Shane loves the outdoors and travels around the UK visiting and reviewing all the top attractions.
What conversation is the topic of every office discussion and winter gathering before Christmas? You’ve seen the shops littered with décor and heard the tunes on the radio, but when, WHEN DOES CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY BEGIN? It drives families and friends apart, but when is it socially acceptable to start talking about Christmas and putting up decorations in your home? Well, we’re going to settle this, once and for all.
The general consensus in our office is when December begins, (although, one staff member casually suggested Christmas begins on the 25th…) But, the general vibe is that Christmas begins, in the month of December. And rightly so. Anything festive pre-late November is what you’ll see in shops. Like Selfridges opening their Christmas shop on September 4th…
So, without further ado, here’s 5 reasons why Christmas doesn’t start until December.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, what do they have in common? CHRISTMAS. And what dates are they on? 24th and 25th of DECEMBER. We shouldn’t need to show you our working out to prove that the Christmas period begins in the month CHRISTMAS IS IN. Even in America, where Christmas is commercialised at a huge scale, they respect the Christmas rule. November is for Thanksgiving. Don’t over shadow other important events in November like Remembrance Day and Bonfire Night with pre-emptive Christmas nonsense… (give Guy Fawkes some credit for the stupidest plot in history). Let the other months do their own thing!
As you know, we love a day out at DOUK. And, in December, we love a Christmas day out. Christmas markets, meeting Santa, perusing winter wonderlands – we love it. BUT ONLY IN DECEMBER. Don’t let the events listed as Christmas ones in November fool you, the real Christmas magic begins in December and starts at DOUK. To see all our great Christmas events (in December) check out our events page, by clicking HERE.
It’s not Christmas until Bublé is officially sighted.He emerges from his year long slumber to grace our ears with the finest Christmas CD of the 21st century (take that Justin Bieber, no one liked your Christmas album). The undisputed symbol of Christmas covers, once Bublé emerges the Christmas flood gates are opened. And, let’s be honest, Christmas music loses its charm pretty quickly, so let’s not exhaust the Christmas tunes before the big day, yeah?
Any celebrations of Christmas before December is a marketing trap! - don’t let it fool you! The decorations in the shops in October are subliminally signalling you to start buying your presents early, which is smart for them, but not for you. Don’t forget about all the sweet discounts and deals you get in December. Don’t let the Christmas marketing plan draw you in, it’s a clever tick – but you won’t fool us!
Finally, we asked everyone in the office and it was confirmed that it is OFFICIALLY CHRISTMAS IN DECEMBER. So, don’t exhaust Mariah Carrey and fall into marketing traps before the 1st, Christmas begins when we say so (we’ve carried out the polls after all, so…) But of course, December is only a few days away… sooooooooo it’s nearly time!
To talk about Christma…
Guess what? As you know, we love a day out at DOUK – and today, we went out for one! Well, sort of. We were invited to an exclusive unveiling of the brand-new spring exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London. The Future Starts Here is the museum’s new, and experimental, exhibition opening in May of 2018. Featuring over one hundred objects and gadgets that are set to enhance the human experience in the future – or in the not so distance future.
Curated by Rory Hyde, Mariana Pestana and the Design, Architecture and Digital Department, supported by the Volkswagen Group, this exhibition is truly an original experience, and an experimental first for the V&A.
All of the items in the collection are either on the market, in development or at the prototype stage. Not only does the exhibition showcase the tech and design of the future, but it asks questions of where our world is heading. Is this technology set to enhance our experience, or will it be a detriment to our lives? How is smart design shaping our future cities? Through the exhibition future technology and design are interrogated and explored on an unprecedented scale.
What we saw
Although we only saw the exhibition in part, it gave a fascinating insight and left us wanting more. From a 3D printed rendering of Chelsea Manning’s face made entirely from DNA, to a portable lab, from Bento Labs - the size of a keyboard with the power to analyse, manipulate and explore DNA on a scale that was only available to scientists and experts up till now. The Future Starts Here outlines the limitless potential of the future, through real futuristic tech – things you couldn’t imagine but are in development and tangible.
Huge tech giants have invested in new creations as well, with Facebook rolling out a light aircraft that brings the internet to the two thirds of the world, that don’t have it. The Aquila transmits internet to parts of the world without it, and the aircraft is light, hovering and solar powered. Mark Zuckerberg believes that connection is a basic human right. A look at Apple’s newest headquarters and a Crowd Funded pedestrian walkway in Rotterdam, shed a light on the architectural design of the future.
Other features include a drone sailing ship, Protei, that collects rubbish and oil spills in the ocean. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves seeds in the event of large scale crisis– this tech is shaping the future but set to save and preserve it as well. The tech on display dances a fine line between the good technology can do, but also the harm it can inflict.
The Future Starts Here aims to not only help you envision the future to come, but question what this tech and design can do. To inspire a wide audience with design and tech that seems impossible to imagine but is here, now. For the visitor, ethical and speculative questions are asked to engage you in the future, with tech that inspires and innovates – there’s a robot that does all the laundry for you, who wouldn’t want that? We could go on and on about all the fascinating design and tech we saw, but instead we’ll tell you what’s in it for you.
Why YOU should go
This daring and experimental exhibition is nothing like we’ve seen before. A first for the V&A, it features so much to see and engage with. It explores tech in 4 large main scales. The self, public spaces, the planet and finally the vast cosmos above. This exhibition can teach, both adults and children, so much about the future and engage an interest in technology and design. The Future Starts Here can educate and engage everyone. From a curious child who is inquisitive about what their adult lives will be like, to the sceptic grandma/parent anxious of where the world is heading. This exhibition has something for everyone. The ‘wow’ factor for everything on display can’t be measured. The Future Starts Here is a truly fascinating exhibition.
Opening on 12th May 2018 and running until 4th November, this exhibition is not one to be missed. A year in the making, The Future Starts Here is an informative and engaging insight as to where our world is heading. Advanced tickets are £15 and V&A members go for free. You can book your tickets by either calling 0800 912 6961 or visiting the V&A’s website, by clicking HERE. Supported by Volkswagen Group, the exhibition will be held in the Sainsbury Gallery for the duration of Spring and Autumn. The future has arrived to our world and truly, #TheFutureStartsHere at the V&A, Spring 2018.
It’s official, we can now start talking about Christmas! Yes, we’ve held in our excitement for long enough, but with the passing of Bonfire Night, Christmas feels a whole lot closer! The lights are going up in all the towns and villages across the UK and the decorations are out in full force in shops and homes. So, what better way to get you in the festive mood than with some fun Christmas facts! Stuff to wow your colleagues, friends and family with before the festivities commence.
We’ve created a list of our favourite and most obscure Christmas facts, for you to show off with.
It’s a matter of taste, but everyone has their own favourite Christmas song and film. But, if we’re talking about the highest grossing and bestselling, we can confirm that there is one song and film, that take the Christmas cake.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Starring Jim Carrey, this film is the highest grossing Christmas film to date. Released back in 2000, this film is a titan of the Christmas film industry and has not been surpassed by the likes of Elf or any other festive favourite.
White Christmas – To much surprise, the bestselling tune of all time is White Christmas by Bing Crosby, with an estimated excess of 50 million copies sold worldwide. (personally, my favourite is from another Carey – All I want for Christmas)
Some of the most famous staples of Christmas were created as parts of marketing campaigns and dreams, from the early 1900s and even further back. Santa Claus was originally depicted in green clothing until Coca-Cola swapped the forest green for a vibrant red in the early 20th century.
Whilst Rudolph, Santa’s little red nosed friend, was created to promote Montgomery Ward’s holiday colouring books in 1939. His original name was going to be Reginald and his nose was never supposed to be red – as a red nose emulated the nose of an alcoholic.
Santa’s famous sleigh was created by Washington Irving as early as 1819, in a series of short stories. Irving described a dream where he saw good ol’ St. Nick flying across the sky, in a wagon of sorts. Dicken’s may have even been inspired by Irving when he penned his classic, A Christmas Carol.
An estimated 6.8 million IOS and other mobile and tablet devices are activated on Christmas Day. Whilst, 4.25 million of us Brits will travel abroad for Christmas. 6 million rolls of Sellotape are estimated to be sold in Britain in the lead up to Christmas. One more for the millions, 60 million Christmas trees are gown in Europe, each year.
On to the percentages; 13% of families will attend church on Christmas day and a mere 27% will watch her Majesty’s speech on the telly.
Finally, during the 20th century, there have only been 7 recorded white Christmases in the UK. For a Christmas to be declared as a ‘White Christmas’, officially, a single snow flake must be seen from the roof of the Met office within 24hours.
Over the years, Christmas has come with some rather odd traditions which we all just accept because, well, they’re Christmas traditions… When you find a tangerine in your stocking, it actually originates from French Nuns leaving socks filled with fruit, nuts and tangerines at the houses of the poor, in the 12th century.
The act of hanging stockings from the fire place comes from Dutch traditions, where food would be left out for St. Nicholas’ donkeys and in exchange, he would leave small gifts. Eating mince pies on Christmas? You could be breaking the law. In the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas pudding and mince pies from being consumed on Christmas day. To this day, the law has never been retracted.
Whilst we have strange traditions here in Britain, the most popular food of choice in Japan on Christmas day is KFC. Yes, orders for the festive season must be put in 2 months in advance, in order to deal with the increased demand. Whilst in Sweden, it is extremely popular to watch cartoons on Christmas Eve. But, not just any cartoons – specifically, Donald Duck ones. This tradition dates back as early as 1960.
In Norway, families will hide their brooms to avoid them being stolen by witches and evil spirits. One of the stranger traditions, in Norway, it was believed that evil spirits and witches returned on Christmas eve, to find a broom to ride. The most terrifying tradition we’ve heard comes from Australia. Where Krampus, Saint Nick’s evil counterpart, comes out to punish the naughty children and taking them away. Young Australian men dress up as Krampus, running through the streets at night in December with chains and bells – Halloween’s supposed to be over right?
And there you have it! Some fun Christmas facts you can show off this festive season. For upcoming Christmas events, stay tuned to our Blog or visit our events page by clicking HERE.
Been a bit cold, hasn’t it? With the passing of Bonfire Night and Halloween, it officially feels like winter has arrived. Mornings will now be spent with the kitchen spatula, a jug boiling water and a bottle of anti-freeze, to battle the ice that has formed all over your car. With the rest of the UK tackling slightly frosty terrain and major disruptions caused by the smallest amount of snow, the season is officially upon us. The struggle is really felt in winter. Luckily, we’re still at a luxurious 1-2 degrees, for now at least, which is a perfect time to get out and explore the UK, without 4+ layers on.
This November, in the lead up to Christmas, there’s lots of things to see and do around the UK. We’ve selected our Top 5 events for this November from all over the country.
Prior to the release of the next instalment in the series, the Royal Observatory in London will be showing The Force Awakens at their Silver Screen series this November. On the 11th, Star Wars Fans can enjoy seeing the action-packed blockbuster in the amazing atmosphere of the planetarium, and live out their space fantasy. Accompanied with an exclusive talk after the film, one of the astronomers will discuss the physics of lightsabres and planet destroying space stations.
With the change of name from At-Bristol Science Centre to We the Curious, Bristol’s premiere ice skating rink is returning to Millennium Square this November. The huge ice rink will open on November 18th, paired with other winter attractions, food and drink from surrounding stalls in the Millennium Square. Including a carousel, the ‘Skyview Wheel’ and At the Movies – from Big Screen Bristol, showcasing films throughout the season.
Enjoy an evening of classical music in the beautiful venue of Norwich Cathedral. Conducted by Ashley Grote, Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir and Norwich Cathedral Players will be joining forces for an evening of spectacular music. Playing the music of Haydn and Mozart at the Cathedral, critically acclaimed soloist Simon Munday will be joining the proceedings to pay homage to these composers. This event is on November 11th.
On November 25th, visitors to Chiddingstone Castle can experience their annual Christmas Fair. With over 70 stalls spread over the Castle’s historic rooms and a unique marquee. All of the beautiful Christmas gifts and items available are unique and will not be found in any high street shop. Gift ideas ranging from drinks, homeware, clothing and even toys, this Christmas fair is perfect to get your hands on some completely unique gifts for your loved ones. The atmospheric setting of Chiddingstone Castle adds to the magic of the festive season.
Retuning for a sixth year, the annual comedy show is returning all in support of the conservation charity ZSL. On 30th November, join comedians Alan Carr, Katherine Ryan, Rob Delaney, Sara Pascoe, Stephen K Amos, Terry Alderton and Rob Deering – as they perform stand up in the beautiful venue that is the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London. This event is a fundraiser, to aid the animal conservation work ZSL does for wildlife all across the globe.
For more events all across the UK, click HERE.
Halloween has officially passed and now it’s perfectly acceptable to talk about Christmas. BUT, let’s not forget the last big day before the season of Christmas cheer begins – yes, it’s Bonfire night. A night that celebrates one of the most ridiculously planned out plots in history, which was foiled by a single letter being sent to one of the members of parliament. Essentially reading, ‘we’re going to try and blow up the King today, don’t come in to work’.
Whilst we look back and at appreciate the failed plot, it gives us an evening to let off fireworks and celebrate with sparklers. Most of the fun is letting off fireworks in your back garden, but there’s always that one disappointing one that never goes off… damn Catherine wheel…
To avoid some underwhelming fireworks, we’ve put together a list of our top firework displays, across the UK this weekend, ahead of Bonfire Night on Sunday.
London
Batter Sea Park: On Saturday the 4th November, enjoy a spectacular display of fireworks on the banks of the Thames. The displays from the pyrotechnics team at this event have won awards, meaning this event is not one to be missed! Accompanied by amazing food and wintery drinks, an impressive 22-minute display with the theme of Power will illuminate the Thames this weekend. Order your tickets online to avoid disappointment. Tickets MUST be pre-purchased before the event. Click HERE for more info and to book.
Crystal Palace Fireworks: This fireworks show has not one, but TWO firework displays! Kicking off with the kids display at 7, with vibrant and colourful fireworks (with less noise), followed by a monumental display of fireworks set to music. Taking place on the 5ht November, food and drink will also be served throughout the evening. Again, all tickets must be pre-purchased. For more information, click HERE.
Kent
Bonfire and Firework Spectacular, Kent Life: A display with a twist? Do tell more… Well, this firework display in Maidstone, is kicking off with the lighting of a bonfire by fire breathers. Watch as these human dragons ignite the bonfire ahead of a fantastic display of fireworks and much more! This event takes place on Saturday November 4th, for more information and to book tickets, click HERE.
Essex
Southend Seafront Fireworks: This FREE event takes place throughout October and November, however this Saturday (Nov 4th) is a spectacular display ahead of bonfire night! For the first time in 21 years, this display of pyro technical marvel will feature music in the show! And of course, fish and chips will be available to enjoy whilst the fireworks go on! Sit along the beach and watch the glow of the fireworks bright up the sea. For more information, click HERE.
Leeds
Leeds Bonfires and Fireworks Spectacular: Friday November 5th in Leeds will burn brightly in the sky, as bonfires across the city will be lit in parks, with firework displays accompanying them. This free event will take place with an estimated 70,000 people, with beautiful firework displays. The massive bonfire in Roundhay Park will be lit at 7.30pm, followed by an epic firework display at 8. For more information, click HERE.
Newcastle
Gosforth Firework Extravaganza: The annual event returns this year in all its glory! The ‘firework extravaganza’ takes place on Saturday November 4th with a whole host of fun things going on throughout the evening. With attractions and refreshments, the evening will be topped off by an impressive display with over 120 effects per minute! For more information on this event, click HERE.
Bath
Bath Rotary Fireworks Display: Accompanied by the beautiful backdrop of the city of Bath, this annual event hosted by the Rotary Club promises an impressive show of firework amazingness. Taking place on November 4th, fireworks can be seen at various locations across the city with sitting and standing tickets available. This event is usually a sell out, so order your tickets early to avoid disappointment! For more info and to book, click HERE.
For more information on events across the country, visit our events page by clicking HERE.
Happy Bonfire Night!
