When it comes to Christmas gift giving, it’s the thought that counts. Although we wholeheartedly agree, unwrapping a disappointing gift isn’t great  – especially when you have to put on an Oscar-winning performance to avoid upsetting the person who gave it to you. If this is a situation you’d rather avoid this year, these ‘subtle’ ways to gift hint about the Christmas present you want will come in handy…

We hate to break it to you, but despite its importance in the calendar, Black Friday doesn’t have a deep, meaningful origin. It’s all about shopping; Black Friday deals equal online shopping and in-store shopping! This annual event has become synonymous with mass purchase, images of people camping on the high street, arguing in car parks and some of the biggest discounts on the planet. And it can be a bit daunting. There are so many retailers and so many products and so many discounts, it gets confusing. What to look at first? Where to go?

Christmas is coming, and no moose-take! A new intern arrived at Red Letter Days this summer. We’re used to enthusiastic youngsters joining our herd to learn moose skills, but this little guy took things to the next level. Despite having an important winter job back at home in the northern hemisphere, we persuaded him to stay on until Christmas as our official mascot. We caught up with Moosey as he has become known around the office to see what makes him tick, in advance of publication of his brand new mooseletter. Why not subscribe to join in the fun at www.redletterdays.co.uk/mooseletter

With Christmas party season in full swing, we consulted our favourite make-up experts Benefit to find out how to achieve a good Christmas party look that we can maintain throughout the festive season. Take a look at their top tips and have a go at re-creating them yourselves at home.

Halloween is over and carved pumpkins are so last month. We’re all about CHRISTMAS and have just launched our fantastic Christmas quiz – get involved to find out if you belong on the naughty or the nice list. We have 15 prizes, ranging from a lump of coal (yes really!) to a supercar driving experience (and 13 other goodies somewhere inbetween). Now we have planted Christmas firmly in the forefront of your mind, how about we bounce around a few ideas to inspire you towards the perfect Christmas present? We have Christmas covered, with experiences which won’t fail to impress when unwrapped on Christmas Day. Read on and say wow!