Innehållsförteckning för 5 December 2024 från Chat

If the sparkles and Santa hats hadn't given it away, you're holding in your hands the Christmas bumper issue of Chat! Along with cheesy TV ads and Michael Bublé on the radio, our big fat festive issue is a sure sign that the big day will be with us soon. For all the fun of the season, it's a busy time. So why not sneak off with our shocking real-life stories, festive food and fashion, bargain gifts for everyone from just £1, and some giggles too. Enjoy!…

Anna-Louise Bates, 48, Cardiff Wrapped in a fluffy cloak and white gown, in the freezing cold, I felt like I'd stepped out of Narnia. ‘I love you, Mrs Wonderful,’ my new husband Stuart smiled. It was our wedding day in December 2006. I'd designed my own dress, with Swarovski crystals. Heading to our reception at Cardiff Castle, we strolled through the Winter Wonderland funfair. Festive tunes rang out and merry-go-rounds whizzed. We pulled on festive jumpers and headed to a party Like a fairy tale. I'd fallen for Stu a year earlier, after meeting on a night out. Gentle and kind, he signed off every message with ILYWAMHMW xxxx. Short for, ‘I love you with all my heart, Mrs Wonderful.’ His little nickname for me. We both loved Christmas. A…

ALL UNDER £40…

TRUE-LIFE The sun beamed down on the Hawaiian Islands – sandy beaches lined with palm trees stretched for miles. In December 1991, Dana Ireland, 23, was looking forward to spending her first Christmas there. She'd moved to the Kapoho area of The Big Island after graduating from George Mason University, Virginia. Followed in the footsteps of her sister Sandra, who'd moved there when Dana was little. Dana wanted to become a physical therapist, hoped to find a job on the island. Her parents Louise and John had flown in to spend the festive season with their girls. Dana planned a Christmas Day party. On 24 December, after visiting her friend, she hopped on her bike to cycle the seven-mile journey home. Only, she never made it. At 4pm, Sandra found…

Santa's little helper Claire Dean, Ipswich, Suffolk A tiny bundle of brown fur, tail wagging furiously, our new puppy was even cuter than I imagined. Looking up at me with big, beautiful eyes, exactly the same colour as his fur, I knew what I'd call him. ‘You're just like a Rolo chocolate,’ I chuckled, scooping him up as he licked my cheek. It was January 2014 and Rolo was a 12-week-old springer spaniel/poodle cross, rescued by the RSPCA. Found close to death at a puppy farm near our home in Essex. Two puppies had already died from infection, but the RSPCA managed to rescue 27 other pups, including Rolo and three of the mummy dogs. Gentle and patient, he likes interacting with people Bred as Christmas presents. Kept in terrible…

Making sure everyone wears their hat from the Christmas crackers, no excuses! Getting sentimental while decorating the tree. Even though those ancient baubles made in nursery and infant school are looking a little worse for wear. Watching kids open a present that you bought and wrapped, then asking, ‘What is it?’ Spending the morning of 25 December watching everybody opening their prezzies, while rushing around with a bin bag picking up the recycling. Organising a family board game, which takes hours to play, then dodging taking part yourself as you're ‘too busy’. Or is that all part of the plan? Hogging the playlist and talking about how handsome Michael Bublé is after your second Baileys. Debuting your latest gaudy jumper. Just where do you source those sequin-and-wool designs? Insisting on…

Going on strike at Christmas Q I told my husband that I'm going on Christmas strike – no buying prezzies, no picking up online orders and definitely no wrapping! I've done it every year but with three kids now to buy for, as well as my side of the family, I'm refusing to do his too. Only, he's not bought a single present and hasn't even scraped together a list! I don't want to cave but I don't want his mum and dad going without on Christmas. Jess, 38 A First of all, good for you for laying down the law, my love. Some blokes just don't realise quite how stressful this time of year can be – or how lucky they are to have a wife to act as…

TRUE-LIFE Jean Hartley,72, Merseyside Music blared out from my daughter's bedroom. I cringed from the kitchen as she and her brother shouted the words. Madonna, again. It was August 1985, and my eldest, Julie, then 15, was obsessed. And my youngest, Christopher, then 5, loved anything his big sisters did. Me and my husband Philip, then 33, had five kids, so life was hectic. They were giggling one minute, squabbling the next. Chris was the cheekiest, always up to something. He'd race down the hill we lived on in an old go-kart. ‘Slow down,’ I'd shout, heart in my mouth. In time, Julie moved in with her boyfriend, and in August 1988, I had another son, Michael. Chris adored his baby bro, but was still mischievous. Disappearing for hours, making…

Aries 21 March-20 April Use your inner strength to overcome something that's been a challenge for some time. While you can speak up and lead the way, you may need to ask for help. • Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May As an Earth sign, you can encourage things to come your way if you set a clear intention and remain open to receiving them. Try this to manifest a new desire. • Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June What you perceive as a problem is a blessing in disguise. Change your perspective and you'll soon realise what you really need has been there all along. • Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July Rise up to challenges by…

Karen Smith, 55, Deptford, London Mesmerised by the deep blue eyes staring back at me from my screen, I typed out a message. When can we meet? It was February 2019, and after seeing pictures on social media, I'd fallen in love. Coco was the most beautiful kitty I had ever seen. I'll happily spend £1,000 on presents for the cat My partner Dave, then 53, and I had discussed getting a cat. But living in a one-bed flat, we'd agreed it wasn't the right time. Until I'd spotted this post on Facebook. Kitten looking for a good home. Some teens had found a cat abandoned by the side of the road, and called him Coco. The cutest brown and white ball of fluff. My heart went out to the…

1 PREP YOUR LIDS If you're creating a statement eye, primer is essential to ensure a smooth canvas and prevent creasing. 17. Eye Primer, £4, Boots, mattifies lids so eyeshadow stays put. Otherwise, you can apply concealer across the lid and around the eye, which will also help to even out any discolouration on the eyelids. Try L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, £10.99, Boots. As a general rule, it's best to stick to a maximum of three shadows and a liner. Start by applying a pale shade across the whole eye, up to the brow bone in ivory, bone or even something light and shimmery. For an extra bit of Christmas magic, dab a light sparkling eyeshadow in the very centre of your eyelid. 2 MAP WITH EYELINER…

GIFTS Don't buy presents for any under-1s in your family. They'll never remember anyway. Cheapskate? No, just realistic. Insist everyone is super careful opening gifts so you can iron the wrapping paper and use it again next year. Savvy and kind to the planet – what's not to like? Use old supermarket paper bags as gift bags. They're neither sparkly nor festive but it's the thought that counts, right? There's no shame in ‘passing on’ unwanted prezzies from last year. Just make sure you remove the tag saying ‘With love from Auntie Janet’ if you're passing it on to your nan. Christmas gifts for teachers? Only if they're planning on offering free childcare over the Christmas hols. Nope, thought not… Keep the older kids’ Christmas PJs for the little ones…

Born in 1951, Bruce McArthur was raised by strict church-going parents on a farm in Ontario, Canada. Aged 23, he got married, fathered two children. Hiding his true sexuality. After a string of affairs with men, McArthur came out to his wife. In 1997, he moved to Toronto, built a new life and became a regular on the gay scene. He worked as a landscape gardener and picked up extra work over Christmas, playing Santa in a local shopping centre. Dressed in a big red suit with a curly white beard, he posed for photos with children and families. Surrounded by twinkling lights, presents and a giant Christmas tree, Bruce McArthur was a picture-perfect Santa Claus. But behind the beard, there was something sinister lurking. Signs that all wasn't right…

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TRUE-LIFE All around me, people were screaming and crying. In shock, I realised that Fraser and Stu had been hit by a car. I crouched beside Fraser. My friend's partner was attempting CPR. My little boy was unconscious, making a gurgling sound. Trying to breathe. Please Fraser, please… ‘Take care of my husband!’ I begged the people who'd come running to help. But Stu wasn't moving either. As lights and sirens descended, nothing felt real. Minutes earlier, we'd been at a party. Stu had been Santa. Fraser had been hugging me. The perfect evening. Now this. As they were both taken to hospital in separate ambulances, I was driven in a police car. Heart-wrenching. Thankfully, Elizabeth was safe with my friends. At the hospital, relatives arrived and we waited tearfully…

TRUE-LIFE Wayne Allingham, 50, Tonbridge, Kent Flowery skirts, pretty prints and cute cardies hung in the wardrobe. Picking out a twirly dress, I pulled it on. Swished from side to side, admiring my reflection in the mirror. Then I heard footsteps on the stairs. ‘Get that off,’ Mum snapped, bursting in. With a loud tut, she hung the dress back inside my sister's wardrobe. I shuffled out of the room, my right leg dragging behind me. It was 1979 and, aged 5, I knew I was different. And not just because I was a boy who liked dressing up in girls’ clothes. Suddenly, I was 5 years old again, playing dress up Born with hemiparetic cerebral palsy, it caused weakness in the right side of my body. My right arm,…

True-life PATIENT CASEBOOK Alexandra Nailwal, 41, Winchester, Hampshire Pulling off layers of clothing in the school hall, I smiled at the mum and dad sat next to me. It was December 2015, and me and my husband Shekhar were at our eldest son's school for his Nativity play. Only, as I took off my gloves and hat, I noticed the couple next to us staring at me. ‘Is everything OK with your face?’ the mum whispered. My heart just sank. ‘It's my rosacea,’ I explained. ‘It always flares up when I come in from the cold.’ She smiled sympathetically. But for the next hour, while we watched the kids dressed up in tinsel singing Christmas songs, I wanted the ground to swallow me up. For years, ever since giving birth…

For excited children in one Norfolk village, the forecast this Christmas is cloudy with a chance of reindeer. Tinkerbelle the red-nosed reindeer! Only, look a bit closer and you'll see 2-year-old Tinkerbelle is actually the cutest little Shetland pony, doing her best Rudolph impression. Belonging to Kirsty Gray, the owner of Spring Meadows Pony Parties in Old Catton, Norfolk, Tinkerbelle already has a huge fan base from her appearances dressing as a unicorn for children's parties. Kirsty first decided to dress Tinkerbelle up as ‘Tinky the Rudolph’ last Christmas, taking the eager little Shetland on a walk through the village. The pair visited elderly residents in care homes, spreading festive cheer. ‘Everyone loves meeting Tinkerbelle and we've made people of all ages so happy,’ said Kirsty. ‘She's brought elderly residents…

Top tip Make the cheesecake up to 2 days in advance. Drizzle with coulis just before serving. White chocolate, raspberry and pomegranate cheesecake A festive take on a firm family favourite. SERVES 16 PREP 30 MINS, PLUS CHILLING COOK 10 MINS ● 250g Lotus biscuits ● 100g butter, melted ● 12g sachet gelatine ● 150ml single cream ● 200g white chocolate, melted ● 1kg full-fat soft cheese ● 1tbsp vanilla bean paste ● 300g raspberries ● 300g pomegranate seeds ● Raspberry coulis, to serve You will need: ● 20cm round, loose-based cake tin, greased and lined with baking paper, festive decorations to go on top of the cheesecake 1 Whizz the biscuits in a processor to fine crumbs. Pour in the butter and pulse to combine. Press the crumbs into the…

In 1914, a young girl called Charlotte May Pierstorff travelled across Idaho to visit her granny by train classed as what, since she met the 50lb weight limit? Unscramble each group of letters to discover six words associated with the post. Now fit them across the grid and you'll spell out the answer to the question. 1 PEEL OVEN 2 CAKE GAP 3 SAD REDS 4 COD POETS 5 OUR ERIC 6 SLIT SCARFS WIN £75 Puzzle 17 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 88 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

Steph Scott, 28, from Newcastle upon Tyne What's your favourite Christmas film? Elf. I can't express how happy Buddy the elf makes me. I re-enact the ‘Santaaa! I know him!’ weekly from October to January. When do you put up your Christmas decorations? Is this a safe space for a confession? Honestly, normally the day after bonfire night! As soon as Halloween is over I can feel the gingerbread latte coursing through my veins. What's the Christmas morning routine in your house? With a 2-year-old, the 6am wake-up is a daily thing but on Christmas Day I'm so excited I can't sleep past then either. We open our stockings, then go downstairs and open presents and have a ‘naughty’ Christmas breakfast with Buck's Fizz. Then visit family before lunch. WE…

A house on Craven Street, next to Charing Cross station in London, which opened to visitors in 2006, is the only surviving residence of which of the US founding fathers? The number next to the clue tells you which line the answer's in. We've put a section in to start you off! There may be two Across answers in one line. Down words fill themselves in. The shaded squares spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 Loud noise from a car exhaust 3 Day before • Brilliant success 5 Hard, durable wood • Religious image 7 Collector's item • Long thin fish 9 Theological college Your answer:…

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What do actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna have in common? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the five-word prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS 1 Sports venue (5) 4 Large brass instrument (4) 6 Guess (8) 13 Sure, definite (7) 14 Defrosting (7) 15 Hex (5) 16 Ready to be eaten (4) 17 Travelling by horse (6) 18 Lucky charm (6) 20 Rip (4) 21 Take place (5) 22 Rectangular shape (6) 25 Heard (8) 28 Britney _, Toxic singer (6) 30 Cloth for drying things (5) 32 Microscopic organisms (8) 34 Spending plan (6) 35 Part of the school year (4) 38 Carrie _, Star Wars actor (6) 39 Health worker (5) 40 Shackles (6) 43 Per person (4) 44 Tilted to one side (6) 45 _ Athletic, London football club (8) 48 Rub out (5) 49 Advantage (6) 51 Writer of music (8) 54…

Itchy willy Q I'm 24 and heading out on a lads’ holiday in the new year. I think I might be allergic to condoms, as my penis gets sore and itchy after using them. What should I do? Louis, Arundel A As you gear up for your holiday, it's important to think about keeping yourself safe from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most people associate STIs with chlamydia, gonorrhoea or genital herpes, but serious conditions like HIV and hepatitis B can also be spread through sex. Condoms are your best bet for reducing STIs, but if you have a latex allergy, that can make things tricky. As you're sore and itchy after using them, you may be reacting to latex, but some people also react to the lubricants or spermicides in…

In the US sitcom Seinfeld, Kramer has his perfume idea stolen by – and ends up modelling underwear for – which fashion brand? To find out, solve the puzzle… Add a letter anywhere in each of the boxed-off words to fit the clue, eg, Move quickly = SOOT + C = SCOOT. Write the added letter in the space provided. Read down the added letters to spell out the prize answer. WIN 2x £25 Puzzle 9 Your answer: TO ENTER Turn to page 88 for details or visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com/puzzles…

With their trendy haircuts, goofy teeth and plenty of woolly padding, who wouldn't fall in love with Cosmo and Nigel? These two adorable alpacas look even cuter at Christmas donning their snazzy red glittery bow ties and gold reindeer antlers. They trot around the wards at their local hospital in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, grinning at patients and bringing joy to all. Their owner and trainer Ginnie Meakin, from Cotswold Vale Alpacas, says being around them can be great therapy. ‘We do a lot of care-home and hospital visits with our therapy alpacas. They make people smile and give everyone they come into contact with a lovely, heart-warming feeling,’ said Ginnie. ‘We especially love taking them into hospitals at Christmas time and it lifts the spirits of both patients and staff.’ Cosmo…

Shelly Gill, 50, Merseyside Presents wrapped, I stashed them in a suitcase and shoved it under the bed in the spare room. ‘No one will find them there,’ I chuckled to myself. It was November 2022, and I was all prepped for Christmas. I'd bought my little boy Theo, then 4, a Nintendo Switch and some games. Squirrelled them away. I'd even dragged the tree down from the loft. That night, as I topped it with a star, I couldn't wait to see Theo's face light up the next morning. I'd separated from his dad Graham the year before, so I wanted to make this Christmas extra special. Starting early, I planned to take him on light trails, visit Santa's grotto and soak up all the festive magic. As well…

TRUE-LIFE Jemma Eyre, 39, Scarborough Cradling the baby, my daughter Olivia gazed lovingly at her tiny rosebud lips, gently stroked her perfect round cheek. ‘Time for your bottle,’ she whispered. It was Christmas Day 2019 and Father Christmas had brought Olivia, then 4, a brand new dolly. ‘She'd be a great big sister,’ my fiancé Mark, then 34, said. ‘Let's concentrate on the wedding first,’ I smiled. Our little girl had been asking for a sibling ever since she could talk. But with a wedding to plan, our own scaffolding business to run, plus an energetic Olivia, life was hectic enough. The next night, helping Olivia into her PJs, I noticed a lump on her left forearm. It was spongy to touch, spanned across the muscle in her arm. ‘Does…

3 ways to… save on presents Keep a lid on what you spend on Christmas gifts with these tips… 1 Set a budget Before you hit the shops, work out how much you can afford to spend on Christmas overall, then work out how much you want to spend on gifts. Consider if you can reduce the number of people you buy for. For example, if you're in a big family and you usually all buy each other gifts, suggest doing a secret Santa instead. And if you normally exchange presents with friends, suggest not doing it this year. You might find they're relieved! Once you know how much you're planning to spend on each person, keep a note as you shop to keep track of how much you're spending. 2 Find…

The Story of Panto with Gyles Brandreth SKY ARTS • If you're planning to go to a panto this festive season, you might be interested to learn about the origins of this uniquely British art form, as Celebrity Gogglebox star Gyles Brandreth looks into its roots and history in this one-off documentary. Along the way, the panto aficionado will be joined by fellow experts Julian Clary and Gary Wilmot. The Agency PARAMOUNT+ • This 10-part political thriller stars Michael Fassbender as covert CIA agent Martian who's ordered to abandon his undercover life. However, when the lover he left behind reappears, he's thrown into a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage. Richard Gere and Jodie Turner-Smith also star. SOAP SHOCKER EastEnders BBC1 • Elaine's due to marry George, but after…

TRUE-LIFE Sam Michaels, 56 Wearing huge, curly shoes, a silly elf outfit and hat, I looked in the mirror and burst out laughing. ‘You look ridiculous,’ teased my mum Brenda, then 80. ‘Look who's talking!’ I replied. It was Christmas Day 2023 and the pair of us were dressed as elves. My son Andrew, then 36, was over with his partner Lauren, 36, and their kids Michael, then 15, Kobi, 14, Finley, 4, and Annabella, 2. Standing at the bottom of the stairs, we called out to my husband Simon, then 58. ‘Father Christmas!’ we yelled in unison until Simon appeared dressed as the big man himself, with a sack full of presents. A silly Christmas tradition, but it was so much fun. Ever since we lost my dad Jim…

The main event Whatever your preference, we've got you covered. Exceptional Norfolk Heritage Slate Turkey, 4-5.5kg, £10/kg, Asda If you're feeding a crowd, this is the perfect bird. The flavoursome and tender meat had us all going back for more. We'd suggest a slightly shorter cook than instructed (use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking), and a long rest before carving. Irresistible Hereford beef joint with bone marrow gravy, 710g, £10, Co-op Tender and succulent, this beef joint has a delicious peppery crust that adds plenty of flavour to the meat. The gravy also had a lovely, rich flavour. Suitable for smaller gatherings, this would serve four to six people. Roasted Vegetable & Cranberry Star 340g, £6, Tesco Add sparkle to your festive table with this striking vegan centrepiece. Butternut…

Sian Evans, 29, Ascot, Berkshire A French fry hanging from my lips like a ciggie, toilet roll wrapped around my head and dressed in a bin bag, I sashayed down the bar. ‘Yay!’ cheered my friends as I jiggled my hips. It was November 2022 and I was at my best friend Laura's hen do in a drag bar in London. Playing some daft dressing-up game and having the time of my life. ‘You've got so much confidence,’ Laura, then 28, laughed afterwards. ‘The life and soul,’ I chuckled. Only, behind the outgoing persona and crazy antics, I was a mess. Inside and out. At 27st 7lb, a dress size 30 and 5ft 7in tall, I was morbidly obese. I hadn't always been big, though. At school, I'd been teased…

Looking cool Here's me with my beautiful boys Alfie, 18, Toby, 16, and George, 6, in our matching penguin PJs. They make me so proud. Kyla Voice, Hampshire Magical moment Me, husband Dean and sons Acer, 5, and Axel, 3, were so thankful to be together last Christmas. This was taken the night Acer got home from hospital after openheart surgery weeks earlier. Katie Underhill, Warwickshire Treemendous My little elves Poppy, 12, Riley, 10, and Teddy, 7, were so excited on Christmas Eve… can you tell? Leanne Stewardson, Shropshire Santa squad They're the apple of my eye – my wife Lou and kids Raff, 3, and Minnie, 5. Chris Smith, Nottinghamshire Paw patrol Even Bella the dog gets involved in the festive fun with (from left) my son Elijah, 16,…

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Solutions to Chat issue 44 (31 October 2024) Puzzle 2 Peaty Puzzle 3 Alley Puzzle 4 Guest-starred on The Simpsons Puzzle 5 1D,2B,3A,3C,4C Puzzle 6 Lane Puzzle 7 Teak Puzzle 8 Golem Puzzle 9 Butterbeans  Puzzle 10 Hokkaido Puzzle 13 Libra Puzzle 14 Theseus Puzzle 15 Goose Puzzle 16 A good cappuccino Puzzle 17 Bucket Puzzle 18 Marmalade WE WON! Chat winners issue 35 (23 Aug 2024) Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £1,001 CASH C Whitehouse, Birmingham £500 CASH L Helliwell, Bradford W Shiekh, Glasgow £250 CASH D George, Cardiff R Campbell, Hartlepool £200 CASH B Muxworthy, Taunton £100 CASH G Dobson, Lancaster L Miskell, Washington J Dixey, Gillingham £50 CASH R Capewell, Gravesend L Cook, Inverurie P Murray, East Boldon P Donson, Cumbria J Maidens, Derby E Stirzaker, Carlisle £40 CASH M Dean, Gravesend £30 CASH L Devine,…

Dear Santa, Crisp white snow glistened all around me. Everywhere I looked, there were icicles, fairy lights, even reindeer! A real winter wonderland. It was November 2013, and I'd just stepped off the coach in Karesuando, a tiny village between Sweden and Finland. I'd landed a job as a tour guide for the festive season and couldn't wait to be one of your little helpers. Our dreams have come true and it's all thanks to you That first night I met lots of new friends. And you, Santa! Seeing you in real life, with your big red coat and bushy white beard, was exciting, even for a 22-year-old woman like me! ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ you boomed, your voice echoing through the snow-topped trees. Children and adults stared at you in…