That Christmas

2024 - 12 - 7

From Yorkshire to Somerset: A Very British Christmas Adventure!

Christmas markets - Christmas shopping - Community support - Festive spirit - Independent shops - Somerset - Sustainable Christmas - Yorkshire

Embark on a whimsical journey through festive markets, delicious treats, and Grinchy confessions as we explore the best of British Christmas shopping!

Christmas shopping can sometimes feel more like a chore than a joy, but not when you’re wandering through Yorkshire's hidden shopping centre! Amid its historical charm and buzzing atmosphere, it becomes the perfect setting for a Christmas gift haul. Independent shops become the stars of the show, offering unique treasures that make gift-giving feel more personal and meaningful. It’s like Santa's little workshop but with more charm and fewer elves!

Over in Somerset, the festive spirit is palpable, especially when Santa fans out on a helicopter. With Christmas lights twinkling like stars, it’s an inviting treat to grab a warm mulled wine after a day exploring the local markets. As traders like Sarah Thorp from Room 212 gear up for the busy season, they remind us why supporting local businesses is vital. The buzz of independent shops pulses with the heartbeat of the community, making every purchase a part of something bigger!

Now, let’s take a moment to swap our aprons for hiking boots! After a year of challenges, a Christmas hike might just be the remedy to summoning some festive cheer—even for the Grinch at heart. For those who find themselves more snug than festive, getting out into the Peak District’s winter wonderland could bring unexpected joy (and probably some killer Christmas selfies with Bertie!). Who knew that exercise and fresh air would be the ideal antidote to holiday blues?

The festive season doesn’t stop at shopping or decorating; it’s about the memories we create too. From children making hampers for food banks to epic Christmas light displays raising funds for charity, the collective spirit of giving shines bright in communities across the country. Let’s also not forget to sprinkle some fun on our holiday season with creative mantle decorations and baked goodies brought together by the Christmas spirit!

Did you know that Christmas shopping in independent stores has seen a significant boost in recent years? More and more people are prioritising local businesses, making every purchase count! And here’s a fun fact: the 'first Christmas card' was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, and it didn’t quite get the same love as today’s warm greetings! This Christmas, whether you’re out hiking, shopping, or just being a couch Grinch, remember that it’s the moments we share that truly defines the season!

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Image courtesy of "Leeds Live"

I bought all my Christmas presents in Yorkshire's secret shopping ... (Leeds Live)

I rarely enjoy shopping it is most often a dreary and unsatisfying experience. The exception is shopping in independent shops with a purpose.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Somerset in pictures: Santa in a helicopter and Christmas lights (BBC News)

December is here and the spirit of Christmas is spreading across Somerset. To mark the arrival of the festive season, Father Christmas made a spectacular ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

'Support us at Christmas so we can survive', say traders (BBC News)

Sarah Thorp runs the independent art shop Room 212 on Gloucester Road and is frank about what Christmas means to traders like her. "This is our busiest time of ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

I've made Christmas lunch for the past 30 years. Now I want a year off (The Guardian)

Christmas dinner is the one remaining domestic feast. It's the one day of the year when we strap ourselves to the stove and cook a complex multistage meal, ...

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Image courtesy of "Countryliving (UK)"

5 creative Christmas mantle ideas for a stunning festive display (Countryliving (UK))

We asked experts for their tips on creative Christmas mantle ideas for a stunning festive display for 2024. Keep reading for mantlepiece ideas.

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Image courtesy of "Teesside Live"

I went Christmas shopping at Yorkshire's secret centre dubbed ... (Teesside Live)

Dave's mission was to buy all his Christmas presents in one place with only independent businesses. Mission gladly accepted.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Peak District: 'Christmas hike saved me from a miserable day' (BBC News)

Then, her beloved sausage dog Bertie died. "It was just going to me alone on my own," she says. "I would have stayed in bed all day and been really miserable.

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Image courtesy of "Surrey Live"

I visited a little Christmas market near the Surrey border that's the ... (Surrey Live)

It is a great place for grabbing a warm cup of mulled wine after a day of shopping.

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Image courtesy of "Hull Daily Mail"

Pictures of Christmas events in and around Hull from the 1980s to ... (Hull Daily Mail)

Putting up our Christmas trees, frantically trying to get our gift shopping done on time, watching our children's nativity plays and finding the most sparkly ...

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Image courtesy of "Nottinghamshire Live"

Chance to meet Santa and farm animals at Woodland Wonderland ... (Nottinghamshire Live)

A popular family attraction has been transformed into a winter paradise this Christmas. Manor Farm Park and Woodlands, situated in East Leake, has created a ...

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Image courtesy of "Bridgwater Mercury"

Somerset Camera Club pictures show Christmas is on the way (Bridgwater Mercury)

Members submitted photos including Christmas trees ready to be picked up, a robin and Christmas illuminations in Somerset. Every week, members of the group are ...

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Image courtesy of "Eastleigh News"

Winchester students help light up 'Christmas in Eastleigh' | Eastleigh ... (Eastleigh News)

University of Winchester students gained some valuable hands-on experience at Eastleigh's festive lights switch-on.

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Image courtesy of "Donegal Live"

It's Good To Talk: Christmas - a time to recharge and be kind to ... (Donegal Live)

Tracy McKeague is a BACP and IACP accredited mental health counsellor from Culdaff with a private and public counselling practice based in Serenity House M.

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Image courtesy of "Pique Newsmagazine"

Opinion: I'm dreaming of an unaesthetic Christmas (Pique Newsmagazine)

It's cut out of cardboard and has gobs of white glue securing foraged ferns, dried leaves and clipped twigs to it. This new creation replaces a pricey wreath I ...

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Every year I try to make Christmas perfect. Maybe it's time I give up (The Sydney Morning Herald)

And to really enjoy Christmas as an adult, a few ducks need to be in a row. A family should be functional, if not thriving, for the festivity to register below ...

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Image courtesy of "Leeds Live"

I bought all my Christmas presents in Yorkshire's secret shopping ... (Leeds Live)

Shopping was, for once, enjoyable in this architectural treasure where Tykes have shopped for 245 years.

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Image courtesy of "British Vogue"

All I Want For Christmas Is For It To Be Over (British Vogue)

Every other Sunday, Slutty Cheff – cook, Vogue columnist, and author of the forthcoming Tart – shares her thoughts on food, culture, sex and the points where ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Epic Christmas lights in Leicester raise thousands for hospice (BBC News)

Scott Seare has extravagantly decorated his home for several years to raise money for charity.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Why the ghosts of Christmas past are haunting you this festive season (The Independent)

Exes, friends we've drifted from and old acquaintances love to reappear at this time of year. Lydia Spencer-Elliott, who's been struggling with disturbances ...

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Image courtesy of "The National"

My Grinch-like approach to Christmas may be starting to pay off (The National)

CHRISTMAS spirit is non-existent in my house, though you wouldn't know it from my online antics. A former colleague once dubbed it the…

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Shere: Sir Henry Cole's first Christmas card gets mixed reaction (BBC News)

The great, great, great, great granddaughter of Sire Henry Cole speaks to Secret Surrey.

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Image courtesy of "PetsRadar"

8 ways I'm involving my dog in Christmas festivities this year (PetsRadar)

From card-delivery walks and festive treats, to dog-friendly film suggestions and tree decor ideas, here are some of the Christmas activities I've got in store ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Christmas biscuits, cakes and crisps – tested by Ravneet Gill (The Guardian)

The chef, author and TV presenter rates snowman cupcakes, sticky toffee cookies and turkey tortilla chips in our blind taste test.

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Image courtesy of "The Isle of Thanet News"

Matthew Munson: Christmas, man flu and writer's block (The Isle of Thanet News)

Two weeks (ish) before Christmas. Blimey. We've still not put our decorations up, at my son's insistence. He wants to do them on his last day of school ...

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Image courtesy of "Aston Villa"

Countdown to Christmas: 17 days to go! (Aston Villa)

Throughout the month of December, we'll be counting down to the big day, with a number of different interactive Villa-themed quizzes, games and challenges. And, ...

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Image courtesy of "Saga Magazine News"

The best sweet Christmas food: tried and tasted (Saga Magazine News)

Great texture slices with a perfect ratio of marzipan and fruit makes for a tasty traditional stollen. The dusting is the ideal quantity and combines superbly ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Jersey schoolchildren make Christmas hampers for food bank (BBC News)

The families of pupils at Faithful Companions of Jesus Primary School donated the items, which the children then organised and wrapped for the Grace Trust. They ...

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