Table of contents for 19 December 2024 in Chat

Put down that sticky tape. Ignore the pile of cards that need to be written. Don't even think about heading out to tackle the big shop. It's time to get stuck into another jumbo Christmas issue of Chat. We're as stuffed as a turkey with extra real-life stories, bargain party fashion and inspo for this year's big festive feast. Plus puzzles, prizes, fun, free sprout-tastic wrapping paper and seven pages of stars to reveal all you need to know about 2025. Here's hoping it's a good one for us all. Merry Christmas,…

Jane Billington, 59, Merseyside The cold sea air stung my face and, shivering, I wrapped my scarf around my neck. ‘I'll keep you warm, love,’ my partner Mark, then 46, said, pulling me in for a cuddle. It was late 2013, and to celebrate moving in together we'd just got a Jack Russell called Casper. Living by the sea, we took him for walks on the beach. Together for two years, Mark was the nicest bloke. I was a care worker, caring for the elderly, and he was a builder. We'd met while I was caring for his family friend. Mark was always popping in to check on him – we'd got chatting, and fallen in love. Along with my daughter Carmen, then 18, we enjoyed holidays abroad, spent evenings…

Accepting an invite for mulled wine and mince pies round your neighbours’, even though you complain about them the other 364 days of the year. Moaning about Christmas starting earlier every year, after you spot selection boxes and baubles in the shops before Halloween. Dancing to Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody in the pub on Christmas Eve. All together now: It's Christmaaaaas! Then shedding a tear at East 17's festive weepy, Stay Another Day. Grabbing a Biro and the festive TV guide and excitedly circling all the TV specials you want to watch. Having pigs in blankets with your Christmas dinner. Other nations may not ‘get’ them, but for us Brits, it's not a festive plate without them. Getting up at the crack of dawn on 26 December, still stuffed with…

WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 As an Oldham Athletic supporter, what does physicist Brian Cox say is one of his favourite moments ever? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. ACROSS 11 Gloomy donkey created by A. A. Milne (6) 12 Compass direction (5-4) 13 Outlook (4) 14 Lift (8) 15 Later than (5) 16 Allow (6) 17 Transparent panels (7) 18 Naughty (11) 20 Emerald colour (5) 22 People aged 13-19 (9) 24 English county (5) 28 When to go to sleep (7) 29 _ Lohan, actor (7) 32 Place to see films (6) 34 Replied to a question (8) 36 Noel _, comedian (8) 37 Jumped (6) 39 Cockerel (7) 40 Put on a show (7) 45 Sandy shore (5) 47 Worried (9) 48 Instruction, command (5) 51 Places to eat (11) 53 Missing (7) 55 A season (6) 56 Log house (5) 58…

Nicole Carter, 24, Lichfield, Staffordshire True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Pulling the festive jumper over my head, I frowned. It was Christmas day 2017 and I longed to dress in something seasonal. But the woolly jumper was already irritating the skin on my neck. A few years earlier, I'd noticed some weird changes to my skin. On holidays, I'd only tan in patches, then some of my eyelashes had turned white too. My mum Tracey, then 49, had taken me to the GP and I'd been diagnosed with vitiligo. An autoimmune condition causing white patches due to lack of melanin in my skin. ‘There's no cure, but it's nothing to worry about,’ the doctor had said. It didn't bother me. But now, years later, painful patches had started to appear on my…

Verity Wareham, 41, Ferndown, Dorset My boys raced around the living room, giggling and play fighting as I tried to enjoy a relaxing cuppa. Who was I kidding? As a single mum to four boys, I had no chance! ‘Mum, can we put the Christmas tree up this weekend?’ my youngest, Albie, then 8, asked. ‘It's far too early!’ I laughed. It was November 2021, and Albie and his brothers Joe, 15, Cayden, 13, and Levi, 11, loved Christmas. Every year, we made a big thing of putting up the tree. Festive tunes playing, hot chocolates and letters to Santa, it was magical. But November was way too soon. ‘Let's wait until December,’ I told him. But the following week, Albie started to look unwell. The whites of his eyes…

TRADITIONAL REDS DISCO BRIGHTS…

None of my little flowers are too famous for some words of wisdom from their Aunty Nelly. And blimey, don't they just need it. Following the news this year, I've seen celebrity woes that could definitely do with my brand of firm, friendly advice. If only they'd written in to Chat. If they had, here's what I'd have told ’em… Don't look back in anger Q My brother and I have just made up after more than a decade. Our already rocky relationship completely broke down after our kid threw a tambourine at my head in front of thousands of people! It's sound that we're friends again but how do I keep it that way? We've got a couple of concerts booked and I don't want to let anyone down!…

Sinem Salman, 43, Haverhill, Suffolk Tracing the grains of coffee around the inside of a coffee cup, I squealed in delight. ‘You're pregnant!’ I cried down the phone to my younger sister. ‘No, I'm not,’ she laughed. It was January 2023, and I was giving her a coffee reading. Tasseography was an old Turkish tradition that I'd been doing since my teens. After drinking a freshly brewed cup, I'd predict the future from the patterns left behind by dried coffee grounds in the cup and on the saucer. Now I could make out the shape of a little duckling, which meant… ‘I think it's a girl,’ I told my sister, excitedly. And a week later, she confirmed the news. I was going to be an auntie. ‘I knew it,’ I…

Emily Delamaine, 35, Hertford My empty arms felt heavy, my heart ached. All around me, new mums cradled their precious little bundles. It was November 2019 and I was on the postnatal ward at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. I'd just delivered my second child, Amelia, by C-section, weighing 7lb 6oz. But after a quick cuddle, docs had whisked her away to neonatal intensive care. Struggling to breathe, a mask on her face, her tiny body tinged blue. Sobbing, I couldn't get the image out of my head as I waited for my husband Paul, then 35, to return with news. Amelia had been a surprise pregnancy, her big sister Penelope just 18 months older. At the 20-week scan, we were told she had bilateral club foot, which docs said could be…

Traditional and timeless As far as you're concerned, festive colours are red and green with a dash of gold. And your tree reflects your classic tastes. A stickler for tradition, you love revisiting your favourite festive rituals every year, following the same timeless recipes for your mince pies and turkey dinner. Looking fab in your festive knit on Christmas Day, you'll pour yourself a glass of sherry and settle down to listen to the King make his annual address. Some might call you stuffy or old-fashioned, but you'd ask, why mess with perfection? After all, Christmas only comes once a year so it's important to get it right! Chaotic and fun Colour schemes and perfectly planned themes? Boring! Your tree is bright and fun but you don't give your decs…

Tylena Williams hugged her little girl close on her lap. It was Christmas Day 2015, Maleah's first proper Christmas. Maleah, then 1, was doted on by her mummy and daddy Shaquille Williams. A big Minnie Mouse fan, she had an infectious smile they described as being able to ‘melt your heart away’. Nicknamed ‘Peanut’, she enjoyed holding hands, listening to her parents sing. Had hugs and kisses for everybody. Especially her big brother and sister. For somebody so little, she had a lot of love to give. That Christmas, after opening their presents, the family went outside to gather with other residents of Trinity Court flats in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. As Maleah sat in her mother's arms, around 10 other children played with new toys around them. A dad…

Lucinda Mullins, 41 The kids were in bed and fairy lights twinkled on the tree. I flopped on to the couch beside my husband DJ, then 42. ‘I feel terrible,’ I groaned. My throat was sore and I was burning up. ‘I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning,’ DJ said. He was probably right. It was December 2023. With two boys, Teegan, then 12 and Easton, 7, I'd been busy prepping for Christmas. Plus, I'd had a routine operation to remove kidney stones a few days before. No wonder I was run-down. ‘I'll get an early night,’ I said, traipsing up to bed. The next time I opened my eyes, I wasn't in our bedroom. I was in a hospital. ‘What happened?’ I rasped, confused. ‘You nearly died,’ DJ…

Food of love For a unique gift, how about a personalised recipe book? When my son moved out, aged 19, I filled a notebook with his favourite meals, including step-by-step instructions and drawings. He loved it.. Julie Surtees, Gateshead Incredibauble To stop glass baubles breaking, store them in egg boxes. Judith Cairns, Colchester, Essex Shred it I hate throwing away all that Christmas wrapping paper, so I put it through the shredder. The paper ribbons are perfect for safely packing away decorations. Janice Wood, Aylsham, Norwich £25 For every photo tip that we print All tied up To save space in my wardrobe I use cable ties. I can add multiple hangers and store similar items together. Geraldine Comiskey, Shankill, Co Dublin Roll up, roll up Cut along the length…

Eating is a struggle Q I keep choking on my food so I've been having soups at home. I'm worried that when I go to my daughter's for Christmas I'll have trouble eating the turkey dinner. Diane, Colchester A Swallowing issues can be caused by conditions such as food-pipe disorders, neurological problems or even throat cancers. Arrange to see a GP before Christmas. They can check your symptoms, run tests and advise you on staying safe while eating. To enjoy your daughter's turkey dinner, share your concerns with her. Get your family to learn the Heimlich manoeuvre, a life-saving technique when someone chokes. Trying cutting food into smaller pieces, taking smaller bites, eating softer foods and drinking water as you eat. If you're still worried, bring a dish you know…

Want to know what next year holds for you? Turn over to read Chat astrologer Sally Trotman's horoscopes for the coming 12 months… ARIES 21 March-20 April LOVE With Venus retrograding through your sign in March, this time brings the opportunity to re-evaluate your relationships. With the spotlight on your closest partnership, it's time to understand your deepest needs and communicate them. For singles, reflect on what you most desire from a new relationship and know that this will manifest for you in the spring months. Keep a positive expectation and be clear on your boundaries. FAMILY You love a party, and this autumn brings the opportunity to organise a gathering to remember. You are an expert at leading, so use this skill to create a celebration to remember. Make…

Charlotte Lister, 37, from Retford What's your best ever Christmas memory? Giving birth to my daughter Evie on Christmas Eve in 2010 and then having my first Christmas with her when she was only a day old. Christmas has never been the same since! If you could have anything for Christmas, money no object, what would you choose? A Caribbean Christmas cruise with my family. I think it would be an incredible experience and something completely different. Your favourite thing about Christmas? Munching on cheeses and being able to eat trifle for breakfast, guilt free. Cosy family time wearing pyjamas, watching films and drinking hot chocolate is the best. Organised Christmas shopping or last-minute mayhem? I always used to start my shopping really early due to my daughter's birthday being…

The use of ‘ye’ as an archaic form of ‘the’ derives from a misreading of an Old English letter with what name, in fact pronounced ‘th’? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) starts with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the one-word answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Building item (5) 2 Central US state (6) 3 The _ Army, charitable organisation (9) 4 Body of water between Britain and Scandinavia (5,3) 5 Very old (7) 6 Waterproof protective sheet (9) 7 Horse's sound (5) 8 Criminal's restraints (9) 9 One who gathers discarded items (9) 10 Small burrowing mammal (6) 11 Chatty (9) 12 Ruler of an empire (7) 13 Prize draw (6) 14 King Arthur's magic sword (9) 15 The ‘R’ of R&B (6) 16 Spring month (5) Your answer:…

SEQUIN SHIFTS STYLE TIP Amp-up the glamour with all-over sparkle. Minimal effort required, pare-back accessories and let the dress take centre stage. SATIN STYLE TIP Switch party heels and bags for boots and cosy knits to dress these down for daytime. STRETCH STYLE TIP Highlight curves in figure-hugging designs. Cleverly placed ruching can emphasise the waist and flatter the midriff. FROM £13.90 VELVET STYLE TIP A luxurious option for evening and a great alternative if sequins aren't your thing. SLEEVELESS STYLE TIP Opt for luxe-looking fabrics for understated glamour. These can be worn alone or layered under a blazer. CARDIGANS STYLE TIP Elevate your knitwear with luxe embellishments. Perfect for bringing festive cheer to relaxed occasions. SHEER STYLE TIP Ideal for showing a hint of skin, layer over underwear or…

Pigs in blankets, Brussels sprouts and turkey with all the trimmings filled every inch of the kitchen table. It was Christmas Day 2009 and we were having a big family celebration. Only, my daughter Macy, then 4, burst into tears. ‘I don't want it!’ she screamed as her dinner was placed in front of her. ‘You don't have to eat the sprouts,’ I reasoned. But she only cried harder. As her siblings, Gabrielle, then 15, Lucus, 13, Brooke, 7, and Bailey, 1, tucked into their festive feast, Macy had a vanilla yogurt. Macy had always struggled with food. Even as a baby she choked on her bottle teats. It got worse when I tried to wean her. She kept throwing up. ‘She'll grow out of it,’ the health visitor reassured…

Joanne Gibson, 46, Doncaster Piercing blue eyes gazed at me from across the table. ‘You're beautiful,’ Gavin, then 33, said, taking a sip of his pint. It was March 2020, and we were on our first date, in our local Wetherspoon's. We'd been chatting online. When Gavin asked me out for a drink, I couldn't resist. Charming and funny, he had a good job as a power station engineer. And his rugged good looks had me all aflutter. ‘Not so bad yourself,’ I smiled. After a few dates, I was totally smitten. So when lockdown hit, I had a suggestion. ‘Move in with me,’ I said. We settled into my two-bed flat along with my son Robert, then 21. I continued working as a carer for adults with autism. Gavin…

It must be love Jo says Olly and Natty's story was one of my favourite features to work on this year, by far. They met in 2016, when Olly was 12 and Natty was 10, and they've been firm friends ever since, bonding over a love of Mamma Mia! the musical and the shared dream of owning a little house by the sea. They shared a dream of owning a little house by the sea Their friendship is so strong and pure, and it's clear from speaking to everybody involved just how much they love each other. Olly and Natty are doing so much to break down the stigma surrounding Down's syndrome. They are an inspiration and I can't wait to see what's next for them both. Natty's mum Hayley…

£10 and under SLEEP SAVIOUR If you know someone who's in need of some serious TLC, look no further than this little duo. The body wash has a calming lavender scent, while the magnesium-infused body lotion helps relax tired muscles and improve sleep. William Morris At Home Beautiful Sleep Wind Down Ritual, £10, williammorrisathome.com CELEBRITY FAVOURITE Teens and millennials will love this trio of face mists by celebrity-approved brand Mario Badescu. All three are designed to rejuvenate, hydrate and refresh your skin while providing a cooling hit of hydration. Mario Badescu Mini Mist Collection, £10, Boots PAMPERING PICKS Transform your loved ones’ morning routine into a spa-like treat with this duo of delights. The shower gel and body lotion both smell heavenly and will leave skin feeling silky soft and…

Solutions to Chat issue 45 (7 November 2024) Puzzle 2 Gland Puzzle 3 Parrot Puzzle 4 Freedom around the world Puzzle 5 2B,2C,3C,4B,4D Puzzle 6 Toes Puzzle 7 Okra Puzzle 8 Fred Sirieix Puzzle 9 Costa del Sol Puzzle 10 Sancerre Puzzle 13 Malmo Puzzle 14 Nairobi Puzzle 15 Palace Puzzle 16 Liberating Puzzle 17 Popeye Puzzle 18 Tottenham WE WON! Anyone from your town in the list this week..? Chat winners issue 36 (30 Aug 2024) £1,001 CASH H Barton, Alford £500 CASH A Wylde, Abergele J Inkersole, Basildon £250 CASH P Tickle, Bolton C Bauckham, Canvey Island £200 CASH D Newton, Rotherham £100 CASH B Marsh, Crewe M Purnell, Enfield S Bulmer, Leeds £50 CASH G Greig, Great Yarmouth F Allcorn, Colchester S Bye, Bristol C Smith, Dudley J Long, Tipton A Quinton, Tredegar £40 CASH R Hepplestone, Sheffield £30 CASH E Eason,…