WITH just 38 days to go until Christmas Day, I can no longer pretend it isn't happening. Even the worldwide web has its fair share of tinsel as online shoppers go into purchasing frenzy. So, to get in the festive mood, have a quick look at these seasonal cyber offerings.

C = CAKE: a mouth-watering favourite site from Whitby, North Yorkshire at www.botham.co.uk/christmas.htm. Has all sorts of Christmas goodies. How about this case for £22.25 containing Botham's own finest quality Christmas cake, plum pudding, fine cotton Christmas tea towel 2000, designed by local artist Chris Ellis and printed by Bramblewick Prints.

H = HATS: make your own party hats with the help of some online instruction at www.creativekidsathome.com/activity_9.html.

R = REINDEER: there is a whole Reindeer Barn at www.claus.com. At this virtual North Pole Village there are plenty of fun things to do for both kids and parents, including choosing your very own Elf Buddy, singing along with new original Christmas songs or trying funny holiday recipes.

I = ICELAND: the online shopping giant might be a handy port of call for some festive treats www.iceland.co.uk, but those looking for something more arctic could try out www.north-pole.co.uk. Although it is actually Scottish, there are lots of worldwide Christmas treats including festive facts such as this: in Italy it isn't Santa who brings gifts for the children but kindly witch La Befana.

S = SANTA: lots of sites offer the chance to get a letter to or from Santa but at www.santaclaussuits.com you can buy his clothes and accessories online.

T = THISISCHRISTMAS: brought to you by our own web team, www.thisischristmas.com helps you send a letter to Santa or a virtual Christmas card as well as a what's on section and gift ideas.

M = MULLED WINE: could be just the drink under the miseltoe. Find a recipe at the virtual bar tender www.webtender.com/db/drink/1215.

A = ADVENT CALENDARS: very detailed instruction in making your own by the children of class Five at Ambleside Primary School in Cumbria www.ambleside.schoolzone.co.uk/ambleweb/year5/advent.htm.

S = SLADE: Christmas wouldn't be complete without the song Merry Xmas Everybody. It is featured on the album Feel The Noize: Greatest Hits which is for sale at www.amazon.com for £21.99. Or you could join the official Slade fan club at www.sladefanclub.org.uk.