Innehållsförteckning för Festive Special 2023 från Pick Me Up! Special

HOW TO REGISTER It’s FREE to enter and it’s so easy to do. Just visit comps.lifedeathprizes.com and register by hitting the Create Free Account button, then you can enter as many competitions as you like. Go on, have fun! For website rules of play, go to comps.lifedeathprizes.com/rules. Terms and conditions apply, UK only…

Producing some bathroom scales, the teacher announced the topic for that day’s science lesson. ‘We’re learning the importance of body weight and working out our body mass index,’ she said. Then, she explained that BMI uses height and weight to work out if you are at a healthy weight overall. Immediately, terror gripped me. There was absolutely no way was I standing on those scales in front of everyone. After all, I didn’t need a number to tell me what I already knew. Aged 10, 9st and wearing an adult size 10, I knew I was a ‘big’ kid. I’d been called that for as long as I could remember. Mum and Dad were both shift workers, so dinner was usually something quick, easy and not very healthy. I was…

In 2013, how did music superstar Taylor Swift celebrate New Year’s Eve with her friends? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the letters in the shaded squares to find the five-word answer. ACROSS 1 Name in Scotland for December 31st (8) 5 Watch a sporting event (8) 10 Rod - - -, Scottish artist who had a No.1 hit with Maggie May in 1971 (7) 15 Contemplated (5) 16 Recurring pains (5) 17 Ruler of a great dominion (7) 18 and 50 Across celebration, especially in Scotland, on January 25th (5,5) 19 Official declaration or announcement (9) 20 Vessel for brewing up (6) 21 Door, way in (8) 23 Gateau (4) 24 Cat-like (6) 25 Alcoholic apple drink (5) 26 Field boundaries (6) 31 and 59 down…

Is Christmas over for me? My dad passed away earlier this year and he absolutely adored Christmas. I want to celebrate just like he did, but it feels so wrong without him here. Should I just cancel Christmas? Georgia, Liverpool YES Pick Me Up! reader Rachael from Coventry says: Personally, I would say that you need to cancel Christmas. It doesn’t have to be forever – but while you are in the midst of your grief, I don’t think you should celebrate this year. Christmas is just another day. And if the day is going to make you upset, then do things that will brighten your mood instead. Why not visit your dad’s favourite place? Or do something for you this year? Then, as the years pass, you can start…

Gazing at my newborn baby boy, I felt my heart sink. It should have been a magical time. But something was wrong with him. Born on 20 September 2019, Reuben was adorable, and I fell in love with him immediately. But I couldn’t help noticing his slightly abnormal head size and his ear lobes. ‘He’s got what Olivia had,’ I said to my husband Sean, now 37. I knew it in my gut. Our firstborn, Olivia, had passed away at just nine months old in May 2013, from a condition so rare it didn’t have a name. She’d been a happy little girl for her short life, before a bad seizure caused her body to shut down – we spent her last few weeks in a hospice before she slipped…

Slapping the richest shades of green paint all over my bare face and neck, adding the most outlandish pair of brows and switching my nose into a snout, it looked like I’d stepped out of Whoville. Adding a Santa hat and cloak to finish off the look, even though Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, looking in the mirror, I had to pretend that I loathed it. And creeping downstairs, just as dinner was ready on the table, I certainly gave my family a shock – my sister Lauren jumping out of her skin seeing me dressed as the infamous Grinch. Even my dogs Milo and Teddy didn’t recognise me – giving me a big sniff, weary of who I was, I think they thought that I’d…

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG… Got a beauty lover in your life but don’t know what to get them? Or maybe you want to add a little treat to your own wish list? As well as our handy gift guide selection for her on page 34, why not take a look at these magical gift sets for just £10 and under? These beauty buys make the perfect stocking fillers – or a little treat from you to you! SLEIGH THE LOOK Step into party season ready to dazzle with Elegant Touch’s festive nails. With two new designs this year, these press-on nails are made to give you a little extra sparkle, without any worries. £7 each, available from Superdrug. Dear Santa: Show Santa how good you’ve been all year with this adorable…

Waving goodbye to my fiancé Nick, now 41, I stepped outside and shut the door. It was Christmas Day 2009 and I was going for a stroll before we set off on a drive from our home in Sydney to Newcastle, Australia. We were going for Christmas lunch at my uncle’s house. I was 32 weeks pregnant at the time and I thought a quick walk would prevent my legs from seizing up on the journey. Nick was putting up a trampoline that our daughter Ashlee, then two, got from Santa. It was a beautiful Australian Christmas morning and I felt full of excitement for the year to come. You’ll be with us for the next one, I thought to myself, rubbing my kicking bump. Nick and I couldn’t wait…

We’ve rounded up the best Christmas tree decs under a tenner!…

Just for FUN FILM AND TV 1 According to Buddy in the film Elf, what is the best way to spread Christmas cheer? a Always smile and never sneer b Singing loud for all to hear c Be happy and kind all the year 2 What sentence does Bryan Bedford circle on a dollar bill in Miracle on 34th Street? a In God we trust b In Santa we trust c In Christmas we trust 3 Which Coronation Street couple tied the knot on Christmas Day last year? a Fiz and Tyrone b Peter and Carla c Gemma and Chesney 4 Which muppet plays Charles Dickens in The Muppet Christmas Carol? a Fozzie Bear b Kermit c Gonzo 5Which celeb won the Great Christmas Bake Off in 2022? a Claire Sweeney b…

Festive special Seeing isn’t believing, believing is about seeing. Christmas is all about magic, but as we age, that spark begins to fade. The meaning of Christmas changes when we’re adults. We realise that it’s the making of memories with our loved ones that truly matters. Wandering around markets, watching the glistening lights and listening to carols – getting together with friends and family to celebrate another year. For me, that’s the real magic. And this issue of Pick Me Up! is brimming with love, hope and magic. After losing his little brother, Harry (pg30) wanted to go on a very special mission. Raising over £50,000, he’s travelled to the moon and back and his family couldn’t be prouder. Helping to send gifts to sick children, this wonderful little boy…

Welcome your guests into a winter wonderland this Christmas, starting with your front door. Follow this craft by Jo Boland on the Hobbycraft Hub to decorate your home with your own festive wreath. YOU WILL NEED: YOU WILL NEED: ☐ Wire cutters ☐ 46cm artificial fir Christmas wreath ☐ A wreath component kit ☐ 30g dried apple slices ☐ 30g dried orange slices ☐ 70g decorative cinnamon sticks ☐ Pinecones ☐ 38mm x 5m red grosgrain ribbon ☐ 35cm oasis green hobby wire ☐ 50m natural jute twine METHOD: 1. Gather all the materials and tools you will need to create your wreath. 2. Orange slices (six slices of each): Thread a green wire through a pair of orange slices, fold the wire in half and twist the ends together to…

As I pottered around my kitchen, a delicious smell was rising. I’d spent all day creating the most amazing Christmas cake. Only, my Christmas-themed treat was one like no other. A life-size, raw turkey cake, specially crafted to show the veiny, pale body of the headless bird, ready for roasting. You see, my bakes have never been twee or cutesy. I have always loved the weird and the wonderful. A life-size raw turkey cake was far more me than any yule log or Xmas pudding. I had always been creative, studying art at university and working as a sculptor. But making birthday cakes for my two children, Jack, now 15, and Fern, now 17, I found my calling – combining crazy structures with delicious bakes. Every year food was a…

Historical evidence has revealed that the ancient Romans had discovered the secret of making sparkling wine by the 3rd century BC. They called it vinum titillium, which means wine that does what? Unscramble each group of letters to discover six alcoholic drinks. Then read down the yellow squares for the answer… 1 BET IT’S BERT (4,6) 2. INTO DANCING (3,3,5) 3. PANIC A LOAD (4,6) 4. SKI, WHY? 5. ANTIQUE RILES US (7,7) 6. GLARE Just for FUN Your answer________________________________________ Word jumble Answer: TICKLE…

Stretching out in bed one Saturday morning, I felt relaxed. With myself, my husband Paul, 47, and daughters Ella, then nine, and Hannah, seven, heading to Florida in a couple days during Easter 2017, I was making the most of the peace before a week at Disney World. But itching my right breast, I froze – there was a lump. What on earth is that? I thought, prodding it. ‘I’ve found a lump,’ I told Paul straight away. ‘I don’t think it’s anything to worry about, but I’m going to the walk-in clinic.’ I wasn’t concerned, but I thought I should get a medical opinion. But they didn’t provide any answers and I decided to book another appointment when I got home. In the meantime, I pushed my worries to…

OH, GO ON THEN… JUST ONE MORE! Lindt chocolate is a family favourite for many, with boxes around the house during the festivities. However, this year is going to be a little different – a whole load more tempting in fact. Instead of their usual rich, luscious milk chocolate filling, Lindt have released a limited-edition flavour that many will be swooning over – Irish Cream. Boozy and packing a punch, these won’t last long. You could even make yourself an Irish Cream Martini and shave one of these over the top. Make sure to add these to your wish list – it would be rude not to. And if that wasn’t enough, Lindt have a new range of festive themed assortments you can share with your loved ones – if…

Expect an evening with jazz, cocktails and cabaret as we’re stepping back to the roaring ‘20s with a Gatsby-style party. Dazzling jewel tones, pearls, feathers and tassels galore. Let the festivities begin, old sport. SPLURGE ITEM…

Joy to the world! What happened to the man who stole an advent calendar? He got 25 days! How funny! ‘Tis the season to be jolly! How do sheep say ‘Merry Christmas’ to each other? Fleece Navidad! There’s snow place like home! What is every parent’s favourite Christmas song? Silent Night! How funny! How funny!…

Surrounded by snow ladened Christmas trees, glowing lights and the promise of Santa Claus, it was a place that I’d wanted to visit for years on end. With my husband Lee, now 42, daughter Caitlyn, now 20, and son Reggie, now seven, all wrapped up in December last year, we’d made it to Lapland UK. That was on top of planning the Polar Express experience, having gingerbread making sessions at my mum and dad’s and prepping Christmas Eve boxes. For even though we always made an effort as a family to make Christmas extra special, planning a festive day out as a family last year really did mean more than most. Knowing that Reggie’s third and final heart surgery was looming, there was always a fear in the back of…

This month… WHAT TO DO WITH CHRIMBO LEFTOVERS… Ben Ebbrell, chef and co-founder of Sorted Food, has shared different ways to use up what you’ve got lurking in the fridge. 1 Bubble and squeak Bubble and squeak is traditionally cabbage, potatoes and meat, but you can chuck pretty much any of your leftover veggies in there. Fry up peas, swede, carrots or sprouts with onions and butter. Our top tip? Level it up with a poached egg on top! 2 Coronation turkey Thought Coronation turkey was a bit naff? Think again. Give the retro classic a modern twist by swapping out the mayo for crème fraîche and yoghurt. Get creative with your spices, too – try toasting cumin seeds, coriander seeds, mustard seeds and cassia, then blending with turmeric to…

Wandering around the shops, looking at windows filled with festive decorations and twinkling lights, I could tell my boy wasn’t himself. ‘What’s wrong?’ I asked Henry, seven. ‘Will Daddy be home for Christmas?’ he said. It was something he’d asked every year since he was a tot. You see, Henry’s dad Lewis, 31, serves in the British Army. He’s spent more time away than at home since Henry was born – and Christmas is especially tough. Henry never wants the latest toys or gadgets like his mates – all he ever wants is to spend time with his dad. Sadly, that’s one thing I can never guarantee. Henry really is an amazing little boy – not only does he deal with his dad being away so much, but as a…

Make sure you stock up for the festive season…

+ INSTANT APPOINTMENT With Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy (doctorfox.co.uk) Festive flu Q This winter, I’m getting onenasty cold after the other. Are there any supplements I can take? Brenda, Dorset A Unfortunately, colds are common in the winter months. On average, adults have two to six and children as many as 12 colds a year. Staying well means keeping your immune system in tip-top condition. It’s important to eat a healthy diet and keep exercising. Lower your stress levels and look after your mental health, too. These supplements have preventative roles for colds: • Vitamin C – taking one to two grams per day shortens the duration of a cold by 8% in adults and 14% in children. • Vitamin D – taking between 400 and 2000 IU per…

Having a giggle with wrapping paper strewn on the floor, it was another typical Xmas. Despite me and my husband Ges, 67, not really huge Christmas fans, it was still a great way to interact with the family. And with our boys Neil, now 37, and Simon, now 34, plus Neil’s partner Lorna, gathered around for lunch, presents and board games, it meant it was a chance for us all to get a little competitive. Something that I knew Ges would love – he’d always be so much better at games than me. Only, on 25 December 2020, as we set up one of the board games at Neil’s house, needing pencils to draw certain pictures, Ges didn’t have a clue what was going on. Needing to explain the rules…

Sweeping across the stage in my colourful dress and stage makeup, I had the audience engaged. Only mid-performance, I heard a terrifying crash beside me. A stage light had fallen from the sky, quite literally missing me by six inches. ‘Oh whoops,’ I said. And the audience erupted. I could have been killed. But that’s what being a pantomime dame is all about – you’re taking your audience on a journey, providing comic relief, so you can’t always stick to the script. And when the lighting has tried to kill you, there’s no time to freeze – you have to make it hilarious. Having been a professional actor since 1990, I knew the stage and screen well. Pantomimes always had a special place in my heart. I started off playing…