The idea of Christingles came from Germany in 174o’s.  At a service a lighted candle with a red ribbon around it was given to the children to represent Jesus being the light of the world.  The custom went around the world with the church.  The Christingle Service is usually held on the Sunday before Christmas

Mexicans like to start early and finish late – they celebrate from 12th December to the 6th January, though the final celebration is Candelaria or Candlemas on 2nd February! They like to follow the main elements of the traditional Christmas story highlighting the search for a place to stay, the arrival of the shepherds, the

Kenyans travel and gather together at Christmas time.  They’ll travel back to the villages where they grew up, from the cities where they live and work.  It is often the only time in the year large families can gather together.  People try to be home by Christmas Eve so they can help with preparations. Midnight

  Germans have many Christmas traditions – the season of Advent that prepares for and leads up to the celebration of Christmas itself is important.  Advent calendars that count off each day from the beginning of December are popular, commonly hiding a treat or chocolate behind each numbered door or box.  Advent wreaths with four

Dominican Republic of Congo ‘Mbotama Malamu’ is the Merry Christmas greeting spoken in Lingagla, the language of DRC.  The majority of people in DRS are Christian, celebrating Christmas as more of a religious festival than a commercial opportunity. Most people won’t exchange presents, though if they are afforded, they are at best a new set

Greenland In Greenland the women get waited on by the men on Christmas Night – a chance for a much-appreciated break! However the festive food of Mattak (whale skin stuffed with blubber) and Kiviak (raw small arctic birds, buried in seal skins for several months until an advanced stage of decomposition!!) is a rather unique

  Welcome to Seasonal Highlights    A friendly and informative section where we let you in our hints and tips for the best flavours to match the ever-changing, vibrant seasons. It’s getting colder now outside isn’t it? A brisk reminder that we’ve entered the colourful and windy season of Autumn. Let us share with you the tastes,

Seven of our favourite tips and tricks for getting the most out of your used ground coffee   We all share the same problem when it comes to tidying up after enjoying a delicious, hot cup of coffee.   It doesn’t matter which brewing method you use, whether it be a cafetiere, filter machine, aeropress, stove

  We’re proud to now be able to bring to you our latest single-origin coffee for 2015, the crisp and juicy, ‘Tanzanian Ruvumba’ This bright and fruity sun-dried coffee arrives from the town of Mbenga, a vibrant area nestled away in the Ruvumba region of Tanzania. You can find this bright and lively new addition