Christmas Saving accounts 2025

Bob2000

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

It's the regular savers Im after too TBH.
That's why l asked the question at the start of this thread because BS's release  seasonal  accounts.

 Thank you for all the work you do BTW.

cricidmuslibale

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

Whilst I entirely agree that any regular saver with a favourable interest rate and reasonable terms and conditions is definitely worth going for right now, I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Christmas in particular can be a very special time of year, a time for sharing with and giving to others, which I personally think we need more than ever right now in the deeply uncertain and fast-moving world that we currently live in. Today, for example, I joined with a choir to sing carols and other Christmas songs at a very famous National Trust managed country park not too far from where I live. There were quite a few children in the audiences for both performances, and the sheer innocent joy on their faces when we sang 'Jingle Bells' and 'Jingle Bell Rock' whilst they jingled and jangled the hand bells that we had lent them was simply wonderful to behold!

Bridlington1

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

Whilst I entirely agree that any regular saver with a favourable interest rate and reasonable terms and conditions is definitely worth going for right now, I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Christmas in particular can be a very special time of year, a time for sharing with and giving to others, which I personally think we need more than ever right now in the deeply uncertain and fast-moving world that we currently live in. Today, for example, I joined with a choir to sing carols and other Christmas songs at a very famous National Trust managed country park not too far from where I live. There were quite a few children in the audiences for both performances, and the sheer innocent joy on their faces when we sang 'Jingle Bells' and 'Jingle Bell Rock' whilst they jingled and jangled the hand bells that we had lent them was simply wonderful to behold!

Personally I find Christmas more draining than enjoyable to be honest, I think the build up (especially the shear length of it) just kills off any chance of Christmas spirit within me, plus there seems to be a lot of pressure to appear merry etc, it just feels rather forced and overrated.

Plus I'm not a lover of winter anyway so don't particularly like effectively being forced to take 3 days off work during some of the shortest days of the year due to the office being shut on bank holidays when I would far rather take those days off in summer when the weather's nicer.

I've nothing against people celebrating Christmas though, if it makes people happy then that's a good thing and it can be a magical time for children. I'm certainly not one of those who goes around moaning about Christmas every 2 minutes but I'm not particularly festive myself so largely fade into the background at this time of the year and take the approach that I might as well work through the festive season so that those in my place of work who love Christmas and want to take time off to celebrate are more likely to be able to do so. Thus I'm working Christmas Eve, 27th December, New Year's Eve etc and would've happily worked Christmas Day and Boxing Day had the office been open on these days for this reason.

MisterMotivated

cricidmuslibale said:

I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Whilst I'm not anti-Christmas and certainly don't despise it, I don't particularly enjoy it either.  There are many reasons besides these that I won't go into that make me "not a Christmas person".  As far as reasons I'm willing to discuss, consider this:

• I'm obligated to buy things for people that they probably don't want or need. 
  
  
• I find it very stressful trying to think of things that I think others would like.
  
  
• I'm often forced to participate in office 'Secret Santa' and have to give (and receive) a gift that is (IMO) always nothing more than a wasteful gimmick.
  
  
• I'm not a materialistic person, and if I need something I'll buy it. I therefore find it difficult to think of things I would like to receive as gifts, meaning I often end up with items that never see the world outside of their packaging.
  
  
• I have to go to work and be surrounded by people who seem far more interested in the build-up to Christmas than in Christmas itself.  I often get called a scrooge by co-workers for no other reason than because I'm not super-excited all the time about it being Christmas.  To be clear, I don't act miserable or criticise anything others do, I just prefer not to actively participate.
  
  
• Whenever I put forward a logical explanation of why I'm not constantly gushing about how excited I am that it's Christmas, I'm met with the response of "Well yes, I suppose I see your point, but it's really about the children and how magical it is for them."  That's fine and I agree it's (mostly) magical for children but, as someone with no children of my own, that's rather meaningless to me.

Sorry for the rant, I'm glad you find lots of enjoyment in celebrating the festive season and going carol singing and whatever else you do.  However, as much as you feel it's a real shame when people 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas', I feel it's a real shame when people who couldn't give a sod about Christmas are compelled to act like it's the most wonderful time of the year, rather than being allowed to just get on with their lives.  If people do not want to partake in the 2-month long f0replay that is the build-up to Christmas, please do not try to force them or make them feel bad for it.

Hattie627

When one has lost to death those most loved in one's life, Christmas becomes a time of heightened pain. That's how it is for me. I go through the motions but just want to get to January without having to experience too much of the forced jollity. I would never interfere with the right of others to participate in whatever celebrations they choose, but I reserve the right not to take part. I prefer to look forward to Spring. Christmas is magical for children and hopefully always will be. Adults can take it or leave it, as they choose.

cricidmuslibale

Bridlington1 said:

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

Whilst I entirely agree that any regular saver with a favourable interest rate and reasonable terms and conditions is definitely worth going for right now, I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Christmas in particular can be a very special time of year, a time for sharing with and giving to others, which I personally think we need more than ever right now in the deeply uncertain and fast-moving world that we currently live in. Today, for example, I joined with a choir to sing carols and other Christmas songs at a very famous National Trust managed country park not too far from where I live. There were quite a few children in the audiences for both performances, and the sheer innocent joy on their faces when we sang 'Jingle Bells' and 'Jingle Bell Rock' whilst they jingled and jangled the hand bells that we had lent them was simply wonderful to behold!

Personally I find Christmas more draining than enjoyable to be honest, I think the build up (especially the shear length of it) just kills off any chance of Christmas spirit within me, plus there seems to be a lot of pressure to appear merry etc, it just feels rather forced and overrated.

I totally agree actually that the length of the build up to Christmas these days is way too much; in my area it begins almost immediately after Bonfire Night which is just ridiculous, it would be far better in my opinion if things started to slowly become increasingly Christmas-orientated from c. December 1 onwards, which is roughly the start of Advent each year.

Plus I'm not a lover of winter anyway so don't particularly like effectively being forced to take 3 days off work during some of the shortest days of the year due to the office being shut on bank holidays when I would far rather take those days off in summer when the weather's nicer.

I completely understand where you're coming from here although, for me, I quite like frosty and sunny days in Winter plus the very rare occasions these days when we get settled snow on the ground. I do not like at all the very windy and wet weather that is pounding on my window right now! I used to like summer as much as you do but I find excessive heat and humidity very difficult to function in, plus I'm allergic and very susceptible unfortunately to nasty insect bites (esp. horseflies) at that time of the year which means I have to cover up way more than I would like to. Thus my favourite season overall is Spring now.

I've nothing against people celebrating Christmas though, if it makes people happy then that's a good thing and it can be a magical time for children. I'm certainly not one of those who goes around moaning about Christmas every 2 minutes but I'm not particularly festive myself so largely fade into the background at this time of the year and take the approach that I might as well work through the festive season so that those in my place of work who love Christmas and want to take time off to celebrate are more likely to be able to do so. Thus I'm working Christmas Eve, 27th December, New Year's Eve etc and would've happily worked Christmas Day and Boxing Day had the office been open on these days for this reason. 

As my most important work is within the music world, this is normally my busiest time of the year, year in year out. However I lost a lot of festive seasonal work during the worst of the Covid years (2020-2022), some of which I'm yet to replace, unfortunately. So I really do appreciate all those who have to work during the Christmas and New Year period, very often to make it possible for those who don't have to do so to have fun and be entertained, whilst still having access to essential services when we most need them!

@Bridlington1 Please see my thoughts in bold above. I very much appreciate your considered response to my post above!

cricidmuslibale

MisterMotivated said:

cricidmuslibale said:

I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Whilst I'm not anti-Christmas and certainly don't despise it, I don't particularly enjoy it either.  There are many reasons besides these that I won't go into that make me "not a Christmas person".  As far as reasons I'm willing to discuss, consider this:

• I'm obligated to buy things for people that they probably don't want or need. This used to be true for me as well, I'm genuinely sorry that this continues to be expected of you.
  
  
• I find it very stressful trying to think of things that I think others would like. I used to also find it very stressful so I very much empathise with this.
  
  
• I'm often forced to participate in office 'Secret Santa' and have to give (and receive) a gift that is (IMO) always nothing more than a wasteful gimmick. That doesn't sound good at all! Clearly I'm very fortunate that I'm not currently an office worker, for other reasons as well.
  
  
• I'm not a materialistic person, and if I need something I'll buy it. I therefore find it difficult to think of things I would like to receive as gifts, meaning I often end up with items that never see the world outside of their packaging. I'm very much with you on this; thus most of my family and friends have accepted my wish not to receive any Christmas (or birthday) presents other than small amounts of good food or drink.
  
  
• I have to go to work and be surrounded by people who seem far more interested in the build-up to Christmas than in Christmas itself.  I often get called a scrooge by co-workers for no other reason than because I'm not super-excited all the time about it being Christmas.  To be clear, I don't act miserable or criticise anything others do, I just prefer not to actively participate. I'm very sorry that your co-workers are clearly not at all understanding that you simply see the build-up to Christmas as far less significant than they do.
  
  
• Whenever I put forward a logical explanation of why I'm not constantly gushing about how excited I am that it's Christmas, I'm met with the response of "Well yes, I suppose I see your point, but it's really about the children and how magical it is for them."  That's fine and I agree it's (mostly) magical for children but, as someone with no children of my own, that's rather meaningless to me. Neither do I currently have any children so I do get where you're coming from here, however I often contribute to entertaining kids at this time of year and young kids especially tend to get a lot of innocent, unadulterated joy and fun around Christmas time which I find really wonderful to see tbh.

Sorry for the rant, I'm glad you find lots of enjoyment in celebrating the festive season and going carol singing and whatever else you do.  However, as much as you feel it's a real shame when people 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas', I feel it's a real shame when people who couldn't give a sod about Christmas are compelled to act like it's the most wonderful time of the year, rather than being allowed to just get on with their lives.  If people do not want to partake in the 2-month long f0replay that is the build-up to Christmas, please do not try to force them or make them feel bad for it. 

It doesn't come across a rant to me at least. No-one should ever feel compelled to act like 'it's the most wonderful time of the year'; we should all be allowed to get on with our lives however we see fit to do so! I am the very last person who would ever want to force people to partake in the now often grossly overlong build-up to Christmas; it totally goes against my natural, liberal inclinations. So there will be absolutely no intent to make anyone feel bad for anything, ever, from me!

@MisterMotivated Thank you very much for your detailed response to my post above! Please see a few thoughts of mine in bold above.

happybagger

Hattie627 said:

When one has lost to death those most loved in one's life, Christmas becomes a time of heightened pain

This.
12 months ago I had a lot of anger inside me in the run up to christmas following two bereavements. Thankfully managed to give myself a bit of a mental "kick" and get back on track.

That said, never been interested in the whole thing really. As for gifts, as a family we made a rule - at age 18 no more presents (other than from parents).

I might start enjoying it if we get a 10% RS with a £500 ppm deposit limit...

cricidmuslibale

Hattie627 said:

When one has lost to death those most loved in one's life, Christmas becomes a time of heightened pain. That's how it is for me. I go through the motions but just want to get to January without having to experience too much of the forced jollity. I would never interfere with the right of others to participate in whatever celebrations they choose, but I reserve the right not to take part. I prefer to look forward to Spring. Christmas is magical for children and hopefully always will be. Adults can take it or leave it, as they choose.

@Hattie627 I'm genuinely very sorry indeed that Christmas has now become such a difficult time of year for you! I wish you lots of love, kindness, warmth and compassion and the best possible Spring next year and in future years!

Bridlington1

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

Whilst I entirely agree that any regular saver with a favourable interest rate and reasonable terms and conditions is definitely worth going for right now, I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Christmas in particular can be a very special time of year, a time for sharing with and giving to others, which I personally think we need more than ever right now in the deeply uncertain and fast-moving world that we currently live in. Today, for example, I joined with a choir to sing carols and other Christmas songs at a very famous National Trust managed country park not too far from where I live. There were quite a few children in the audiences for both performances, and the sheer innocent joy on their faces when we sang 'Jingle Bells' and 'Jingle Bell Rock' whilst they jingled and jangled the hand bells that we had lent them was simply wonderful to behold!

Personally I find Christmas more draining than enjoyable to be honest, I think the build up (especially the shear length of it) just kills off any chance of Christmas spirit within me, plus there seems to be a lot of pressure to appear merry etc, it just feels rather forced and overrated.

I totally agree actually that the length of the build up to Christmas these days is way too much; in my area it begins almost immediately after Bonfire Night which is just ridiculous, it would be far better in my opinion if things started to slowly become increasingly Christmas-orientated from c. December 1 onwards, which is roughly the start of Advent each year.

Plus I'm not a lover of winter anyway so don't particularly like effectively being forced to take 3 days off work during some of the shortest days of the year due to the office being shut on bank holidays when I would far rather take those days off in summer when the weather's nicer.

I completely understand where you're coming from here although, for me, I quite like frosty and sunny days in Winter plus the very rare occasions these days when we get settled snow on the ground. I do not like at all the very windy and wet weather that is pounding on my window right now! I used to like summer as much as you do but I find excessive heat and humidity very difficult to function in, plus I'm allergic and very susceptible unfortunately to nasty insect bites (esp. horseflies) at that time of the year which means I have to cover up way more than I would like to. Thus my favourite season overall is Spring now.

I've nothing against people celebrating Christmas though, if it makes people happy then that's a good thing and it can be a magical time for children. I'm certainly not one of those who goes around moaning about Christmas every 2 minutes but I'm not particularly festive myself so largely fade into the background at this time of the year and take the approach that I might as well work through the festive season so that those in my place of work who love Christmas and want to take time off to celebrate are more likely to be able to do so. Thus I'm working Christmas Eve, 27th December, New Year's Eve etc and would've happily worked Christmas Day and Boxing Day had the office been open on these days for this reason. 

As my most important work is within the music world, this is normally my busiest time of the year, year in year out. However I lost a lot of festive seasonal work during the worst of the Covid years (2020-2022), some of which I'm yet to replace, unfortunately. So I really do appreciate all those who have to work during the Christmas and New Year period, very often to make it possible for those who don't have to do so to have fun and be entertained, whilst still having access to essential services when we most need them!

I totally agree actually that the length of the build up to Christmas these days is way too much; in my area it begins almost immediately after Bonfire Night which is just ridiculous, it would be far better in my opinion if things started to slowly become increasingly Christmas-orientated from c. December 1 onwards, which is roughly the start of Advent each year.

1st of December onwards would be an improvement though even in that situation it's still going to be a 12th of the year of Christmas and the build up, which still seems too long. I'm usually sick of hearing about it within a week, especially when some of my colleagues insist on having the radio on in the office so I have to listen to the same Christmas songs over and over again throughout December, one of the radio stations that sometimes gets put on repeats the same songs 2 or 3 times in a single 8 hour shift so it soon starts to feel a bit repetitive.

A few days wouldn't be too bad but nearly a month of Christmas getting louder and louder seems like too much to me given that Christmas Day itself ends up feeling like something of an anti-climax when its highlights ends up being exchanging gifts that people usually don't need, spending too much money and eating what is essentially a glorified Sunday roast which can be eaten at any time of the year.

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

Whilst I entirely agree that any regular saver with a favourable interest rate and reasonable terms and conditions is definitely worth going for right now, I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Christmas in particular can be a very special time of year, a time for sharing with and giving to others, which I personally think we need more than ever right now in the deeply uncertain and fast-moving world that we currently live in. Today, for example, I joined with a choir to sing carols and other Christmas songs at a very famous National Trust managed country park not too far from where I live. There were quite a few children in the audiences for both performances, and the sheer innocent joy on their faces when we sang 'Jingle Bells' and 'Jingle Bell Rock' whilst they jingled and jangled the hand bells that we had lent them was simply wonderful to behold!

Personally I find Christmas more draining than enjoyable to be honest, I think the build up (especially the shear length of it) just kills off any chance of Christmas spirit within me, plus there seems to be a lot of pressure to appear merry etc, it just feels rather forced and overrated.

I totally agree actually that the length of the build up to Christmas these days is way too much; in my area it begins almost immediately after Bonfire Night which is just ridiculous, it would be far better in my opinion if things started to slowly become increasingly Christmas-orientated from c. December 1 onwards, which is roughly the start of Advent each year.

Plus I'm not a lover of winter anyway so don't particularly like effectively being forced to take 3 days off work during some of the shortest days of the year due to the office being shut on bank holidays when I would far rather take those days off in summer when the weather's nicer.

I completely understand where you're coming from here although, for me, I quite like frosty and sunny days in Winter plus the very rare occasions these days when we get settled snow on the ground. I do not like at all the very windy and wet weather that is pounding on my window right now! I used to like summer as much as you do but I find excessive heat and humidity very difficult to function in, plus I'm allergic and very susceptible unfortunately to nasty insect bites (esp. horseflies) at that time of the year which means I have to cover up way more than I would like to. Thus my favourite season overall is Spring now.

I've nothing against people celebrating Christmas though, if it makes people happy then that's a good thing and it can be a magical time for children. I'm certainly not one of those who goes around moaning about Christmas every 2 minutes but I'm not particularly festive myself so largely fade into the background at this time of the year and take the approach that I might as well work through the festive season so that those in my place of work who love Christmas and want to take time off to celebrate are more likely to be able to do so. Thus I'm working Christmas Eve, 27th December, New Year's Eve etc and would've happily worked Christmas Day and Boxing Day had the office been open on these days for this reason. 

As my most important work is within the music world, this is normally my busiest time of the year, year in year out. However I lost a lot of festive seasonal work during the worst of the Covid years (2020-2022), some of which I'm yet to replace, unfortunately. So I really do appreciate all those who have to work during the Christmas and New Year period, very often to make it possible for those who don't have to do so to have fun and be entertained, whilst still having access to essential services when we most need them!

I completely understand where you're coming from here although, for me, I quite like frosty and sunny days in Winter plus the very rare occasions these days when we get settled snow on the ground. I do not like at all the very windy and wet weather that is pounding on my window right now! I used to like summer as much as you do but I find excessive heat and humidity very difficult to function in, plus I'm allergic and very susceptible unfortunately to nasty insect bites (esp. horseflies) at that time of the year which means I have to cover up way more than I would like to. Thus my favourite season overall is Spring now.

I quite like the sun and can tolerate the cold, on a clear sunny day, even in winter, it's not uncommon for me to head to the coast and go for a quick dip in the sea. I do prefer warm weather though and like being able to wander about outside in just shorts and t-shirt.

I'm not too keen on snow though, I don't think it even looks particularly pretty to be honest, to me it just looks cold, slippery and a pain to travel in and when it thaws and becomes slush, especially in urban areas, it just looks grey and miserable. Whilst I share your dislike of wet and windy weather, to me it's preferable to snow as it's easier to stay upright in and isn't as bitterly cold.

Additionally we don't get much in the way of daylight in December. At the moment the sun both rises and sets when I'm at work so I only get to see it during my dinner break if I'm lucky or on my days off. 

I'm sorry to hear about your allergies and can understand why summer isn't your cup of tea. Like yourself I look forward to spring, though overall I still prefer summer.

I'm fortunate though in that whilst I used to get bitten by insects a lot when I was a child, I rarely get bitten these days, I don't suffer with any allergies that I'm aware of and can cope with the heat very well, if anything I find I've more energy in the height of summer than any other time of the year, plus I don't get as many colds etc in summer.

When we had parts of the country hitting 40C in July 2022 I spent the hottest day I've ever experienced cycling 20 miles to the coast and having a picnic and spending several hours on a beach before cycling 20 miles back again and making a cup of tea within seconds of arriving home. I had a nice day out and found the heat to be hotter than I would've preferred but still rather pleasant overall.

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

cricidmuslibale said:

Bridlington1 said:

Bob2000 said:

subjecttocontract said:

Surely any 1 year regular saver can be opened prior to December to mature in time for Christmas ? It doesn't have to be called a Christmas Savings Account.

I know but ITS CHRISTMASSSSSS!
Slade starts playing in the background. 

Yes, but I couldn't give a sod about Christmas to be honest, it's the regular savers I'm after and I couldn't care less what they're called.

Principality BS have given me 2 Christmas regular savers this year with a third likely, I've got Coventry's Seasonal RS in the pipeline, hopefully YBS and Furness shall come up with something again shortly, possibly others? etc.

Whilst I entirely agree that any regular saver with a favourable interest rate and reasonable terms and conditions is definitely worth going for right now, I always feel that it is a real shame when anyone feels that they either 'couldn't give a sod about Christmas' or, worse still, despises the entire festive season (Christmas and New Year) and all the enjoyment (and yes also, unfortunately, trouble) that it tends to bring.

Christmas in particular can be a very special time of year, a time for sharing with and giving to others, which I personally think we need more than ever right now in the deeply uncertain and fast-moving world that we currently live in. Today, for example, I joined with a choir to sing carols and other Christmas songs at a very famous National Trust managed country park not too far from where I live. There were quite a few children in the audiences for both performances, and the sheer innocent joy on their faces when we sang 'Jingle Bells' and 'Jingle Bell Rock' whilst they jingled and jangled the hand bells that we had lent them was simply wonderful to behold!

Personally I find Christmas more draining than enjoyable to be honest, I think the build up (especially the shear length of it) just kills off any chance of Christmas spirit within me, plus there seems to be a lot of pressure to appear merry etc, it just feels rather forced and overrated.

I totally agree actually that the length of the build up to Christmas these days is way too much; in my area it begins almost immediately after Bonfire Night which is just ridiculous, it would be far better in my opinion if things started to slowly become increasingly Christmas-orientated from c. December 1 onwards, which is roughly the start of Advent each year.

Plus I'm not a lover of winter anyway so don't particularly like effectively being forced to take 3 days off work during some of the shortest days of the year due to the office being shut on bank holidays when I would far rather take those days off in summer when the weather's nicer.

I completely understand where you're coming from here although, for me, I quite like frosty and sunny days in Winter plus the very rare occasions these days when we get settled snow on the ground. I do not like at all the very windy and wet weather that is pounding on my window right now! I used to like summer as much as you do but I find excessive heat and humidity very difficult to function in, plus I'm allergic and very susceptible unfortunately to nasty insect bites (esp. horseflies) at that time of the year which means I have to cover up way more than I would like to. Thus my favourite season overall is Spring now.

I've nothing against people celebrating Christmas though, if it makes people happy then that's a good thing and it can be a magical time for children. I'm certainly not one of those who goes around moaning about Christmas every 2 minutes but I'm not particularly festive myself so largely fade into the background at this time of the year and take the approach that I might as well work through the festive season so that those in my place of work who love Christmas and want to take time off to celebrate are more likely to be able to do so. Thus I'm working Christmas Eve, 27th December, New Year's Eve etc and would've happily worked Christmas Day and Boxing Day had the office been open on these days for this reason. 

As my most important work is within the music world, this is normally my busiest time of the year, year in year out. However I lost a lot of festive seasonal work during the worst of the Covid years (2020-2022), some of which I'm yet to replace, unfortunately. So I really do appreciate all those who have to work during the Christmas and New Year period, very often to make it possible for those who don't have to do so to have fun and be entertained, whilst still having access to essential services when we most need them!

As my most important work is within the music world, this is normally my busiest time of the year, year in year out. However I lost a lot of festive seasonal work during the worst of the Covid years (2020-2022), some of which I'm yet to replace, unfortunately. So I really do appreciate all those who have to work during the Christmas and New Year period, very often to make it possible for those who don't have to do so to have fun and be entertained, whilst still having access to essential services when we most need them!

In the office I work in Christmas isn't any more busy than any other time of the year, though we have less people in at Christmas because most like to book time off over Christmas so I shall probably be busier overall by default. I'm more than happy to work through though and prefer working during Christmas than working on a hot summer's day when I'd rather be sat on a beach somewhere enjoying the weather.