Age UK’s recent statistics show that over 1 million older people are spending Christmas day alone this year. More than 1 in 10 people (11%) will eat Christmas dinner alone, and 5% won’t see or speak to anyone the entire day.

It’s hard to be alone for the holidays, but there are ways to beat the loneliness. Here are a few of our suggestions on how to still make the most of the season.

Find local events

There are plenty of local events on at Christmas time to help communities connect and enjoy the holidays together. Local hubs, churches, libraries, pubs and more are often hosting festive events.

You could attend a Christmas dinner hosted at a local community hub, or a carol service at your local church. Or you could pop down to a nearby pub and see what events or live music are happening that day.

There are also charities designed to help communities come together to improve wellbeing and beat loneliness. Ramblers offers wellbeing walking groups, while Reengage have social groups for older folks looking to make new friends in their local area.

Chat online

If you’re able to reach family and friends online, video calls are a great way to stay connected when you’re apart. But for those who can’t, there are plenty of other ways to use our phones and the internet to connect with others.

Charities like The Silver Line (run by Age UK) offer support for people aged 55+ who are experiencing loneliness. You can give them a call, and they’ll happily chat with you, offering support and friendship in difficult times.

Whether you’re feeling down, or just want a quick chat, their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s always someone to talk to.

Make Christmas day special, just for you

Some of us aren’t up for going out on Christmas, or maybe don’t have the means to do so. But that doesn’t mean Christmas can’t still be a special day.

Why not make a delicious Christmas dinner for one (or order your favourite takeaway), or put on your favourite film with a nice glass of wine. Dust off some of the things tucked away for a ‘special occasion’ and use them to make the day a little more special.

Try to reframe the day not as one where you’re stuck by yourself, but as a day dedicated to you. Whether it’s some nice food, a good book or just a cozy pyjama day in bed, make the most of it and do something special for yourself.

Make Christmas special for someone else

Volunteering is a great way to give back to others at Christmas. Local food banks, shelters and more are always looking for volunteers, especially during the cold winter months.

By volunteering, you can chat with fellow volunteers and those you’re helping, all while making a real difference to people’s lives. Consider spending Christmas morning dishing out food at your local soup kitchen, spreading warmth and joy to those who need it most.

Not only will you be helping those around you, but you’ll boost your own mood by seeing the positive impact of your work. It’s a truly rewarding way to spend the holidays.

For more information on finding local volunteering opportunities, click here.

Let yourself feel lonely

Keeping busy can be a great way to distract yourself from feeling lonely, but it can also be good to stop and take time to feel these feelings too.

Loneliness is something a lot of us will experience this Christmas. It’s important that we allow ourselves to feel this loneliness, to take control of it so that we can lessen the power it has over us, and continue with our lives. After all, if you shine the light on darkness, it disappears.

Accept that you feel lonely, take time to understand and process these feelings. And, when you’re ready, choose to carry on.

You can find support and advice on dealing with loneliness here.

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post How to beat loneliness at Christmas appeared first on Silver Magazine.

…for me! Christmas shopping can feel like guesswork for some people (looking at your other half, ahem). This guide makes it easier. Think of it as a gentle nudge in the right direction. The kind you might casually forward, leave open on the laptop, or mention over a cup of tea. If you’re hoping someone else takes the hint, this is your shortlist. Consider it festive delegation at its finest.

Of course, it works just as well the other way round. If you’re buying for a partner, a friend, or yourself, this edit is about ideas that actually land. Thoughtful treats. Gifts that feel chosen, and not panicked. It’s in alphabetical order, just to be a bit crazy about things.

What would you circle? What would you send? And what would you quietly keep…!?

Aveda Full of Wonder Hair Thickening Gift Set, £55

This is a strong choice for anyone concerned about thinning or fragile hair. Powered by Aveda’s Invati Ultra Advanced system, the set focuses on scalp health, strengthening, and visible thickness, all without feeling heavy.

It includes exfoliating shampoo and conditioner, a revitalising scalp serum, and a fortifying leave-in treatment. The formulas target breakage-related hair fall and help hair look fuller over time. As ever with Aveda, the scent alone makes it feel like a treat.
Get it here

Babyliss Style Secret Air, £120

Salon-style blow dry without any effort? Yes please. Effortlessly create defined curls, soft beach waves, or a soft blow-dry look with this automatic curler and waver. Enjoy safe, easy styling with long-lasting results and a high-shine finish.
Visit the Babyliss store

Balmond Hold My Hand gift set, £27

Includes: Intensive Hand Cream 50ml + Skin Salvation 50ml. Designed for hard-working hands, Hold My Hand combines Balmonds’ iconic, multi-purpose Skin Salvation balm with the beautifully rich Intensive Hand Cream, made with sea buckthorn and shea butter. Perfect for gardeners, crafters and anyone whose hands need deep replenishment during the colder months.
Get it here

Benefit Glam a Grams 5-piece makeup set, £52.50

Full-size brow wax, volumizing mascara, and tint plus mini primer and fun-size cleansing oil. Perfect gift for the Benefit fan, this VFM set contains at least two hero products. There’s Fluff Up Brow Wax, BADgal BANG! Mascara, the famous Benetint lip and cheek stain, and The POREfessional primer.
Benefit store

Champneys Slumber collection, £20

Want to feel like you’re at the spa without leaving the house?! Great value little set here, specially formulated with essentials oils, and a relaxing fragrance of organic lavender to help you relax before bedtime, this set is relaxation in a box. Inside you’ll find bath salts, an overnight facial balm, a mood mist, a supplement blend, and a satin eye mask. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who struggles to switch off at night.
Champneys store

Chanel Pouch Set, £162

Luscious lips and luxurious scent – what more does a girl need on the run? This lush set from Chanel includes Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum, 50ml, and Rouge Coco Baume 918 My Rose lip colour. A fragrance with a sensual trail has been paired with a tinted lip balm that offers a naturally luminous finish, revealing a sophisticated look. The selection is presented in a travel-friendly pouch. Comp treats at checkout too.
Get it here

Dermalogica warmth of the winter sun gift set, £65

We know it’s winter. Less light, cold wind, dry skin… but hope is at hand! This handy little kit includes some travel size versions of Dermalogica’s faves: Daily Microfoliant (13g), Biolumin-C Serum (10ml), and Heat Ageing Protector Moisturiser (15ml). A yummy kit for Dermalogica fans.
Get it here

Dermaworks Complete Anti-Ageing Transformation Kit, £66.40

Whilst we aren’t huge fans of the term ‘anti-ageing’ we do love skincare that support mature skin as you age. Featuring luxury cleansing cloths, three powerful serums (hyaluronic acid, retinol, and Vitamin C versions), and a hydrating moisturiser, this set covers pretty much everything you need to boost skin health and vitality. Eco-friendly, cruelty-free, reusable, and gentle for all skin types.
Dermaworks store

Eco Warrior Total Works set, £28

A fabulous gift for someone who has ethics at the heart of their beauty habits. This top to toe collection of bars includes face, hair, body, scrub, shaving… all in a neat little tower.

The formulas are plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, and made with a high percentage of naturally derived ingredients. Everything is biodegradable, including the packaging, which makes this an easy win for low-waste gifting.
Get it here

Glow For It Ultimate Christmas Bundle, £90

This is exceptionally good value, with the contents adding up to an eye-watering value of £256.50. The Ultimate Christmas Bundle brings together everything in one show-stopping bundle. Includes Lash Serum + Brow Serum Christmas Cracker, Recharge + Grow Edit limited-edition lash growth set, Mini Lash + Brow Serum Duo, Lip Oil Trio (Original, Peach, Watermelon) … for full contents details check the listing.
Get it here

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey EDT gift set, £108

Lovely set for fans: Issey Miyake’s exclusive set, designed in collaboration with Philippe Apeloig. The set contains an eau de toilette (100ml), moisturising body lotion (50ml), and a 10ml EDT purse spray (handbag, to us here in the UK). Fab for those who love this famous floral fragrance, with notes of white lily and lotus.
Get it here

Jimmy Choo I Want Choo gift set, £81

If you know this fragrance, you know. And this is a great little set that includes a parfum spray (60ml) and body lotion (100ml). This amber floral woody fragrance hits you with vibrant notes of pear and golden gardenia. The middle notes combine a creamy, warm heart with sweet jasmine, irresistible patchouli, and ambrette. The glamorous base notes, blending with moss, amber, sandalwood, and praline accord, give the creation a long-lasting trail. It’s like Christmas in a bottle.
Get it here

Leighton Denny Multidimensional Nail Varnish Set, £22.50

A festive-feeling trio with serious polish credentials. This metallic collection plays with light and depth, delivering colours that feel grown-up but still special enough for party season.

Glow is a khaki-taupe metallic with pink shimmer. Blaze is a warm terracotta with an emerald shift. Dazzle is a luminous bronze chrome with a molten finish. All are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated for long-lasting wear with a high-gloss finish.
Get them here

LUSH set – Little Snow Fairy, £12.50

Excellent stocking filler limited edition set from Lush. This Little Snow Fairy set embodies the phrase ‘small but mighty’ with its magical ability to fill a bathroom with the iconic scent of bubblegum and Persian lime. Get ready to be transported to a land of candy floss sweet bubbles and pink glittery waters with this bathing duo!
Get it here

Memoize perfume gift set II, £49

What a lovely gift set. This small size sampler type set has a range of four really lovely perfumes – we particularly love the Luxuria, and the Rose Luxuria, both of which lean musky, with vanilla tones, the latter having a citrus top note and rose middle. All phials are 7.5ml, and although Memoize is a gender-free brand, this collection is decidedly feminine.
Get it here

Mylee Gel Wraps, £13.99 each

If you want spanking new nails with very little effort, no trip to the salon, and no messing about with LED lights, these are for you. The UK’s first wraps of their kind, delivering high-shine, chip-resistant wear for up to 14 days, with no curing time required.  Application is quick, gentle and easy, simply prep, press, and file for a pro-level finish in minutes.
www.mylee.co.uk, Amazon, Boots, LookFantastic, ASOS, Sephora, Very etc.

Olaplex Full-On Shine Hair Gift Set, £58

This is one for those with fine or damaged hair. This is a six-step treatment kit, limited edition set with Hair Perfector, Shampoo and Conditioner, Scalp Treatment, Bond Smoother, and Bonding Oil for shiny, smooth, stronger hair. Salon results at home? We love it.
Get it here

Silver Skincare Pro-Ageing range, from £18

Obviously we’re going to be recommending our own pro-ageing skincare products. Natural, luxurious, 100% cruelty-free products that put a smile on your face, whilst keeping your conscience clean. Created by mature people who understand the challenges we face as we experience changes to our skin and body. Our heroes are the Stem Cell Regenerator Serum, the Collagen Face Cream, and the Collagen Eye Gel.
See the full range

TempleSpa Do Not Disturb gift set £55

This is all about switching off. Designed to recreate a spa experience at home, the Do Not Disturb collection combines TempleSpa’s signature calming scents with products made for deep relaxation. The set includes bath and body essentials, a pillow spray, and skincare for winding down at night. Bought separately it would cost considerably more (£95), which makes this a generous and indulgent gift, whether you’re giving it or keeping it.
Get it here

The Byron Vibe, £44.95

Before you point out that this isn’t a beauty set, let’s just remember what health benefits there are to be found in having orgasms, okay!? Get yourself a full-body glow-up with this vibe which mimics oral simulation. Water resistant, 10 speeds (ye gods!), fully chargeable. You’ll never leave the house again.
Get it here

The Silke 24/7 Set, £92

Round-the-clock care, done properly! Available in Black & White, Caramel, and Poppy, the Silke 24/7 Set is a beautifully considered ritual for hair and skin. Inside the set you’ll find a silk pillowcase, a large scrunchie, and a silk hair tie. Simple pieces, done exceptionally well, and a genuinely useful luxury gift for anyone who takes their hair care seriously. Each piece is made from 100 per cent pure mulberry silk, chosen to reduce friction, lock in moisture, and help minimise breakage.
Get it here

Weleda Skin Food The Glow Up Gift Set, £24

A great introduction to Weleda’s cult Skin Food range, or a reliable favourite for anyone already hooked. This trio of naturally nourishing products is designed to revive dry, dull skin from head to toe, using Skin Food’s signature blend of soothing botanicals.
The set includes Skin Food Ultra-Light Dry Oil, Skin Food Cream, and Skin Food Lip Balm. It’s practical, well-priced, and ideal for winter skin that needs a bit of extra help.
Visit the Weleda Store

ZIIP Halo All In One Microcurrent Facial Device, £379.99

We tried this with a Golden Gel (£119.99) and the results were very promising indeed. ZIIP HALO is a very clever all-in-one skin-boosting bit of kit. This app-connected microcurrent facial device transforms your skin through personalised electrical currents. With just one tap in the ZIIP app, each treatment targets exactly what your skin needs – so you can lift, tighten, brighten and more – all with one device. Effective for wrinkles, skin sagging, acne etc. Endorsed by a long list of celebs, we could see the difference after just one sesh.
Get it here

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The post All I want for Christmas is… appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We’ve got you covered. Food, drink, nibbles, gifts, dogs, cats, even kids and birds; and something for all budgets. Food and drink ideas for Christmas across the board.

This guide pulls together a mix of food and drink treats for Christmas. You get gifts that land well, plus things you’ll want for your own table.

You’ll find standout bottles, clever kitchen kit, and small luxuries for your pets. There are rich chocolates, ready to pour cocktails, and bubbles that lift any gathering. What will you bring home this year, and what will you wrap for someone else?

Tables

Clawson Farms cheese collections, prices vary

If you’re looking for a great cheeseboard selection with all the biscuits and chutneys etc as part of the package, head to Clawsons. Each of their cheeses has its own unique story to tell, whether you’re looking for something light and fresh to serve alongside slices of ripe pear and honey, or a bold, expressive, decadent blue to pair with a fine red wine. The 1912 Stilton is something else.
Shop selections here

Tracklements Farmer’s Market Gift Pack, £14.05

Because Boxing Day is nothing without pickles. Love this carefully curated selection of Tracklements’ favourite condiments. For the best-tasting cheeses, cold cuts, hand raised pork pies, and hunks of warm bread for the finest picky plate in town. Contains Green Tomato Chutney 200g, Particularly British Piccalilli 170g, Tomato & Chilli Chutney 190g
Get it here

Umai Modern and Heritage caviar, 50g £75

There are few things that feel quite as luxurious as caviar. And Christmas is definitely the time for indulging in a spot of luxury. Umai caviar simply offers two distinct flavour profiles; Umai Modern and Umai Heritage. Umai Modern has a great savoury nuttiness with a clean umami finish on the palate and a lovely firm texture. Umai Heritage offers a more classical and full flavoured profile; ocean breeze and a delicate soft texture – one for the Oscietra lovers.
Get it here

Unearthed Brie & Pavé, £4 and Spanish Pickles, £5

Creamy Brie and Pavé au poivre, a rustic, pepper-coated dry-cured pork sausage, is a fabulous pairing – velvety richness and gentle peppery heat. Whack onto a warm baguette and quaff with a light Pinot Noir for party snacking. We also love these Spanish Style Pickles, inspired by the traditional Banderilla pintxo, a vivid mix of cornichons, red pepper, silverskin onions and Manzanilla olives which gives a tangy, crunchy, savoury flavour in every bite. Bring Spanish bar culture into your home. Thread onto skewers for instant pintxos, or if you’re heathens like us, scoff straight from the bucket.
Available Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Josephinenhütte No4 Champagne glasses, set of two glasses £140

Gorgeous bubbles deserve an elegant glass like the Josephine N° 4. Its balanced shape, with a large surface area and a shortened aroma chimney, allows even complex sparkling wines to shine while ensuring a long-lasting, fine mousse. Sweet wines like Auslese, Ice Wine, Tokaji, and Sauternes also benefit from the form of this unique glass. These are light, elegant, and feel special to drink from. A lovely pressie, it’s not all just food and drink ideas for Christmas, but the bits around it too.
Get them here

Tipples

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, £42 for 75cl

We couldn’t have that caviar and those beautiful glasses without some fizz to go along. We’ve picked this one because it came top for English bubbles in our wine tasting feature over the summer. A classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all the Nyetimber vineyards (West Sussex and Hampshire) and also from several vintages. Comes in a nice box too.
Get it here

Tácnbora Sauternes cask finish whisky, 58.2%, £57

A great Christmas gift idea for both men and women who love whisky. Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery’s limited edition in the Tácnbora cask finish series: the Tácnbora sits for nine months in ex-Sauternes oak, infusing the naturally sweet, cask-strength Tácnbora blend with luxurious layers of honeyed apricot, ripe stone fruits, toffee, and almond. Delish.
Get it here

Kennet Crayfish gin, prices vary starting £6.50

If gin is more your thing, this is something a bit different. The Kennet Crayfish Co gin is actually made using crayfish, although it doesn’t taste of shellfish, there’s something of the fresh seaside about it, and the crayfish gives it a bit of sweetness. Savoury notes of dill, a peppery hit from watercress, a burst of fresh zest from ripe lemon… we bet this would pair well with Clamato, but it’s lovely with tonic!
Get it here

Letterbox Christmas Cocktails Box, 3 x 275ml bottles, £41.95

Fabulous gift to send to a friend if you’re not going to be able to see them. Cocktails that will fit through the letterbox! You get Candy Cane Martini – Premium Brand Vodka, POLAR Peppermint Liqueur, Raspberry Syrup & Fresh Lemon Juice – 10% ABV, Gingerbread Whiskey Sour – Premium Brand Whiskey, Gingerbread Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lemon Juice – 13% ABV, and Rum Rum Rudolph – Premium Brand Rum, Cherry Syrup, Bitters and Fresh Lime Juice – 12% ABV.  Plus festive gift wrap complete with tissue paper, ribbon, star confetti and a candy cane. There are also hand-made fruit garnishes and serving instructions.
Get it here

MOTH festive snacking selection box, £59

A full-strength festive cocktail celebration, delivered. MOTH has teamed up with Brindisa to create the ultimate cocktail hamper. A dreamy selection of MOTH cocktails, paired with moreish Perelló olives and snack mix, savoury Torres truffle crisps and rich Tony’s chocolate. A perfect way to say thank you. Congrats. Or Merry Christmas. Gift-boxed and ready.
Visit the Moth store

Chocolate

Lily O’Brien Shoe Box Hamper, £55

A stylish chocolate hamper filled with several of Lily O’Brien’s most popular assorted milk, dark and white chocolates collections. Expect mixed selections, caramel truffles, toffee pouches and honeycomb crispy hearts in the mix, as well as lots of other bits.
Get it here

Baileys Chocolate Caramel Whirls, RRP £2.75

One for those with an extremely sweet tooth and a love of Baileys! Milk chocolate whirls filled with the famous Irish cream liqueur flavour, soft mallow, and a caramel flavour sauce. Whirls with a hint of Baileys.
Available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s etc.

Catherine’s Originals vegan chocolate selection tin, from £33

Still on the chocolates but this time it’s for the vegans. If you’re sad not to be able to dive into the Quality Street tin, this is for you! A chocolate selection tin (it’s even got an option to personalise by engraving the name of your loved one) packed with approximately 81 delectable vegan chocolate treats, featuring their original nine flavours and delivered in good time for Christmas.
Get them here

Kitchen bits

Hokan bowls, £90 for the set of three

Love these bowls – ideal for the enthusiastic Asian-inspired home cook. Hokan Bowls are stoneware bowls which have a multitude of uses. Robust and durable, they’re multi-purpose, going from freezer and fridge to oven or microwave, to landing on the table. They’re designed to stack to fit neatly in the fridge or cupboard. Even better, the lids are one-size-fits-all. You can also order spare lids. Small bowls start at £25.
Get them here

Hexclad Hybrid wok with lid, from £129

This viral fave now also has a small version for home cooks, singles, lighter eaters… Perfect for stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, deep frying, and much more. The best thing about Hexclad is the non-stickery. Perfect sear, perfect for frying eggs, perfect for tossing stir-fries. The famous TerraBond ceramic non-stick coating means it’s perfect for hob to oven cooking too. Believe the hype.
Get Hexclad here

Swan Retro 8L Dual Basket Air Fryer, £129.99

Look at this fabulous retro colour, and the versatility of this ‘double garage’ air fryer. Loads of pre-settings take the hassle out of working out cooking times – one touch cookery at its easiest. And having two trays means you can cook an entire meal all at the same time. Dishwasher safe baskets and clear LED displays. A cracking gift for a young adult striking out and leaving home, we thought.
Get it here

Our little friends…

Pooch & Mutt Christmas treats, from £2.49

We love this brand, and so does the boss’s pug, Alice Pickle the Duchess of Pickleton. You will be pleased to know that Alice has tested a few things out for this feature and has given the seal of approval. There’s lots to choose from and we love the brand for its vet-recommended range, with high quality natural ingredients free from grains and junk. Lots of tail wagging and good for them too. Also stuff for kitties.
Get it here

Ruffingtons Artisan Baked Dog Treats, from £5

Quite possibly in the ‘more money than sense’ bracket, we absolutely adore these treats for dogs. Ruffingtons has created an exquisite new range of luxurious patisserie-style treats, just for doggies. Hand-decorated, edible works of art, free from artificial additives, all beautifully packaged and sealed with love, ready for gifting.
Daft? Yes. Did we get a load and squeal excitedly about them? Also yes.
Get yours here

A Little Bird Co, Little Birder Set, £24.95

The Little Birder Set is the perfect kids bird feeder kit, designed for children to start learning to recognise birds at the feeder, and spot plants and wildlife beyond the garden. In this set, you’ll find a lightweight feeder made for smaller hands, a no-grow seed blend chosen to attract robins, blue tits and sparrows, and a copy of Little Moments Outdoors, a nature spotting book for kids filled with fun facts and things to look out for on walks and in the garden. This is a lovely pressie for kids and grandkids – and a tasty meal for the birds!
Get it here

Webbox Lick-e-Lix cat treats mega pack, £15

Loved by cats everywhere, and who can blame them when they come in such a delicious array of flavours? Thanks to the handy packaging, your cat can lap up Lick-e-Lix straight from the packet and they go nuts for the smooth creamy texture. This mega pack contains no artificial colours or preservatives, with grain free recipes and no added sugar. This kitten friendly pack comes in an assortment of three flavours per pack: 20 x Chicken Flavour, 15 x Salmon Flavour and 15 x Liver Sausage & Cat Grass Flavour.
Get it here

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The post Food and drink ideas for Christmas gift guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Looking to get away from the madness this year? Suddenly realised you’d rather be somewhere gorgeous for the silly season? It’s not too late to look at getting away from it all – so where are the best places to go for Christmas and New Year? We’ve rounded up a few that we like the look of…

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

For those of us happy to trade away the British grey, there’s sunshine, safaris and stunning star-filled skies waiting in Kenya.

Imagine spending Christmas day on an incredible wildlife spotting safari, with zebra, elephants and rhino basking in the beautiful wilderness around you. You could ride out on horseback for an exciting Christmas adventure, or take a scenic flight to take in the sights from a new angle.

Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine and culture, gorgeous temperatures averaging 24-28°C, and clear views of an incredible starlit sky.

Special things going on over Christmas

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy have just opened their new Private Wilderness where groups of up to 10 guests can enjoy a more secluded wilderness experience.

There are 10 cabins, each with an ensuite bathroom, as well as a shared private chef and tour guide.

Where to stay

If you want to stay somewhere that’s right in the heart of the wilderness, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the place to be. They’ve got 64,000 acres of stunning wilderness to explore, incredible safaris, bush breakfasts and the Private Wilderness available. There’s even a visit from Santa on camelback for a bit of family friendly Christmas fun, as well as crab fishing and pony rides.

Costs

December rates at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy start from approximately £988 per person per night, and from approximately £8,406 per night for Private Wilderness (based on a minimum of 6 people).

Stargazing in Tenerife

It’s not just about the warmer climes. Tenerife is the perfect Christmas destination for astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike. And there’s the Geminids meteor shower set to peak on the 13th-14th December, meaning now is the ideal time to make some exciting new Christmas memories.

With high altitudes, minimal light pollution and crisp winter air, Tenerife is one of the best places to stargaze in the world. So why not spend an unforgettable Christmas getting lost in endless starlight?

Special things going on over Christmas

Spring Hotels is offering Atlántico Excursions’ Night Skies Tenerife tours, where visitors can use powerful telescopes and lasers to experience the night sky like never before. Each tour is accompanied by multilingual astronomy guides, and has options for dinner, hotel pick-up and self-driving tours.

Where to stay

Spring Hotels boasts multiple outdoor pools, fitness facilities, restaurants, bars and a spa all within its grounds. And beyond the hotel grounds, guests can enjoy gorgeous beaches and local attractions all along the southern coast.

For stargazers, the hotel is only an hour’s drive from Teide National Park, an excellent spot to watch the upcoming meteor shower.

Travel & costs

Flights from London to Tenerife are available throughout winter. For a 7-night stay, including flights from London Heathrow, a Double Standard room on a Half Board basis, starts from £1,566 per couple.

Northern Lights, ICEHOTEL and sledding in Swedish Lapland

If you’re looking for more of a magical, snow-filled Christmas experience, Swedish Lapland has all that and more. Between serene snow-covered forests, frozen archipelagos and stunning snow-capped mountains, there is no shortage of festive magic.

Spend the season enjoying reindeer rides, sled dog explorations and snowmobile excursions all beneath the alluring Northern Lights. Or just enjoy a bit of peace amidst the holiday hubbub, taking in the endless skies and serenity of Sweden.

Where to stay

For a truly unforgettable Christmas, the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi offers an experience like no other. Everything, whether that be the bed you sleep in or the glass in your hand, is expertly carved from pure ice. Winter doesn’t get more magical than sleeping in your very own ice palace!

Or if you book before December 16th, you can experience Sunvil’s seven-night Winter Delights in Swedish Lapland holiday, with costs starting at £2,030 per person for a sharing couple, including return flights from London Heathrow.

Adults only in Mauritius

Shandrani Beachcomber, Mauritius

Hoping to escape the gloomy grey of a British winter? Why not spend the season sunbathing on the beautiful sandy shores of Mauritius?

Mauritius is home to gorgeous beaches, warm weather and sunlit skies that are sure to brighten up the festive season. Explore the beautiful Blue Bay Lagoon, or just take some well-earned rest by the beach, looking out over the stunning Indian Ocean.

Where to stay

Shandrani Beachcomber is situated on the stunning south-east coast of Mauritius, overlooking the Blue Bay Lagoon. With freshly redesigned rooms, spa, sauna, beauty parlour, hair salon and pool, there’s no shortage of self-care and relaxation.

For couples, the “Shandrani for Two” adults-only experience is a fab way to have a romantic Christmas getaway. The new exclusive adults-only wing features 69 rooms with private beach access, beachfront bar and dining area.

Beach view from a bay view room at Shandrani Beachcomber

Travel & Costs

You can fly to Mauritius from London Gatwick with Air Mauritius. Return flights are around £600, and nightly rates at Shandrani Beachcomber start from £219 for 2 sharing adults on a half board basis.

And right now, Shandrani Beachcomber has a Christmas special offer, with a 35% discount on accommodation, including meal plan, for stays booked before 26th December 2025.

Winter sports in the Austrian Alps

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Austrian Tyrol

If you’re looking to stay active during the festive months, the Austrian alps make for an unforgettable snow sports holiday. And it’s not just skiing and snowboarding – there’s tobogganing, winter hiking, paragliding, and even zip-wires to really get the adrenaline pumping.

Special things going on over Christmas

Spend your winter evenings at Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis’ incredible adventure nights. They’ve got spectacular evening ski shows with lights, music and fireworks, as well as regular live music, cultural events, and more.

Where to stay

Schlosshotel Fiss is a five-star, mostly all-inclusive luxury hotel in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Alcohol is charged separately, but it does offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of the room rate.

It boasts not only an exciting range of snow sports and activities, but also 5000m2 of wellness and spa facilities, including a Finnish panorama sauna and a 250m2 panorama pool with incredible views to take in as you swim.

After a long day of activities (or just chilling by the pool), you can treat yourself to phenomenal food and drink awarded a Michelin Star for dining, as well as Michelin Key hospitality.

For families, there’s a wide range of family friendly activities available, including a newly re-designed Kids Club. There are daily supervised activities for both kids and teens ranging from glitter tattoos to archery to pizza making.

Costs

Nightly rates are from roughly €526 per room (1-3 nights) and €472 per room (4+ nights).

Lake Como, Italy

Italy is a classic holiday destination famous for its amazing cuisine and gorgeous sights. And for those of us hoping for a more sophisticated Christmas, it’s absolutely the place to be.

At Hilton Lake Como’s Terrazza 241, you can find a culinary experience like no other, specially curated for the Christmas season. Enjoy an elegant dining experience featuring unique flavour pairings, bespoke cocktails, and gorgeous panoramic views.

There are also endless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation beside the elegant Lake Como through hydrotherapy, saunas and more. Experience their floating meditation bath, with warm mineral-rich waters that will ease any lingering festive tension and allow you to end the year with a deep sense of peace.

Special things going on over Christmas

Terrazza 241 has its special Christmas Tasting Menu throughout December. It captures the essence of the holidays through a carefully curated à la carte menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients. Each meal is accompanied by the gorgeous views of Como, as well as soft music and warm lights.

Where to stay

Hilton Lake Como is available all holiday season, with wheelchair accessible rooms available as well as family friendly activities. They have a heated rooftop swimming pool open all year round with breathtaking views of Lake Como, as well as lakeside views from your balcony.

Infinity pool at Hilton Lake Como

Costs

At Hilton Lake Como, nightly rates start at €350 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

Biosphere and Starlight reserve La Palma, Canary Islands

La Palma in the Canary Islands is the perfect place to find warmth and sunshine in the winter months.

Looking for something chilled and back-to-naturey? Located in the north-west of the Canary Islands, La Palma is a Biosphere and Starlight Reserve tucked away from regular tourist spots. The island’s black sand beaches are not only beautiful but uncrowded, letting you enjoy the season in peace.

And beyond the beaches, you’ll find cobbled streets rich with authentic Canarian culture – none of the touristy stuff. Not to mention the gorgeous architecture, beautiful vineyards, and incredible cuisine, all in sunny 20-25°C weather.

Special things going on over Christmas

Christmas lights in La Palma

During the festive season, La Palma has family friendly festivities of music and traditional carols filling the streets. And the party keeps going through to New Year, with local volcanic wines and traditional Canarian cuisine, each rich in both flavour and culture.

Best way to get here

There are weekly flights from London to La Palma Airport, including direct flights.

Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia.

Hoping to spend the season somewhere warm, beautiful and, most importantly, quiet? Ummahat Island in Saudi Arabia offers just that, giving its guests the opportunity to really slow down and embrace the rhythm of the Red Sea.

With gorgeous untouched reefs, an expansive night sky of stars and the sea itself stretching endlessly beyond, Ummahat Island is a stunningly peaceful spot to spend the holidays.

You can spend the season planting mangroves at the resort’s conservation centre, or gazing into one of the world’s clearest skies with a resident astronomer.

Special things going on over Christmas

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a range of signature festive events, including Saudi coffee-making, a starlit New Year’s Eve gala, bonfire gatherings and lunar flow yoga.

Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia

Where to stay

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is right in the heart of a secluded archipelago, surrounded by uncharted reefs and panoramic views. It offers a range of exciting seasonal events, as well as its very own Neyrah Spa, offering transformative wellness experiences inspired by the stars and the Arabian Peninsula itself.

The resort has four restaurants to choose from, each offering a range of global cuisines for a unique dining experience, whether you wish to enjoy traditional dishes, seafood or even a French-style patisserie.

Travel & costs

You can get a direct flight from the UK, or international flights to the Red Sea International Airport with an additional transfer by speedboat or seaplane.

Rates at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start from £2,388 per person per night.

Christmas markets, family time, and Finnish food in Helsinki

Helsinki offers more of a traditional Christmas feel reframed within the gorgeous capital of Finland. You can spend the season exploring beautiful Christmas markets, sampling the local Finnish food scene and enjoying local art festivals.

Whether you’re exploring the many sights of the city or basking in the beauty of the Baltic Sea, there is plenty of beauty, culture and festive spirit to be found.

Special things going on over Christmas

For an extravagant Christmas lunch, you can enjoy restaurants like Nokka, Svenska Klubben or Strindberg, as well as traditional glögi and gingerbread in local Christmas markets and cafes. And don’t forget Finland’s most famous pastime, the sauna. There are loads of saunas to warm your body in whilst you’re there!

A highlight of the season is Lucia Day on 13 December, when Helsinki crowns its own Lucia to bring light into the darkest time of the year. The Finnish Lucia tradition dates back to the 1950s and remains one of the most cherished symbols of hope and brightness in the Nordic winter.

The celebration of light continues into the new year with Lux Helsinki (4–8 January 2026), a spectacular light art festival that illuminates landmarks, parks and hidden corners across the city. Showcasing both Finnish and international artists, Lux Helsinki brings creative brilliance to the darkest time of year and offers a stunning finale to the festive season.

Where to stay

Marski by Scandic offers its guests a range of facilities including saunas, a gym, and an art gallery featuring local artists. It also has its own bar, Marski Bar, with a DJ playing every Friday and Saturday night. For some more Christmassy fun, there’s tree decorating, gingerbread icing and sparkling Christmas drinks available at the bar.

Marski is pet friendly (at an additional cost) and family friendly, with children under 12 able to stay free and receive a welcome drink as a member benefit.

There’s also the Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa, which offers a huge range of activities for the whole family, including sauna sessions, a special Christmas Land and Elf Trail just for children, candlelight concert, visits from Father Christmas and loads more. They have a dedicated Christmas page with full details.

Getting there

There are several flights from UK to Helsinki. Guests can take the Airport train to the city centre and/or a tram to their destinations.

Costs

A classic double room at Marski by Scandic starts at €152 per night.

South Ari Atoll, Maldives

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Why not spend the festive season away from thick coats and busy high streets, and instead immerse yourself in sun, sand and sea?

For those looking to relax this winter, South Ari Atoll is home to calming beaches, exclusive resorts and rich Maldivian culture to really immerse yourself in. Or for the adventurous, it’s also one of the best places in the world to encounter whale sharks! The winter is the best time to travel to this destination, where you’re guaranteed plenty of luxurious beachside action.

Where to stay

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is situated on a private island, offering absolute peace and tranquillity during your stay. Enjoy culinary masterclasses, slow atmospheric evenings, cinema under the stars and palms, and even brand-new aerial yoga.

The resort is family friendly, with kids 12 and under able to stay and dine for free. There are also Family Beach Villas for up to five guests, and a Treehouse Kids Retreat offering daily activities and adventures for kids.

Travel & costs

Flying to the Maldives from the UK usually involves a stopover in a Middle Eastern hub (like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or Colombo, taking 12+ hours from the UK, though direct flights (10-11 hrs) are available from London (LHR) with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there you can reach the resort via a short scenic seaplane trip.

OUTRIGGER is currently running their annual Cyber Sale for up to 50% off and a range of bonus inclusions. Prices currently start at £850 per night, or from £5,699 per person for 7 nights half board in an Over Water Villa, including flights departing Heathrow.

Passenger Assistance

Need a bit of help with booking or travel? We found this app and feel it’s worth knowing about. Passenger Assistance is an accessibility app developed by Transreport designed to help make festive journeys smoother for disabled users and those who find the organisation of travelling tough.

Travellers can request support directly from train operators, making sure their journey is all confirmed and planned in advance. It also makes booking assistance quicker, more flexible and intuitive. It streamlines the process and helps ensure rail travel remains accessible for everyone, even during the busy Christmas period.

You can find the Passenger Assistance app here.

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post Some of the best places to go for Christmas and the New Year appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We’ve got an exclusive first read from her latest book, where you can dive in and get a chilling preview, only on Silver Magazine. Step into a country house dressed for Christmas, cosy on the surface but with secrets underneath…

Nick, an investigative journalist, has taken shelter at remote Yorkshire hotel Mistletoe Manor during a blizzard. To pass the time, he and his fellow guests have agreed to a game of Secret Santa, wrapping items they’ve found in the hotel, and gifting them to one another. And twenty-something PR woman Violet has just unwrapped the Christmas tree star…

* * * * *

One of the star’s points isn’t gold. It’s a dull crimson, as though it’s been dipped in paint. But as they stare, it becomes clear that it’s not paint at all.

‘That’s . . . is it . . .?’ Lorraine manages, and Violet turns the star round to examine, immediately dropping it as it smears her hand.

‘Oh my God!’ She holds her hand away from her body in horror. ‘Is this a joke? Does someone here think this is funny?’

David is on his feet, shepherding Emily from the room. ‘What? What is it, Daddy?’ she asks, craning her neck to see.

‘I think I heard mewing. We need to find Jingle. Come on . . .’ David urges her away.

Nick wonders if he’ll be the same kind of dad to Cara – alert, kind, protective. He hopes so.

In the drawing room, there’s uproar. Branson is shouting, ‘What the hell kind of gift is that?’

Violet looks as though she’s about to pass out, and Alan has his arm around a shuddering Lorraine. ‘Can’t stand the sight of blood,’ he mouths.

‘My goodness,’ says Matilda to Nick. ‘Someone’s got a peculiar sense of humour.’

Alan reaches to pick up the fallen star.

‘Don’t,’ says Nick. ‘Fingerprints.’

The others stare at him, aghast, and Violet gives a strange, high giggle.

‘You think this is a crime?’ she demands. ‘Come on! It’s just a horrible joke.’

But Nick is looking at Branson. The handsome older man is pale, his forehead is clammy, and he’s gazing fixedly at the stairs.

‘If none of us is injured . . .’ he says. ‘Penny.’

Donal extends a hand to Branson. ‘Give me your room key.’

‘I don’t . . .’ Branson pats his pockets. ‘I musta left it up there.’

‘I’ve got mine,’ says Donal, patting his pocket. He runs to the hall then takes the stairs two at a time. Nick follows, with Branson and Alan. The others gather in the hall.

‘Would you like a hug?’ Destiny asks Lorraine, and she nods tearfully. The two women cling together as Matilda and Violet stand rigid and fearful by the drooping Christmas tree.

There was no star on its top branch yesterday, Nick realises, but there’s no time to think about what that means. Donal has drawn to a halt by a panelled door in the corridor on the other side of the stairs from Nick’s room. He knocks, tentatively.

‘Hello? Mrs Mitchell?’ There is silence behind the door.

‘Could be she’s put her earplugs in and gone back to sleep,’ says Branson. ‘She sleeps like the dead with those things.’

Nick glances at him, and the older man’s bravado drains away. Branson closes his eyes, bracing himself.

‘Go on,’ Nick tells Donal. ‘Or do you want me to do it?’

He pictures Penelope sitting up, still half asleep, shocked at the intrusion. Donal shakes his head. He fits the key into the lock and turns it, pushing the door open. The room is dark, the shutters closed, but the vanity light shining from the bathroom illuminates a human shape in the double bed.

‘Penny!’ Branson shouts. ‘Wake up, honey!’

She doesn’t stir.

Nick moves towards the bed. ‘Let me check,’ he says. He’s thinking about the time he did a first aid course, that if Penelope’s really hurt, he knows how to make a tourniquet, he can staunch the blood, he can . . .

Donal folds back the shutters and grey light spills into the room. Now, the men can see that Penny is lying on her back. Her left arm is flung out as if in greeting, her right hand a claw on the pillow. Her eyes are open, her mouth a rictus of fear – and in her neck there’s a wound so deep, Nick involuntarily turns away, but not before he sees the blood soaking into the pillow, the spatters across the bedspread. She has clearly been dead for several hours.

‘Branson, Alan, out of the room,’ he says urgently. ‘Don’t come any closer, go and find David right now. We need a doctor.’

‘She’s my wife!’ storms Branson. ‘I need to see what’s . . .’

He steps nearer and sees the damp red pillow, the spray of arterial blood.

‘Oh God, no,’ he whispers. He collapses against the wall. ‘Penny, no.’

‘Come on, mate,’ Alan half lifts him and pulls him from the room.

A woman’s voice floats from below. ‘What’s happening? Is she OK?’

Nick takes charge. ‘Donal, could you go and break the news to the others, please? Alan, can you ask someone to look after Branson downstairs, then find David, and I’ll stay with the bo—with Penelope.’

Donal nods as he heads for the door, and Nick feels profoundly grateful for the young man’s swift grasp of the situation.

‘We need to try and find a way to call the police,’ Nick adds. The scene is surreal: the old-fashioned bedroom, the red blood, the falling snow. He should be at the office near Blackfriars Bridge right now, eating a festive Tesco meal deal, typing up his notes, thinking about last-minute presents for Harriet.

‘I’ll ask everyone to try their phones again,’ says Donal. ‘The landline’s dead, and the Wi-Fi seems to be out.’

‘Yes, it wasn’t working last night when I arrived,’ says Nick. ‘Could you maybe have a look at the box, just to make sure a wire hasn’t come loose?’

‘Sure,’ says Donal, already on his way out. ‘But I think it’s the snow. There’s a mast up on the moors, it’s probably been damaged in the blizzard.’

Nick knows he’s right. He’s just finding it hard to believe that in a world where basically everything runs on Wi-Fi, AI and tech, they can’t get an urgent message to the police.

Somebody is wailing downstairs. Nick can hear gasps of horror, the sound of a woman sobbing. Donal has done his duty, then. Perhaps Nick should have taken on that horrible task, but the truth is, he doesn’t know who to trust and someone needs to stay with the body and ensure it’s not moved.

Clues, he thinks. Forensics. Nick scans the room. The shutters were closed when they came in, but the curtains were open – that may mean nothing, of course. On Branson’s side of the bed, there’s a mobile phone, clearly out of battery, and a half-empty glass of water. Nick bends to sniff it, and inhales that ferric tang he recognises from his own bathroom tap. He straightens up, feeling foolish. It’s not as if she was poisoned – it’s perfectly clear how she died.

On Penelope’s bedside table, there’s a lamp, switched off, and a book – The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. She doesn’t seem to have got far with it, judging by the bookmark placement. Nick feels a sharp pang of sorrow that now she’ll never finish it. Beside it is a lavender-silk eye-mask – why wasn’t she wearing it? Did she rip it off when she heard a noise?

Nick looks more closely at the polished surface. There’s an almost invisible trail of fine, white dust. Surely not drugs. Neither Penelope nor Branson seems the type. Some kind of vitamin powder? It suddenly strikes him why it looks familiar – it’s the dust that comes from ripping open a thick envelope. He sees their sunny kitchen last summer, Harriet tearing open a thick cream envelope, scanning a wedding invitation. His heart sinking, knowing he’d need a new suit, they’d need to buy a present . . . the ripped envelope made just that kind of fine dust on the worktop.

Nick crosses to the metal waste bin, under the desk. He shouldn’t touch anything . . . he creates a makeshift mitten from the bottom of his T-shirt and gently pulls it out. There’s the envelope – thick, white, torn open, a single P in black ink on the front. And beside it, next to an apple core and a crumpled information leaflet about Castle Howard, there’s a leaf of plain white paper, screwed into a ball. Nick pinches it by the corner, holding it through his T-shirt, and pulls it out, unfolding the creases. These five words, too, are in black pen, printed in neat capitals:

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID.

Get the book

Four days before Christmas, twelve stranded strangers gather round a crackling fire, sheltering from the raging storm outside. . .

But their relief is short-lived: as the snow deepens, the tree-lined avenue winding through the hotel’s parkland becomes impassable. Their isolation is complete. The next morning, a body is found in one of the luxurious four-poster beds. As twelve strangers become eleven suspects, who among them has checked in with murder in mind? And will any of them live to see another Christmas. . .?

Murder at Mistletoe Manor by F. L. Everett is the perfect festive read. Get it here.

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The post Murder at Mistletoe Manor – read excerpt appeared first on Silver Magazine.

At a time when many look forward to gathering with family and friends, the prospect of ‘Christmas for one’ can seem daunting. So, what can you do if you’re alone at Christmas?

Firstly, not everyone hates being alone at Christmas, so this article is aimed more at people who are on their tod, for whatever reason, and don’t really want to be. And it’s hard, knowing all the homes around you are celebrating with family, and noise, and the endless cooking, and arguing… ahem. But whether you’ve chosen to spend Christmas looking after number one, or have found yourself at a festive loose end, here’s how to make the most of the season in a single serving.

Eat what you like

Let’s face it, it’s probably not worth investing in an enormous Christmas turkey if you’re dining alone, but spending Christmas dinner solo doesn’t mean you have to do without. Take a trip to the shops to stock up on festive fayre in smaller portions and take the time to cook up something special for yourself on the day. Hotly recommended if you cannot be bothered to cook, is M&S pre-prepared food, so you can treat yourself without any bother. After all, you’re worth it.

Break up your day

Christmas Day with family often has a regimented structure to it. Presents are unwrapped in the morning, possibly a walk or carol concert. Lunch dominates the day. For those who like to indulge, there’s the King’s Speech. Perhaps other relatives or friends pop in. Then it’s bums on the couch for a Christmas film-fest.

While you may not have to work around specific timings, it makes sense to structure your day… your way. Think about creating bite-sized pieces – each one filled with something you enjoy, from a relaxing bath to your favourite film, from walking the dog to making that phone call.

The best part? You don’t have to check anyone else’s schedule.

Avoid comparisons

Anyone who’s seen a Christmas advert or sentimental film would be forgiven for thinking that all families gather together for laughter-filled feasts and sentimental cuddles come Christmas day. But let’s face it, the fantasy doesn’t live up to the reality for many of us.

If you’re feeling a little blue, imagining others basking in the heart of their family or having a blast with friends, remind yourself that around 50% of Brits admit to having an argument during the festive season. Divorce rates also increase in December and January. And according to a survey, the average spend on each child at Christmas is a whopping £420.

Reda more: Alcoholism and the chaos it causes at Christmas

Do whatever you like!

Christmas with a group often means compromise: whether its travelling to a venue, doing the cooking, buying, working out timings… people need to work around each other to create the ‘best fit’ scenario.

But if you’re spending Christmas on your own, you can do exactly what you want. This might mean getting out and volunteering, staying in and indulging, popping into friends in the evening, or attending events of your choosing. And if you just want to stay in your onesie and watch telly all day while drinking Baileys and eating M&S ready meals, do it.

“Volunteering makes my Christmas”

Anne Iarchy, 52, Barnet, Coeliac and Gluten Free Coach

Anne Iarchy

I don’t have any immediate family, and many of my friends live abroad or have commitments over Christmas, so for the last few years I’ve found myself alone on the day itself. Rather than stay in, I volunteer with my local Rotary Club, serving Christmas dinner to elderly people in the community.

It’s a fabulous event: everyone wears a Christmas jumper, there’s live piano music, wine, sherry and good cheer. And as well as having company on the day as a result, I get a great buzz from knowing that I’ve made a difference to others.

After hours, I’m at home and I tend to spend my evening chilling out. Last year, I roasted a leg of lamb in the slow cooker to enjoy for my dinner. Christmassing alone wasn’t my first choice, but now it’s something I really look forward to.

Florence Archery, 50, London, Founder of ‘Yoga Retreats and More’

Fiona Archery, photo: Joanne Withers Photography

I’ve spent several Christmases alone over the years. I’m divorced and my son, 17, sometimes spends Christmas with his father. As I’m originally from France, I don’t have any family in the UK. But I’ve learned to appreciate a different sort of Christmas to the one you see in the commercials. I appreciate the stillness: I live in London, but the streets are empty, there is less traffic. The city is lit up and I fall in love with it all over again.

I spend my day being Number 1, make myself something nice to eat, watch TV and take my ‘fur kids’ for a walk along the river. There’s a real sense of freedom from expectations.

This year, I’m going to be having lunch with two friends and my son will probably pop in. Both of my friends would have been alone otherwise. It will be nice to come together to have our own kind of Christmas. Next year, I’m running a retreat at Christmas time for others who might otherwise be alone and I’m really looking forward to it.

Repositioning Christmas for one

Being faced with Christmas Day alone can be an unhappy prospect. You might feel angry or resentful too. Perhaps you’re bereaved and absolutely dreading it.

Rather than thinking of a solo Christmas as a lonely time, if you are going to be alone, try to reposition it – the opportunity to spend Christmas the way you want. ‘You can embrace quiet, and enjoy the day as you wish,’ says Florence.

If you’d rather be occupied, charities such as Crisis at Christmas are always looking for volunteers. Or consider inviting a friend round. There will be other people in the same situation as you. ‘Don’t wait to be invited, be the one to make it happen,’ advises Florence. ‘Although avoid talking about your solo Christmas to people you’d rather not spend too much time with – you might end up with an invitation!’

Some decide to take solo holidays to get some winter sun, or join in on a winter retreat. ‘Getting the summer dresses out of the wardrobe whilst it’s really cold in the UK is very satisfying.’

Gillian Harvey

Gillian is a freelance journalist and author of best-selling novels including The Bordeaux Book Club and A Year at the French Farmhouse. Having spent 14 years living in France, she now lives in Norfolk.

The post Alone at Christmas: festive fun for one? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Left your gift shopping a little late? Don’t panic—our last-minute party food and drink gift guide has you covered. From indulgent chocolates to cocktail must-haves and fine tipples, these picks are guaranteed to impress. Last minute Christmas shopping ideas coming right up.

Here’s a range of nibbles and quaffs we loved…

Broken Clock Vodka, £35.94

This is a lovely vodka with a clean hit on the palate, and a fruity nose – made in a traditional copper pot still in Cheshire, and then infused with slow ripened apples from the garden at Shandy Hall in Coxwold, Yorkshire, along with botanicals from old Georgian gardens. It’s one of the nicest vodkas we’ve tried here. We loved the taste so much we could barely bring ourselves to waft the Noilly Prat over it.
Shop Broken Clock Vodka

RoniB Filipino Flavours Collection gift box, £27.99

Absolutely loving the vibrant and bold tastes here. Banana Ketchup, a sweet and tangy twist on a classic condiment; Garlic Chilli Oil; the traditional Filipino Adobo Sauce; Kalamansi Marmalade (known as Philippine Lime Marmalade) and Black Bean Chilli Paste, for coating on meat and fish.
Shop the Collection Box

ST~GERMAIN

St‑Germain is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, hand-picked once a year in the late spring. It’s named after the Parisian cultural district made famous by the writers and artists who lived there during the Belle Époque. It’s glamour in a bottle.
Get this on Amazon £29.96

Read more: last minute beauty and skincare shopping guide

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple whiskey set with two glasses

The old fave, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, coupled with crisp green apple for a fresh and rewarding taste. It sounds mad, but it works. Refreshing, and it kind of lightens the punch. An interesting ingredient for cocktail-making. And we liked the glasses, branding and all.
Get this on Amazon, £33.95

Tea & Tonic Saving Grace Wellness Gift Set, £98

Something a bit different that we liked, that wasn’t about booze or sugar… The ultimate wellness and skincare gift, featuring Meadow’s Secret Cleansing Balm, Saving Grace Face Oil, organic hemp cleansing cloth, and Earl Grey Wellness Tea. A wonderful gift for creating ritual around.
Shop the Saving Grace Wellness set here

Candy Cane cherry vodka liqueur

This old-fashioned candy cane style bottle full of vodka liqueur has a rich, cherry flavour that’s perfect for sipping but absolutely brilliant for using in cocktails. Cherry Vodka Sour or Cherry Manhattan anyone? We also love the bottle.
Get this on Amazon, £23.99

Ruinart Rose Champagne and luxury chocolates hamper set

This is a wonderful gift for the champagne lover – and Ruinart is possibly our own favourite champagne here at Silver Towers. A mix of chocolates – the famous Guylain seashells and a Hamlet gold praline collection box. All packaged up in a proper wicker hamper with leather straps that you can use for picnics and days at the races!
Get this on Amazon, £143.49

Lily O’Brien chocs – salted caramel truffles, and gift-wrapped boxes

The salted caramel truffles are rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a hint of salt. And you’ll struggle not to eat the lot in one go. The gift-wrapped boxes are stylish and make an easy, thoughtful present, with no need to wrap. Delicious chocolate, no fuss.
Shop the salted caramel truffles
Shop the gift-wrapped boxes

Opies condiments

No self-respecting cocktail tray would be without the Opies range. We are loving (what we think are) the new cherries in Kirsch, although it’s hard to beat the good old Maraschino. There’s also sliced lemons, pickled walnuts, crystallised ginger, Silverskin onions, capers, gherkins, pink peppercorns… the list is endless.

Shop the Opies range

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The post Last minute Christmas shopping ideas – food and drink appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Welcome to your salvation! If you’ve left it late to buy a certain someone a gorgeous skincare or beauty bundle, we have you covered. Last minute Christmas shopping ideas coming right up.

Here’s a range of gift set and selections we loved…

Silver Skincare – 30% off until end of Jan

Top of the list has to be our own products, naturally. We know which ones are your favourites, so we’ve popped a Christmas / New Year offer on those, particularly because we know skin needs a little extra help in the cold months too!
Shop Silver Stem Cell Regenerator Serum (vegan), £38.50 down from £55
Shop Silver Collagen Face Cream, £31.50 down from £45
Shop Silver Collage Eye Gel, £24.50 down from £35

ARK Skincare Age Defy Moisturiser and Night Treatments

Let these gorgeous products do the heavy lifting overnight whilst you sleep. This collection of formulations contains intensive collagen-boosting and skin-brightening ingredients. Formulated to combat the signs of hormone loss that we see in our 50s and onwards
Age Defy Nourishing Moisturiser £36.90
Age Defy Repairing Night Treatment £44

Visible Youth – Special Introductory Collection, £194

Gift the glow of youthful, radiant skin with this three-step facial routine featuring Hyoglass technology. This Special Introductory Collection cleanses, tones, rejuvenates, and hydrates from home. Experience the magic of Visible Youth serums and Moisture Shield, and enjoy deep hydration, smooth texture, and a luminous complexion, perfect for the holiday season.
Shop for Visible Youth products

Read more: Shop for last minute cocktails, champagne, and chocolates!

Architects of Renewal Set from Facetheory, £147

This is a cracking gift set for those who like their skincare on the sciency side. The Holiday kit includes:
Retinal Supreme Eye MultiBalm
Polypep Complex Collagen-Boosting Serum
Retinal Supreme MultiCream 0.1%
CeraNight Rejuvenating Night Oil
Shop the Architects of Renewal Set

Simon Ourian A-Lister gift set, £71

This set is a great gift that has a plush feel. Featuring a luxurious Apricot Seed Exfoliating Scrub, a deluxe sleep mask, and a chic skincare headband, all packed in a stylish gold toiletries bag, this set transforms your routine into a red-carpet-ready ritual for fresh, refined skin.
Shop the Simon Ourian range here

Floragy – The Glow Natural Set, £81

This festive set includes a choice of Clay Mask, Rejuvenate Face Oil, Bloom Toner, and Cleanse Oil-to-Milk Cleanser. Enhance natural beauty and achieve a glowing, rejuvenated complexion—perfect for yourself or a loved one this festive season.
Shop for Floragy here

Emma Coleman Rose Gua Sha facial massage kit, £39

Includes a Rose Quartz Gua Sha, Barefaced Beauty Rose Drops (50ml), and full massage instructions. Gua Sha, an ancient facial massage technique, relieves muscle tension and boosts blood flow, improving skin health. The antioxidant-rich drops combine Blackcurrant and Rose Hip extracts to reduce inflammation and fine lines, with Red Raspberry Seed to protect and nourish. Scented with Rose Absolute, Rose de Mai, and Bergamot.
Shop Emma Coleman products

The BUFARMA Christmas Box, £79

Three lovely skincare essentials to cleanse, nourish, and brighten. The Gentle Milky Body Wash leaves skin soft and refreshed, the Nurturing Face Oil provides deep hydration and protection, and the Bare Skin Day Cream revitalizes for a healthy, radiant glow. This is a really nice gift that is a bit different, gentle skincare solutions.
Shop the BUFARMA Box

DIEM Catching Dusk Eau de Parfum, £50 for 30ml

Love this as a genderless perfume option, good for everyone. Sun-warmed spices like cardamom and saffron draw you into the dusky magic. A woody base of oak and cedar keeps the feeling going for hours.
Shop Catching Dusk EDP

Note! At time of publication all prices were correct, all products would be available – we check this stuff carefully and cannot be held responsible if things don’t arrive on time or are priced differently. Happy Christmas.

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The post Last minute Christmas shopping ideas – beauty and skincare appeared first on Silver Magazine.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite 2024 advent calendars this festive season. From luxurious chocolates to silky smooth socks, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Hurry now, and you might just be able to snag one of these top-notch calendars for yourself (if you don’t mind missing a few days of December!). And keep your eyes peeled, as some of these calendars can be bought at a reduced price already…

SOCKSHOP 25 pair bamboo Christmas advent calendar

SOCKSHOP’s festive sock advent calendar boasts a huge 25-days of soft, breathable pairs of bamboo socks – that’s 50 total socks! Each pair has its own unique festive design, making them a stylish and cozy comfort for the Christmas season.
With both men and women’s options available, plus one for couples, SOCKSHOP’s Christmas calendar is the perfect way to keep warm this winter, priced at £59.99 – only £2.40 per pair.

Get your SOCKSHOP Christmas socks calendar here.

12 days of JOMO advent calendar

JOMO’s extra special 12-day luxury advent calendar offers a range of individually wrapped gifts behind each door. With festive decorations, snacks, full-sized bottles of non-alcoholic drinks and more, there’s plenty to dig into from December 14th all the way to Christmas.

While boasting a whopping £300 worth of contents, the calendar itself only costs £115, making it a great way to splash out this Christmas.

Get your 12 days of JOMO advent calendar here.

Chilli No. 5 best spicy Xmas advent calendar

If you’re looking for something with a little more spice this Christmas, Chilli No.5’s spicy Xmas advent calendar offers 24 days of fiery flavours to enjoy. And with their sleek black and gold packaging, this calendar comes with both style and substance.

Chilli No.5 promise to not only bring the heat, but also incredible flavour, having won Great Taste Awards with their delicious gourmet sauces. Priced at £100, this calendar absolutely takes a spot as one of our festive favourites this Christmas.

Get your Chilli No.5 best spicy Xmas advent calendar here.

BrewDog’s 12 cocktails of Christmas

If you’re looking for a festive cocktail to shake up the Christmas season, BrewDog have you covered with their 12 Cocktails of Christmas. This selection includes some of their most classic flavours, as well as the brand-new Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini for an extra bit of festive fun.

No need to buy a whole heap of mixers and ingredients when you can get all 12 professionally pre-mixed cocktails for only £40 (£3.30 per cocktail). Now that’s what I call a Christmas miracle!

Get your 12 cocktails of Christmas here.

Pointer dog advent calendar

If you’re looking for a festive treat for your pooch, Pointer’s 24-day dog advent calendar is the perfect way to celebrate your furry friend this Christmas. With a range of carob and cheese flavoured oven-baked treats, your pup can enjoy a healthy treat every day of advent.

And, priced at only £6, you’ll have plenty left over to get a treat for yourself too.

Get your Pointer dog advent calendar here.

Clipper organic tea advent calendar

Lots of us love a festive cuppa on Christmas morning, so why not keep the festive fun going till New Years with Clipper’s 12-day festive tea calendar. This calendar features some of their most popular flavours, all stored in plastic-free biodegradable teabags. And, each day has two teabags, so you can share with a friend… or just enjoy them yourself!

This calendar costs only £4.50, and doubles as a lovely decoration with its festive home packaging – an absolute Christmas bargain.

Get your Clipper organic tea advent calendar here.

Cox & Co 60% single origin dark chocolate advent calendar

For a Vegan take on the classic chocolate calendar, Cox & Co offer a truly decadent dark chocolate selection. Their 60% dark chocolate blend offers hints of rich caramel and bitter coffee that melt in the mouth.

The box is fully recyclable, and features beautiful artwork from Dawn Ogden White printed on the inside cover. You can easily remove and frame the artwork, making this calendar stand out as both delicious and decorative at only £15.

Get your Cox & Co 60% single origin dark chocolate advent calendar here.

Pukka tea advent calendar

Pukka’s very own 24-day tea advent calendar boasts an incredible assortment of flavours for the full lead-up to Christmas. With an assortment of green, black, herbal and rooibos teas, every day has something special to enjoy.

Not only is it delicious, but the box itself is beautiful, with festive leafy details surrounding the classic Pukka logo. And, alongside each delicious tea, you can enjoy exclusive recipes, guided meditation and yoga using the QR code on the box. Definitely a bargain for only £12.99.

Get your Pukka tea advent calendar here, or in Waitrose.

Classic Christmas countdown advent selection box

Chococo’s Christmas countdown selection box takes the classic chocolate advent calendar and takes it to the next level. Alongside an assortment of award-winning flavours, Chococo offers a selection of brand-new chocolates for the festive season.

From Chilli Con Choc to Toffee Apple Caramel, this 25-day advent calendar is a truly special way to count down to Christmas. Or, if you’re not one for waiting, you can enjoy the whole selection with a movie for the perfect Christmas treat. At a surprisingly affordable £29, this advent calendar is an excellent way to indulge this festive season.

Get your Chococo Christmas Countdown advent selection box here.

NOËL ROYAL Christmas calendar

This year, Mariage Frères have released an absolutely stunning tea advent calendar to celebrate their 170th anniversary. This bold blue and gold advent calendar contains 25 days of unique and delicious teas, taking you on a flavour journey all the way up to Christmas.

For only £49, this calendar is both gorgeous and flavourful, making it the perfect addition to any tea lover’s collection.

Get your NOËL ROYAL Christmas calendar here.

Caviar House Prunier advent calendar

Caviar House Prunier’s sleek 24-day caviar advent calendar is an absolute stand-out this Christmas. Start Christmas in style with 24 decorative tins filled with delicious French Prunier caviar. This luxury advent calendar can be yours for £395, and comes in a range of different colours.

Get your Caviar House Prunier Caviar advent calendar here.

Melt’s Winter Palace advent calendar

This huge advent calendar by London chocolatiers Melt is the definition of decadence, with over £300 worth of artisanal treats to be discovered. At a whopping 6kg, this calendar definitely spoils you for choice, with luxurious hot chocolates, mouth-watering chocolate bars, enticing orangettes and more.

And with its gorgeous winter palace box design, and an array of iconic British architecture behind each door, this calendar is destined to be a Christmas centrepiece. And to top it all off, it’s fully recyclable. Priced at £285, this calendar truly is the definition of indulgence.

Get your Melt’s winter palace advent calendar here.

Caffè Nero coffee advent calendar

Caffè Nero now do their very own coffee advent calendar, packed with their fully recyclable Nespresso capsules. This 24-day calendar is chock full of a whole blend of their café favourites, with well-loved flavours and brand-new editions to enjoy.
At only £17.99, this coffee advent calendar makes a fantastic festive treat for those of us who can’t get enough of our morning coffee.

Get your Caffè Nero coffee advent calendar here.

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post Some of our fave advent calendars 2024 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Christmas is almost upon us. Part of the joy of the season is the chance it gives us to meet up with family and friends, many of whom we might not have seen in a long time. This often means making a long trip to stay at the house of a distant relative – or perhaps coming home to stay at the house of a close one. So how should you prepare your car for Christmas travels to ensure safety?

For your Christmas driving experience to be as smooth and pleasant as possible, however, you’ll need to do just a little bit of groundwork. Let’s take a look at a few essential steps to take before you embark on the journey.

Vehicle maintenance checks

To get the most from the journey, you’ll need your vehicle to be in the best possible condition. That means checking that all of your fluids are suitably topped up, and that the car has been appropriately serviced over the last year. Test the battery and the lights, too.

The most important things to check, however, are your tyres. They should be adequately inflated. If the tread is near the legal minimum of 1.6 millimetres, they should be replaced. Look for a local vendor and fitter. If you’re based in Hampshire, you might look for tyre fitters in Basingstoke.

Planning your route and timing

You can expect to see increased traffic during the festive season. After all, at this time of year, just about everyone is travelling at once. In many cases, you can minimise delays by looking for alternative routes. In fact, there exist modern smartphone apps, like Waze, that will do this for you, while taking advantage of real-time data from other road users.

If you can make your journey earlier, or later, then you might avoid some of the congestion associated with peak season.

Packing an emergency kit

During winter, it’s easy to be taken by surprise by the weather. And if you end up stranded at the side of the road, you’ll be grateful that you packed essential items like blankets, torches, batteries, snacks, and first-aid kits. Bundle these items together in a special kit, and stash it somewhere in the vehicle itself.

Read more: how to practice safer driving

Adapting driving techniques for winter conditions

Driving techniques that are appropriate during summer will need to be adapted during winter. Generally speaking, you’ll want to drive as though your stopping distance has increased – because it has been. Make sure that you’re limiting your speed, and you’re not driving in a way that might necessitate sudden braking. Avoid tailgating, and slow down well in advance of a junction. The more experience you have driving in the snow and ice, the better – but even experienced drivers can be caught off-guard by adverse road conditions.

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post How to prepare your car for Christmas travels appeared first on Silver Magazine.