmas, he had his second brain surgery. This time, they removed 98% of the tumour, but we still had a way to go. With six long months of intensive chemotherapy ahead, we were determined to make the most of every moment.” 

Sam and husband Steven will always be grateful for all the care and support both they, Joey and Carly received while in hospital over the festive period. 

The family are backing Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s (ECHC) new Christmas appeal, which asks supporters to help “Light Up Christmas” for those seriously ill children and young people facing a hospital stay this December. 

Sam continued: “Throughout our time in hospital, ECHC was there for us at every turn, supporting us on the ward when none of our family or friends could visit. 

“The charity’s activities gave us a break from our daily reality. Seeing Joey respond to bubbles in baby sensory sessions, and hearing singing and live music was wonderful. It gave us hope. The change that came over the ward when the charity arrived was amazing, everyone’s faces lit up. 

“On Christmas Day, Covid rules were relaxed and we were allowed to be together. ECHC made sure our time was magical. They showered the kids with gifts and involved Carly in all the fun. The best gift of all was seeing her and her baby brother together for the first time since he was admitted.

“In March, we were transferred to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. We felt anxious leaving the old Sick Kids but the moment we arrived we were reassured with the most wonderful welcome.

“The new hospital is made for children and families. It’s a bright, fun, friendly space that supporters of the charity should be proud to have made possible. 

“Joey is now 11 months old, cancer free and growing stronger every day. Without doubt, the support from ECHC made a huge difference to his recovery and our first memories as a family so it was wonderful to have him be the first to switch on the Christmas lights for the charity at the new hospital!”  

Children, families and staff gathered at the hospital entrance and watching on from windows were treated to a musical performance by Edinburgh Brass Band before watching Joey and his family light up the giant Christmas tree – very kindly gifted to ECHC by Conifox Adventure Park.

The Christmas Light Switch On is just one of many activities that the charity has planned to make Christmas as magical as possible for those who are sadly too unwell to spend it at home.  

Victoria Buchanan, from ECHC, said: “We would like to say an enormous thank you to Conifox Adventure Park, Edinburgh Brass Band, Boogie in the Morning and Joey and his family for helping to make our first ever Christmas Light Switch On at the new hospital so special. 

“Every year, ECHC makes Christmas magical for children in hospital by creating a living advent calendar around the wards with a new surprise behind each door, with everything from a real ballerina to festive magic sessions and a samba band! We also fund the hospital play team and Christmas gifts to make sure treats and distractions are always available to bring smiles and comfort. 

“This is our first year in our new home at Little France, so we are determined to make it the biggest and best Christmas yet. Although we have lit up the building, we still need help to Light Up Christmas and make sure no child or young person in hospital misses out on the joy of the festive season. 

“We rely solely on donations to do this. Please help by making a donation to ECHC this Christmas. You could Light Up Christmas for a child in hospital this December.” 

To donate now to ECHC’s Light Up Christmas appeal, visit:

www.echcharity.org/christmas