Table of contents for Festive Special 2022 in Chat Specials

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Meowy and bright This is Mr. Marley Chicken Wickham Bishop Brown. He likes Monster Munch, hates dogs and the Hoover – but he LOVES Christmas! Hattie, Bristol It’s Pug-mas! Father Christmas move over – Percy is ready to deliver presents this year. He loves the costume so much, I think it will have to stay on all year round. Victoria, Sunderland Paw patrol Amber and Alfie are ready to spot Santa – who knows they might even be able to join the reindeer crew. Carol, Lancaster Hoppy Christmas Is it a reindeer? Oh no, it’s my bunny Lola. She will be super excited this year as she’s got lots of treats wrapped up in shiny paper. Florence, Devon THAT’S SO BRITISH PRETENDING THAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED A SMALL SCREWDRIVER FROM THE CHRISTMAS CRACKER!…

Irina Vitalievna, 28 Concentrating on pulling the thread through the crochet hook, it’s a surprise that my eyes were able to focus. Only, I couldn’t stop now – I was on a mission to create the most meaningful Christmas gifts in the tiniest of packages. Measuring just 3mm in height, this festive mouse was the possibly the smallest one to ever exist. With miniscule white paws, and a red Santa hat propped on his small head, I hoped that a sneeze wouldn’t catch me off guard at that moment. Even the slightest of movements would mean that the mouse would be knocked off the end of my tweezers – it was a surprise that I had managed to get this far. I placed outfits on their bellies A Christmas miracle…

Lucky heather Give your windowbox a festive feel, with some heather. It’s the perfect plant to grow in winter, too! I love the colour purple, so they’re even more perfect to me. Meg, Warrington In bloom If you’re like me and miss having flowers in the winter, buy some dry ones for your mantlepiece – they will last a lifetime! I think they look so Christmassy, too. Rachel, Hove Under pressure If you have to travel on Christmas Day, I urge you to check your tyre pressure before you go. The last thing you want is a burst tyre, and to get stranded – the recovery services will be tucking into their dinner. Mia, Hull Food, glorious food Make sure you have plenty of space in your freezer to store…

FOR HER FOR HIM…

Are you hosting Christmas dinner this year? Be the hostess with the mostess and create a showstopping yuletide tablescape that will blow your guests away! It looks impressive, but don’t get your tinsel in a tangle – Kerry Ferris, founder of AB Event Hire, says styling a Christmas table doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. She shares her top five tips on creating a festive table… 1. Pick a theme, this will help you plan and style the look. Get onto Pinterest to find your ideas – you could have a Nordic scandic theme, or a classic red and gold – there are so many festive ideas out there. 2. Forage for your foliage! Head outside and find some ivy, holly, mistletoe and fir tree to make a table runner.…

Jo Howarth is an advanced hypnotherapist and a mindfulness practitioner, too. She works alongside schools, individuals, and businesses, teaching them to look after their mental health and emotional wellbeing. (thehappinessclub.co.uk) It’s like I’m the evil stepmother… Q It seems like my stepkids have taken a really strong disliking to me over the last few months. I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong, but I want to make it up to them. What’s the best way to get them onside again without having to spend hundreds on fancy presents? Michelle, Stoke-on-Trent ATalk to them and ask. Be honest and open with them, tell them that you feel you’ve done something to upset them, tell them you want to help them, tell them you want to get on with them, tell them they are…

Christmas is all about family, and what better way to spread some festive cheer than baking together? With Bonne Mamam, you can make a showstopping centre piece or a truly special gift with a twist. SPICED GINGERBREAD WREATH YOU’LL NEED… • 50g unsalted butter, diced• 50g Demerara sugar• 100g golden syrup• 1 tsp mixed spice• 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda• 30ml beaten egg• 250g plain flour• 20 tbsp Bonne Maman conserve in many flavours and colours• 250g white fondant icing• 250g Royal icing sugar HOW TO DO IT… 1. To make the gingerbread dough, put the butter in a large bowl. 2. In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, syrup, spices and ginger and bring to the boil. Add the bicarbonate of soda (it…

BEAUTY GIFTS Whether it’s for yourself or for a loved one, a little beauty treat will never go a miss. Here our some of our favourite gift sets this year for £10 and under! Gold standard Get your skin ready for the party season with the new Caviar Gold Illumination range from Lacura. Adding a touch of luxury to your festive routine, this range will help your complexion through the party season to leave you with a replenished, radiant look. Available from Aldi Day Cream, £7.99 With SPF15, this moisturiser will give you a youthful boost in the harsh winter wind. Eye Cream, £5.99 Hydrating around the eye, this cream will help you to look awake, despite the late nights! Serum, £5.99 For a concentrated boost, this serum will be…

Christmas is all about family, and this year it feels a little more special than ever. For many, this may be the first Christmas that we’ve spent with our loved ones since the pandemic. As we open gifts and celebrate the festivities, we’ll remember all of those that we have loved and lost. Instead of tuning in to Queen Elizabeth at 3pm, many of us will be starting a new tradition as King Charles wishes us well. Hayley (pg22) knows all too well how important family is during the holidays. Her childhood memories are that of pure comfort and joy, until a cruel disease stole that from her. For years, her grief consumed her, until her own little ones brought back the magic. As parents, we all have a vision…

Hayley Forster, 38, from Leeds Dear Mum, Do you remember on Christmas Eve we all used to watch films together? You always bought me and my big sister, Kelly, now 45, new pyjamas to wear and fresh bedding to go to sleep in. Christmas was one of your favourite times of the year and you made sure it was extra special for me and Kelly. No matter how poorly you were, you’d spend days making sure everything was perfect. You were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease before both me and Kelly were born, so we never knew any different. Growing up, we were used to you being in and out of hospital. Having parts of your bowel removed and constantly in pain, we just got used to it. As the younger…

VOLUNTEERING Giving back to the community shouldn’t and doesn’t have to break the bank. Giving an hour or so of your time can make a whole load of difference to those who need it the most. The Salvation Army takes on extra volunteers in the run up to Christmas, so why not get in touch with your local store to find out more if you want to help? You can learn new skills, make friends and support The Salvation Army shops selling budget-friendly Christmas gifts. Volunteers can help in customer services, on the shop floor, serving at the till or sorting clothes and other donated items. • To find out more, please visit: salvationarmytrading.org.uk/shops/finder ONE OF A KIND PRESENTS Why not give back to the planet and buy your gift…

Ali Bayliss, from Shropshire Getting the suitcase out of storage, I couldn’t wait to start packing our stuff. Me and my husband Mike were getting ready for a two-week New Year trip to Egypt, in January 2014. Around a week before we were due to head off, I decided to do a quick check of my breasts. As I stood in front of the mirror and ran my hand across my chest, I noticed my left nipple looked as if it was indented. Weird, I thought. Running my hand around the area, I couldn’t feel anything different, but it bugged me. ‘Everything OK, love?’ Mike asked, coming to check on me. ‘There’s something wrong with my nipple,’ I said, feeling slightly concerned with it. I was diagnosed with multiple scoliosis…

How can I entertain the family without breaking the bank? Jasmine Birkett, aka MoneyMagpie, is back to explain how to entertain the kids without spending lots of money this Christmas break. Christmas is already an expensive time of year and with pressure to please the kids, it can become even harder. Make the most of free, local events You can find out about any free local events by checking your local council website – local.gov.uk. You can also find other free things you can go to at Free-Events.co.uk which lists all of the free festivals, art shows, workshops and more taking place all across the UK. Even putting the words ‘free events near me’ into the search bar can help you find some exciting events to visit with your friends…

On the First Day of Christmas - Faith Hogan £13.99, WATERSTONES If a heart-warming festive tale is something you want to delve into this season, then this novel is for you. When Liv Latimer says goodbye to her friends and colleagues for the festive holidays, she is looking forward to a Christmas Day to remember with her loved one, Eddie. Only, before she makes it home, she is called back into work. Should she put herself first for once in her life? Or will she stay stern, having the Xmas she has dreamed of? Whatever decision she makes will truly impact her life forever – and fate always finds its cause in the end, even if you try to escape it. On the First Day of Christmas by Faith Hogan will…

Twinkle your way through the festivities in the most fabulous metallic shades, adding complimentary jewellery and fun accessories – you’ll look so grand you could shine bright on the top of the tree!…

Emma Stanaway, 36, from Cornwall Scrambling into the car in his school uniform, my five-year-old son Kasper was merry. ‘Hi Mummy!’ he beamed. Leaning across, I buckled him into his car seat in the back, giving his hair a ruffle. ‘Hello, darling. How was school?’ I asked, clambering into the driver’s seat. ‘Good. I learnt all about space,’ he said. I smiled at him through the mirror and started to drive. ‘Wow! Look at you, learning all about clever things,’ I grinned. ‘Are we off to see Nanny?’ he asked. ‘We are, are you excited to see her?’ I asked Kasper. ‘Yeah, I love Nanny,’ he beamed. It was just the two of us – my other son Lewis, 15, was finishing school and their stepdad Tom, 33, was at…

Ask our doc With Cheryl Lythgoe, matron at mutual healthcare provider Benenden Health. Festive fizz Q I’m nearly six months pregnant – should I abstain from alcohol completely this Christmas, or is a celebratory glass of fizz now and then OK? Joanna, Windsor A The current guidelines are, you should avoid alcohol during pregnancy as it can increase the chance of preterm delivery.When alcohol is ingested, it’s transferred to the growing baby through the placenta, and unfortunately their immature systems can’t metabolise it in the same way that an adult’s can. While I appreciate that raising a glass during the festivities can be a lovely way to celebrate, have you thought about trying some of the many alcoholfree versions? These range from fizz to gin, and beyond, and will allow…

Skye Wheeler, 24, from Cornwall Getting out of the car and walking into the school gates, I noticed I could feel myself limping. ‘You looked like you were drunk,’ Mum said with a concerned tone later that afternoon. After getting a water parasite in my eye six months earlier, I’d had daily medication and chemicals flushed into me. So, it was no surprise I was a little off balance. ‘Because the parasite has eaten its way through to your cornea, we can’t be sure if it’s dead or in hibernation,’ doctors at Stoke Mandeville Hospital told me. ‘If it comes back to life, it could go into your bloodstream and kill you.’ At 14, it was hard to accept, but I tried to get on with my life – just…

Team Santa I’m not sure my nephew has really mastered the idea of this disguise – but doesn’t Josh look adorable? He’s definitely on the good list this year. Annabella, Bradford Sugar and spice Using Matchmakers as antlers and Smarties as big noses was a huge win this year. These festive brownies are going to my nearest and dearest, that’s if I don’t eat them all. Marianne, Lincoln Star of the show My dad Andy loves to pretend that Christmas Day is the final of MasterChef! I’m not complaining, this prawn cocktail was the best thing I have ever eaten. I hope he doesn’t expect the same from me this year. Kaylie, Peterborough Winter wonderland Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock is the best place to visit this time of year. The displays are magical…

Sue Benson, 62, from St Helens, Merseyside Pulling a cracker with my husband Steve, I smiled as it let off a bang. ‘Merry Christmas, everybody!’ I said, as we sat round the table for dinner. I poured myself a glass of fizz as Steve, 63, and our two children William and Emily tucked in. After demolishing a feast of roast turkey, potatoes, pigs in blankets and honey-glazed ham, I was stuffed. ‘I won’t need to eat for a week after this!’ Steve joked. ‘You’re right,’ I chuckled to him. After dinner, my niece Nicole, 33, popped round with her two kids. ‘It really is the most wonderful time of the year,’ I smiled. I loved Christmas, and I didn’t mind overindulging during the festive season! But when January 2019 rolled…

Are you the type of person to get glam on Christmas Day? Or do you prefer to stay in your PJs? Whatever your traditions, here are some fashion essentials to ensure you have a magical day… FOR THE ONE WHO DOESN’T WANT TO GET DRESSED… Treat Christmas Day like a slumber party. Why not gift your family matching PJ sets, too? FOR THOSE OUT AND ABOUT… PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS THE FESTIVE FANATIC ……

Rosie Brown, 27, Stoke-on-trent Head down, I kept tapping away at my laptop. I’d been at it for hours, but finally my masterpiece was complete. ‘Done!’ I said, showing my boyfriend Bobby, then 25, the spreadsheet I’d created. On it was everything we’d need for our unborn baby. Sleepsuits, nappies, toys and lots of baby shampoo… It was July 2019 and I’d fallen pregnant – a year after meeting Bobby in our jobs in the civil service. ‘Organised’ was my middle name, and now our baby was on the way, I was determined to make sure everything went according to plan. We got to work ticking off the spreadsheet, decorating our baby’s room with rainbows. ‘It looks like you’re having a big baby,’ the midwife told me at 21 weeks…

Mel Hiscutt, 31, from Portland Wrapping up presents in adorable Frozen themed paper, I just couldn’t wait for Christmas. It was 2019 and it was going to be our last festive season as a family of three. My fiancé James, 30, and I were expecting the newest arrival to our gang and we wanted to make sure Amelia, now five, enjoyed her last Christmas as an only child. I’d first found out I was pregnant back in May, after a cold knocked me for six. ‘Maybe you’re just pregnant,’ my sister Gemma joked. ‘Yeah right,’ I laughed. But two days later, a pregnancy test confirmed she was right. We’d just moved and were planning on renovating before we tried for another baby. James and I were both in shock for…

Little joyful touches make all the difference…

Scarlett Stevens, 33, from Derbyshire Walking around Nottingham Christmas market, me and my daughter were hand in hand. Posey, seven, was fascinated with all of the lights and decorations. The smell of roasted chestnuts and German Bratwurst filled the air. As a family, we have a tradition to go to the Christmas market every year – making magical memories together. Being a single mum, I especially want to spoil Posey at Xmas, as she is still at an age to be intrigued by all of the magical festivities. On Christmas Day, we usually go to my parent’s house, where my brother’s Orry, 24, River, 32, and Hadley, 37, join us with their families to play games and have fun. My mum Deby, 54, and dad Craig, 57, would always put…

Scott Bailey, 33, from Crewe, Cheshire Wiping my brow, I turned back to the cow in front of me. The sun had been glaring in my eyes as I rounded them up for milking at the dairy farm where I worked, and my vision was blurry. As I was milking though, something strange happened. Suddenly my sight was like a lava lamp – it was like someone had dropped ink into a clear liquid. It filled my eyes and distorted my vision. When the farmer’s wife came in and I couldn’t see her face, I knew something was terribly wrong. Terrified, I called my wife Amanda, 33, to pick me up and we went to the hospital. ‘We warned you about this, Scott,’ the doctor said sternly. I’d been diagnosed…

ACROSS 13 Winter - - -, festive song (10) 14 Scare a little, make uneasy (7) 15 Beast, creature (6) 16 Colloquial name for champagne (6) 17 and Giant 42 Down Third most popular seasonal song by Slade in 1973 (5,4, 9) 18 Enclosure for a feathered pet (8) 19 Sparkling precious stone (5) 22 Ancient remnants (6) 23 Knight’s sleeveless tunic (6) 26 Character in Peter Pan (5) 27 Self-aggrandising action (3-4) 29 Words of a song (6) 31 Dreadful (5) 32 Wet soft earth (3) 33 Lion’s den (4) 34 Decoy, tempt (4) 36 Biblical king at the time of the nativity (5) 38 Emperor who supposedly fiddled while Rome burned (4) 39 Money earned on savings (8) 41 Prepared (5) 43 - - - pudding, traditional festive fare (4)…