The countdown to Christmas is on! We’ve rounded up our top 5 ways to make a difference this December. Whether it be environmentally conscious wrapping, using up leftover food or supporting local business and charities, we can all make a small change for the better this festive season.

Donate to those in need

Christmas is a time for giving and what better than supporting those in need. Maybe you’ve decided to support a charity in place of sending Christmas cards this year? As always, we’re collecting for St Basils homelessness charity. They support young people aged 16 – 25 who are at risk of homelessness, offering unwavering support through their toughest days.
Our collection point is open now and located at the Farm Shop tills. We are collecting long-life food, toiletries, mother and baby items and more. All items donated must be new and unopened. You can find our full wishlist online here.
We now collect for St Basils all year round so if you have any unwanted gifts you wish to pay forward, do consider donating them at our collection point.

Eco-friendly wrapping

Switching out your usual wrapping paper and bags for an eco-friendly kraft paper is a great way to make an impact this year. You can adorn the brown paper with Christmas ink stamps, natural embellishments like a sprig of fresh spruce, or even a handwritten message. Why not get the little ones involved too? Keep them busy doing some Christmas colouring on the paper, then use it to wrap up the gifts for the family.
One to remember for next year – save your Christmas cards to cut into tags for next year’s gifts and keep back any gift bags for another use.

Use up your leftovers!

There are plenty of indulgent foods to pick up at Christmas time and sometimes the fridge ends up being a little too full! If you find you’re overrun with leftovers after the big day, it’s time to get cooking!
Use up any leftover Christmas dinner essentials in this turkey, ham and sprout pie. It’s got all the festive favourites in a creamy sauce and topped with a puff pastry lid – what’s not to love?
If you have a fridge full of cheese that needs eating up, this cheeseboard macaroni cheese is a must-try. Combine 250g of your leftover cheeses with a few store cupboard essentials for a quick and tasty meal. You could even throw in some leftover ham!

Shop local!

Reduce your food miles this Christmas by supporting your local shop and butcher. Our turkeys are sourced locally and don’t travel far to get to our Farm Shop. So, not only are you purchasing top-quality produce but you’re supporting local too!
Our Butchery team are still taking orders for Christmas meats so it’s not too late to order. Pop in or speak to the team on 01564 823402.

Make and bake Christmas treats

Cut down on packaging by making your own treats. Whether it be sweet or savoury, why not try making your own this Christmas.
Be sure to check out our favourite recipes for some inspiration. Many recipes are suitable for home freezing too, so you can get ahead and pop the food in the freezer to enjoy another time.
Why not try these spiced Christmas biscuits? Enjoy on their own with a cup of tea or decorate and gift wrap as a special gift for a loved one. The recipe is quick and easy to follow, so you can even get the whole family involved for some rainy-day entertainment!

Whatever you do this Christmas, we hope it is full of joy, happiness and laughter! If you’re trying out one of our recipes, we’d love to see your creations. Be sure to tag us in your photos on social media @BeckettsFarm.

View our Christmas opening hours here.