Cr TitelcRem Candis “CHRISTMAS * and a Happy New Year to all our readers OVER £56 MILLION TO HEALTH CHARITIES SINCE 1962INDEPENDENT DIABETES TRUST WORRIED ABOUT DIABETES ANT CHRISTMAS? DIABETES AT CHRISTMAS - this booklet is full of tips and advice for enjoying the festive period. ASK FOR YOUR FREE COPY TODAY TELEPHONE: 01604 622837 or RTE Tees (oleu cuir leer 1Relge) InDependent Diabetes Trust P 0 Box 294, N s. Charity Number: 1058284 Re:WELCOME OmusrHaves” | Ruumocimrc) —= neni ¢ = 2 Candis Home ~ie a jst rant {ve ise’ _ atatal This Crisis Editions Tin Hello Mug, with the Home is Where the Love is Every family has its own way of celebrating design, isa super gift for | Christmas — and not everyone thinks you need to campers and picnickers!_| spend lots of money. In The Ultimate Christmas Gift £12.99 on page 22, we meet two people who understand the value of selfless giving. These are stories of kindness that show the true spirit of the season. On page 46, ex-Gogglebox star Rev Kate Bottley, national treasure Christopher Biggins, Great British Bake Off’s Sandro Farmhouse and British Heart Foundation’s Allison Swaine-Hughes share their festive experiences. And in our final part of Countdown to Christmas on page 56, we've a whole host of advice for a stress-free holiday, with top tips on keeping peace and harmony in your household. shopfromcrisis.org.uk Take yourpick from Elf | Our Candis Big Give Christmas Challenge on page Crumbs or Santa Crumbs | 28 has details of the charities you could be helping = these funand tasty in 2024, Our everything-but-the-dinner menu on gingerbread biscuits are | page 73 provides all the culinary inspiration you'll Gecorated with colourful jeed from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day. eee © And, as ever, our Gift Guide on page 91 is packed Gaon sores with fabulous gift ideas ~ plus, we've lots to win! We hope you enjoy. Happy Christmas! The Candis team Making a comeback after a long absence, Cadbury Dairy Milk Coins are timeless treasures and ideal stocking fillers. £1.99 Retailers nationwide To become a member and subscribe to Candis, call customer relations on 0800 814 5400, or email customer @candis.co.uk, or log on to candis.co.uk BUT May BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 3Contents CANDIS DECEMBER 2023 Dancing queen Dame Arlene Phillips talks ut her incredible career as choreographer and dancer The ultimate Christmas gift Two inspiring tales of selfless giving at Christm The gift that keeps giving How you can take part in the Candis Big Give 2024 What Christmas means to me... Four people talk about their very different experiences of the festive season Highlights of 2023 A look back at the standout events of the past year Vas | Jingle belles Our selection of festive fashion for Christmas chic from start to finish Countdown to Christmas Part 3 Our top tips for a Your dream theme... )\ stress-free Yuletide | Three enticing festive looks filled with peace for your home, from classic and harmony to Scandi \ Let in snow... Happy days How to create Anything-but-the-dinner n decorative festive fare from Christmas snow-effect jars | Eve to Boxing Dayeae Don’t miss your chance to win fantastic prizes in our amazing gift guide This month Festive s, Christmas The perfect markets, books to gift and Christmas gift what to The Christmas gifts Unexpected presents are key to the past, in this Free Helen E blusher story by FL Everett with mini make-up brush Free gift worth £13, pl Candis for Take a break k ages and a chance to win cash prizes mas bundle All about you! Feeling lucky? Anniversaries to celebrate, plus letters andy tips Your horoscopes Russell Grant's predictions Next issue Apeek at the Jat CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 5hristmas gift a A SUBSCRIPTION TO CANDIS CLUB . * An inspirational monthly magazine *< %& A chance to win up to £2,500 in the monthly prize draw * Member benefits with savings 12-MONTH and discounts SUBSCRIPTION ; OFFER ONLY * Your subscription will help to support health charities £24.95 TO ORDER Please call our customer service team on 0800 814 5400 and quote ‘Xmas’ . A personal message of up to 20 words can be included with your gift subscription - please £ have this to hand, along with your gift recipient's contact details and your own. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card, including WSA and S®. If you prefer to pay by cheque, please call Freephone 0800 814 5400 and ask for details. Orders must be received by 15 December 2023 to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. Offer closes 1 January 2024. www.candis.co.uk Axe = ' PHOTO IsTOCK COVER IMAGE JAY BROOK/CAMERA PRESSSUBSCRIPTION OFFER Mla Se ea | co) Nov 202s Tent Ie Wem et=\ aera ie elise ate be handled“via oli aey a iis Aangrown our unique Evening Primrose seeds at the same farms in New Zealand and the Netherlands forthe last 40 years. Their unique climates and nutrient rich soil create the perfect growing conditions for our pure GLA rich golden oil EKO Findouthowyoucan trace our Pure Evening Primrose Oil back to o. the farm it grew on 3 for 2 at Boots Instore | boots.com | App Rare) eee elu) Cede ES— : THIS MONTH > ess OM as bbe There’s so much to see and do in SUaT=MaC le] Om COOL Ta iduaTe clare MaaTcy New Year. We've compiled a host of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy...Love Panto? Oh yes, we do! We’ve compiled a round-up of Christmas pantomimes, SO enjoy some great family fun... The Rock ’n’ Roll Panto Cinderella EVERYMAN & PLAYHOUSE, LIVERPOOL The iconic Everyman Rock 'n' Roll pantomime is back from 17 November to 20 January ~ this year telling the story of Cinderella. Bursting with banging pop and rock tunes, the classic fairytale will have heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle, in a show that will have audience members of all ages singing and dancing along, everymanplayhouse.com Jack and the Beanstalk THE PAVILION THEATRE, RHYL Join in the ‘Fee Fi Fo Fun’ at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre from 9-31 December, with a panto that promises to enchant audiences of all ages and make for an unmissable event. As well as Christmas time, it’s also ‘Chico time’, with the former X Factor contestant featuring in the cast as King Bling, alongside The Bills Graham Cole as Fleshcreep and “Allo ‘Allo's Arthur Bostrom as Dame Trott - bringing a unique energy to the show. rhylpavilion.co.uk Robin Hood: The Rock ’n’ Roll Panto CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL, LEEDS A very different format to the traditional Christmas pantomime, Rock'n’ Roll prantos mix traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers ~ all performed live on stage by an ultra- talented cast of actor-musicians. With Robin Hood being the latest classic tale to get the Rock ‘n’ Roll treatment, Leeds’ favourite panto will return to the Varieties for the festive period, running from 24 November to 7 January. leedsheritagetheatres.com Snow White REDDITCH PALACE THEATRE Perhaps the fairest panto in all the land, Snow White is coming to Redditch Palace Theatre from 8 December to 3 January. Featuring stunning scenery, colourful costumes, spectacular special effects and not to mention lots of laughs, it will be an unforgettable show for all the family. redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk THE LAST PO: 27 NOVEMBER Western Europe 10 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK 20 DECEMBER Standard two-day UK services including Northern Ireland 21 DECEMBER Standard next-day UK servicesVe THIS MONTH NSPCC letter from Santa Surprise the little ones you love this season with a personalised letter from Santa Claus himself! Delivered FREE ACTIVITIES directly to your door FOR ALL all the way from the North Pole, with some help from his magical little helpers, the elves, each letter can be written in English or Welsh and comes ina choice of eight Winter Warmers Campaign Ina bid to bring people together during the Christmas period, and in light of the cost-of-living crisis, this initiative is all about encouraging affordable social activities - including The Big Lunch at Christmas, reverse advent calendars, advent Pathe actione ater window displays and the Mince Hi - asking people miltdonetions sere to knock on their neighbour's door with a mince pie! Peete For free guides and downloadable resources, visit edenprojectcommunities/winter-warmers Childline service. Jetterfromsanta. nspec.org.uk Virtual Village Hall Developed by Royal Voluntary Service, the Virtual Village Hall is a free online activity hub and community with more than 1,700 sessions to help people stay Offering everything from crafts to tech skills to exercises and more, stay connected from the comfort of your couch! royalvoluntary service.org.ukTHIS MONTH Seal season Winter might seem a strange time to give birth a beach, but for seals it’s perfect for pupping! Grey seals are built for the cold. They can weigh over 200kg, and have dense fur and thick blubber to insulate them against the icy water of the North Atlantic. They can be spotted around our coasts all year, but the best time to see them is in autumn and winter. After spending the summer months fattening up on fish, the females give birth on beaches. They gather in an enormous group, known as a rookery. Each female, or cow, will have a single pup - although a handful of twins 12 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK have been recorded. Pups have fluffy white fur, which helps keep them warm. in the cold winter air. ‘They grow quickly, thanks to the rich, fatty milk of their mother. It can be over 50 per cent fat, helping the pups pack on ‘2kg a day! She'll feed her pup for 2 around three weeks before > abandoning it. The pup will % gradually shed its white fur for a more water- resistant grey coat, then head out to sea to learn to fish for itself. See them for yourself at wildlifetrusts.org/ seal-pups \WoRDS 6 TOM MIBBERT, THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS PHOTOS TOM MARSHALL, JULIE HARCHER/WWTadh ar “OUTINGS Get_outiand ‘about. this. Coueeeeel - here-we'vethighlighted a few family- bial ciple Nate [c\Vcexe 10] KOM Tate) [¢-M\Z0) FESTIVE FAIR AND MARKET Collaborating with Great Ormond Street Hospital, from 11 November to. 2 January, Castle Howard will host a fantastical festive world th fairies, mer Is Follow Peter Pan on his adventures, with theatrice installations, projections and immersive apes. You can also visit the bauble emporium, be mesmerised by the twinkly courtyard and more. castlehoward.co.uk In the heart of Bristol city centre, and open daily from 3 November to 23 December, Bristol Christmas Market is home or igloo for a fun experience. bristol christmasmarket.com LIGHT TRAILS istm From 1 December to 1 January, Christmas at Kenwood returns to North London’s Hampstead Heath rand-new trail ~ bring} interactive play. With 13 new installations featuring never reations exclusively for this event, immerse yourself world of sea: and festive chee! christmasatkenwood.com r, light and With some of the UK’s largest light installations, 22 November to 31 December, AGLOW, the dazzling trail at Auck| will illumin te the skies Auckla is a must-see ex] for all the family aucklandaglow.org CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 13THIS MONTH Bie Christmas in my THE BOOKSHELF RR A TTF ae Discover the top titles for those Gen perfect Christmas gifts! Terie MALY ~JILLY MPA aa «& ue goto aplyer HEART-WARMING CRIME CONTEMPORARY Wreck the Halls Unnatural Death Tackle by Tessa Bailey by Patricia Cornwell by Jilly Cooper (£9.99, Harper 360) (£22, Little, Brown) (£22, Bantam) SCN | TAU COMEDY NON-FICTION quiz TV: Big Adventures Space: The Have I Got on the Small Screen Human Story News for You: by Peter Kay by Tim Peake The Quiz of 2023 (£25 HB, Harper Collins) (£22, Penguin Century) (£16.99 HB, Sphere) 14 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UKWHAT TO WATCH We've some exciting choices for you to enjoy... AMAZON PRIME VIDEO Reacher (Series 2) Were excited to report that Lee Child’s Jack Reacher returns to our screens this month! The long-awaited second series is based on his 11th book, Bad Luck and Trouble. With actor Alan Ritchson back in the title role, we anticipate lots of action and a clever, stimulating plot. It's 25 years since the release of Shakespeare in Love (1998), the romantic period drama starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes as Shakespeare, Colin Firth and Judy Dench. BIG SCREEN Wonka In this prequel to Roald Dahl's classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Timothée Chalamet plays a young Willy Wonka in the story of how he met the Oompa-Loompas on one of his, earliest adventures. Rowan Atkinson, Sally Hawkins, Matt Lucas, Olivia Colman and Hugh Grant also star. BBC ONE Doctor Who S . After the three highly anticipated 60th anniversary specials that aired last month, the upcoming 4th season is rumoured to begin on Christmas Day, with Neuti Gatwa as the 15th doctor and Millie Gibson as his companion, Ruby Sunday.CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Below Arlene Phillips rehearsing with a children’s dance troupe for the film Legend Dancing queen Dame Arlene Phillips’ career is a who's who of music and dance, and at 80, she is still going strong, says Richard Barber ‘ou know what they si it’s not what you know in ife but who. Or, in Arlene Phillips’ case, a bit of both. She'd moved from Manchester to London in her early 20s and began teaching at The Dance Centre. The gods were clearly smiling on her. “A choreographer I knew told me that a contact of hers was looking for someone to live in, clean the house and help look after his baby,” she says. That contact turned out to be Ridley Scott, who went on to 16 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK direct a slew of hit films, but at that point was shooting TV ads. She got the job. “When he discovered I was a dance teacher, he employed me to choreograph a commercial he was making for Lyons Maid ice cream featuring Miriam Margolyes as a dancing milkmaid,” Arlene Phillips was on her way. In 1985, Arlene choreographed Scott's dark fantasy film, Legend, starring a 23-year-old Tom Cruise. “He was very beautiful,” she recalls, “very intense, very focused on his work. You got the feeling you were working with a potential huge star. There was a gentleness about him, though. On Sunday afternoons, he'd hold a tea party in the apartment where he was staying and we'd all be invited.” By this stage, Arlene herself had become the go-to choreographer for TV, videos and films. In the 70s, she'd noticed that dancers on TV shows were squeaky clean.ON ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER ius who took my career to zCELEBRITY INTERVIEW Above left | “And yet, something quite Arlene at different was happening on the work on | streets, in the clubs.” Steright She assembled a group of Press dancers who attended her classes Above right 2d dressed them in dyed lingerie Hot Gossip, and stretch-nylon fitted dresses. the dance | And so Hot Gossip was born. group Arlene | “They were sexy and dangerous created and naughty.” But success took alittle time coming. They danced once a week at a club in London's Jermyn Street, although it took a TV director to spot them and feature them in ITV's Kenny Everett Video Show before their fame exploded - and Clean Up TV campaigner Mary Whitehouse obligingly lobbied for them to be banned. “The fit with Kenny could not have been better,” says Arlene. “He was already on the danger list when it came to saying risqué things. He used to refer to Hot “On camera, he was out there — outrageous, fearless. In private, 18 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK though, he was quite different - sweet, gentle, shy, always caring for those around him. He only flaunted himself on screen.” Fast forward ten years to 1984 and another major milestone was being invited by Andrew Lloyd Webber to choreograph Starlight Express, his musical on roller skates. “He's a genius who took my career to another place. He's a total perfectionist and I wa determined to live up to his expectations. I'd do anything for that man.” He famously has a short fuse. “He'd erupt a hundred times a day, but then he’s passionate. His emotions turn on a sixpence. T became quite good at talking him down off the ledge, as it were. “But no one has ever achieved more in musical theatre. Think Phantom. Think Cats. They'll last for ever.” Arlene has similar admiration for Elton John for whom she choreographed many videos. LookCELEBRITY INTERVIEW ON THE LATE LEN GOODMAN “He had the ability to tell people what he really thought and, even when it wasn’t good news, he did so in the most charming of ways” carefully, she says, at the dancers in the video for I’m Still Standing, filmed at the Negresco Hotel in Nice, and you'll spot a youthful Bruno Tonioli. “In fact, he’s there in the film Rocketman because they used the same footage but with Taron Egerton as Eltot She has also been involved in theatre productions. Director Nicholas Hytner, for example, invited her to choreograph scenes in Alan Bennett's play, Allelujaht, set in a Yorkshire hospital. ‘That was an interesting challenge. I chose the palais glide, a dance sequence from the 30s, which made me cry it was so moving. It made Alan cry, too, but then, he loves music.” She's unstinting in her praise of him. “He would watch an entire run- through of the play without taking notes. And then he'd give the cast detailed observations, all stored in his head. A brilliant ma but sweet, kind and clever as hell.” More recently, Arlene worked with Nick Hytner again on the hit revival of Guys & Dolls, “It's a thrilling show. Someone said to me that it’s better than medicine. And they're right. It should be prescribed on the NHS.” Next up was House of Flamenka, which enjoyed a successful short run at London's Peacock Theatre at the end of October. Arlene fell Below left Arlene with her Strictly co-judge, Len Goodman Below right With Elton John in 1984 CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 19CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Above left Arlene with daughters Alana and Abigail when they were children Above right With Whitney Houston, whom she found exquisite in love with flamenco many years ago when she was choreographing sections of a show called Matador. “Then I saw Spanish dancer Joaquin Cortés at the Royal Albert Hall and made up my mind that one day I'd be involved in an all- male flamenco dance show. She's worked with more stars than you could shake a stick at. Who tops the charts? “Whitney Houston. We first worked on the video for How Will I Know? She was very shy. But, when she sang, it was like being surrounded by moonbeams. She was exquisite, yet said she was embarrassed about her feet, which were a very slim size 8. She didn’t want them filmed from the side. “But, by the time I went to New York to work with her on J Wanna Dance With Somebody, she was bubbly and bright. It was as though she now believed in herself. She'd embraced becoming a star. It was so tragic that the world lost her so young,” Arlene passes seamlessly from one project to the next, seemingly 20 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK oblivious to the fact that she turned 80 in May. She certainly doesn't look it: a pretty, petite woman with boundless vitality. But, for all her acclaim as a choreographer, she is still perhaps best known for those years when she was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, before she was controversially dropped in 2009. To this day, she says, people still stop her in the supermarket and tell her how much they minded her removal. So, how does she feel about it? “Oh, it’s fine. That was then and this is now. I've done so much work since.” So, if the phone rang tomorrow and the relevant BBC producer asked if she'd like to rejoin the panel, what would she say? “Do you seriously think I'm going to answer that question?” says the canny Ms Phillips. A great sadness for her, as for many, was the unexpected passing in April of Len Goodman. “He was a dear, dear friend and Istill talk to his wife, Sue, a very special person. I didn’t know hewas ill. Bruno knew because they worked together on Dancing with the Stars, the US Strictly. So, it was a terrible shock because he always seemed so strong and fit.” What does she think the world lost with Len’s passing? “He had the ability to tell people what he really thought, and even when it wasn't good news, he did so in the most charming of ways.” So, what's next on the roster? “Tm soon going to do something Thaven't done for years - I'm taking time off over Christmas to enjoy being a grandmother to my two granddaughters.” Lila is nearly five, Emme almost two, the children of her elder daughter, Alana, 44. She also has a younger daughter, Abi, 32, by her long-time partner, Angus lon, 62, a set builder she met in 1985 during the making of the music video for the Freddie Mercury song, [ Was Born To Love You. Retirement simply isn’t in her lexicon. “I'll never stop doing my charity work: Children with Cancer and Alzheimer's.” In the 2021 Birthday Honours list, Arlene was made a Dame of the British Empire, both for her contribution to dance and all this charity work. Her mother, Rita, died at 43 from leukaemia - Arlene was only 15. She'd have been thrilled that she was awarded such an accolade. “She would. But I don't feel like adame. A dame should be grand,” observes Arlene. Something, she says, she is not. Acareer in lights From director and show judge to breaking records as a contestant, there have been several steps to Arlene Phillip’s successful career. Here are a few highlights... STRICTLY COME DANCING Alongside Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, between 2004 and 2009, Arlene was a member of the inaugural judging panel on this hit BBC series. She was also a judge on the spin-off series, Strictly Dance Fever - seeking dancers to join a West End musical. Then in 2007, she created and judged DanceX to find a new commercial dance act. LORD OF THE DANCE In the summer of 1996, Arlene was stage director of the debut Irish dance show, Lord of the Dance, started by Michael Flatley, on its opening run at Dublin's Point Theatre. BRITANNIA HIGH In 2008, Arlene was the executive producer and creative director for this ITV series. Based on an idea by herself and West End producer David lan, the drama was. marketed as the UK's answer to Disney's High School Musical. The music was written by hit songwriter and Take That frontman Gary Barlow.THE ULTIMATE Beas GIFT es . We meet two A Miers lae a ataelcy ra Pe SSRN Tire merm aT Hgot Acre] te “MY FRIEND SAVED NGS EDS Lae Lauren Beckett, 26 from Bedfordshire, reveals why she can never thank her friend enoughI first met Kayleigh ‘Taylor when we worked together in 2016. Ima civil servant and she’s a payroll clerk. Back then, I was a carefree single girl and she was nine years older than me anda married mum. Over time, I came to appreciate how friendly and easy to talk to she was, and the age gap and different lifestyles didn’t matter. We started meeting outside work, often on a Friday night, when I'd go to her place to share a takeaway. She confided in me that she lives with a lifelong health condition, Gilbert's syndrome, causing fatigue and episodes of jaundice. ‘It doesn’t require treatment because it doesn’t pose a serious threat to health; she explained. In 2019, when I met my partner, Callum, Kayleigh was among the first people to hear about him. Two years later, | had some more exciting news - I was pregnant. Everything seemed to go well and there were no obvious concerns. Our son Tommy was born on 31 October and was seemingly perfect. Cradling him in my arms, I fantasised about all the happy times to come, starting with our very first Christmas as a family in what would be a few weeks’ time. But 12 hours later, I was worried. Our newborn looked yellow from jaundice, seemed cold and wasn't feeding or passing urine. Doctors said he should stay in hospital for a while. ‘Two weeks later, after blood tests and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with neonatal hemochromatosis, a disease associated with the build-up of excess iron in the liver REAL LIVES and other areas of the body. We were told it was life threatening, The doctor explained, “We'll try treating it with drugs, but if that fails, your baby will need aliver transplant? It was such a shock - we'd never heard of the condition. But then again, it’s so rare, even a specialist liver hospital may see only one case a year. Through November and into December, doctors treated Tommy with medicines and blood products. But they didn’t work and he was getting more poorly. In the meantime, Callum, me and immediate family were tested as potential liver donors but nobody was compatible. He was placed on the urgent transplant list to await an organ donation from a stranger: a donated liver from a child or partial liver donation from an adult, which for them eventually regenerates. We appealed on social media for potential donors and within 24 hours over 200 family and friends offered to be tested. It was amazing, but sadly none were right for Tommy. ‘Throughout all this, Kayleigh was there when I needed her. Because I knew she was living with her own liver problems, it never occurred to me that she might be tested, too. But she'd been online doing research, discovering that even patients with Gilbert's syndrome can safely become organ donors, When it emerged that she was compatible with Tommy, I broke down in grateful tears. The transplant went ahead at King’s College Hospital, London, on CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 23REAL LIVES “WHEN IT EMERGED THAT SHE WAS @MPATIBLE WITH TOMMY, | BROKE DOWN IN TEARS” 17 December. Kayleigh went for surgery first. She was in theatre for six hours while surgeons removed the left half of her liver, reshaping it to fit into a tiny baby. Next, Callum and I walked Tommy down for surgery. He was there for eight hours during which he lost ten pints of blood. Finally, a doctor told us, ‘There were hairy moments, but the operation went well.” Kayleigh was able to go home in time for Christmas with her husband, Gary, and her kids, Evie and Zach. But on 20 December I caught Covid, so had to spend the holiday in self isolation at my dad’s. Callum remained in hospital with Tommy, staying in accommodation provided by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Our baby made avery gradual recovery, but there were infections and other setbacks. He was five months old before he was well enough to leave hospital and come home. Since then, he has thrived. Christmas 2022, our first proper festive season as a family, was magical. We spent Christmas Day at my dad’s, surrounded by loving family and piles of presents and we're looking forward to the same in 2023. Of course, Tommy, now two, will be on immunosuppressant drugs for life to prevent him rejecting his transplant. That means he'll always be vulnerable. But he’s reaching his milestones and recently started talking and walking. ‘We're so proud of him - and it’s all thanks to Kayleigh. She's my best friend and we plan to set up a charity together - ‘Tommy's Journey - to support families whose children have been diagnosed with neonatal hemochromato: Kayleigh gave our baby the ultimate Christmas gift in donating part of her own body to save his life. Tommy wouldn't be here without her. We will never be able to thank her enough. 24 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UKAsa child, Christmas was a magical time for me. Our dad died when I was just a baby, so I grew up with only my mother and two brothers, and we had little money. But we shared a house with other extended family members, so there were always people around to give modest presents like tangerines and packets of nuts and share in festive games. When I was 15, Mum passed away after a long illness. One of her sisters, Auntie Jean, stepped in as a sort of surrogate mum. After leaving school, I worked as a photographer's assistant, then joined the Women's Royal Air Force and was stationed in Cyprus as a telex operator. After four years, I resigned and went to live in London, but the city felt impersonal and unfriendly. T moved around a lot and did many different jobs, ending up in the personnel department of a foreign bank in the City. While commuting, I often passed people living on the street, and it always struck me that it could have been me. Losing my parents young, coming out of the services and having little support, those sort of life events can end in homelessness for some. In 1999, I took early retirement. My days were busy with clubs like the Foresters meREAL LIVES Friendly Society and the U3A, going to the gym, playing bowls and visiting Aunty Jean. Having never married or had children, I've always valued my friends, and at Christmas I was usually lucky enough to be invited here and there. Then in 2021, my friend Jackie told me her daughter Daisy had bought some Christmas dinners for homeless people through a charity. I thought it was such a good idea that I went online and bought some Christmas dinners myself. Afterwards, I just kept thinking that Pd like to do more. I made contact with the charity Crisis online. They seemed keen to have me and I found myself registered as a volunteer for a Christmas centre in London. That first year, I enjoyed working with them so much, I ended up doing seven days at the centre. The following year, I did another eight or nine days. Tusually work on a shift that starts at 8am and finishes at 4pm. Often, I man the coffee bar. Other times, I've served meals, helped clean and tidy rooms and even. accompanied a client to hospital after they were taken ill. I love feeling useful and making a difference in small ways. The first thing I learnt was not to make assumptions about the homeless. Yes, some people are on the streets because of alcohol or drug addictions. But others are there because of immigration problems or have lost rented housing through no fault of their own. Some people are unkempt, others are well turned out. I never realised how many professional and semi- professional people end up on the streets. Now, each year, I really enjoy meeting new people at Crisis and ~ if they want to talk — hearing about their lives. As a volunteer, it’s drummed into you to behave “HOPEFULLY, I'LL BRING A LITTLE HAPPINESS To A FEW PEOPLE THIS CHRISTMAS AND | KNOW THEY'LL BRING JOY INTo MY LIFE, TOO” 26 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UKina professional way, so you mustn't pry. But if people want to open up, you can bea listening ear. Last year, I met a lovely man in his 50s who told me that despite living on the streets, he had a family and a home. He'd left them because of his addiction. Another young man in his 30s bonded with me over our shared love of Arsenal Football Club. He was wearing an Arsenal sweatshirt from a clothing bank. On the last day, he tried to give me his sweatshirt. But I told him he needed it more than me! One after-effect of volunteering was that it made me realise today’s CI become about the wrong thing months beforehand, we're bombarded with adverts for expensive toys and lavish “) food, when the festive 3 season should be about community. This year, 'm volunteering for the third year. I hope to work in London on 24 and 25 December, funding my own stay ina central London hotel as there's no public transport on the 25th. Hopefully, I'l bring a little happiness to a few people this Christmas and I know they'll bring joy into my life, too. Tused to be quite shy, but helping out at Crisis really changed all that, Now, being around the homeless and talking to them is my way of letting them know they are just like me. If you want to experience the real spirit of Christmas, I really can't think of a better way than volunteering with Crisis! CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 27CHARITY NEWS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING With the countdown to Christmas underway, we're looking forward to one of our favourite traditions - the annual Candis Big Give! ow in its Mth year, the Candis Big Give has helped to change lives for N many over the last few years, and this year will be no exception as we once again help to support a range of health charities reach their fundraising goals as part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Last year, we heard how Back Up was helping to support people with a spinal cord injury to get the most out of life via their vital mentoring service; how Cerebra Innovation Centre was giving families hope, independence and freedom by prototyping innovative solutions to everyday challenges; and how services from Lymphoma Action, Maggie's and Neuro Therapy Centre were offering practical and emotional support to many to help them maintain their health and independence and build peer support networks. This was just some of the wonderful work achieved thanks to the 28 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK money raised during last year's Challenge, and this year we are hoping to raise even more and see many more lives changed and dreams come true through the projects funded. We are excited to be welcoming some new charities to the challenge, including Child Bereavement UK, which is raising, money to help children and families through its Child Bereavement UK Helpline; Downright Excellence, which will be providing life-changing early intervention and specialist teaching to 93 children aged 0-18 with Down syndrome in small groups, supporting them with communication and basic skills, life and employability skills and socialising which is raising funds for its national helpline that provides information and emotional support to anyone affected by multiple sclerosis. We are also welcoming back some familiar names,a. NEWS. including The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, which is raising money to deliver a personalised, digital, home-based activity programme for patients receiving immunotherapy treatment; Dreamflight, which will use the money to send 192 children with a serious illness or disability on a ten-day trip to Orlando; and SeeAbility, which is raising funds to buy an Innowalk Pro for the charity's Heather House, which is home to young people living with neurodegenerative and life- YOUR GUIDE limiting conditions. ‘To find out more about all those taking TO TAKING part in this year’s Candis Big Give, head to PART is.co.uk/charity for a full list of the and their projects. You can also read more about some of the charities we will be supporting on the next page. ‘As always, the good news is that by subscribing to Candis you are already making a difference to all the charities we are supporting, as it’s your subscriptions that enable us to make our donations. However, you can help any of our charities to raise even more by makinga special donation during The Candis Big Give Christmas Challenge (28 November-5 December), which will be doubled by our match-funding pot while funds last. See the panel for details on how to find a specific charity and make your donation. Don't forget to check back next year, as we will be featuring updates on how all the charities got on during the fundraising challenge and how your donations have made a difference, as well as sharing stories from those who have had their lives changed by the work of these charities. Merry Christmas! CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 29Here are just some of the charities in the Candis Big Give 2024... BOWEL CANCER UK © What they do: Save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer by funding research, campaigning and supporting those affected by the d Candis Big Give project: To hire two paid volunteer coordinators to develop the charity's volunteer programme and recruit, train and support more volunteers to raise awareness of bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer, but it shouldn't be because it is treatable and curable when diagnosed early. The volunteers will help save lives by signposting the public to the charity's services and health information and encourage uptake of screening. ® Location: National ¥ Fundraising target: £60,000. 30 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK CHILD BEREAVEMENT UK ‘@ What they do: Help children, parents and their families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies, Candis B ¢ project: To help children and families through its Child Bereavement UK Helpline, which offers emotional and practical support via calls, emails and LiveChat accessed through its website. The Helpline team offers people time to explore their situation, as well as providing information, signposting, referrals and support as necessary, tailored to each individual.Deliver rehabilitation, education and community services to children with a brain injury and neurodisability. To provide specialist play activities for children and young people with acquired brain injuries from across the UK, who they care for at the charity's specialist rehabilitation centre in Tadworth, Surrey. These activities will support the children to develop and learn physical, cognitive and social skills, while giving them the opportunity to express their feelings and have fun. Surrey £100,000 NEWS. Support nurses and midwives to improve care and save lives. To fund the charity's Nightingale Frontline service, which was launched in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to provide emotional well-being support for nurses and midwives across the UK. Today, the service remains in very high demand. The money raised will fund Nightingale Frontline for two of the most. challenging months of the winter, providing a psychological safe space for 120 nurses and midwives. This will also benefit patient care, as research shows a strong connection between the quality of health and patient care and the emotional and mental well-being of health and care staff. National £20,000. CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 31CHARITY NEWS KIDNEY CARE UK & What they do: Provide support to kidney patients and work to improve health and social care services for patients, their families and carers. @ Candis ¢ project: To provide emergency grants to support kidney patients facing immediate financial hardship, helping them through difficult times, These grants can help put food on the table, pay an outstanding energy debt, or help replace an important piece of household equipment, which can make a massive difference to someone living with kidney disease. Kidney disease can have a devastating effect and make life incredibly challenging. It can cause exhaustion, nausea, pain and anaemia, which makes it hard to stay warm. As well as emergency assistance to make a difference now, the charity also provides longer-term help through its expert patient support and advocacy team, which offers tailored guidance on how to navigate the benefits system maze and helps people access funds and resources they are entitled to. Location: National Fundraising target: £14,200 32 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK TOGETHER CO © What they do: Help people make connections through befriending, social prescribing and volunteering services. Candis Big Give project: To match more people with people to create friendships. The charity's befriending team will aim to facilitate 20,467 visits and 15,000 hours of support, with volunteers befriending isolated older and younger people, often with a physical or ory disability. The money raised will also help the charity increase access to monthly socials and increase resources within its connector work. A connector is a trained volunteer who provides practical and emotional support for one to six sessions, going with people to places and activities that matter to them while they build confidence to connect with the outside world and their community. Location: c Brighton and Hove QV Fundraising “ target: £30,000 / eThe easology Home Screen Explained The Home Screen is split into 4 main sections: TOP RIGHT: Four quick contacts you can assign to friends and family, or anyone you might need to contact easily. TOP LEFT: Features the time, date and weather for your area. MIDDLE: A list of your favourite apps. Download apps from the Google Play Store and add them to your home screen BOTTOM: A row of apps you are likely to use the most, including a handy magnifier, camera, settings, and internet. Introducing Sy F HOME BUTTON: A single tap on The Tablet That youtethetiomesereen. Makes Tech Easy! Watch online at www.easology.net/a8 The all-new Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 easology edition is specially designed for ease-of-use, yet it is also packed with the very latest technology... Technology is central to our lives, yet are Find clearer layouts, easy navigation, you sometimes left wondering why it is large touch points, big text and icons, not easier? That's where the Samsung and more. Galaxy Tab A8 easology edition comes in. Stylish, Sleek And Powerful Easy To Use The Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 easology Designed with ease in mind, this edition is perfect for searching the Samsung easology tablet makes the internet, video calls, watching videos, latest technology available to all social media and much more. SHASTA wif 2) fo} T0) 28 =) adn) | Aer eS re OLE Wt RPy pet ea Pee 9 2.Year eee cag waranty SO Reo eee ee BON EUnet Receseterts) secure Paymentod TING DENE RESIDENTIAL PARKS, IT'S TIME TO FOCUS ON LIFE NOT THE COST OF LIVING Freedom to live life to the full. Modern comforts. Community spirit. Exclusively for the over 45s. Moving to one of our coastal or semi-rural residential parks could help you free up cash and on your bills. So, not only w uper-comforta home ina like community, you'll also have more to spend on the good thing in life and could be closer to friends and family. Whe retiring or wi rand er you're Jn, its time to give yourself the opportunity to Y High-quality, low-maintenance, single-storey homes % Safe, secure community of like-minded residents oY Private garden and parking Y No stamp duty ©) Part exchange and assisted move options available Get in touch to find out more or arrange a park visit: www.tingdene-parks.net | 01933 427801 | info@tingdene.netCANDIS ADVERTORIAL LIVEYOURBEST 9% RETIREMENT Tingdene Residential Parks offer a retirement lifestyle that combines freedom, companionship and financial security with independent living Designed for retirees and semi-retirees, these parks BADGERWOOD provide idyllic locations in rural, coastal, and town ‘ and country settings. A park home not only provides an idyllic backdrop but also ensures financial security by reducing your expenses and enabling you to leverage the equity from your previous property for a more cost- effective lifestyle. These single-storey homes come fully furnished and backed by a 10-year warranty, ensuring minimal upkeep. Additionally, you'll have the luxury of your own outdoor space and convenient parking, ‘Tingdene Residential Parks simplifies the home-buying process with part-exchange and assisted move schemes. ‘They handle valuations, estate agents and property marketing, streamlining the move for you. Tingdene Residential Parks offer a secure, welcoming community that -f filli i i Tag guarantees a hassle-free and fulfilling retirement experience. [UPapwheyals L Cortes uis its Discover more at tingdene-parks.net aN maT Tee RTT Mente C tn Badgerwoo SANDPIPER CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 35MECC UI Nome) pete umole Pe Ree cS Mee Uredress £29.50 8-24 FEF at Tesco Ruffle blouse £29.99 xs-xl Zara Time to Get into the Christmas spirit with statement 4¥@ accessories and opulent fabrics. : Waterfall earrings £25 Phase Fight Chartreuse satin midi-skirt £35 8-20 Lucy Mecklenburgh at Very #/ Rhinestone bag £49.99 Zara a Kitten-heel orthopaedic shoes £125 Vionic i CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2028 37STYLE The Belted dress In the run-up to the big day, £25 8-24 i int in festi FEF at Tesco foal stay looking on-point in festive crawler knitwear and add a touch of f \ aes sparkle if the occasion is right. FatFace Bowtunic ‘£35 xs-xxl Next — \\ Freshwater-pearl ) bracelet £42 | John Lewis Le} Slippers £39 XX lp The White Company “Ss 38 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK ieCream sweater £62 xs-xx! Next Seauip skirt £206-22 Tin at Sainsburys Slingback shoes £85 Dune> Blouse £20; velvet trousers eb. Ela ne ess = aad } ‘ \ J A m . Sparkle y hoops £25 Phase Eight Bronze eles £129 8-18 irae Embellished shoes at Sainsbury'sThe main eve On Christmas Day or Boxing Day, combine looking chic with comfort. Shimmery top £69; matching skirt £75; both 6-24; FatFace Long pearl necklace £19.99 Zara Jewelled slip-on mules £98 The White Company Velvet jumpsuit £95 6-24 FatFace CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 41STYLE nights On those nights when you need to sparkle, go all out ~ it’s your time to dazzle and be the belle of the ball. 7 Vintage-style earrings £45 The White Company Sequin trousers £30 10-28 Bonmarché Silver blazer £79 6-24 MES 42 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UKdy Cth ida yy a Ayal! Nel} metallic- Sega Psy Ries) Dae \\ quin skirt £129 . 18 Phase Eight S £125 DuneFREE HELEN E Achieve a natural glow with a gorgeous powder blush in a choice of shades, with a mini kabuki brush for easy application 44 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UKREADER OFFER PLUS THIS EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS BUNDLE FOR CANDIS READERS - YOU SAVE £68.50! Get nine bestselling products as a treat for yourself, or as a Christmas gift for a friend or loved one. Products have been selected from the Helen E range with a retail value of £88.50 — Candis readers pay only £20. Included are a Photo Finish Skin Smoother, 3-2-1 Bronze! all-in-one bronzer, make-up brushes, a glass nail file, tweezers, a lip liner and a Gloss Balm and Colour Gloss. All products are fragrance-free and are not tested on animals. HOW TO ORDER HELEN-E.COM Blusher and mini kabuki brush Go to the FACI e Fen aan eos oes ad your shade of blusher and add to. (Orla lee eon aR Reel. Christmas bundle Go to the BUNDLES category on the Helen E website. Add the indis Christmas Bundle to your basket. Enter voucher code BUNDLE at the checkout. 0121 559 3888. Order line opens Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. ar cee eee ear eer va, CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 45WHAT GHRISTMAS eS lONeWE CREATE OUR OWN TRADITIONS. Graham's Christmas tree had an angel on top of it and ours had a star. We now have a Dolly Parton doll on our tree anda nativity scene that we set up ready for the baby Jesus to come out of hiding on Christmas Eve, when he takes pride of place in the crib. At sunset on Epiphany (6 January), we turn offall the house lights and take the nativity’s three wise men outside. Then we bless the house for the coming year, light candles and carry the figurines back indoors. CANDIS PEOPLE “IT’S JESUSS BIRTHDAY, SO | DRESS UP. LAST YEAR, | WORE A SEQUINNED DRESS, TIARA AND HIGH HEELS” MIDNIGHT COMMUNION IS MY FAVOURITE SERVICE OF THE YEAR. Tattended my first one aged 14, having started going to church that year because I fancied the vicar's son, Graham. We've now been married for 28 years. That first midnight service was so much fun, coming straight after aig Chinese takeaway with all our friends from the church youth club. Getting home in the early hours and wishing a happy Christmas to my parents before they went to bed was a rite of passage. I was no longer a child waiting for Father Christmas to fill the pillowcase draped over the end of my bed. CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 47CANDIS PEOPLE SULT E CAN HAVE TOO Dasa EO n ee een sats foresee Rnd invited to all the local Nene tec eS oneemnes te eome Td Ne eCtekeracts school dinners in one eae orn Pre acest econ PERRO emer eat aon tno PLLBEUPATSAM | yr ON CHRISTMAS DAY. ¥ When my children were 4 little, I cancelled the 8am service to open presents with them. These days I'm up early to drive to Manchester to present Good Morning Christmas from 8am to 10am on Radio 2. It’s Jesus's birthday, so I dress up. Last year [wore a sequined dress, tiara and high heels. Tl get home in time to take communion at church. Then I start cooking, I always make far too much, so there are leftovers for my Boxing Day swim at Thrybergh reservoir in Rotherham. We're a big group of swimmers, all bringing food for a big buffet. It's another tradition I love. a® THE PUB AT CHRISTMAS. It was a tradition that my dad and his brother would go to the pub on Christmas Eve. When I was seven, he came home to build a huge Sindy doll house - my parents’ present to me. He must have been a bit squiffy because it was always wonky and lopsided - but I loved it. Have a Little Faith: Life Lessons on Love, Death and How Lasagne Always Helps by the Reverend Kate Bottley (Penguin Life, £18.99) is out now. 48 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK“CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT GIVING” =e Actor Christopher Biggins loves Va 4 9 / giving his panto audiences il a December to remember... 7 ——- DECEMBER IS MY BEST AND BUSIEST MONTH. I'll usually be doing pantomime twice a day, six days a week, for a fortnight - including my birthday, on the 16th - and Tove every minute, The whole cast and crew are exhausted by Christmas Day, and usually a long way from home, too, so well get together for a traditional big lunch.CANDIS PEOPLE me « ] "| | LOVE NN I SWORE PD NEVER RECEIVING DO PANTO... GIFTS, BUT f 2, Iwas 26, and offended, 1 LOVE GIVING AKL when I was first asked to do THEM EVEN MORE. , — a pantomime. | told my I shop for them all year round, keeping my eyes peeled agent, in no uncertain wherever I go. Each present gets wrapped and put terms, that I was not, repeat away in my Christmas cupboard, ready to be not, doing panto. But the despatched as close to Christmas as I can manage. fee on offer kept going up, Come December, I won't have a minute to spare, so eventually reaching £1,000 a everything has to be ready well in advance. week - an extraordinary sum in 1974. I relented and played Mother Goose in “ITS FAIR To SAY PANTo Darlington. My costume and the set were so IS BoTH THE HARDEST over-the-top funny that AND MOST ENJOYABLE they brought the house se down ~ and soaking up WORK | DO all that adulation made ime feel like a pop star, When I was asked if fd come back for the next season, I replied, “One hundred per cent, yes!” I've done a panto nearly every year since then. It's fair to say it’s both the hardest and most enjoyable work I do.IT’S ALL ABOUT THE AUDIENCE. Tove seeing the audience's faces and gauging how they're enjoying the show, It always helps if there's a good catchphrase for the children to yell out. But I sometimes like it even more when the children go silent because they're so transfixed. I can still visualise one little boy in Darlington. He was dressed so smartly and looked so proud to be at the theatre. But I couldn't help wondering why his mother was constantly whispering in his ear. When it came to the song sheet - when children come on to the stage - he was the first to rush up. He was thrilled. I looked down at his mum to check she was OK - and saw her dissolve in tears. When the curtain fell, the director told me the little boy was completely blind. Nearly 50 years on, I'm still moved by that memory. I wonder what he’s doing now. CANDIS PEOPLE THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A DAME! Mother Goose is my favourite dame and I've played her four or five times, although I also relish being Widow Twankey in Aladdin, and Jack’s mother in Jack and the Beanstalk. Often, I'll have ten or so costume changes within a performance. My dear old friend, the late Paul O'Grady, once had to change 19 times doing Snow White. Talways request a bed for my dressing room, so I can sleep after the matinée. I keep all my make-up on, then miraculously wake up about half an hour before I have to get back on stage for the evening performance. This year, playing the Man in the Mirror in Snow White at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, I'll be flying out of ten different stage entrances, wearing a huge and dazzling mirror ball If youre in the front row, you may need sun; eT ta ie MR Ae a Le Secu CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 SToe by) Sandro Farmhouse, 31, runner-up of last year’s Great British Bake Off, admits to having mixed feelings about the festive season gNI RTop eer ROU ROU BOILER RSET NACE aunties all brought an array of sweet and savoury dishes to last us re SESE ACO TOeT-a PrN My favourites were Mum's cakes and puds. I'd skimp on turkey to have more room for those. Te cAO Tu ese Non oe ee SET) Prone cnt are un n nnta BVO een cen enero e RO eases OURS Scene OR aLEL PO Etitence Boers terete children during Covid. Bisce een rte nt Tce Rana ecient ero eat ton SCOT Bayt merCetae nnar CaseSSHH... | HATE CHRISTMAS CAKE AND CHRISTMAS PUDDING! OU Tehe ced Cee MEUM CORE CM Om Tom Oe TRC COE COT As a child, I was in such PO iene utente nn eC anT RET arush to grow up — would be a gooey chocolate tray bake, a lovely fruity but the reality is that Coron eRe Mee OLN La LTT BLT CeCe Com adulthood can be really Now, teaching baking online, I always encourage tough, and Christmas is people to start with something they love. You'll be a terrible time for alot motivated to do well and more likely to be rewarded of people. For me, the Aen last three Christmases have been particularly difficult. I lost my best friend, Shannon, to suicide on 22 December 2019 - and the awful irony is that she was someone who adored Christmas. She was like Mother Christmas to my Grinch, Shed have her tree up and decorated in “ September, and shed literally force me to enjoy myself - always cooking a mean roast f dinner and sourcing great g With Shannon in mind, from 20-27 December this year, I will be offering online baking for anyone who is on their own and wishing they weren't. I know from experience how therapeutic baking can be. It was a lifesaver after losing my dad when I was 21 - just a month before I was due to meet him for the first time. Measuring ingredients and focusing on the method is a very mindful activity - the perfect antidote to stress. CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 53CANDIS PEOPLE “CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS” For the British Heart Foundation’s retail director, Allison Swaine-Hughes, the festive period is all about making happy memories... CHRISTMAS STARTS EARLY FOR ME. I feel Christmas coming from October, when our 180 homeware stores’ sales peak. Customers are looking for everything from decorations to spare chairs and beds to accommodate guests. In our high street stores, Christmas card sales also start now and we sell about seven million. It's a warm feeling to know that all those cards could be out on mantelpieces, each one having contributed to our life-saving research. This year we will also have an e-card. People come in looking for gifts, too. You never know what you'll find in a charity shop or on our eBay platform - the world’s { largest charity platform on eBay, Sales have A included The Beatles’ = Love Me Do seven-inch demo record for ‘a a £9,400, and an > od 18ct Cartier Tank “? Francaise watch for £9,766.66.MY TREE IS UP BY 1 DECEMBER. Once the tree is up, Iam in full Christmas mode ~ making sure I factor in time off work for celebrations with friends. I still meet up with mums | met through the NCT when I had my oldest son, Leo, who's now 12. Most years, we've all got together to take our children on the little Santa Miniature Train in our local Abbey Park in Leicester. The 12-year-olds are now feeling a bit big for it, but we mums have decided we're all going to. do it one last time this year - and I reckon the kids will secretly love every minute! MEMORIES ARE “IT'S A WARM FEELING To WHAT MATTER. Til never forget the KNOW THAT ALL THOSE excitement I felt as a child CARDS COULD BE OUT ON coming downstairs on Christmas morningtosee | MANTLEPIECES, EAGH ONE the gifts piled up. A huge HAVING CONTRIBUTED Sindy house was waiting for me when Iwas seven.twas TO OQUR LIFE-SAVING completely mesmerised. ” I'm trying to create the RESEARG same happy memories for my boys. Every year [film | IT’S GOOD TO GIVE. them descending the stairs. | We have 16,000 volunteers in our We once had a bouncy stores, helping our 3,500-plus castle for our youngest son, | salaried staff over the course of Bobby, now nine, tocome | ayear. Sol ama great believer in down to. Itfilled the lounge, | the good that volunteering can do. Big toys have such impact! | For my own part, every December Iplay Secret Santa at Bobby's school, reading all the letters the children post in the school's box and replying to each one. There will be about 50 or 60, mostly from the youngest classes. Some of them bring tears to my eyes. One little boy asked Santa to make his mum (who I knew was ill) well again, while another asked Santa to give him a real live pig, All [could say was, “T'll see what I can do!” ,ISTOCK, ALAMY, SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 55COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PART 3 Christmas can be magical but all that planning and expense can feel overwhelming. Whatever your festive problem, Louise Baty and Flic Everett have the solutions for your best Christmas yet BARGAIN HUNTERS Treally want to bring the amount I spend on Christmas dinner down this year, but I have no idea where to start... To cut your food bill over Christmas, it pays to plan ahead. Supermarkets often have fantastic food offers in the weeks before Christmas. If you're looking for a Christmas dinner staple, consider buying early if it’s on offer, and freeze. While a frozen turkey costs less than a fresh ‘one, it is still one of the more expensive meat options. Chicken and pork are much cheaper, so be flexible and consider other options. You never know... roast pork might end up as your favourite new Christmas tradition! Shop-bought Christmas desserts tend to be expensive, but homemade dishes with a festive twist can be quick and cheap to prepare such 56 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK asa classic sherry trifle or an easy cheesecake topped with berries and chocolate. if you can bear to go last minute, it's worth knowing that fresh turkeys ate sold half price (or less) on Christmas Eve, along with other items near to their sell-by date. But you'll have to time it right and be willing to race through the aisles with other last-minute shoppers in your local supermarket to avoid missing out. Finally, if you have guests coming for Christmas dinner, why not suggest a ‘pot luck’ arrangement, with everyone bringing a dish along to the table to spread the cost?MAS PART 3 My oven is broken, CLT WRC A A ORE replace it - are there NALA CO aaa trimmings? Tea ike cke tas feels like a disaster, but you Cea Roce Eatoet Ula turkey crown, pop itina SSO Reco Wace RULE eee ULC e-lse|eea THE LONG GOODBYE Peo Cec ue ett kh . . Rone metei ha my How can you stop people overstaying their Rieger Kenan US welcome? I love having people round, but meat once before putting it there always seems to be a few stragglers. Us eh moel aie) Eo Meme R al When people loiter with no sign of reaching for their coat, eM Recrs rem nony take it as a compliment. They're obviously enjoying your en auc hospitality and company! eee But while throwing a festive party is fun, it's hard work, eM mn eet a and party hosts deserve downtime, The key to avoiding Sera is tricky ‘straggler’ situations over Christmas is to set out clear [AE ENauamegiten ene boundaries before your celebration begins. Preferably, outside and fluffy on the outline timings in the initial invite. if you don't put a finish er eM time on your event, how will anyone know when to leave? than oven roasted, too. From the offset, along with advising guests exactly when to ara ences arrive, tell them when the party will be finishing - ‘carriages (Ieee Ness es at 10pm’ should be clear enough, Nae eel If you have people staying Oe au overnight and would prefer them potato. Put diced potatoes not to hang around the next Miocene eee) day, why not make a prior 5 " Resa co) ‘unavoidable’ commitment f 1 CUT eM ALC that means they must leave, Sneha Ran Ca like having to take the dog y uence for a long walk? Politely Ke Cue reiterate to your guests what Ree aca ta) time you'll be heading out y ie engenie eo iy so they know when to go. recs CANDIS.CO.UK | DECEMBER 2023 57COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PART 3 « I always spend too Ue aL OM OTe can I spread the Wee ie Taavolt Elo eR ls NaC M LL aCe os Sa Cea) If not, suggest a tense eon) PIN CN Te gene ernest ets un) cae Rou suggest a Secret Santa, rata) Wa Se euay to keep costs down is with household gifts’, not individual DIY gifts c Seer eset eee nere prepare in advance. Or if ee eee or) Aguila ee RU) CP eaze Us cle could offer to bake a friend’s next birthday cake. COMPANY MATTERS I'm single with grown-up children who work over Christmas. Where can I go for Christmas without feeling like a burden? Many people spend this time of year alone, for a variety of reasons. While some may relish the solitude and the chance to eat their favourite foods and catch up on festive TY, it can be hard if you're used to having people fer than waiting for invites, make the first move by ing out to riends aren't around, ask neighbours in for festive drinks and nibbles at yours. Enquire about Christmas events at your nearest community centre or church. You could get involved in carolling and Christingle services. Some organisations also run Christrmas lunches for those who would be alone. You could consider volunteering, Popular p clude homeless shelters, soup Kitchens, nursing hom and animal shelters. Generally, very little or no training is needed for voluntary work although background checks may be requiredKIDS’ TREATS I want to make a dessert especially for the grandkids - any suggestions? There are plenty of child-friendly festive dessert options. How about a chocolate Malteser cake? Simply bake standard chocolate sponge in the oven in a metal pudding basin. Once cooled and turned out on a plate, cover in chocolate buttercream and crunchy Maltesers, drizzle with melted white chocolate and top with glace cherries and a bay leaf. It will have festive wow factor and oodles of kiddy appeal. Look online for recipes. Ice cream goes down a treat with kids, so make it super-festive. Craft a cute, edible snowman from two scoops of vanilla ice cream piled up in a dish. Use Matchmakers for arms and chocolate chips for eyes, mouth and buttons down the snowman’s tummy. Use a sliver of candied orange as a carroty-looking nose. Carefully wrap a strawberry liquorice lace around your snowman’s neck as a scarf. A thin chocolate biscuit topped with a Rolo makes a great hat. Serve one snowman to each of your little guests and tell them to get eating before their frosty friend melts away. You could let your grandkids decorate their own dessert on the day. It's a clever way to keep them entertained, Make simple vanilla cupcakes or biscuits cut into festive shapes such as stars and trees. Don't ice them though - that's a job for your mini Mary Berrys. Store the cakes or biscuits in an airtight container until the big day itself. When your little chefs are ready for dessert, lay out the cupcakes or oer biscuits on plates eS necrant alongside bowls of ring, featuring runny glacé sugar icing (add red or SME Sci) green food colouring eT for added festive fun), sprinkles, edible glitter and anything else you fancy. Then tell the kids to get creative. Adult supervision may be required and aprons will protect party clothes from spills. @ —_CANDIS.co.UK | DECEMBER 2023 59GET AHEAD GUIDELINES What can be made ahead of time? I'm working right up to Christmas Eve and have offered to host Christmas. Don't panic! Many Christmas dishes can be prepared well before. A classic Christmas cake can be made from September, wrapped in baking parchment and stored in a cool, dark place. Open it every few weeks: to ‘feed! it by poking a skewer into it and drizzling over your chosen alcohol. You can also make your Christmas pudding along with gravy and cranberry sauce, both of which can be frozen for up to three months. Up to one month before Christmas, prepare and freeze a host of Christmas edible essentials, including roast potatoes, stuffing, pigs in blankets, bread sauce, Yorkshire puddings and mince pies. With two weeks to go, if you haven't already prepped your cranberry sauce, you can make it fresh and refrigerate it until the big day. If you have the energy on Christmas. Eve, peel and slice fresh vegetables you're planning on boiling, such as potatoes, carrots and sprouts. Keep them submerged in cold water overnight and they'll be ready to go the next day. Our Happy Days menu on page 67 also has some great get-ahead recipes to take the stress out of the Christmas period. 60 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UK ALM Lac there anything I can do to URAC AOL WOM re Pere MUS a ate Toe nore sar SS Ta ru EMR OR MN UTIs Te No) Lo) camel ASH Soa CL so try to serve Christmas dinner at the SUT Nee Dee e Rens notch Lod slo] Alle Ma Ree a eo) PS a ue Cn mee i Seem CR me cele ee Daa Tao Soe Coren eRe Re acc UKs (R eo eel Rel fell ere eon RUC: Ale) family photos ahead of the day and ce Ree eg cr coe Ceo Ue Raa eC rt orca ac nee MMe a Reo) (aan emcee (odes lge RCI eee eee ea Or ae Tan anes SMa Res aS Sac Rhee eu Roos eeu Een aula MenorCHRISTMAS CHAOS How can I avoid Christmas chaos? My family are terrible timekeepers and it stresses me out. It’s immensely frustrating for hosts when people trail in half an hour after the turkey's ready or linger over lunch when children are bursting to open presents. Of course, you don't want to be a sergeant major, but equally, if you let the day be derailed by clashing attitudes to timekeeping, you're brewing up a memorable family row before The King's speech gets going The answer is to present the guests with a festive timeline well in advance. Let the kids design it, or decorate it yourself, and send it out, explaining that you've decided to do things a bit differently this year to stop you feeling stressed. Do not mention anyone's shoddy timekeeping. Instead, make it as jolly and chatty as possible and clarify what CoS culs time the various aspects Co mB, earns CRE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PART 3 of the day will cornmence, so everyone knows what to expect and when. The key to a calm Christmas is preparation so don't allow people to mill into the kitchen offering ‘help’ or spiriting the men off to the pub for a ‘quick’ Christmas drink. Make sure your household is on board, have drinks ready to serve as people arrive (a tray of sparkling wine is always a great welcome) and enlist the younger members of the party to announce the next stage of the day. You could even blare out a Christmas tune to signal the next activity. Before anyone arrives, mentally plan where people will be at what point (Im, lunch in the dining room; 4prn, clear up and move to the living room...), so you can nip any problems in the bud. Of course, no matter how well you prepare, you can't make people bend to your will so decide that if they don't, it won't ruin your Christmas. 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How can I help my husband to see him in a different light? ng t hor out of our control, h 3ut instead of accepting th 1 t your husband likes it or not. it unfold. if he p, is it the end of the nosen him, al t your husband grumble if he v lem. The bottom line i hristmas with you 62 DECEMBER 2023 | CANDIS.CO.UKx ARS KEEPING COOL ® How do keep everything chilled for a crowd? Is there anything more disappointing on Christmas Day than a glass of lukewarm prosecco? If you're catering for the masses and don't have an army of fridge freezers at your disposal, it can be a struggle to keep food and drinks chilled. It's worth having a plan, though, because food hygiene - including chilling food properly to avoid bacteria growth - is crucial. According to the Food Standards Agency, there are an estimated yearly 2.4 million cases of food poisoning in the UK. Well ahead of time, make a list of the food and drink you'll be buying and where it will be stored. Maximise fridge and freezer capacity before your festive food shop by having a clear out and eating surplus food. While it's tempting to stuff items into your fridge wherever they fit, it's worth knowing that different areas of your fridge are suited to particular foods. All fresh fish and meat, including your turkey, must be refrigerated and kept in the coldest area - the bottom shelf, if possible. If not, the shelf above will do, but ensure that raw meat isn’t dripping on to food below. Veggies - especially salad leaves ~ last longer in the ‘crisper’ drawers at the bottom of the fridge, which offer a slightly different humidity and temperature. However, you can make space if necessary by taking out carrots, sprouts and parsnips and storing them at room temperature for a day or so. As the top fridge shelf is the warmest area its ideal for cheese and sauces. Check COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PART 3 you're not filling precious fridge space with foods that don’t need to be in there, such as onions, potatoes, Christmas cake and mince pies. When it comes to chilling drinks away from your fridge, put unopened bottles in a bucket of cold water outside, perhaps within easy reach of your back door. The cold December weather should keep beer, white wine and soft drinks cool. Once bottles of wine or champagne are open, keep them chilled in a wine cooler bucket filled with ice, or slip a vacuum wine cooler jacket over the bottles. Ifall else fails and you've run out of chilled booze, offer red wine, which should be kept at room temperature, or Christmassy mulled wine, which is served piping hot... cheers! Finally, in order to urea ct) Sel MORO try toa) eta TET Teese light and just go ma