Between Christmas & New Year in Wales: A Busy Season, Big Thanks, and What’s Next

If you’ve placed an order with us over the Christmas period — thank you. Genuinely. The run-up to Christmas and the days just after were properly busy for us (and for our suppliers too), and it’s been one of those seasons, especially when it's the first time, where you learn a lot, quickly.

We’re a family-run online shop in North Wales, and we focus on toys, gifts and stationery delivered fast across the UK. Christmas is always going to be our biggest test — but this year felt like a real “level up” moment.

Christmas orders: busy in the best way

The Christmas rush is brilliant because it means:

• More people discovering the shop

• More last-minute gift buying (we see you)

• More repeat customers coming back for stocking fillers, crafts, and little treats

It also means a lot more moving parts behind the scenes — more orders, more tracking, more customer messages, and more coordination with multiple suppliers.

A quick, honest note on supplier delays

Most orders went smoothly, and we’re grateful for the suppliers who absolutely smashed it during peak season.

That said, we did have a few issues with some suppliers that we’re still dealing with. Nothing dramatic, but the sort of things that can happen when everyone across the delivery network is under pressure — slower dispatches, stock changing quickly, and the occasional mismatch between what’s listed and what’s actually available.

If you’ve been affected: thank you for your patience. We’re actively sorting the remaining cases and tightening up how we handle supplier updates so we can spot problems earlier and keep you better informed.

The “in-between” week: a lovely Welsh reset

There’s something about the period between Christmas and New Year that feels different in Wales. It’s quieter, but not sleepy — more like a reset.

Across North Wales (and beyond), this week is often filled with small traditions, local events, and that familiar winter feeling of community. Depending on where you are, you might see:

• Local winter fairs and town-centre events

• Gatherings and charity fixtures

• End-of-year community celebrations

• The build-up to New Year traditions (including the kind of doorstep visits and well-wishing that many of us grew up with)

And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some of the proper Welsh classics too:

• Mari Lwyd — the famous (and slightly spooky) horse-skull tradition, where a group goes from door to door with songs and playful challenges. It’s one of those things that sounds mad until you see it, and then you’re fully invested.

• Calennig — New Year customs that vary by area, often involving children visiting houses with good wishes (and sometimes small gifts), marking a fresh start to the year.

It’s a time for warm food, brisk walks, and a bit of “right, let’s get ourselves sorted” energy before January hits.

What we’re focusing on next

As we head into the New Year, we’re keeping it simple and practical:

• Improving supplier checks so stock and dispatch info is more reliable

• Keeping delivery updates clearer (especially during busy periods)

• Continuing to build a product range that’s genuinely useful for families — toys, gifts, stationery, and crafty bits that make great presents year-round

If you’re browsing this week, you’ll still find plenty of great options for birthdays, rainy-day activities, and those “just because” treats.

Thanks again — and Happy New Year

Whether you ordered, shared a link, left a review, or just had a look around: thank you for supporting a family-run online shop in North Wales. We’re excited for what’s next.

Wishing you a calm, happy end to the year — and a cracking New Year.