Welcome to December and my last update of the year!
Clitheroe High Street looks so smart, following the works earlier in the year, and is dressed up for Christmas.
We’ve had fun finding new suppliers for the shop as well as expanding the ranges from many of your favourites.
Our little shop is now jam-packed full of winter warmers, gifts, and home ideas, and we can’t wait to see you all during the coming month.
Read my blog for seasonal opening times, what’s on in Clitheroe and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
Emerging home and gift trends for next year
Eco Friendly
So, what can we expect to see in 2025? With sustainability being a hot topic, expect to see more eco-friendly packaging and upcycled products gracing our shelves.
Minimalist with a Cozy Twist
This is a style that marries simplicity with warmth, offering the serenity of minimalism combined with inviting layers and textures. Think clean lines but with cushions, throws, and soft lighting that beckon comfort—a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle outside your door.
Handmade
Another emerging trend is the influence of Handmade or hand-crafted gifts, a throwback to simpler times, where handmade meant heartfelt. Many of our products will still be sourced from independent crafters in a small workshop environment, and we will continue to find items that have yet to be found on the high street.
So, as you carefully choose items for your home or shop for that perfect gift, keep these trends in mind. They provide warmth and a touch of personal flair—a comforting reminder that sometimes, less is more and handmade is the heart’s true expression.
Making a space for December
As all around are jingling bells, party dresses, sparkles and lights, make a nature table that connects you to what is going on outside, and to what this moment in the year is really all about.
Use whites, reds and greens – for Christmas, yes, but also to remind you of the evergreens, those reassuring symbols of yule and the winter solstice, which we strew around our homes to remind us that not everything is dead.
Your December table:
- Bare twigs and pine cones
- Evergreens, especially holly and ivy
- White candles and white, red or green cloths
- A yule log
- Red and green ribbons
- Winter herbs – sage, rosemary and bay
- Pomander balls – oranges stuck with cloves and tied with ribbon
- A bowl of nuts and a nutcracker
- A glass of sherry and mince pie
(courtesy of The Almanac)
What’s on in the Ribble Valley
There’s lots going on in Clitheroe to celebrate the festive season, including new Christmas markets on 29th, here’s a summary of events.
Friday 29th November Christmas Lights Switch On:
A dedication of the Crib will take place at the castle gates at 4 pm. There will be music from the children’s choir and the official Christmas lights switch on. You will also get to see Santa’s sleigh on and around castle street.
New for this year there will also be Christmas market stalls around the town centre and late-night opening for shops until 8 pm.
Saturday 30th Clitheroe Christmas Jumper Day!
Join in the fun at Santa’s grotto (located at the castle gates) where there will be an elf hunt, children’s festive workshops at the Castle Museum and Christmas carols at the Castle bandstand, 4 pm.
Valley Living Sunday Opening
Don’t forget Valley Living will be open on Sundays until 25th December from 11 am till 3 pm.
The Shortest Day is Near!
This one’s always worth celebrating in my book, Winter Solstice – it’s the shortest day on 21st December!
Valley Living Christmas Opening Times:
Christmas Eve 9.30 – 3 pm
Christmas Day/Boxing Day – Closed
27th and 28th 9.30 am – 5 pm
29th – Closed
30th 9.30 – 5 pm
31st 9.30 – 3 pm
1st January – Closed
Aud’s Kitchen 2024
I hope you have enjoyed my monthly recipes as much as I enjoyed making and sharing them with you. As a thank you an in case you missed any of them, don’t worry; you can view all 12 recipes in my special Year of Tasty Treats – 2024. Download your copy here!
I look forward to seeing you over the next few weeks and would like to thank you for your custom in 2024 and wish you a very Happy Christmas!
Auds and Team
