Table of contents for 7 December 2023 in Chat

Welcome to this issue of Chat… Christmas already? But I'm still finding scraps of wrapping paper on the living room carpet and we've only just polished off the remains of last year's cheeseboard! If you're also in a spin about Christmas coming around so fast, our bumper festive special will get you in the spirit. We've got more, more, more this year – shocking real-life stories, festive food and fashion, fab gifts for everyone from your dad to your dog – plus a splash of seasonal silliness. Enjoy!…

TRUE-LIFE Placing a paper bag on the fireplace, my son Callum, then 3, looked up at me. ‘Will he really come tonight?’ he asked. ‘Santa would never let you down,’ I nodded. It was the summer of 2018 but Christmas was already on our minds. Recently, I'd persuaded Callum to give up his beloved dummies. Suggested putting a bag of them out ‘for Santa’ so he'd be on his Nice List when Christmas Eve came around. Next morning, Callum rushed downstairs. Found the dummies gone, replaced by a letter and parcel from Santa. Well done, Callum, you're my special helper now. Ripping open the wrapping paper, Callum pulled out a red costume. ‘A Santa suit,’ he beamed. Like most kids his age, Callum had embraced the magic of Christmas. Sparkling…

Stepping on to the nightclub dance floor, I thought of my younger siblings snuggling in bed, waiting for Father Christmas. ‘Can't stay too late,’ I shouted to a mate over the thumping music. It was Christmas Eve 2011, I'd just turned 18 and was out with workmates from the chippie, but was eager to get home. Pop my gifts under the tree for the little ones, then aged 5 and 7, to open in the morning. Then someone handed me a vodka and lemonade through the crowd. Assuming it was from a pal, I glugged it while dancing. Only, I started to feel strange. Fuzzy. At the same time, a tall, broad-shouldered bloke with ginger hair and arm tattoos appeared. ‘I'm in a band,’ he grinned. Said his name was…

I was only 14 when Paul first cornered me at a mate's house in 2005. Most of my friends back then were older than me. We were listening to music and joking around before Paul, then 17, got me alone in a bedroom and sexually assaulted me. Shame and guilt just swamped me. I didn't understand what had happened, so I told my boyfriend that I'd cheated on him, and we broke up. I rarely saw Paul after that, so I pushed it out of my mind. Until a few years later, when I was 21, I started bumping into him at house parties. Everyone loved him, gushed about his band, and I started to wonder… Had I led him on? So I started hanging around with him again, and…

In October 2022, Steven Pankey, then 71, was found guilty of seconddegree kidnapping with the use of a deadly weapon, and first-degree felony murder. He was acquitted of first-degree murder. The jury concluded that Pankey had lured Jonelle from her home that night in December 1984. He was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 20 years. During the sentencing, Jonelle's parents and sister spoke of their loss. In an emotional speech, Jennifer described how her graduation, wedding and the birth of her son had all been marred by the absence of her sister. ‘My husband never met his sister-in-law and my son never met his aunt,’ she said. Jonelle's father Jim commented on Pankey's obsession with his daughter's disappearance. ‘Your consciousness could not let you…

Q Am I allergic to Christmas trees? As soon as I bring one into the house I start sneezing! Ashley, Reading A It's possible to be allergic to the tree itself, but it's rare. The so-called Christmas tree syndrome of coughing, sneezing, wheezing or itchy, watery eyes is usually triggered, not by the tree but by dust, pollen or mould spores, which have become attached to it. The best way to prevent the syndrome is to clean the tree by shaking it, rinsing it with water and drying well, before you bring it indoors. Using antihistamine tablets or a steroid nose spray over Christmas might reduce your symptoms too. Remember that the tree's not always to blame – dust and mould from ornaments that have been stashed away for a…

In 2019, performance rights organisation BMI gave which songwriter an award, marking the fact that one of their songs had become the most played song on radio? To find out, solve the puzzle… Enter the answers to the clues in the grid. Every word is an anagram of its neighbours, plus or minus a letter. Read the shaded squares in number order for the prize answer. 1 Chess pieces 2 Cogitates 3 Without money, informally 4 Kitchen item 5 Relatives 6 Epidermis 7 Flock of geese in flight 8 Become ill 9 Victorian novelist WIN 3x £50 Puzzle 8 Your answer:…

Still dark outside, the only lights were sparkling from the tree, as Savannah, then 6, and Thalia, 4, crept into the living room. It was Christmas 2019 and me and my husband Wes watched on as our daughters gasped as they saw their mound of Christmas presents – before diving into them! ‘Do you need any help, Thalia?’ I asked. But she shook her head and carried on ripping open the wrapping paper. Nothing stood in Thalia's way. Not even missing half of her left forearm. Wes and I had been told her limb hadn't developed properly at our 20-weekscan, back in January 2015. ‘What if there's something else wrong?’ I fretted to Wes, plagued with anxiety. Terrified about the difficulties she'd face, the stares she'd attract. Thankfully, when she…

No Chatty Cafe near you? It's not too late to set one up for the festive period alongside your fave local coffee shop, whether it's independent or part of a chain. Follow the steps at thechattycafescheme.co.uk/register. • Pick a place happy to promote the scheme and a weekly time to host the session. • Pay the £30 annual fee to receive a Chatter and Natter starter pack, including signs, posters, leaflets and window stickers. • The Chatty Cafe Scheme provides training to volunteers before they start hosting. Your role is to be a friendly face, encourage others to join and kick-start new conversations. • The venue listing will appear on the Chatty Cafe website and be promoted across social media platforms. • Don't forget… you can also volunteer for the…

Lewis Capaldi Lewis bravely announced earlier this year that he had to cancel all his concerts because of mental-health struggles. It's so brave to speak out, and Lewis is setting a great example. Take time to recover, pet – I wish you all the best. We should all be more like Lewis. Alison Hammond She's been on TV since Big Brother in 2002, but this has been Alison's year. Not only is she now a regular on This Morning, but she's also bagged the Bake Off job and smashed it with her Brummie charm. She's talented and gorgeous, and comes across as super lovely. Alison, you're a breath of fresh air. Taylor Swift Taylor's had a busy year, re-recording her hit albums Speak Now and 1989 and breaking all kinds…

David Jackson, Todmorden Joanne Aitchison, Wirral We pay £25 for any photos that we use on Chat To Us! Reid Edwards, Leeds Janice Gardner, Edinburgh Hayley Thompson, York Shannon Workman, Birmingham Get in touch! EMAIL chat_magazine@futurenet.com POST Chat, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR Find us online at facebook.com/ChatMagazine…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 What do actors Martin Sheen and Rupert Grint have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 1 The Scales star sign (5) 4 A dollar (4) 6 Naturally (2,6) 13 Where beer is made (7) 14 Large orange vegetable (7) 15 Separated (5) 16 Garden tool (4) 17 Round shape (6) 18 Not as tight (6) 20 Amphibian (4) 21 Speaks (5) 22 _ the Great, old English king (6) 25 Giving up work (8) 28 Type of tool (6) 30 Place to sit (5) 32 Hallway (8) 34 Physician (6) 35 Cleaning agent (4) 38 Without concealment (6) 39 Dance in a long line (5) 40 French port (6) 43 Actor, _ Sandler (4) 44 Two-seater bicycle (6) 45 Got better (8) 48 Court case (5) 49 More than enough (6) 51 Very popular song (5,3) 54 Tooth…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Hanging baubles on the tree, I snuck a look at my baby boy James, snoozing in his crib. ‘You're missing it,’ I said as he lightly snored. It was December 2022, James was only 6 months old, and I was excited for his first Christmas. We'd had a tricky time. James was a fussy baby and had trouble feeding. The GP told me not to worry, but as a young single mum, I couldn't help it. Which is why I wanted to make Christmas perfect. Only, as I put lights on the tree, I heard an almighty scream. Rushing to James’ crib, he was red-faced and limp. Panicking, I rushed him to Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield. James had tests and the following day medics diagnosed James with…

Mince hi! Eden Project Communities is sharing Winter Warmer ideas to bring people together and celebrate local connections – from a ‘mince hi’ moment to inviting neighbours for a winter walk. Go to edenprojectcommunities.com and search for ‘spread joy’. Good call! Community Christmas Call Companions is a free service for older people in need of companionship who would enjoy a friendly weekly phone call throughout December. Volunteer or sign up for a call at reengage.org.uk. Merry meet-up From taking treats into care homes to hosting community dinners, the Jo Cox Foundation is encouraging volunteers to hold their own Great Winter Get Together. Find out more or register at jocoxfoundation.org.…

Pouring gravy over a mountain of roast tatties, stuffing, pigs in blankets and thick slices of turkey, my mouth watered. Digging straight in, I ate every morsel and washed down my Christmas feast with some fizzy orange pop. ‘That was delicious,’ I grinned to my hubby, Michael, then 33, my stomach bulging, the waistband of my jeans snug. ‘Anyone for pud?’ It was 25 December 2011, and if you couldn't overindulge at Christmas, when could you? Trouble was, it wasn't just the festive season that had me overdoing the grub. I'd been constantly ravenous lately. After suffering nausea and chest pains earlier in the year, I'd been diagnosed with vasculitis, an autoimmune disease causing poor blood flow to organ tissues. It was lifethreatening, incurable. ‘You'll have to take steroids,’ the…

3 ways to… spend less on presents Don't shell out more than you need to when Christmas shopping. 1 Make a budget It can be easy to spend more than you'd planned, so your first step should be to work out how much you can afford on Christmas overall, including on gifts. Then allocate an amount for each person – and stick to it. And can you cut costs with family or friends by agreeing not to gift this year, or do a Secret Santa instead? 2 Do your research When you're Christmas shopping, you may see retailers offering discounts on items, especially in the run-up to Black Friday on 24 November. But don't assume it's the best deal – always shop around to see what price other retailers are selling the…

120 GLORIOUS GIFTS! £5 AND UNDER! £10 AND UNDER! £20 AND UNDER! £30 AND UNDER!…

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Fave festive film? It has to be Miracle on 34th Street, the 1994 version. It's a childhood classic that never gets old! When do your decs go up? Now I'm a mum, our decorations seem to go up earlier every year! I plan for the end of November, but haven't made it past the end of October in recent years. Our collection of festive pug decorations takes pride of place, and every surface is covered in tinsel or fake snow. Best Christmas memory? It has to be my first one with my boyfriend. He truly spoilt me rotten, surprising me with a massive sack of presents he'd put out in secret while I was sleeping! Buying giftsperfect planning or last-min mayhem? I'd love to tell you I'm an organisational queen,…

The wild forms of what food crop are called teosintes? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer's in. We've put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 2 Atmospheric gas • Mai _, cocktail 4 Feline • Figure of _, skating movement 6 Old Testament miraculous food • _ a Wonderful Life, film 8 Mischievous sprite • Prague resident, for example Your answer:…

Watching Paul, then 25, leaping about on the pub stage and screaming into the mic, I rocked along in the mosh pit below. I loved his heavy metal band, Dancing with Dakota. Paul was the frontman and I'd known him for years. We often hung out together after his gigs. Sure, he was cocky, boasting about female fans and talking about making it big. But I laughed it off. Until that summer, in 2013, when I broke up with my fiancé. Need a shoulder to cry on? Paul messaged. So I invited him over to the photography studio I ran, cracked open a few beers. As we chatted, Paul leaned closer, and we kissed. Only, just then, the room started spinning. Suddenly, Paul pushed me on to the floor. ‘You're…

FASHION EVENING BAGS STYLE TIP A fancy clutch or shoulder bag is a great way of adding a pop of colour. No matter your budget you'll be spoilt for choice. FANCY FLATS STYLE TIP Shine at parties with festive, embellished flat shoes – they're comfortable and perfect for dancing the night away! ANKLE BOOTS STYLE TIP Put your best foot forward in these stylish, versatile ankle boots. Your go-to for day-to-night dressing. COCKTAIL RINGS STYLE TIP Add a touch of elegance with a dazzling cocktail ring, the perfect statement piece to enhance your style.…

YOU'RE THE JUDGE! Huddled with her school pals by a twinkling tree, Jonelle Matthews, 12, sweetly sang Jingle Bells. The childrens’ voices ringing around the bank in Greeley, Colorado, where Franklin Middle School choir were performing at a carol concert. It was 20 December 1984, and Jonelle's mum Gloria was away visiting a sick relative. So after dropping Jonelle, his youngest, off at the concert, Jim Matthews had taken his older daughter Jennifer, 16, to her basketball game. After the concert, Jonelle got a lift home with her friend Deanna and Deanna's dad Russ Ross. Greeley was a safe town, where people left their front doors open. Jonelle and her friends played in the street, rode around on their bikes. So at 8pm, Deanna and Russ watched Jonelle get out…

Can I drink on my meds? Q I have to take antibiotics all over the festive period. Does it mean I can't have even one drop of alcohol? Nyala, Sutton Coldfield A Most people seem to believe that it's important not to touch alcohol when they're taking antibiotics, but it's largely a myth. It's true that a few antibiotics, such as metronidazole, which is sometimes used to treat vaginal infections, can react with alcohol to make you feel sick so check with your doctor, or the leaflet that came with the pills. But a drink or two isn't likely to affect the great majority of antibiotics. One theory is that the myth arose in the early days of penicillin, when the drug was so precious that doctors collected urine from…

1 Look after the pennies ‘Money worries at Christmas are the worst,’ says Maddy Alexander-Grout, CEO and founder of My VIP Rewards. ‘My biggest tip for anyone who is struggling financially at this time of year is honesty and openness. Tell your loved ones about your situation and be clear on boundaries, such as only buying presents for children or opting for second-hand.’ 2 Find a sense of purpose Feeling lonely and dreading the celebrations? ‘This can lead to anxiety and depression,’ says therapist Marisa Peer. ‘Consider how you can help others – and yourself – over Christmas by donating or offering services. Homeless shelters and food banks always need some extra help at such a busy time, so why not volunteer and get involved in your community?’ 3 Have…

Good neighbours A fter being featured in Chat’s Chatty Cafe campaign, I've been on the lookout for more people to talk to during my daily routine. On a recent walk, I bumped into an elderly neighbour who I hadn't seen in a while. It was lovely to catch up and let her know she can call me whenever she needs, especially during the Christmas hols. We forget how many lonely people there are out there. But a simple smile could bring someone a bit of festive cheer! A friendly cuppa I recently bought a cuppa for an old man at my local Costa as he is always alone, and the manager said they are starting a Chatty Cafe for this reason. After finding out more about Chat’s campaign with The…

Rosie Weatherley, from the charity Mind, says: ‘Christmas can highlight the absence of people we care about, especially when surrounded by images of families and friends together. Even when we have a lot of people around at Christmas, we might still feel lonely.’ Rosie shares some tips for those who might find this time of the year difficult… • Think of ways to help pass the time. Why not try something creative, or go for a winter walk? • Remind yourself that it won't last forever. You could even set a ‘start’ and ‘finish’ time for what you count as Christmas. • Make a list of any services that you might need, and their Christmas opening hours. • Take time out – there's nothing wrong with distracting yourself from the…

Mum-in-law moans Q My mother-in-law throws a fit if we don't spend Christmas Day with her. But my teenage kids really want to spend the day at home. Just us, not surrounded by their much younger cousins. I agree with them, but I know my husband's mum will kick up a fuss. How do I let her know of our plans without upsetting her? Lana, 49 A Why don't you pop along to your motherinlaw's for a few hours, pet? It's quite late to change the plans altogether. I know that teens lose interest in family time, but it's important to instil those values in them. Go round for a bit, but warn your hubby's mum that you can't stay after lunch. That way, the kids spend time with their…

What to wear Get glam Chat Editor Kate says: ‘For 364 days of the year, you won't catch me out of my uniform of jeans, a T-shirt and just enough make-up to make me look awake. But if you can't sparkle on Christmas Day, when can you? I'm talking shimmery eyeshadow, bold red lips and a frock with more sequins than the whole cast of Strictly put together. ‘I may open my prezzies in my festive PJs with a nest of bed hair but I love the moment when I emerge downstairs later to hear my family chorus, “Ooh, don't you look nice.” Even if they do sound rather too surprised!’ That's a wrap! In the bag Commissioning editor Bess says: ‘It's Christmas Eve when I first think about wrapping…

TRUE-LIFE Stepping through the double doors, I gasped at the twinkling lights strung around us. A giant tree stood in one corner covered in tinsel. It was Christmas Eve 2015, and our local sports hall had been transformed into Santa's grotto. ‘And look who it is, boys,’ I grinned. ‘Santa!’ my twins Jack and Ben, then 3, squealed, racing across the hall. My hubby Charlie, then 35, and I looked on smiling, with our baby Oliver, then 5 weeks, snoozing in his pram. Father Christmas looked like the real deal, in his 60s with his padded red suit and bushy white beard. He played pass the parcel with the kids, before taking his throne to meet them one by one. When the twins’ turn came, I lifted them on to…

10pm I parboiled and prepped veg a few weeks before to get a head start. So once the kids are in bed, I take 50 stuffing balls, 50 pigs in blankets and pre-cooked, glazed vegetables – including potatoes – from the freezer to defrost. Craig and I check that the stockings and sacks of presents are in place, and that gifts from family are under the tree. 6am The kids rush into our bedroom, before thundering downstairs. After a round of toast, fruit and a drink, chaos ensues. They rip open presents, and the younger ones squeal with excitement, while I grab a brew – and a bin bag for all the mess. 8.30am With the kids happily playing with their toys, I recycle the wrapping paper and start cooking.…

Blooming tasty Cadbury declared Christmas choccy war all the way back in 1938 – two years after the launch of Quality Street. Now, they may have had their heyday back in the 70s and we might think they remind us a bit of our mums – or grans – but there is something timeless about that blue tub. What's top? Of the nine current flavours, the Hazel Whirl is always a choccylover's fave. What's not? There are almost 20 discontinued varieties of Roses. But most notable are the Bournville, the Coffee Cream, the Caramel Velvet and the Orange Crisp (sob!) Did you know? Roses were named after the favourite flowers of Dorothy Cadbury, a director of the chocolate company and renowned botanist. The name still adorns the tub today. Meet the…

XMAS CRIMES Bad Santa Santa's usually known for soaring through the winter sky on his famous reindeer-powered sleigh. But back in 2015, a man dressed as Father Christmas hit the news for his use of an altogether different aircraft. Wearing the traditional red and white suit complete with a fluffy beard and black boots, this Bad Santa had rented a helicopter from Campo Marte airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He claimed he was taking part in a Black Friday surprise. Yet, midway through the flight, ‘Santa’ forced the pilot to land on farmland just outside of the city. There, an accomplice was waiting, and he and the crafty Kris Kringle tied up the poor pilot then flew off! Luckily, the pilot managed to escape and alert cops. But there was…

Romina Celeste Nunez was a newly-wed who should have been celebrating her first Christmas with husband Raul Diaz. Strolling along the beach hand in hand, where they lived in the resort of Costa Teguise, Lanzarote. Enjoying the sunshine in their loved-up bubble. Relishing the cosy days of ‘betwixtmas’ before toasting 2019. Their first New Year as husband and wife. Instead, at around 6.30am on 29 December 2018, Romina, 29, turned up at Lanzarote Hospital, covered in bruises. ‘It was my husband,’ she told the nurse. Terrified, Romina sent a message to a trusted friend. I am beaten all over, she wrote, said she feared for her life. It wasn't the first time she'd been on the end of Raul's temper. The pair had met in a nightclub on the island…

Chat winners issue 35 (31 Aug 2023) £1,001 CASH L Clark, Consett £500 CASH M Hallam, Grimsby J Maylum, Maidstone £250 CASH B Smith, Hull K Young, Rotherham £200 CASH C Frosdick, Lowestoft £100 CASH V Marran, Wakefield P Huxley, Paignton M Kingston, Rotherham £75 CASH C Connolly, Grimsby £50 CASH H Lynch, Irvine G Dixon, Cowbridge S Lamb, Rochdale A Wright, Nottingham S Woods, Burton-on-Trent G Alcock, Leek £40 CASH B McClymont, Liverpool £30 CASH M Johns, Penzance J Rogers, Sandown £25 CASH J Parker-Williams, Southwold G Crouch, Bishop's Stortford £20 CASH L Coombs, J Hopkins, Kettering S Howes, Newcastle upon Tyne D Blythe, Hull J Wilson, Swadlincote J Siddall, Sheffield J Mahoney, South Croydon J Rhodes, Epsom M Priddis, Peterborough C Williams, Wetherby J Routledge, Glasgow D Bedworth, Walsall M Nolan, Hull J Gibson, Deeside H Mathie, Edinburgh N Telemaque, Cardiff S Campbell, Hamilton T Billingham, Gateshead A Corcoran, Dagenham J Lane, Westerham F Webster, Rotherham C Parsons, Stoke-on-Trent P Nelson, Evesham J Purdham, Stanley Anyone from your town in the list…

Dear Mum, Unfurling my paper hat, I plonked it on my head and looked at the happy faces doing the same. ‘Looks delicious,’ I said, grinning at you, my lovely mum Margaret, then 60. ‘Tuck in, everyone,’ you smiled. It was Christmas 2010, and my whole extended family had gathered at yours for a turkey feast, cooked with love. For hours we ate, drank and laughed, and I felt so lucky. But, four months later, in April 2011, you called me saying you were going home from work because you didn't feel well. I told you I was coming to see you after work, to check on you. But a couple of hours later, my sister called in tears. ‘You need to come now,’ she said. Told me you weren't…