Your Christmas Emergency Plan How to Stay Calm When Weather, Food or Power Go Wrong

Christmas should be about warmth, generosity and togetherness, not stress, panic or last-minute disasters. 

Yet every year, festive plans are disrupted by things that are entirely predictable: bad weather, spoiled food, power cuts, illness or closed shops.

At That’s Christmas 365 and That's Food and Drink we believe that a truly joyful Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about preparedness. 

A simple emergency plan won’t dampen the magic. It protects it.

1. When Christmas Weather Turns Against You

From snow and ice to flooding and high winds, the UK’s winter weather can quickly disrupt travel plans and deliveries.

Festive emergency essentials:

Shop a little earlier where possible

Keep salt or grit by paths and doorways

Have torches, batteries and candles ready

Charge phones and power banks in advance

If you have a generator make sure you have fuel for it and that it still runs

If guests can’t arrive, a smaller or postponed celebration still counts as Christmas.

2. Food Emergencies: The Silent Christmas Threat

Discovering spoiled food on Christmas morning is a heart-sinking moment... and a common one.

Reduce the risk by:

Checking fridge and freezer temperatures a few days beforehand

Defrosting freezers well in advance

Labelling leftovers clearly

Keeping shelf-stable backups like tinned vegetables, gravy granules and long-life cream

A calm fallback meal beats festive panic every time.

3. Power Cuts and Broken Appliances

Christmas places huge demand on ovens, kettles and hobs, just as winter storms increase the chance of outages.

Plan for the worst:

Have at least one non-electric cooking option (used safely)

Prepare food that can be served cold if necessary

Keep a thermos handy for hot drinks

Know how long your freezer stays cold if unopened

Christmas dinner doesn’t need to be hot to be meaningful.

4. Illness, Injuries and Sudden Changes

Festive flu, stomach bugs and minor accidents have an uncanny sense of timing.

A simple festive safety net includes:

Basic first aid supplies

Easy-to-digest foods

Flexible plans and smaller gatherings

Video calls for family members who can’t attend

Christmas doesn’t disappear, it simply adapts.

5. When the Shops Are Shut (And You’ve Forgotten Something)

Once Christmas arrives, there’s no popping out for essentials.

Before Christmas Eve, double-check:

Bin bags

Foil and cling film

Washing-up liquid

Toilet roll

Batteries

Pet food

It’s always the unglamorous items that cause the most stress.

Unless, of course, there's a genuine 24/7 supermarket attached to a petrol station in your area. Google search beforehand. One Christmas several years ago we realised that we had no wine to go with Christmas dinner. I took a five minute walk to the nearest petrol station supermarket and returned, triumphant, with a couple of bottles of wine.

A Christmas That Lasts All Year Starts With Calm

At That’s Christmas 365, we celebrate Christmas in all its forms, perfect or otherwise. An emergency plan doesn’t mean expecting disaster; it means knowing that if something goes wrong, you can still enjoy the season.

Because Christmas isn’t about flawless timing or picture-perfect meals.

It’s about warmth, kindness and making the best of what you have.

And sometimes, the most memorable Christmas stories begin with, “Well, everything went wrong…” — and end with laughter.

Fed Up With High Energy Bills? Here’s How to Cut Costs and Save Smartly

If you’ve opened your latest gas or electricity bill and found yourself wincing, you’re certainly not alone. 

With rising energy costs continuing to pinch household budgets across the UK, many of us are looking for ways to bring those soaring figures down. 

Thankfully, there are simple hacks you can use right now to reduce your energy usage, and it might also be time to rethink who supplies your energy in the first place.

Here’s how to cut your bills without compromising comfort.

1. Be Smart With Heating and Hot Water

Heating typically makes up more than half of the average UK household’s energy use — so it’s a prime target for savings.

Turn your thermostat down by just 1°C – you probably won’t notice the difference in comfort, but you could shave around 10% off your heating bill.

Use a timer so the hating only comes on when you need it, no need to heat an empty house.

Bleed your radiators to ensure they’re working efficiently.

Install thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control room temperatures individually.

2. Cut the Hot Water Waste

Only boil the water you need in the kettle, this one’s simple but often overlooked.

Fit an eco-shower head to cut down hot water use without losing pressure.

Set your water heating to just what’s needed, 60°C is generally hot enough for household use.

3. Plug the Gaps — Literally

Heat escaping through gaps and draughts means money vanishing into thin air.

Draught-proof doors and windows with inexpensive self-adhesive strips.

Use door snakes or draught excluders on internal doors.

Don’t forget the chimney if it’s unused, a balloon draught excluder can save serious warmth.

4. Appliance and Lighting Hacks

Switch off at the wall – appliances on standby still draw power.

Use energy-efficient LED bulbs, they last longer and cost far less to run.

Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full, and choose eco modes when appropriate.

Air-dry clothes where possible instead of using a tumble dryer.

5. Insulation = Long-Term Savings

If you own your home, investing in insulation pays back over time:

Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective upgrades.

Cavity wall insulation can also save hundreds per year.

Even simple additions like thermal curtains and rugs on bare floors help retain warmth.

6. Switching Energy Providers

Loyalty doesn’t always pay when it comes to energy. You might be overpaying without realising it.

Use price comparison websites like Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket or Compare the Market to see if you can get a better tariff.

Look for fixed rate deals, they protect you against future price rises.

Check for exit fees if you’re currently in a contract, but remember, even with a small fee, switching could still save you more overall.

Consider green energy providers, some now offer competitive tariffs and better customer service.

7. Monitor Your Usage

Knowledge is power, quite literally.

Request a smart meter from your provider to track real-time usage and costs.

Use free apps or your supplier’s dashboard to understand when you’re using the most energy and what you could change.

Final Thoughts

The energy crisis has forced many of us to think more critically about our consumption — but the silver lining is that small changes, clever tweaks, and a willingness to switch providers can lead to real savings. 

Whether you rent or own, live alone or have a bustling family home, these tips can help you stay warm and comfortable without burning through your budget.

Have any favourite energy-saving hacks of your own? Share them in the comments or on our socials — let’s beat those bills together!

Energy-Saving Techniques for Cooking and Storing Food at Home

In the current climate of rising energy costs, finding ways to save money while cooking and storing food has become a priority for many households. 

By adopting a few simple yet effective techniques, you can reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills without compromising on delicious meals or food safety. 

Here are some practical tips to get you started:

Cooking Efficiently

Use the Right-Sized Pans and Hobs

Match the size of your pan to the hob. Using a small pan on a large hob wastes energy, as does using a large pan on a small hob. For electric hobs, ensure the pan covers the heating element completely.

Put a Lid On It

Cooking with a lid traps heat, allowing your food to cook faster and using less energy. This simple step can make a noticeable difference over time.

Embrace Batch Cooking

Preparing multiple meals in one go not only saves time but also reduces the amount of energy needed to cook separate meals. Once cooked, you can portion and freeze meals for later use.

Microwave for Small Portions

Microwaves are more energy-efficient than ovens for heating small portions. Use them for reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals to save energy.

Turn Off the Oven Early

Ovens retain heat well, so turning them off a few minutes before your food is fully cooked allows the residual heat to finish the job without additional energy usage.

Opt for Pressure Cookers and Slow Cookers

Pressure cookers cook food quickly using less energy, while slow cookers use low, consistent heat over a longer period, making them excellent for energy-efficient cooking.

Storing Food Smartly

Keep Your Fridge Organised

A well-organised fridge allows for better airflow and ensures the appliance works efficiently. Avoid overloading it, as this makes it harder to maintain the right temperature.

Check the Temperature

Set your fridge to 3°C (37°F) and your freezer to -18°C (0°F). These temperatures are optimal for food preservation and energy efficiency.

Defrost Regularly

Ice build-up in your freezer can make it work harder and consume more energy. Defrost your freezer periodically to keep it running efficiently.

Cool Food Before Refrigerating

Placing hot food directly into the fridge or freezer raises the internal temperature, forcing the appliance to use more energy. Let food cool to room temperature before storing.

Use the Right Storage Containers

Airtight containers help maintain food freshness and prevent moisture loss, reducing waste and the need for additional cooling.

General Energy-Saving Tips

Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances

If your budget allows, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models of ovens, fridges, and freezers. Look for appliances with high energy ratings to maximise savings.

Use Renewable Energy Sources

If possible, invest in solar panels or sign up for a green energy plan to reduce your carbon footprint while saving on electricity costs.

Be Mindful of Peak Hours

Some energy providers charge higher rates during peak hours. Plan your cooking and other high-energy tasks during off-peak times to save money.

Turn Off Appliances When Not in Use

Appliances like ovens and microwaves often have standby modes that consume energy. Turn them off at the plug when not in use to avoid unnecessary costs.

By incorporating these energy-saving techniques into your daily routine, you can enjoy the dual benefits of reducing your household expenses and minimising your environmental impact. Small changes can lead to significant savings over time, making your kitchen both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Celebrate Global Running Day with Nutritious Foods

Global Running Day is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving. 

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a novice just starting, the right nutrition can enhance your running experience. 

Here’s a guide to foods that will fuel your body and keep you energised for your run.

Pre-Run Power: Energise with Carbohydrates

Before you hit the pavement, it’s essential to consume foods that provide a steady release of energy. Carbohydrates are your best friend here as they are your body’s primary source of fuel.

Bananas: Rich in potassium and easy to digest, bananas provide a quick energy boost and help prevent muscle cramps.

Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with a bit of honey and some fresh fruit is a fantastic way to start your day. It offers a mix of complex carbs and fibre, ensuring a slow and steady release of energy.

Toast with Peanut Butter: Whole-grain toast with a smear of peanut butter gives you a combination of carbs and protein, perfect for a morning run.

During the Run: Stay Hydrated and Energised

For longer runs, it's important to keep your energy levels up and stay hydrated.

Energy Gels or Chews: These are convenient sources of quick energy during long runs. They’re easy to carry and digest, providing a fast hit of glucose.

Sports Drinks: These are useful for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat. Opt for drinks with balanced electrolytes and a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Water: Staying hydrated is crucial. For shorter runs, water is usually sufficient, but for longer distances, consider drinks that also provide electrolytes.

Post-Run Recovery: Replenish and Repair

After your run, focus on foods that help replenish your glycogen stores and repair muscle tissues.

Greek Yoghurt with Berries: Greek yoghurt is high in protein, which aids muscle recovery, and berries add a touch of natural sweetness and antioxidants.

Chicken and Quinoa Salad: This meal combines lean protein from chicken and complex carbohydrates from quinoa, making it an excellent post-run recovery dish.

Smoothies: Blend up a smoothie with spinach, banana, protein powder, and almond milk for a refreshing and nutrient-packed recovery drink.

Snack Smart: Healthy Choices Throughout the Day

In addition to your main meals, keep your energy levels stable with smart snacks.

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are all packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats.

Hummus with Veggies: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers dipped in hummus make for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Apple Slices with Almond Butter: This snack provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Hydration: The Unsung Hero

Don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and include foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries, to keep your hydration levels up.

Conclusion

On Global Running Day, let’s not only celebrate the joy of running but also the nourishment that keeps us going. By fuelling your body with the right foods, you’ll enhance your performance, enjoy your runs more, and recover faster. So, lace up those trainers, enjoy a nutritious meal, and hit the road with energy and enthusiasm. Happy running!