Christmas is a time that many look forward to but it can actually provoke fear, guilt and overwhelm in many too. The pressure to conform to the Christmas ideology of buying in abundance is very real, but it doesn’t have to be that way...
As the dark nights draw in, many are turning their minds to a much lighter topic: Christmas. A time for festivities, family, food and gifts. Lots and lots of gifts.
Christmas is a time that many look forward to but it can actually provoke fear, guilt and overwhelm in many too. The pressure to conform to the Christmas ideology of buying in abundance is very real, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you look more closely how much of this pressure comes from within yourself? How much is tied to what you think you should be doing? Certain times of year can trigger habits to please others and Christmas is a prime example of this.
Many of us have been fortunate enough to have received some unforgettable Christmas gifts over the years, millennial highlights being gifts such as a Post Office, a Sega Mega Drive and a Girls World – but think about this, it is usually one meaningful gift as opposed to mountains of things to wrap that get lost in the moment.
With the last couple of years being a relatively quiet year for most, this year we can predict that “The Joneses” will go bigger and harder than ever before. Christmas tends to bring out all of the things we feel particularly guilty about, not seeing a friend or relative, not being able to take our children on holiday or not knowing what this year’s trendy gifts are. Let’s just take a pause and use this as an opportunity to have the kind of Christmas done on your own terms.
So how do we prepare ourselves to have a loving, enjoyable, affordable and stress-free Christmas?
1. Create a budget and stick to it
Create a set amount that will be safely ring-fenced allowing you to create a realistic budget to stick to.
Easier said than done? If you don’t know where to start with budgeting you can create one now in The Financielle App.
If you have no money set aside for Christmas yet, then perhaps you have one pay day to go where you can create one?
2. Focus on mindful spending
Create a specific Christmas gift list and stick to it, where you are mindfully searching for a gift that your loved one will appreciate. This is where gift-giving can truly come into its own!
Retailers will bombard you with emails, prompt you with “too good to miss” offers and as we all know, we are likely to face massive influencer persuasion on social media this Christmas shopping period. Be prepared for this and be mindful!
3. Try to focus on supporting Independents
Large retailers generally dominate during the Christmas period, specifically online retailers like Amazon. Why not research local or independent retailers that expertly make amazing Christmas gifts?
The feel-good factor will support your mental well-being as well as supporting a small business!
Golden chocolate coins
4. Be honest and create boundaries
We’ve all been there when you look at the ever-growing list of people you buy presents for at Christmas. Second aunties, third cousins, old neighbours, teachers – the list is endless.
Take a good long look at your list, are you buying presents because you really want to or because you feel like you have to? Are you ready to swallow your pride and start the conversation about gift giving? Find our helpful guide on how to say “We’re not doing gifts this year”here.
Some families decide that Christmas should be about the children and only buy for children – adults then are relieved not to have to buy presents for each other any more. People could have spent years tearing their hair out wondering what to buy each other when all that time people were feeling resentful of the situation wishing somebody would speak up and call out the madness that buying Christmas gifts brings.
Many also get around this with a Secret Santa concept also – a creative way to put focus and energy into gift giving without it being about the value, but the thought!
Whether you have a Christmas strategy or not – the buying season is well upon us, so be prepared and remember what the festive period is all about.
5. Get ahead for next year
If you’d like to get a head start on next year’s festive period, January is the perfect time to set up a Christmas sinking fund.
Sinking funds are pots of money set aside for an expected expense for example if you plan to spend £1200 next Christmas (gifts, food and activities) from the 1st of January you would put aside £100 each month.
If you want to learn more about the power of sinking funds head to The Financielle App now.
We all deserve sexual pleasure, no matter our relationship status. So why do we get this ick feeling in the first place? And how can we get over it and fully embrace our bodies and sexuality?
This is a guest post written Emjoy, the female-founded audio app helping over 400,000 women to prioritise their sexual well-being. Illustrations by Beatrise Birina.
Do you feel queasy when you hear the term ‘self-pleasure’? Maybe you agree that masturbation is fine, or at least not bad… for other people. But for yourself, you can’t fight the feeling that touching yourself is embarrassing, dirty even. The thing is… none of that’s true. We all deserve sexual pleasure, no matter our relationship status. So why do we get this ick feeling in the first place? And how can we get over it and fully embrace our bodies and sexuality? Read on to find out.
Why we get the ‘ick’ feeling
You’re not alone if self-pleasure makes you feel guilty, ashamed or embarrassed. Some of us have been brought up by families who’ve taught us, directly or indirectly, that masturbation is shameful or simply not allowed. Many of us have also grown up in religions, cultures or societies which shame us for wanting to discover our bodies and explore our sexuality.
Even the few of us who grew up in sex-positive households and received excellent sex education haven’t escaped sexual shame. Body-shaming and negative messages about our sexuality and right to pleasure are everywhere: TV, the music we listen to, advertising and more.
Emjoy
These messages of shame are so pervasive that we can feel guilt, disgust and self-loathing just thinking about our sexual desires and fantasies.
Women are shamed more than men
Sexual shame is particularly weaponised against women. Just think of all the times female victims of sexual assualt are asked what they were wearing when the crime took place. Or of how many successful women are accused of and judged for using their body and sexuality to progress in their careers. These are just a few examples, but you can see how women end up internalising the idea that their bodies are sexual objects, which they can be shamed for. No wonder so many of us feel the need to strictly monitor and control our bodies and sexuality, to avoid being labelled “sluts” or “whores” who are “begging for it”.
So while it’s more or less accepted that men masturbate, and even celebrated as a sign of masculinity, a woman who admits to doing the same could be considered “sex-obsessed” or “dirty”. Evidently, mainstream society believes there’s something abnormal or even dangerous about a woman taking her pleasure, quite literally, into her own hands.
Image courtesy of Emjoy, illustrated by Beatrise Birina
Why shame is pleasure’s enemy
If you’re feeling sexual shame about what you do with your body or even just what your fantasising about, are you going to feel relaxed and receptive to pleasure? No way. It’s going to send your orgasms running for the hills. Pleasure is about delight, enjoyment, relaxation and surrender. But if shame joins the party, all those good vibes will be dampened by guilty thoughts of “I shouldn’t be doing this”, “This is wrong”, “Am I dirty?”.
But we deserve to enjoy our bodies and sexuality and reap all the rewards of masturbation, of which there are many.
The benefits of masturbation
Now that we’ve seen why we can feel icky when it comes to self-pleasure, we’re in a better position to start overcoming that feeling. But first, here’s a quick reminder of why it’s important to make time for self-pleasure in the first place.
Image courtesy of Emjoy, illustrated by Beatrise Birina
Self-knowledge
Let’s start with one of the fundamentals – self-knowledge. Exploring your own body and finding out where you like to be touched is incredibly empowering and helps you to discover your likes, dislikes and new sources of pleasure. And unlike partnered sex, you’re in no rush and under absolutely no pressure to act or look a certain way in the process.
More orgasms
Solo-play and the resulting self-knowledge is also the key to more orgasms. Sometimes partnered sex can be accompanied by performance anxiety, worries about body image, and other insecurities. But solo sex is free of these obstacles to orgasm. It’s uncomplicated. And when you’re relaxed, you’re more likely to have an orgasm. In fact, one study found that women who masturbated experienced more orgasms than women who only had partnered sex. Considering the giant, gaping orgasm gap between men and women, this isn’t surprising. And it also gives hope to women who’ve never had an orgasm before and want to.
Stronger relationships
Not only does the self-knowledge from masturbation help you enjoy more pleasure in solo-sex, it can also improve partnered sex and strengthen your relationship. After all, we can’t expect our partners to be mind readers, and while some things have to be learnt through trial and error, most people appreciate getting a few pointers on how to make the sex A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Not only will it make them feel like a rockstar in bed, your sex will be better, making you want to do it more often.
Higher Sex Drive, Improved Sleep and More
Your libido, just like your home, car, and body, needs regular TLC to keep it in good shape, and masturbation is a powerful libido booster. That’s because every time you orgasm, your body releases testosterone, the hormone responsible for your sex drive. One 2011 study actually found that even just having sexual fantasies releases testosterone. So whether you’re masturbating or arousing your mind with a sexy story (even without orgasming) you’ll be pleased to know you’re keeping your libido in good health.
What’s more, masturbation has been proven to improve sleep, relieve menstrual cramps, reduce stress, improve your mood, and much more. As you can see, masturbation is a powerful tool for boosting your overall well being. So don’t let shame get in the way of all those yummy benefits. And by the way, if you discover that you don’t like masturbating, you should know that’s also okay. It’s up to you to decide how and when your body is touched. So with all that in mind, let’s learn how to combat the self-ick of self-pleasure and start to fully enjoy our bodies and sexuality.
Identify your sources of shame
The first step to overcoming the self-ick of self-pleasure is to understand where your sexual shame originates. Get started by answering the questions below. You can answer in your head if you like, but a lot of people find it helpful to write their answers down. Try to be honest with yourself and be as specific as possible.
What are your earliest memories related to sex?
What messages did you receive about your and other people’s bodies and sexual behaviour?
What did your parents teach you about sexuality?
If your family never talked about sex, what lesson did that teach you?
What messages did you receive from teachers, past lovers, and friends?
What lessons did you learn from films, books, music, and political or religious beliefs?
Once you’ve identified the type of messages you’ve received and where your sexual shame comes from, you have a choice: Will you continue believing these messages of shame, or can you let them go?
Of course, just because you identify where your shame comes from, it doesn’t mean it will go away overnight. Messages of shame are everywhere. So resolve to be vigilant about noticing messages when they come up and make this a lifelong practice. You always have the choice to listen to them or not.
Image courtesy of Emjoy, illustrated by Beatrise Birina
Get rid of ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’
Messages of shame create ideas of what we “should” and “shouldn’t” do. So here’s a life hack: pay less attention to “should” and “shouldn’t”. These words are usually accompanied with pressure to comply with other people’s expectations.
Acknowledge your true desires, identify what you like and dislike, set boundaries, ask for what you want, and express yourself authentically.Emjoy
Listening to these two words can make it difficult to acknowledge your true desires, identify what you like and dislike, set boundaries, ask for what you want, and express yourself authentically. It can even cause feelings of self-loathing when your desires don’t match up with your shoulds and should nots – a major roadblock to self-pleasure. But the truth is, there’s no one way you “should” or “shouldn’t” feel, look, desire or express your sexuality. So instead of asking yourself what you should or shouldn’t do, ask yourself what you want to do and make room for more fun and enjoyment.
Enjoy daily pleasures
There are tonnes of ways you can add more pleasure to your daily life and they don’t have to be related to sex. Maybe you could treat yourself to a food you really like, dedicate more time to a hobby you enjoy, take a sexy selfie, spend time putting together an outfit that makes you feel like a million dollars… The possibilities are endless.
So take a pen and paper, or your phone, and jot down at least one thing you could do every day of the week to add more pleasure to your life. This simple exercise is a great way to incorporate more enjoyment into your life and serves as a daily reminder that you deserve pleasure.
Re-educate yourself
Sexual shame often stems from misinformation. For example, as someone with a vagina, you may have been directly or indirectly taught that your value as a person is reduced once you’ve had vaginal sex. Or maybe you’ve been taught that masturbation is wrong and you’re a bad or dirty person if you do it. Fortunately, there are so many excellent resources out there to discover the truth and relearn false beliefs.
And you don’t have to go back to school to give yourself a reality-based and empowering sex education.You can create your own curriculum with sex-positive books, blogs, podcasts, and sexual-wellbeing apps like Emjoy, which has over 800 audio sessions created especially for women by sex experts. Check it out to get the sex-positive education you never had, discover loads of masturbation ideas, increase your libido with erotic stories, and much more.
Knowledge is power!
Image courtesy of Emjoy, illustrated by Beatrise Birina
Make masturbation part of your self-care routine
Whether it’s working out, meditating, getting enough sleep or any other healthy habit, you know that it helps to make a schedule and stick to it. The same goes for self-pleasure. Remember all those benefits we talked about before: self-knowledge, more orgasms, stronger relationships, reduced stress… You can reap all those rewards and more by prioritising masturbation and making it part of your routine.
Schedule a sexy self-pleasure session some time when you won’t be disturbed and make a commitment to stick to it. Make it fun – light some candles, listen to an erotic story to get in the mood.Emjoy
And if you’re thinking that it’s not very sexy to schedule sex, we get where you’re coming from. But you know what’s less sexy than scheduling solo-sex? Not having it at all. You know how it is, you have the best intentions at first, but then you put it off and get busy with other things until you eventually forget about it altogether. So schedule a sexy self-pleasure session some time when you won’t be disturbed and make a commitment to stick to it. Make it fun – light some candles, listen to an erotic story to get in the mood, experiment with a sex toy… This time’s for you, so do whatever your heart desires. If this is something you’re not used to doing, it might feel a little weird at first, but it’ll feel more natural with time, and who knows… before long it might just become the highlight of your week.
Show yourself some compassion
Overcoming sexual shame is a lifelong task. There’s bound to be some ups and downs along the way, especially in the beginning. After all, it’s difficult to stop paying attention to shameful thoughts we’ve been thinking our entire lives. So when you find yourself feeling ashamed of your desires, fantasies or sexual activities, show yourself some compassion. If you find this difficult, imagine what you would tell a friend or a younger version of yourself. Would you try to shame them, tell them they were selfish or that they didn’t deserve self-pleasure? No. You’d reassure and encourage them. Show yourself that same compassion.
To get more support working through sexual shame, check out this wellbeing collectioncreated by the Emjoy team.
The Loveliest Gifts Guaranteed To Earn You Brownie Points This Christmas
From practical to design-led, cute to "omg you shouldn't have!", look no further for a selection of really bloomin' good gifts sure to win you smiles, brownie points and a truly magical gift exchange.
All the products on this page have been selected by our editorial team however some are ad-affiliate links.
With just over a month to go, the countdown to the most magical day of the year is officially on, and with that comes an almighty to-do list, and need for gift giving inspiration galore…
Whether you’ve been tasked with finding a present for the Auntie who has everything, or don’t know how to nail a gift for the best friend who deserves the world, gift giving can be equal parts overwhelming and rewarding, particularly when you throw a cost of living crisis into the mix. Can we seriously catch a break?
If you plan to be diving face first into carbs and mulled wine from 1st December and want your Christmas gifts wrapped and ready (both figuratively and literally) ahead of time, consider this budget to boujiee gift guide one that ticks all the boxes.
From practical to design-led, cute to “omg you shouldn’t have!”, look no further for a selection of really bloomin’ good gifts sure to win you smiles, brownie points and a truly magical gift exchange.
This Is What It’s Really Like to Go to An Ann Summers Sisterhood Party In 2022…
What does an Ann Summers Sisterhood event really entail in 2022, we hear you ask? Allow us to break it down…
This article is part of a paid partnership with Ann Summers.
Here at Zoella, sexual empowerment is kind of (read: definitely) our jam. Whether it be normalising female pleasure through reviewing the latest, most talked about sex toys, or curating edits of lingerie sets destined to turn up the heat, we’re passionate about being part of a conversation that knows the importance of, and prioritises pleasure.
If there was ever a high-street brand that aligned with these values, it would surely be Ann Summers. Run by women for women, the business was founded nearly 50 years ago, and with 86 stores, a strong online presence and over 7,000 enthusiastic ambassadors, it is thriving more than ever.
With such a rich history on the British highstreet, Ann Summersparties have been sparking conversations and creating memories that last for the past 50 years. In 2022, the brand’s Sisterhood parties continue to create empowering and safe spaces for women and their best girlfriends, creating the perfect occassion to discuss, buy and learn about their best-selling sex toys, lingerie, dress up and more!
Team Zoella are a close-knit group, discussing everything from what we’re having for dinner to our dating highs and lows, which means hosting anAnn Summers Sisterhood Partyas colleagues felt as normal as asking if anyone fancies a 3pm cuppa- there was no chance of a hump day slump with this scheduled in our calendar.
Our wonderful Ann Summers ambassador, Jules, arrived ahead of our scheduled party time, adorned with AS bags and with a palpable, infectious excitement before setting up a beautiful display of products- we’re talking lingerie, toys, lube and everything in between- and handing out glasses of prosecco and Nozeco into our appreciative hands. The next 2 hours were filled with giggles and gossip (there’s nothing quite like a sex toy demonstration amongst friends to prompt conversation), along with a healthy dose of education and discussion surrounding pleasure that was nothing short of 10/10 empowering.
Tempted? Here are 10 things to expect from attending or hosting your own Ann Summers party:
You’ll find yourself getting very comfortable talking about your clitoris. We’re all friends here, right?
Testing the vibrational pattern of sex toys on the tip of your nose will suddenly feel quite normal.
You will immediately feel drawn to trying on a sexy air hostess outfit even if the desire has never previously crossed your mind.
The question of ‘how many toys is too many toys’ will most definitely crop up, and the answer is: the limit does not exist.
If *that* toy is meant to emulate oral sex we’ve definitely been the recipients of terrible oral sex.
The ‘one in, one out’ rule doesn’t apply to roleplay outfits, right?
The temptation to wear sheer tops for the foreseeable future to show off the beauty that is a new Ann Summers bra will most definitely arise as the party progresses.
The most difficult decision of your evening will be; is wet look or lace lingerie sexier?
… and settling on the idea of ordering both sets is surely the most sensible outcome in this conundrum.
You’ll come away feeling more comfortable, confident and empowered to ensure sexual pleasure and wellness is at the forefront of your priorities. What more could you ask for?!
Prepare for some seriously sexy party games guaranteed to have you and your guests feeling ramped up and ready to go
Whether your friends live conveniently on the same tube line or your IRL time is few and far between, Ann Summers Sisterhood events bring alive the magic of feeling like your most empowered self, both in person and digitally. From hen-dos to Christmas parties, birthdays to ‘just because’ quality time with friends, an Ann Summers event is one that guarantees fun and connection with those closest to you. Prepare for some seriously sexy party games guaranteed to have you and your guests feeling ramped up and ready to go, and get your shopping lists poised as the time to place an order comes around.
“Over the last 50 years, Ann Summers parties have evolved with the modern world and the introduction of technology, enabling our ambassadors, hosts and customers to party and shop their way. This can be on and offline, from the comfort of their own homes with a glass of wine via zoom or in person at our party Hosts chosen location.” says Jacqueline Gold CBE, Exec Chair at Ann Summers.
“While the way we do business may have adapted, the passion we see for women wanting to get together to have fun in a safe space to discuss sex and exploring their pleasure preferences has not. We currently have over 7,000 independent brand ambassadors and are deeply proud as a business to have given financial independence to hundreds of thousands of female entrepreneurs.”
Fancy hosting your own party? There are benefits aplenty to becoming an Ann Summer ambassador, from earning up to 35% commission from every sale, to the opportunity for bonuses as you build your own team- the fun isn’t just for guests of the party!
Beyond this, many women stay with the brand because of the social impact it has on them – the ability to meet new people and to change peoples lives through product. It can empower women and really grow their confidence
Jacqueline Gold CBE, Exec Chair at Ann Summers
To throw your own Ann Summers party, or to learn more about becoming an ambassador yourself, head to (find relevant landing page from the team) and bring a passion for pleasure into the homes of women across the country.
The Netflix Christmas Line-Up: What to Watch this Winter
If you fancy getting into the Christmas spirit ahead of the crowd, or are planning a foolproof itinerary of back-to-back festivities once December hits, bookmark this list of Netflix’s new Christmas additions.
Hibernation season- we see you! As the nights draw darker and temperatures drop, the temptation to cancel plans and stay indoors is truly growing by the day. Although the Scrooge’s of the world may deem mid November too early for a little Christmas spirit, we’re of the opinion that once Halloween is done and dusted, the appropriate time for all things Mariah, mulled wine and devouring every Malteser from a box of Celebrations is here.
If you fancy getting into the Christmas spirit ahead of the crowd, or are planning a foolproof itinerary of back-to-back festivities once December hits, bookmark this list of Netflix’s new Christmas additions, plus the old classics still available to stream for nights when a little yuletide magic is just what the doctor ordered.
The Claus Family 2
Following the release of The Claus Family in 2020, the second instalment of this magical Belgian production is here! During the first film we learnt that, similarly to royal responsibilities, the role of Santa was passed through the male Claus bloodline, and in the wake of his son’s untimely death, we saw Grandpa Noel tell his teen grandson Jules about the Christmas legacy he was soon to inherit.
The second instalment to the Claus Family picks up some time later, with Jules about to take the reins of Christmas for the first time, before receiving a young girl’s letter with a special holiday wish. A wholesome pick perfect for times when easy watching is top of the agenda, if you love Arthur Christmas or Fred Claus, this one’s for you!
Out now!
Falling for Christmas
Lindsay Lohan is BACK, and with the perfect measure of holiday-cheer and feel-good magic, Falling For Christmas is about to become 2022s most iconic Christmas release.
Sierra Belmont (aka Lindsay) is a wealthy, beautiful heiress who seems to have it all, with plans to spend a snow-blanketed Christmas at her father’s exclusive ski resort with her new fiance, Tad Fairchild. But although it seems as though life couldn’t be more dreamy, a mountainside fall leaves Sierra with a concussion and severe amnesia, finding herself being taken in by a passerby and widowed single dad Jake Russell. A story that perfectly balances vulnerability, humour and of course a dose of Christmastime cheer, Falling for Christmas is a beautiful look at second chances and the transformation that comes from finding new and surprising perspectives. Lindsay, we love you!
Out now!
Christmas With You
We might be more familiar with Bill Nigh as the popstar of our previous Christmastime viewing, but Christmas With You is about to give him a run for his money, as we follow singer Angelina whose career may be on the line if she doesn’t nail a Christmas hit sure to see her command the charts.
When Angelina sees a young fan named Christina performing one of her songs on social media and hoping to meet her for Christmas, the two unite. Before long it’s revealed that Christina’s (single!) father is a music teacher, and the journey to co-writing the perfect Christmas hit begins…
Will the pair create the festive chart-topper Angelina needs to skyrocket her career, and are those the only sparks destined to fly between the two of them? Inspiring and feel-good at its core, Christmas With You is one destined to trigger a happy tear or two.
Released 17th November.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays
Deck the halls with all things sweet and delicious because The Great British Baking Show: Holidays is BACK, and with it comes a serious dose of serotonin! Featuring the iconic lineup that is Paul Hollywood, Prue Leith, Sandi Toksvig, Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas, plus a selection of talented bakers, the show follows a selection of challenging yet perfectly festive yuletide baking challenges, with the classic GBBO humour and family friendly fun.
We can’t wait!
Released November 18th.
Christmas on Mistletoe Farm
Look up the dictionary definition of ‘wholesome’ and you’ll likely find Christmas at Mistletoe Farm. After inheriting a farm at Christmas time, a widowed father makes a bumpy adjustment to village life, while his (adorable) children hatch a plan to stay there forever. A tale of new beginnings, unexpected lessons and the unbreakable bond of a family in times of struggle, this Hallmark-esque classic is feel-good at its core.
Released 23rd November.
Christmas Full of Grace
Anything but calming, but possibly a more realistic look at the chaos of a family Christmas, this Brazilian rom-com is sure to brighten a rainy December day. Meet Carlinhos- he’s about to have a Christmas nightmare. After finding out that his girlfriend has been cheating on him on Christmas Eve, he finds himself in the predicament of having no-one to accompany him to his family dinner, when suddenly he meets mysterious Grace, who agrees to join him as his fake girlfriend.
What initially feels like relief soon turns into chaos, as the reality of bringing a stranger to dinner suddenly sinks in. Guaranteed to bring laughs aplenty, grab a bowl of popcorn and settle in for a night of escapism from your own inevitable Christmas family drama…
Released 30th November.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
This supernatural, time-travelling, musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s cult Christmas story brings a fresh look to the traditional tale. The OG Christmas hater Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by The Pembrokeshire Murders and Hollywood actor Luke Evans) is joined by the icons including Olivia Colman as The Ghost of Christmas Past, and Johnny Flynn as Bob Cratchit, and features re-imagined songs from the original musical,Scrooge! written by Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer Leslie Bricusse. It’s sure to be a hit!
Released December 2nd.
I Hate Christmas
If you prefer the fun of a series over a film, look no further than this festive new addition to Netflix, perfect for rainy evenings at home or to accompany a day of wrapping gifts and decorating. I Hate Christmas follows a nurse on a mission to find a boyfriend, after lying to her family about being single ahead of the big day. The problem is, it’s less than 24 hours away…
Released 7th December.
How to Ruin Christmas: The Baby Shower
Following its two previous instalments- How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding and How To Ruin Christmas: The Funeral– which received critical acclaim, the series continues, and we can’t wait!
With a healthy number of mishaps and secrets set to be exposed, the series follows The Sellos and Twalas families once more as they prepare for the imminent arrival of Beauty (Thando Thabethe) and Sbu’s (Sandile Mahlangu) tiny bundle of joy. Catch up on the first and second series and prepare for laughs and drama aplenty from its newest instalment.
Released December 16th.
Fonder of a classic? Here’s all the existing Christmas viewing you can find on Netflix to fill your December diary…
The Nightmare Before Christmas Home Alone 3 The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Home Alone 4 Beauty & The Beast: Enchanted Christmas The Christmas Star Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Ernest Saves Christmas Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas Disney’s A Christmas Carol The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Jingle All The Way 2 The Santa Clause Babes in Toyland The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Snowball Express Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! I’ll be home for Christmas The Ultimate Christmas Present One Magic Christmas Grumpy Christmas 48 Christmas Wishes Christmas Flow A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding Smart Christmas The App That Stole Christmas A New York Christmas Wedding Christmas Inheritance Father Christmas Is Back Holiday In The Wild Christmas Under Wraps Christmas With The Coopers A Christmas Miracle For Daisy Let It Snow Nigella: At My Table
The Search for Santa Paws Santa’s Workshop Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups Christmas…Again?! Mickey & Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas 12 Dates of Christmas Winnie the pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year Santa Buddies A Muppets Christmas Carol Noelle A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa Frozen 1 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Frozen 2 Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish Just Another Christmas Home Alone Die Hard Home Alone 2: Lost in New York The Mistle-Tones Holidate Nativity Dash and Lily Merry, Happy, Whatever Trolls Holiday Wonderland Sugar Rush Christmas Cinderella Story, Christmas Wish Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square El Camino Christmas Christmas Wedding Planner The Knight Before Christmas Midnight at the Magnolia 1000 Miles From Christmas Operation Christmas Drop
Sexual Pleasure Isn’t Just For Christmas! The Best Sex Toys To Add To Basket This Winter
A destination for all things self-pleasure and high-quality sex toys, VUSH create products for anyone seeking to improve their sexual wellness experience, be it newbies or pros, the nervous, the curious, and the brave alike.
This article is part of a paid partnership with VUSH.
Sexual wellness is cool. Whether it be unapologetically communicating your needs during intimacy with a partner, or prioritising pleasure as part of your routine when alone, the benefits of feeling satisfied in the bedroom are unmatched for both your mind and body. Research shows that getting hot under the collar has more benefits than simply reaching a state of 10/10 relaxation, with a study from Aussie self-pleasure brand VUSH finding that participants of their I Come First 30day masturbation challenge (sounds right up our street…) saw their motivation increase from 46% to 88% in just one week. If that wasn’t incentive enough to lean into pleasure as a pillar of your self-care, 25% of participants also said it helped them know their body better and understood their response to sexual pleasure. What more motivation could one need to dim the lights and reach for your bedside drawer…?
Wellness includes that of sexual pleasure, and feeling good should never be surrounded by stigma.
A destination for all things self-pleasure and high-quality sex toys, VUSH create products for anyone seeking to improve their sexual wellness experience, be it newbies or pros, the nervous, the curious, and the brave alike. Wellness includes that of sexual pleasure, and feeling good should never be surrounded by stigma. If the world of masturbation feels overwhelming, consider VUSH’sMuse the perfect vibrator to indulge your body in the pleasure it deserves. The rabbit-style vibrator has 8 pleasure-optimised patterns, and 5 levels of intensity for incredible blended orgasms that hit every spot you could dream of. The pretty-in-pink design will look right at home in your space (let’s just say you’ll want it close to hand after trying it even once…), and with easy magnetic USB charging, you can rely on it to come through whenever you desire.
If you’re coupled up this winter, consider pleasure a mutual exchange thanks toVUSH’slatest launch- the ORB. A pleasure ring designed as the perfect couples beginner toy with a vulva-centric approach, the ORB has 10 pleasure settings and 100% waterproof design, with longer-lasting sustained pleasure for penis owners and targeted clitoral stimulation for vulva owners. Yes please!
Need a helping hand in setting the mood? VUSH’sCuriosity Cue Cardshave been created for these exact moments, with their set of 50 cards having been created to prompt discussions about sex with a partner, whether it be reintroducing the notion of play or opening up the idea of trying something new. Embrace the awkwardness and silliness and enjoy the pleasure together.
In the mood for gift giving (because sometimes giving is as good as receiving)? As the weather cools and the temptation to stay in bed grows, VUSH’s SOL might be just the toy to add to your couples pleasure repertoire, designed as part of a mission to destigmatise sex toys for penises. Perfect for first-time users and ideal for spicing things up during foreplay, the internally ribbed device provides extra stimulation, with flexible wings that accommodate any shaft size. The open-ended design is perfect for multi-use fun, and like ORB, comes with 10 pleasure settings and is 100% waterproof, meaning sharing a shower just got 10x more fun.
New to toys or nervous about introducing them into your sex life? VUSHhave identified that lack of confidence is the main factor holding back couples exploration, with their latest Destination: Play sex toy range and campaign having been designed to convey the notion of play in the bedroom. “Sex is not perfect, in fact it’s often clunky, imperfect, messy but fun” says the team at VUSH. “We’re not meant to get it right every time.”
We wanted to hero the messiness, clunkiness and playfulness of pleasure and sex. Why does it have to be so serious all the time? Considering the brand that VUSH is, we found a really great opportunity to have a bit of fun around this campaign, to relate to the everyday person and their sex life.”
VUSH
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From the rare gems and out-there options to the names rising in popularity and the cool but wearable monikers, here’s a list of names that embody this time of year beautifully.
Looking for the perfect name for your bundle of joy? If you’re due in December, or just so happen to love festive, winter-themed baby names, this unique list is made for you, mama-to-be!
From the rare gems and out-there options to the names rising in popularity and the cool but wearable monikers, here’s a list of names that embody this time of year beautifully.
Amaryllis
A Greek naming meaning fresh and sparkling, bringing to mind snowy scenes and picture perfect Christmases. It’s also the name of a trumpet-shaped flower relating to the lily family. White amaryllis in particular symbolises children and hope, a touching idea for anyone who has spent years wishing and waiting for their little one.
Angel
This angelic name is the perfect moniker for a winter baby.
Apricity
This beautiful, rare name means ‘the warmth of the sun in winter’, encapsulating the essence of that new-born baby joy.
Aquilo
Referring to the Roman God meaning ‘north wind’, Aquilo was said to blow winter across earth with his breath.
Aspen
If you’re a fan of the nature names trend, Aspen could be one to add to your notes. A great gender-neutral option that pays homage to mother nature and the heart shaped leaves of this delicate tree.
Balthazar
A beautiful long boy’s name with the stand-out ‘z’ – immediately cool whilst giving a gentle nod to the three wise men.
Blanche
A vintage, snowy-themed baby name meaning ‘white’.
Bodhi
Meaning ‘enlightenment’ or ‘awakening’, Bodhi comes from the Buddhist holiday in December.
Brandy
A popular Christmas tipple and a cute sounding name for your little girl.
Candy
A diminutive of Candace meaning white, pure or sincere. It’s also reminiscent of the sweet Christmas treat we enjoy at this time of year.
Celeste
A heavenly baby name, perfect for a festive arrival.
December
Winter’s answer to August – December is a beautiful name for a baby born in the month of Christmas.
Eirwen
A gender-neutral name meaning ‘snow’ as well as ‘fair’ and ‘blessed’.
Ember
A gender-neutral name that embodies the true hygge of the season. Think crackling fires and glowing embers. A great nature-themed name!
Epiphany
A female name of English origin that means Revelatory Manifestation of a Divine Being. Known as Epiphany, or the 12th Day of Christmas, The Feast of the Epiphany is a Christian feast day that commemorates how a star led the Magi, or the three wise men, to the baby Jesus. Epiphany also happens to be a 5* Taylor Swift song.
Finton
Along the same lines as the popular boy’s name Finley, Finton means white flame or fair flame and has that surname-as-first-name trendy twist.
Gwyneira
A name of Welsh origin meaning both ‘white’ and ‘blessed snow’.
Holiday
A fitting tribute to *the* G.O.A.T Christmas movie if you ask us.
January
A great first or middle name for a winter baby.
Joy
Synonymous with the festive season, the name Joy radiates positivity and yuletide cheer.
Lumi
A cute Finnish name simply meaning snow. Just gorgeous!
Magic
A beautiful, whimsical middle or first name, imbued with the twinkly connotations of the festive season.
Myrrh
Primarily a female name of Greek origin meaning ancient spice. It’s along the same lines as sage and thyme, great for anyone looking for a warm, earthy name that works as both a first and middle option.
Noëlle
A super wearable, festive winter name meaning ‘Christmas’ in French.
Otso
Another common Finnish name meaning ‘bear’. Perfectly apt for hibernation mode.
Robin / Robyn
The classic red-breasted bird has spiritual connections and is often sighted at this time of year.
Rudolph
Rudy for short – cute! We can see why this one is rising up the name trend lists.
Snow
A short and snappy seasonal name that looks gorgeous on paper and sounds pretty poetic, too.
Solstice
Winter solstice on 21st December marks the shortest day of the year when the sun travels the shortest path through the sky.
Tanzy
A pretty diminutive of the December birthstone ‘Tanzanite’ – a breath-taking indigo coloured gem, known for balancing energy, and only found in one part of the world: Tanzania, its motherland.
Valo
Short and sweet, Velo is both a girls’ and boys’ name of Finnish origin meaning ‘light’.
Whittaker
Meaning white field – a great boy’s name.
Winica
Looking for floral names that’s not Holly or Ivy? Winica, meaning Christmas orchid, could make for a beautiful alternative.
Winter
Perfect for any little ones born in the winter months and easily abbreviated to Winnie. You can also opt for the ‘Wynter’ spelling if you prefer.
Ahead of the annual event that’s come to mark the true start of the festivities, the team are sharing their JL Christmas ad predictions for 2022...
We all know the most wonderful time of the year isn’t officially underway until the John Lewis ad has graced our screens and Twitter is ablaze with reactions (and, ahem, criticism).
The highly anticipated advert has become synonymous with the festivities and a staple of our Christmas calendars, year after year. For many, Christmas simply isn’t Christmas until Mariah Carey’s ear-worm can be heard all across the land and the popular retailer unveils its iconic ad. And we are firmly in that camp!
It’s safe to say, 2022 has been another eventful year in British history with the queen’s Platty Jubes back in the summer, the Women’s Euros, the World Cup this month, and of course Her Majesty’s passing. Then there was The Queue for the Queen’s-lying-in-state, with heartwarming stories of mourning strangers striking up friendships whilst shuffling along the ever-growing line, visible from space.
With a wealth of material to choose from, the merry masterminds behind the JL ad are surely set to pull on our heartstrings like never before this Christmas. Could it be the year of The Bear aka Paddington’s marmalade era, or maybe a sad-looking Corgi will be the main character, as the ad tells the tale of the pup who lost its wag? It could even be the Christmas that sees King Charles receive the gift of all gifts… a fully functioning pen.
Ahead of the annual event that’s come to mark the true start of the festivities, the team are sharing their JL Christmas ad predictions for 2022…
Disclaimer: if we’re wrong, its because that’s tradition mmmk.
Lareese’s Prediction
I reckon there’s going to be some sort of climate change angle involving a distressed polar bear and how to have a green Christmas with JL. I’m picturing a classic The Snowman type animation flying round the world looking at all these animals in despair as their homes are disappearing one by one. Then outside a classroom, a fox hops onto the window sill (this is a magic non-nocturnal fox, you see), pressing its long snout up against the glass, touched to see a young child presenting ideas to her classmates for how humankind can pull together, save the planet and rescue the animals once and for all. The fox sets about spreading the word, telling his animal pals that help is on the way, and this won’t be their last Christmas after all… For the soundtrack, I’m thinking a full-on ensemble this year – a star-studded original track with Adele, Coldplay, ABBA, Elton and 1975.
Lily’s Prediction
I think it will be another tear-jerker but on OVERDRIVE! Possibly a nod to the Queen too after all of her years as our Monarch (which I’m truly hoping they do). Although, due to John Lewis and many others curating their ads so early in the year, I also feel there might be a nod to peace + no war. Coming together or supporting from afar / hearts as one. Possibly someone sending a gift they received on Christmas to someone less fortunate!
I would love for JL to do something similar to the: ‘somewhere only we know’ 2013 The Bear and the Hare as it had that traditional Christmas festive feel, a heartwarming storyline and beautiful track to the AD. So possibly be partly illustrated / animated as they’ve started doing over the recent years. Something cuddly and a comfort that can be bought in-store as a symbol to promote their Christmas range for 2022!
Danielle’s Prediction
After predicting what I can only describe as the best advert (that was never made) in 2020, I’m quite burnt by this whole task but alas, I shall try again. 2021’s alien girl was a big miss for me – no tears, no laughs just a bit MEH.
This year I hope they team up with Waitrose to bring a bumper foodie gifting masterpiece. Food and gifting are so synonymous with Christmas, I’d love them to play on those great British traditions and the fact that they’re back for good and this Christmas will be the first normal one in so long. No mention of actual COVID as no one needs reminding of that.
I’d like to see scenes capturing that hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping in London. Mums and Grans getting that 6am food shop on the run-up to Christmas day. Classicly terrible office parties with fizz and mince pies. Families driving from one house to another packed full of gifts. Kids picking out and wrapping their gifts. Terrible Christmas nativity plays. Diving into the quality street watching Home Alone. ALL THAT GOOD STUFF.
Maybe the tagline that appears at the end would say “They’re traditions for a reason” or “Never stray from traditions” which I think works for John Lewis because so many people traditionally shop there. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents, feel free to hire me next year JLP!
Olivia’s Prediction
This year I think they will focus on Christmas through the years that the Queen was serving as Monarch. They will show families coming together to watch the Queen’s speech on Christmas day and sharing gifts. There will be a gift that’s the same every year, maybe a teddy bear as they haven’t changed much over the years. This teddy bear will then be the item they sell in the stores. They would have originally done this for the jubilee but kept it as she passed away later in the year. I also think Sam Ryder will be singing the song for it.
Charlotte Prediction
Although there are plenty of traditions that come around year after year, the classic Christmas films that loop day after day during December is one that every household can relate to. The rules for rewatching films do not apply when it comes to Christmas movies- simply put, the limit does not exist.
I think an iconic advert that only a John Lewis budget could quite pull of would be a nod to some of the most loved and classic movies in the Christmas genre, whether it to that department store scene or a cameo from Hugh Grant himself (dreaming big here), I have no doubt that this ad would be the talk of the town. A win across all generations, I’m imagining references to Love Actually, The Holiday, Home Alone and newer classics including The Princess Switch that those of all ages would love and appreciate.
After a couple of seriously lacklustre Christmases and restrictions of various degrees, I feel like the festive season of 2022 is going to be back with a serious bang, and splurging a big budget with guaranteed ‘aww’ factor is one I would personally love to see. Jude Law, Colin Firth, Will Ferrell, I hope to see you there!
Maddie’s Prediction
I have to say the creative side of my brain is slightly underdeveloped for tasks like this. I can only imagine the stress the John Lewis teams feel each year knowing the pressure they’re under to create the best advert yet. For me, Edgar the Dragon of 2019 was the last time they smashed it.
That coincidentally was also probably the last Christmas where we weren’t burdened with all that’s happened since. What i’d love to see is them capture that innocence and magic again. Where for two minutes we can forget about all the sadness, turmoil and frankly the state of the not so United Kingdom. A story of togetherness, neighbours helping neighbours, understanding and unity across generations and cultures. Not such a big ask is it?
The Cosiest Christmas Bedding To Transform Your Bedroom This Winter
From traditional red and green check, to winter animal extravaganzas, the high-street goes wild for novelty Christmas bedding, and it feels only right to oblige in a little festive redecoration...
If there was ever a time to up your cosy game and lean into all things comfort, the season of autumn would surely be it. With rainy days rolling in thick and fast, ’tis the time for nights in front of Netflix, indulgent dinners that feel like a warm hug and wearing every layer you own to save on a no doubt extortionate heating bill.
With Halloween done and dusted and Michael Bublé about to defrost, time spent at home is about to become more precious than ever. Sunday morning lie-ins are made all the more luxurious when lounging amongst Christmas bedding, and as November hits so does the ultimate selection of festive bed linen.
From traditional red and green check, to winter animal extravaganzas, the high-street goes wild for novelty bedding, and it feels only right to oblige in a little festive redecoration…
Festive Cheer Unlocked: The Best Christmas Events In the UK
We’ve compiled a selection of festive events happening across the UK this year, from light festivals to ice skating, shows, carol concerts, pantomimes and ballets, so you can fill your boots (and your calendars) with Christmas activities aplenty and kickstart the most wonderful time of the year in style!
The scent of mulled wine and mince pies, carol singers crooning, the iconic ‘It’s Christmas’ yell of Slade’s lead vocalist Noddy Holder, people stumbling round the ice rinks, wishing they could get away with a penguin to lean on (guilty) – the run up to Christmas is just as important as the day itself for getting in the festive spirit.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a selection of festive events happening across the UK this year, from light festivals to ice skating, shows, carol concerts, pantomimes and ballets, so you can fill your boots (and your calendars) with Christmas activities aplenty and kickstart the most wonderful time of the year in style!
Pss If you don’t manage to book on this year, make sure you note them down for next year’s festive activities.
Now, let the mistletoe see the wine… it’s CHRISTMASSS.
Glow Wild at Wakehurst
📍 Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Any trip to Wakehurst is spellbinding stuff but in the winter, the magic really comes alive as the garden is transformed into the Glow Wild light festival. Their enchanting lantern trail is back for its ninth year running and packed full of surprises including a brand new route.
This year, Glow Wild celebrates the spectrum of colour, inviting you to explore how we see colour and the role it plays in our daily lives. Featuring captivating light installations created by leading artists, glistening fire torches and immersive soundscapes, it’s the perfect activity for all the family.
Don’t miss the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, dressed to impress in 1,800 fairy lights.
Looking for a cute date night idea in the run up to Christmas? Their brand-new adults only sessions are just the thing.
When?
Selected evenings 24 November 2022 – 1 January 2023
4:30pm – 10pm (last entry at 8.20pm)
Quiet sessions available at 4.15pm on selected evenings
If your favourite Potter scene is the Yule Ball, then Hogwarts in the Snow is a must-see. Step into the scenes of Hogwarts at Christmas as the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour, undergoes its yearly festive makeover, complete with blankets of filmmaking snow. Slytherin hearts are defrosting as we speak. From the Christmas tree-lined Great Hall to a snow-dusted Diagon Alley and the tinsel-wrapped boys’ dormitory, Potterheads are set to be in their wizarding element. Merry Christmas, ya filthy witches.
PS due to its popularity with muggle types, it’s already booked up for crimbo but snap up some tickets for January to get your 2023 off to a spellbinding start!
When?
Selected dates 12 November 2022 – 15 January 2023.
You can’t get more festive than Dickens and his classic Christmas Carol but this year, Dolly Parton has sprinkled her very own Tennessee magic on the timeless tale in an all-new musical.
Set during the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee and featuring an original score written by Dolly Parton, this heart-warming and truly unforgettable production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season.
As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest and most precious gift we have. Dickens’ classic characters and Dolly Parton’s one-of-a-kind song writing and storytelling expertise are certain to make this the most joyful Christmas event.
(Dolly fans please note, she will not feature live in this production).
When?
8 Dec 2022 – 8 Jan 2023
Price: Tickets on sale now from £18.50, Premium tickets available.
Escape into an incredible world of light at the Lightopia Festival in London’s Crystal. The ultimate neon winter wonderland experience will not only showcase immersive, multi-sensory interactive light and lantern installations but will also feature a spectacular festive water show, ready to transport you to a fantastical Christmas experience like no other.
The 40-metre-wide and 15-metre-tall water show over the lower lake is a visual feast, featuring the beloved Christmas imagery of a giant Santa, Rudolf, Christmas tree and snowflakes.
Other highlights include: ‘The Wonders of the Dragon’, a breath-taking light dragon who dramatically breathes ‘fire’, lighting up the surrounding trees and crystals; ‘The Magical Forest’, a fantasy world of mythical winged creatures; the enchanting and organic ‘Land of Fairy Literature’, ‘Earth Flower’ and ‘Forest Mushroom’; the spooky and wonky world of the ‘Haunted Road’ and of course the ultimate ‘Christmas’ installation of giant snowmen, baubles and sugar canes.
Perfect for family Christmas outings, office parties or a joy-filled evening with your bestie, this magical and heart-warming immersive experience is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
When?
17 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
Price: Standard advance tickets are priced at £19.50 off peak and £24.50 peak for adults, £13 off peak and £16.50 peak for children, and £56 off peak and £72 peak for families of two adults and two children. Children under three can go free. Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free; the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.
📍 Various locations, including Derby, Chester, Oldham, York, Hull, Buxton, Sheffield, Coventry, Salisbury, Durham & Liverpool.
Go walking in the air this Christmas with a special screening of family-favourite The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. No, you’ve got goosebumps. Sure to create precious memories and get your toes tapping this Christmas, consider this your serotonin soundtrack. Festive cheer unlocked.
Non-stop singing, dancing, music and humour? That should get you in the spirit of things quicker than you can say pull my cracker.
As the largest Christmas show in the country (if not Europe), you really are in for an evening of top-notch festivities. Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, with a cast of 120 professional singers, dancers and musicians – most of whom are straight out of the West End – the three hour performance delivers an extravaganza of festive entertainment. Featuring an eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites, with famous and much-loved chart toppers being performed alongside traditional carols, plus an incredible fly over of white doves across the auditorium for the grand finale, this is what Christmas dreams are made of.
A favourite amongst city residents and visitors alike, the Birmingham Christmas Market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. You can enjoy all the traditional food including bratwursts, schnitzels, pretzels and roasted almonds, all of which can be washed down with a Gluhwein, weissbier (wheat beer) or a soothing cup of hot chocolate. Tick off a few of your Christmas gifts from one of the many open air stalls lining Victoria Square and New Street, featuring everything from handcrafted toys to jewellery and delicate glass baubles or head over to Centenary Square for your fix of fairground fun and ice skating. Don’t miss the legendary singing moose – the face and voice of the Christmas Market, affectionately known to his friends as Chris Moose!
When?
3 November – 23 December.
Open daily from 10am – 9pm (except Remembrance Sunday 13th November, when the market will be open from 1pm – 9pm).
📍 The Spiegeltent, Cardiff Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Cardiff.
This isn’t just any old version of The Nutcracker, this is The Nutcracker with a Welsh twist, performed in the intimacy of Cardiff’s magical Spiegeltent.
Cardiff Castle Christmas Festival presents the highly acclaimed full-length contemporary ballet, Wales’ first reimagining of its kind, featuring a rich cast of recognisably Welsh characters, including Uncle Idris, Bop Sheila & Bopa Linda and The Mari Lwyd. The production also features the showpiece Snowflakes as seen at Cardiff’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and featuring choreographer Jamiel Laurence’s unique take on dancing, tumbling, avalanching and flying snowballs.
Audiences are invited along for a magical ride through the Williams’ Family Christmas. As you are taken into the dream world of the lead protagonist, Carys, her Uncle Idris will conjure up a battle, a snowstorm and his very own variety show, The Uncle Idris Show.
When?
25 November – 27 November for five performances only.
Get ready to be transported to the magical land of huskies, reindeer, elves and storytelling! Brought to life in a 4-hour immersive experience, Lapland UK takes guests through a magical secret doorway in the Enchanted Forest to an ancient Elven civilisation. Here, small folk can watch with wide eyed wonder as the magic of the forest unfolds, complete with a visit to the toy factory to help Whittle, Conker and Wish with their toy making, a delicious gingerbread decorating class with Mother Christmas, ice skating and finally, a special personalised trip to see Santa and his reindeers in his cosy wood-cabin home.
Guaranteed to create the kind of core memories that last a lifetime for small and big folk alike, allowing grown ups to revel in the joy of their children’s fleeting belief in Father Christmas, and childhood wonder itself. Father Christmas in the UK doesn’t get more authentic than this!
Is it even Christmas if you don’t pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie with a cliche but indisputably magical day of festivities in the big smoke? Whether you live in London or make an annual trip to fully absorb its infectious Christmas spirit, an afternoon at Somerset House is a festive rite of passage. Their magnificent ice rink (now with an even bigger skate space!) transforms the iconic courtyard into the winter dreamland, complete with a glorious 40ft Christmas tree, specially curated decorations from Moët & Chandon and gourmet dining at Chalet Suisse- a mesmerising pop-up alpine restaurant courtesy of Jimmy Garcia. Top tip: save the bubbles for once you’re safely off the ice!
Playful, witty and charming, this brand-new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved The Wind in the Willows by award-winning children’s author Piers Torday (The Last Wild series) is a beautiful tale perfect for the whole family that’s sure to create memories you will treasure for years to come.
Set in modern-day London and tackling familiar issues of the present day, the tale is fundamentally one of hope and joy, featuring a healthy dose of classic songs, puppetry and the book’s favourite characters. With rave reviews from The Sunday Times, The Guardian and The Evening Standard, consider this a must for the festive season if pleasing the whole family is top of your agenda.
When
24th November to 31st December. 7.30pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Matinees 2.30pm.
This beautiful after-dark experience is one to bookmark for those in and around Cambridge seeking an evening of festive cheer for the whole family. The beautiful National Trust location and home is continuing its partnership with local author Robert MacFarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris, with the Winter Lights experience including Lost Words and Lost Spells poems, music and illustrations throughout.
Enjoy projections of Jackie’s nature illustrations around the grounds, created by award-winning projectionist team Ross Ashton and Karen Monid, as well as new versions of songs and poems throughout the route. Finish your evening by refuelling with food and drinks from independent street food vendors in the Orchard area, and cheers over a warming cup of mulled wine- ‘tis the season!
📍Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, 2 York St, Bath.
Is there a more beautifully traditional, picture-perfect spot to get into the Christmas spirit than the city of Bath? We think not. After being paused for two years, the iconic Bath Christmas markets are up and running once more, welcoming traditional artisan makers to their streets and ensuring festive cheer seeps from every corner of the city.
With over 150 twinkling chalets including some of the best crafters that the South West and beyond has to offer, find homeware, handmade jewellery, and personalised gifts that make Christmas shopping for even the fussiest members of your family feel like a breeze.
Meander round the beautiful stalls with an extravagant hot chocolate and Belgian waffle in hand and consider multiple boxes on your festive bucket list ticked off.
When?
Thursday 24th November to Sunday 11th December.
Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 7pm. Thursday to Saturday: 10am to 8pm. Sundays: 10am to 6pm.
No booking necessary.
Tulleys Farm at Christmas
📍 Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Rd, Worth, Crawley Down, Crawley.
Set within the beautiful courtyards and woodland of Tulleys Farm, their Christmas experience is created by the same award winning team behind Tulleys Halloween, Escape Rooms and PYO Sunflowers, meaning you’re guaranteed to be in for a festive treat.
From Christmas markets to storytime with Santa himself, ice skating to gingerbread decorating, a trip to Tulleys is a full family affair with activities those of all ages will be excited about. Finish your visit with a warming treat at one of the farm’s many food and refreshment spots, and prepare to have Mariah stuck in your head for the rest of the weekend…
When?
26th November-24th December, various time slots.
No booking necessary.
Castle of Light: A Kingdom on Colours at Edinburgh’s Castle
📍 Castlehill, Edinburgh.
Back for a third magical year, one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful landmarks is set to be transformed into a kingdom of colours once more with a bigger and better than ever colourful projection show that gives the castle a mesmerising new lease of life.
“Drawing inspiration from kaleidoscope patterns, this year’s projections include a mix of geometric designs depicting stories from Scotland’s past, transforming the castle with light, sound and wonder like never before” says Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s trail.
For those planning a magical staycation to the city that comes alive at Christmas (or anyone lucky enough to have an EH postcode), a trip to Edinburgh castle is guaranteed to become one of your top memories of Xmas ‘22.
When?
18th-20th and 25th-27th November. 2nd-4th, 8th-11th, 16th-23rd and 27th-30th December 2022. 4.30pm to 9pm (last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm)
The home of Christmas in London for 150 years, The Royal Albert Hall is opening their doors this December to share the joy of the most magical season of all. Live music was few and far between during the Christmases of ‘20 and ‘21, and what better way to celebrate the comeback of such events than in one of the country’s most iconic venues. From Christmas carols to traditional concerts, jazz, drag, soul, classic ballet and so much more, there’s a plethora of events set to get you in the mood for the most wonderful time of the year. Check out the full programme line-up here and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
When?
Concerts running from Saturday 3rd-31st December.
Ice Skating at Brighton Pavilion
📍 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton
Ice skating may be one of the more marmite festive activities out there, but even the wobbliest of skaters will be keen to hit the ice upon seeing the beauty that is Brighton Pavillion’s rink in all its glory this Christmas. Powered entirely by green energy, it’s one of the country’s more eco festive experiences, the atmosphere is one that feels on par with the magic of Love Actually’s most heartwarming moments (let’s try and block out the Joni Mitchell scene…).
Both family friendly and the perfect romantic date spot, cosy up in the rinkside bar after your skate and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate before taking a twinkling walk through the iconic Brighton Lanes. It’s the stuff of Christmas bucket lists!
When?
Oct 29th, 2022– Jan 8th, 2023. Weekdays and weekends, check website for peak and off peak session times.
New for 2022, Blenheim Palace is set to be transformed thanks to their new Kingdom of The Snow Queen theme, with visitors able to take a self-guided tour around the Palace’s rooms, each one filled with hidden surprises. From the glistening Land of Snowflakes filled with a silvery frost-covered forest, to the wintery Kingdom of Ice adorned with larger-than-life shimmering crystals, the transformation is captivating whether accompanied by little ones or a new wintertime lover.
If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, wander the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens through tunnels of light and lakeside reflections, and end your evening warming up by the flickering flames of the palace’s fire garden that brings to life the cosy ambience that is so special during the Christmas period.
Blenheim Palace’s Christmas Market will also be returning for 2022, with plentiful designer/maker craft traders housed in wooden chalets in the Great Court with a selection of treats and gifts for yourself and loved ones this Christmas. Finally, if a foodie agenda is what makes your heart sing, enjoy their Ice Kingdom Themed Afternoon Tea between 18th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023 at the Orangery- meet you there!
When?
Access to The Kingdom of The Snow Queen 18th November 2022-2nd January 2023.
Glow Wild
Wakehurst Place 2014
Picture by Jim Holden
Entrances at Victoria Gate, Brentford Gate and Elizabeth Gate. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond.
If Kew Gardens wasn’t magical enough, consider its magical-ness amped up X 1000 during the festive season as its grounds bring to life the beauty of Christmas, made better by the fact it’s their 10 year anniversary of celebrating the festive season in style!
Their winter lights trail is truly as romantic as it sounds, featuring “sparkling tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections, and trees drenched in jewel-like colour”- truly divine. Marvel at the spectacular light, music and water display in front of the iconic Palm House or nail the perfect photo dump cover in front of the Christmas Cathedral with its thousands of sparkling fairy lights.
You’ll find independent street food vendors dotted along your route, offering a delightfully festive treat or spiced winter warmer drink to keep you feeling merry and bright no matter the temperatures.
When?
Selected dates, 16 November 2022 to 8 January 2023. Time slots start between 4.20pm and 8pm. The Gardens close at 10pm with last entry at 8:20pm and 7:20 pm on Christmas eve.
Once Upon a Christmas Evening Carols at Christ Church Cathedral
📍 Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch Place, Dublin 8, Ireland.
If a night of traditional festivities is what you’re seeking this December, Dublin’s Once Upon A Christmas Evening is the epitome of classic Christmas cheer. The Park Singers, along with their director Órla Gillan, are set to perform a mix of carols from old favourites to modern classics (and a few surprises in between!) at the impressive Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Dublin.
Winners of the City of Derry International Choir Competition in 2018, and the ladies choir competition at the Cork International Choral Festival in 2019, consider this evening one sure to transport anyone not feeling the full effect of the festive season to a scene worthy of Love Actually.
