Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Platinum

What if we did Christmas differently this year? At Platinum, we’ve decided it’s time to rip up the rule book. For years we’ve been looking after everyone else – buying the gifts, basting the turkeys, smoothing over the family rows – and frankly, we’re done. What if Christmas this year was all about you and what you want? Have no idea what you want? Then Tanya Lynch is here to teach us how to journal, and get clear about it. ‘I help women to channel their emotions into something more creative so they can live life with ease.’ That sounds a great place to start (p42). You can spend Christmas Day alone if you fancy (yes, really – peace on earth and all that). Therapist Susie Masterson gives us tips…

Q What’s the biggest life lesson you’d share with your younger self? I have much more faith in my intuition now than I did when I was younger. Now, if I have a bad feeling about something, I don’t do it, and I would say to my younger self: if you see a red flag, stop right there. Don’t think it is romantic to press on and gamble with yourself. Stop, and probably step cautiously backwards. Q What keeps you up at night? I am lucky to sleep so well that the only thing that keeps me up at night is when I actually am up – staying up. I love a good party, and I love a long leisurely talk after a dinner party, when you should really go…

Cancel the gym – huffing up the stairs counts as exercise now, says Platinum Health Editor Rachel Dobson. Oh good. Science has spoken and it turns out everything we’ve been doing to avoid real exercise – running for the bus, carrying shopping like a pack mule, cleaning up after ourselves (and others) – might actually be saving our lives. According to a new study, we can all live longer by doing one minute of “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity” (or VILPA, if you’re into acronyms). Translation: move like a maniac for 10 seconds at a time, preferably while chasing your dog/a child, hoovering your hallway or sprinting down the stairs when you smell something burning in the kitchen/hear the doorbell. Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis of the University of Sydney (a handsome…

By December, the dark mornings, endless deadlines and festive party whirl can leave even the most energetic of us feeling like we’re dragging our feet through treacle. But with a few smart nutritional choices, you can put some spark back into your system and make it through the season feeling brighter and stronger. VITAMIN B12: THE SPARK PLUG OF ENERGY ‘Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and energy metabolism,’ says Rob. ‘If your levels are low, you’ll feel wiped out, foggy and flat.’ At risk? Vegetarians, vegans, older adults and anyone on certain meds like metformin or reflux drugs. Foods to try: smoked salmon blinis, pâté, eggs in festive mini quiches, or even fortified plant-based eggnog. IRON: OXYGEN FOR EVERY CELL Iron is the mineral that literally…

STYLE CHALLENGE Emma’s health issues meant she was in constant pain and couldn’t even wear a bra comfortably. Her go-to wardrobe became loose, baggy pieces. While easy to wear, they left her hiding away from colour and shape. Now that she’s feeling better, Emma is ready to rediscover her style and inject some vibrancy into her wardrobe. NICKY’S STYLE ASSESSMENT The first thing I noticed was how Emma’s clothes seemed to hang from her shoulders. She had lost weight, and her wardrobe no longer flattered her shape. Step one was finding the right fit. From there, it was all about introducing pieces that created gentle curves, added definition, and most importantly, lifted her complexion with fresh, joyful colour. STYLE SOLUTION Even through the layers, Emma’s slim, shapely legs were hard…

Meet Linda Sweet, 62, an over-60s model who also works as a children’s yoga instructor and volunteers as a stylist with Save the Children and Smartworks Bristol. Get the look Nothing screams party louder than a pair of sequin trousers; team with a satin blouse for the ultimate in grown-up glamour. Linda’s top tips for style confidence: 1 Water and factor 50 – It’s not rock’n’roll, but I believe them to be the two most important things for keeping your skin looking great. 2 Yoga – I used to be a real adrenaline addict with exercise, but as I have got older (and many injuries later!), I tend to focus on exercise that improves strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga has also been great during those stressful times in life for regaining focus.…

Christmas cooking doesn’t have to mean chaos in the kitchen. In her latest book, The Batch Lady Saves Christmas, Suzanne Mulholland shows how to prep, freeze and glide through the holidays stress-free. Her smart, make-ahead method means you can whip up a festive spread without breaking a sweat – leaving you free to enjoy the fizz instead. This month, we’ve picked three recipes guaranteed to impress: a silky smoked trout pâté for easy entertaining, the ultimate make-ahead roast turkey, and a sticky toffee twist on Christmas pudding that’ll win over even the pudding-dodgers. Calm, clever and deliciously festive. Smoked Trout Pâté Serves 8-10Prep 5 minutes A party trick in a blender! This creamy, zesty pâté takes minutes to make, freezes beautifully, and looks fabulous on crackers with a sprig of…

Rob Hobson is a registered nutritionist, running a private practice that supports everyone from royals to Team GB athletes. A Sunday Times bestselling author, Rob’s new book The Low Appetite Cookbook is out soon. In the December issue, he shares simple nutrient boosts, lifestyle tweaks and festive food swaps to help keep your energy high this winter (p32). Eimear Draper Dating coach and founder of Kindling Dating, Eimear empowers singles to step into the driver’s seat of their love lives. Backed by a team with lived experience, she helps people find love through positive habits and practical support. This month, Eimear guides one reader to a happy, healthy relationship (p76). Philippa Gregory has reigned supreme over the Tudor court for more than 30 novels, turning historical scandal into page-turners. Her…

OTHER PEOPLE’S FUN by Harriet Lane Ruth is unexpectedly alone in midlife. Her marriage has ended, her daughter is moving out, and her job offers little solace or distraction. Therefore, she is extremely excited when Sookie, her vivacious old schoolfriend, tumbles back into her life. Self-confident and successful, Sookie never used to have time for Ruth but, as her life is far from the Instagram-dream she presents, she turns to her. Sookie is not looking for a confidant, rather an audience. Oozing with creeping unease and tremendously honest observations, this is a clever commentary on friendship, families and affairs. • If you’re fed up of Instagram fakery BOLEYN TRAITOR by Philippa Gregory I devoured this novel. Jane Boleyn was the sister-in-law of the famous Anne and is drawn in history…

So here we are – back in party season. 2025 seems to have passed so quickly and before we know it, we will be in 2026. Between now and then, most of us are likely to overindulge. I don’t want to be a party pooper, but I thought we probably should take a look at the truth about alcohol. WHAT ARE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION? The NHS recommends that men and women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, and that those units should be spread over at least 3 days. That is actually much less than most people realise. When I talk to people in surgery about alcohol units, most significantly underestimate their consumption. Historically, we used to refer to a glass of wine…

Christmas is supposed to be magical. The twinkling fairy lights, cosy gatherings, and the spirit of giving gifts should fill us with joy. But what happens when instead of feeling festive and jolly, you’re consumed with rage? Especially when family dynamics make your blood boil, when financial pressure crushes your vibe, or when the relentless expectation to be merry feels suffocating. Take it from someone who feels all the feels at Christmas: you’re not broken, you’re human. And there’s a powerful way to transform that Christmas fury and frustration into something liberating… it’s called journalling. For those of you who may be new to the wellbeing benefits of journalling or have struggled to keep a consistent practice, it doesn’t promise quick fixes or overnight healing. But what it does offer…

Festive Elegance A Christmas jumper doesn’t have to be casual. Pairing a patterned knit with a flowing olive satin skirt instantly elevates the outfit, striking the perfect balance between cosy and chic. This outfit is proof that a holiday knit can shine well beyond the sofa. Playful Glamour Perfect for those who love to make a statement at holiday parties without losing that cosy seasonal spirit. Layer a colourful Fair Isle knit under a striking velvet blazer – the rich textures and vibrant shades bring instant festive cheer, while a tiered ruffle maxi skirt adds a sense of drama. Casual Sparkle For an easygoing yet stylish way to wear a Christmas jumper, pair it with wide-leg dark denim. The relaxed shape of these jeans balances the cosy knit, while metallic…

For most of my life, I’ve had long hair. There was a brief flirtation with short crops – an asymmetric bob, even a crew cut – but they never lasted. The truth is, I love having long hair; it’s part of my identity, and I simply wouldn’t feel like myself without it. I certainly had no plans to cut it short just because I’m getting older – until the shedding began. At first glance, you might not notice anything different, but I can feel it: there’s far less hair than there used to be. The contrast is stark when I compare mine to my daughter’s – her hair is more than twice as dense. I remember when mine was so thick I could barely get an elastic band around it…

We’re told endlessly that Christmas is about giving – but that doesn’t mean you giving to everyone else. Let’s be honest: you’ve already done more than your fair share of invisible labour over the decades – the endless wrapping, planning, shopping, cooking, writing cards to people you haven’t seen since 1997, and locating the one pair of “good scissors” that always mysteriously vanish in December. This is the season to remember that our cups deserve to be filled too. Receiving isn’t selfish; it’s a form of soul care, and perhaps the most important gift we can allow ourselves. The truth is, receiving doesn’t always come naturally. Many of us were raised to wave away offers of help, to brush off compliments, to say, ‘Oh, don’t worry about me’. It can…

ALAN’S TOP TIP ‘Keep an eye on overwintering plants in the greenhouse. A little dryness won’t hurt, but clear away dead leaves and watch for pests. With no summer breezes to shift the air, trouble spreads fast.’ Did you know? ● Poinsettias hail from Mexico, where they can grow into four-metre shrubs. ● Mistletoe was once thought to guard against witches and lightning. ● Holly berries are poisonous to us, but thrushes tuck in like it’s Christmas dinner. ALAN’S ALMANAC: DECEMBER IN THE GARDEN AND ALLOTMENT Alan Coxon: food and heritage expert, and Platinum’s very own gardening voice. With a passion for the land, Alan will be our guide through the gardening year. Find out more at roaming-the-paths.co.ukand alans-almanac.co.uk. ● Feed the birds. Keep the buffet stocked – seeds, fat…

This isn’t necessarily a Christmas column, so I promise to only mention the C-word once (well, twice now). I want us to forget all about sleigh bells and jingle bells – let those be distant sounds. This story is about the sound of one bell: the doorbell. Or more specifically, the food that was delivered to my patient when she opened the door after the bell rang. My patient loved Deliveroo. I mean, really loved Deliveroo. Each time she mentioned it, her eyes lit up. Recently though, she told me that she had found herself reaching for her phone and ordering what she fancied a little more frequently. From what she said, it sounded like lately there had been enough door-opening foodie reveals to rival an Advent calendar. The thing…

Noted & noteworthy December’s quiet wonder The hedgerows may be bare, but the world twinkles. Fairy lights in windows, carols floating on frosty air, the slow crunch of boots on frozen ground – December is when ordinary life gets dressed in sequins. It’s a month that reminds us: magic isn’t just for children. This month in history December in the ’90s meant more than festive shopping – it was the golden age of the Christmas TV special. From Only Fools and Horses pulling in record audiences to the John Lewis ad still being a twinkle in a marketer’s eye, we gathered round the box with Quality Street and no remote wars (until someone suggested The Queen’s Speech). Proof that sometimes, the best festive traditions happened on the sofa. MUST-WATCH Trespasses,…

Hello, Platinumistas! It’s officially party season and I am so ready for it. December is one of my favourite months of the year – so much excitement, so many celebrations, and of course, the perfect excuse to dress up more than usual (woo-hoo!). Any reason to sparkle and shine, and I’m there. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to save your sequins for the Christmas party. In fact, my favourite way to wear them is day or night, all month long. Yes, you heard me right – consider this your 31-day sparkle challenge. Whether it’s your shoes, your socks, a hair clip or your clothes, I want you to add a dash of shimmer and shine to every single day and outfit you wear in December. What do you…

STYLE TIP The defined waistline beautifully enhances an hourglass silhouette, while the flared sleeves slim the arms. STYLE TIP The puff sleeves balance out narrower shoulders, making it a dream choice for those with a pear-shaped figure. STYLE TIP The draped wrap effect defines the waist and slims the midsection, making it especially flattering for inverted triangle body shapes seeking curves. STYLE TIP The asymmetric neckline draws the eye upward, flattering broad shoulders and adding balance to athletic body shapes. STYLE TIP The A-line cut skims over the hips, while embellishment disguises a tummy, making it a flattering option for apple shapes who prefer to show off their legs. STYLE TIP The empire line elongates the body, making it ideal for petite figures wanting to add height.…

DATING DILEMMA Dilly Orme, 56, an interior stylist and writer (@dillyorme), living near Hampton Court, Surrey, realised that she was stuck in an unfulfilling relationship pattern. ‘I edit spaces and words for my living, and I had effectively been editing my relationships, to see the positives, even though they weren’t entirely working for me and ultimately meeting my needs,’ says Dilly. ‘I have had three two-year relationships since my marriage ended 11 years ago, but I noticed a pattern. Although they were committed – we were exclusive, boyfriend and girlfriend – they weren’t developing into “building a life together” where we really supported each other. I decided it was time for change. ‘I ended my most recent relationship a year ago. He is a lovely man, who I adored, and…

It’s party season, so who else is hunting through the wardrobe for something to wear over the festivities that’s glam yet not tried too hard? Vintage? Classic? A go-to favourite? Something diva-esque yet dependable to give you the luxe, confident, “I’ve got this” vibe? Yet, it’s not just our fashion fix that can benefit from a style shot of effortless glitz. Our humble homes can radiate and glimmer over the holidays, and beyond, with a glow-up too. Décor can become a welcoming extension of ourselves – but how to balance extra bling while looking gorgeous rather than gawdy is a fine art. This is where I turn to the faded-glamour aesthetic; blending old-world opulence with the comfortably worn. Lived-in, even romantic dressing incorporating items that are imperfect and tell a…

Fancy gathering a group of like-minded women for bookish chats, nibbles and maybe a cheeky glass of wine? Then it’s time to start your very own Platinum Book Club. A book club is a little gathering where you decide on one book, you all read it and then you come together to talk about it afterwards. HERE’S HOW TO DO IT IN FOUR EASY STEPS... 1 Gather your reading crew Think friends, neighbours, yoga pals, or fellow Platinum readers. You don’t need a huge group – six to 10 people is perfect for a cosy, manageable gathering. 2 Pick a time and place Currently, we’d like to encourage you to join our quarterly book club – one book for every season for your in-person gathering. Host at home, rotate locations, or meet…