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Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus or, for short, just Santa. Whatever you decide to call him, he is the same mysterious man that is made of children’s dreams and wishes! A joyous chap that lives in the North Pole; he works all year round in his workshop with his army of little magical elves to build every good child a toy for Christmas. He then uses his sleigh and flying reindeer’s to deliver them one by one to children all over the world in one night, Christmas Eve.

People say that the modern day Santa is a mixture of the gift-giving St Nicholas, the traditional winter holiday figure Sinterklaas and the British character Father Christmas – creating our now popular Santa Claus, a gift giving, Christmas figure that wears a beautiful red suit!

So this year don’t forget to write your letter to Santa, leave him some cookies and milk (carrots for the reindeer’s too, if you’re feeling generous!) and make sure your fast asleep well before he arrives! Or else you might be on the naughty list next year…

 

 

Image credit: City of Marietta, GA

At this time of year, when the days are getting colder and colder, snow days are inevitable. Usually coming along when we least expect it, coating the country in a white sheet of icy fluff! Loved by kids and adults, it means one thing only: lots of fun in the snow! From snowball fights, snowmen building competitions and snow angels – the options are endless. And let’s face it, a snow day is always a good day!

So this year, pull on your warmest gloves, hat and tie your scarf on tight in preparation for the snow days we all love, as we may only have the opportunity once – till next year at least.

 

Image Credit: Le Scribbler

Eccentricity is often associated with British people – a nation confident and happy to express their quirky natures; from living in the past to being actively passionate and obsessed about a topic/hobby.

Our history of eccentrics varies from Simeon Ellerton, a fitness fanatic that would gather stones and carry them on his head. Eventually he had gathered enough to build a small cottage for himself, however as he was so used to carrying the extra weight around, he spent the rest of his life walking around with a bag of stones on his head.  Then on the other hand there’s Oscar Wilde, famous for his eccentric and unusual behaviour.  He spent his life dressing in flamboyant clothing and during his University days he would walk his pet lobster on a lead.

Eccentric people have been found to visit the doctor 20 times less than most of us, live slightly longer and are generally happier people. However the bad news is only about 1 in every 10,000 people is classed as full time eccentric.

So why not break the rules of society and embrace your inner eccentric? It may do you the world of good in the long run.

 

Image credit: Steve A Johnson

Well over 300 years ago when the individual kingdoms of England and Scotland were united, the Great British Army was born. Today, almost 140,000 regular and territorial soldiers swear their allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and our nation to fight for our safety and freedom all over the world.

The Great British Army has fought in many major world wars throughout their existence, including the Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War and both World Wars. All of which we arose from victorious, certifying us as one of the world’s leading economic and military superpowers.

Being a part of the British Army is a full time profession, with each troop choosing to join fellow soldiers since the end of National Service in 1960. Each individual soldier is fully aware of what is expected of them and knows the potential dangers of their job, yet still continues to defend our great nation in any way they can.

However, it is not just front line troops who risk their lives every day for us. A vast team of support staff such as doctors, nurses, engineers, chefs and logistical staff help day to day life run in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones.

It is the sheer courage and bravery of every single member of Great British Army staff that makes us so proud to support them.

 

 

Image credit: isafmedia

Fighting for the latest must haves, weaving your way down the high street and trying to carry countless bags of goodies all the way home; just a few festive shopping joys. Yes, that’s right, Christmas has come around already.

A time of turkey, tinsel and toys; Christmas is the most wonderful, and the busiest time of the year. Each year, preparation for the big day seems to come earlier, with some people even starting their shopping on Boxing Day.

Shops open late, allowing us to shop from 8am until midnight, yet most of us still seem to leave it until 4pm Christmas Eve… Large queues are inevitable, but special festive treats such as mince pies and mulled wine are always available to help with the distress.

Christmas Markets arrive, smelling and looking beautiful, offering treats from all four corners of the globe. Truth be told, we only end up spending money on ourselves, but its all part of the fun.

Although it can be mega stressful and bank draining, Christmas shopping is fun and the perfect way to count down to the 25th.

 

 

 

 

Image Credit:  Jo Naylor

“I will not join any club that would take me as a member” – Charlie Chaplin – British comic actor

 

 

Image Credit: classic film scans