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Why do we give presents at Christmas? The history of the festive tradition

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Millions of pounds of unwanted gifts will be on eBay before the New Year

One of the undeniable highlights of Christmas Day is ripping open the expertly-wrapped presents that have been calling your name from under the tree – but where did the practice of gift-giving all begin?

Contrary to popular belief, the tradition is not just an annual commercial money pit fueled by greedy companies trying to take advantage of consumers’ generous wallets and frivolous spending during the festive period.

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The act of gift-giving at Christmas dates back many, many years, throughout centuries in fact, but lets start with the obvious; the Three Kings.

The birth of Jesus is a well-known story but to recap; after giving birth, Mary, Joseph and their new baby boy were visited by the Biblical Magi (Three Kings) who bore gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

A Christmas gift wrapped in recycled brown paper, decorated with christmas tree stamps
(Picture: Getty)

But before Jesus even stepped on the scene, ancient Romans were known to exchange presents during a winter solstice holiday Saturnalia.

Celebration included giving gifts to friends and family, believing the generosity would bring good fortune in the year to come.

As the Roman Empire came under Christian rule, many new followers of the faith found themselves holding onto the December custom – even before the 25th was made the ‘official’ date of Jesus’ birth, and after Saturnalia ceased to be celebrated.

(Picture: Getty)

Finally there’s Saint Nicholas – the inspiration behind Santa Claus – a 4th Century Christian bishop who was known for his kindness and generosity, often handing out gifts to poor children.

After his death, the date of 6 December was dedicated to celebrating the life of the Saint, with many in Europe adopting the gift-giving tradition, touched by his actions.

Saint Wenceslas – another figure synonymous with Christmas – was also know to give alms to the poor.

Although prevalent in Europe, the act of gift-giving at Christmas was not thought to have reached the US until the 19th Century.

H/T Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas by Ace Collins

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Wow your kids this Christmas by ‘filming’ Santa’s reindeer stopping by your home

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(Picture: McDonald’s)

Haven’t you heard? Flour footsteps in the hallway and a half-eaten carrot are so last century.

These days, if you want to wow the wee ones with proof that Santa and his reindeer have been, you need to be harnessing the power of augmented reality.

McDonald’s have certainly changed the game with their AR feature, Reindeer Ready Live.

It’ll give you the power to film the reindeer in your home when they stop off. You can then show the kids (or resident Christmas lover) come the big morning as evidence they visited.

It’s super easy to use. Simply:

  • Head to ReindeerReady.co.uk from now until Christmas Eve on your phone
  • Follow the instructions to take a photo of your living room (or wherever you leave the carrots)
  • Let the ‘magic’ happen on Christmas Eve
  • Share with the family in the morning to make Christmas morning even more special, as you’ll see the reindeer eating the treats you left out for them

The site also features a free animated e-Book ‘The Greedy Reindeer’ that follows a reindeer on his quest for carrots. Another Christmas Eve activity to keep them entertained and tire them out so they sleep through.

Plus, if you want to get some free ‘reindeer treats’ (carrots) to give to the lads themselves, you can grab a bag at participating McDonald’s locations on the 24 December.

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When does Elf on the Shelf leave homes this Christmas?

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One of the more recent Christmas customs Elf on the Shelf has swarmed homes this holiday season helping to build excitement in the run up to the big day.

The Elf doll visits families with little ones ahead of festive day, to surveil children’s behaviour from a surprise location within the house.

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Every night the Christmas informant returns to the North Pole to report to Santa on their subject’s behaviour, so he can make a fully-informed decision about who could make the nice list and who should belong on the naughty list.

Each Elf of the Shelf arrived at their adopted homes any time from the end of November to early December, and it’ll soon be time to box them back up and lay them to rest in attic.

Elf on the Shelf maintains Santa’s scouts will fly back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve until, we can only assume, next Christmas.

The ‘tradition’ has been adopted by parents on both sides of the pond – including Kim Kardashian – with the added hope the Elf will encourage good behaviour leading up to Christmas.

Kim Kardashian has an Elf On A Shelf for her children (Picture: Kim Kardashian / Instagram)

Along with the Elf on the Shelf, families receive a book of a magical story about where the elves come from and how they help Santa with his naughty and nice lists.

There are some rules around the Elf on the Shelf, one being they cannot be touched; if they are, they could lose their ‘Christmas magic’.

Should this happen, children are advised to apologise to their festive friends or write a letter to Santa, to reverse the damage.

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Artist’s knitted creations of festive food look just like the real thing

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(Picture: Caters News)

An artist has created a selection of Christmas foods entirely out of wool.

47-year-old Kate Jenkins, from Rhymney Valley, South Wales, has been knitting for 20 years.

She has created a number of festive items just in time for Christmas day, including a roast dinner, crackers, pigs in blankets and a festive wreath of seafoods.

The most recent design is the latest in a long line of work by Kate, who previously made a seafood counter that took nine months to create.

An artist has created a purl-fect menu of foods made entirely out of wool. Kate Jenkins, from Rhymney Valley, South Wales, has been a knitwear artist for more than 20 years. The 47-year-old's latest crocheted creations ??? which appear good enough to eat ??? include pigs in blankets, pasta, salad and seafood. Kate, who originally trained as a fashion knitwear designer and is now based in Brighton, East Sussex, said: ???I discovered my love of creating food back in 2007. SEE CATERS COPY **MANDATORY BYLINE** PIC FROM Emma Wood/Caters News - (PICTURED: Emma Wood's knitted food creations - fish counter) -
(Picture: Emma Wood/Caters News)

Kate, who originally trained as a fashion knitwear designer and is now based in Brighton, East Sussex, said: ‘I discovered my love of creating food back in 2007.

‘My first solo show was in London, where I recreated a café.

**MANDATORY BYLINE** PIC FROM Emma Wood/Caters News - (PICTURED: Emma Woods knitted food creations) - An artist has created a purl-fect menu of foods made entirely out of wool. Kate Jenkins, from Rhymney Valley, South Wales, has been a knitwear artist for more than 20 years. The 47-year-olds latest crocheted creations which appear good enough to eat include pigs in blankets, pasta, salad and seafood. Kate, who originally trained as a fashion knitwear designer and is now based in Brighton, East Sussex, said: I discovered my love of creating food back in 2007. SEE CATERS COPY
(Picture: Emma Wood/Caters News)

‘Since then I have created a crocheted dinner party, a supermarket, a knitted and crocheted garden and knitted an entire fish counter.

‘The main reaction I often get is that people smile and laugh.’

An artist has created a purl-fect menu of foods made entirely out of wool. Kate Jenkins, from Rhymney Valley, South Wales, has been a knitwear artist for more than 20 years. The 47-year-old's latest crocheted creations ??? which appear good enough to eat ??? include pigs in blankets, pasta, salad and seafood. Kate, who originally trained as a fashion knitwear designer and is now based in Brighton, East Sussex, said: ???I discovered my love of creating food back in 2007. SEE CATERS COPY **MANDATORY BYLINE** PIC FROM Emma Wood/Caters News - (PICTURED: Emma Wood's knitted food creations. Oysters on ice) -
(Picture: Emma Wood/Caters News)

Kate’s knitted Christmas roast dinner features turkey wings, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, peas, carrots, pigs in blankets and a red cracker.

She has also made pigs in blankets and a seafood wreath featuring lobster, eggs and fish.

Of course, she doesn’t only make festive creations – she’s previously made pasta dishes, mats and knives and forks.

Kate said the amount of time it takes her to create her knitted foods depends on the item.

**MANDATORY BYLINE** PIC FROM Emma Wood/Caters News - (PICTURED: Emma Woods knitted food creations) - An artist has created a purl-fect menu of foods made entirely out of wool. Kate Jenkins, from Rhymney Valley, South Wales, has been a knitwear artist for more than 20 years. The 47-year-olds latest crocheted creations which appear good enough to eat include pigs in blankets, pasta, salad and seafood. Kate, who originally trained as a fashion knitwear designer and is now based in Brighton, East Sussex, said: I discovered my love of creating food back in 2007. SEE CATERS COPY
(Picture: Emma Wood/Caters News)

Her next large-scale project is a knitted and crocheted patisserie and bakery which will be showcased in Barcelona in May 2019.

She said: ‘I never really time myself as I am always working on several projects at once.

‘When I knitted the fish counter it took nine months to create from start to completion.’

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Two-year-old boy born with a heart condition is controlling a street of Christmas lights with his heartbeat

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These Christmas lights are being controlled by the heart beat of a two-year-old, who was born with his arteries the wrong way round.

Billy Hopkin was born with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a condition where the two main blood vessels leaving the heart are swapped over.

He had surgery at just a week old and after a 14-hour operation, his parents Rebecca and James were not sure he would survive.

But Billy got stronger and left hospital at one month and one day old.

Rebecca and Billy (Picture: Tiny Tickers)

Now, two-and-a-half, Billy is doing well and this Christmas the beat of his heart has been used to control the lights at Seven Dials in London’s West End to raise awareness for Tiny Tickers, a charity that has helped the family.

His mum Rebecca, from Oxfordshire, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Seeing a video of the lights just brought me to tears.

‘It brings so many emotions back from the very early days of watching his heart rate but it also made me see how far he’s come.

‘It’s incredible that they have managed to do it and I hope people will stop and ask what is going on. Just asking about it will get the information out there.’

Rebecca and James found out their first child had a heart condition at their 20-week-scan.

Billy Hopkin (Picture: Tiny Tickers)

‘It turned my life upside down to be honest. We went in to find out if we were having a girl or a boy and came out knowing that our baby had a serious heart condition,’ Rebecca explains.

‘Because the ultrasound technicians are not professionally trained and are not cardiologists, they are unable to tell us what the condition was.

‘We were told we would have to be referred to cardiology. We found out on 28 December and I was worried we wouldn’t be seen until the new year but we were actually seen on the same day. The John Radcliffe hospital was incredible.

‘At that appointment, we were told that our baby had TGA.’

TGA is a condition where that the two main blood vessels leaving the heart, the pulmonary artery (which takes blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen) and the aorta (which takes blood from the heart to the body), are swapped over.

This means that blood flows to the lungs and picks up oxygen but is then pumped back to the lungs instead of travelling around the body. Blood flowing round the body is unable to reach the lungs to pick up oxygen and continues circulating.

The couple were told that their baby would need surgery in the first few weeks of his life but there was a 98% success rate.

Rebecca adds: ‘I was lucky that I had a wonderful pregnancy. Other than his heart, I had no morning sickness, no cravings, absolutely no problems. I knew that as long as I was pregnant, he was safe. We had regular check ups throughout with cardiology to make sure he was ok.

The Christmas lights Billy’s heartbeat control at Seven Dials (Picture: David Parry/PA Wire)

‘I was booked in for an induction on 10 May 2016. He had other ideas as he was born 24 hours before his planned induction on 9 May.

‘When he was born, I got about 10 seconds and then he was taken away by the team to have oxygen.

‘All babies are born with one of their ducts open but within 24 hours that closes. He was put on a drug called Prostin to keep that duct open to keep his blood mixing.

‘He also had a really big hole in his heart, which for TGA babies is actually a good thing as it allows mixing of blood.

‘If it hadn’t been for that, he would have had two completely separate circulation systems and there would have been no oxygen at all going round his body.’

At a week old, he was operated on to put his arteries in the correct positions.

Rebeca added: ‘It’s straightforward surgery that would take five or six hours normally but he was in surgery for 14 and a half hours in the end.

‘When they took him off bypass, his heart crashed and they had to put him on bypass. They told us at that point to say goodbye but when they attempted it a second time, magically his heart started again. He is a fighter.

The lights at Seven Dials (Picture: David Parry/PA Wire)

‘We were in intensive care for 10 days and his chest was left open for nine of those. He was so swollen after 14 hours of surgery and being on bypass because they couldn’t close his chest too tight.

‘I didn’t get to cuddle him for nine all days and it was heart wrenching.’

After surgery, Billy continued to improve and at a month and a day old, he was able to go home.

‘It was incredible when he came home but it was very strange at the same time.

‘Everyday life for us before then was watching his heart rate on a monitor and we knew he was ok. He came home and there was no machinery and no nurses or doctors.

We had never had him overnight on our own. I don’t think we slept for at least a week because we were so worried.

‘He’s incredible now though. He is a very hyperactive and inquisitive toddler.

Billy having his heartbeat recorded (Picture: Tiny Tickers)

‘His immune system has been compromised so he picks up every bug going. We joke we need a loyalty card for A&E. The cold weather isn’t great this time of year because his circulation isn’t very good.

‘It’s difficult taking him to groups this time of year because I know he is going to get sick.

‘We are lucky because for other children though, picking up bugs can be lifethreathening to them or could mean having further surgery delayed.

Rebecca has been supported by Tiny Tickers, a small charity dedicated to helping improve the detection, care and treatment of babies with serious heart conditions.

Through working with the charity, Rebecca was asked if they could use Billy’s heartbeat to control the lights at Seven Dials for part of the Twinkle Twinkle Little Heart campaign.

The lights were static for most of the month, but yesterday, they started pulsing in time with Billy’s heartbeat, to shine a light on the work of the charity and other children with heart conditions like Billy’s.

Rebecca adds: ‘Until I was told my child had a heart condition, I had never even heard of the term congenital heart defect.

‘There is one in 100 babies born with a heart condition, which is about 6,000 every year in the UK.

‘I don’t think people realise how many people are dealing with it.

‘I hope seeing these amazing lights will make people pay attention to this issue.’

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What if it really is Christmas every day in your office?

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Christmas every day
(Picture: Pines and Needles, Rachael Wood and Geine Pressendo)

It’s finally Christmas time.

It might feel like we’ve been counting down for a pretty long time but it’s actually only been a few months.

For some people though, their lives are a bit like the Wizzard classic, I wish it could be Christmas Everyday.

All year round, they think about Christmas – because it’s their job.

For these three people, December might be the biggest month of the year in their office but it takes the whole year to prepare.

The Christmas tree grower

Sam Lyle, director, Pines and Needles

Sam and Josh (Picture: Pines and Needles)

I started helping with the business when I was just 13 in 1994. My older brother set it up, taking Norway Spruce trees from our family farm in Scotland and selling them in London.

We loaded up an old horsebox and took it to the city. Soon we did it every year, working during school and university holidays and the business grew from there.

Now we work for Pines and Needles all year round, growing, cutting, selling and delivering trees and decorations across London.

For us, Christmas is on our minds almost all year. We start January recycling trees, before taking a little time off in February and from March, we are onto the next cycle.

We plant trees in March and April, prune them through the summer and then harvesting comes from November until the start of December. December is obviously the big month for selling and delivering trees.

We also have a tree decorating service and sell decorations online so we are thinking about what to put on the trees from early in the year too. People say ‘Why are you thinking about Christmas baubles in June’ but you would be surprised that we actually sell some then too.

I don’t think I get sick of talking about Christmas. We have a great product and the whole process takes a year so there is variety. We love growing trees and people love the finished product so it’s all worth it in the end.

We love seeing our trees in some pretty special places like BBC, Wembley Stadium and the National History Museum. In 2016, we sold a tree to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Doing it all year means that it is not too stressful up until around October when we have to start balancing everything, which is why we enjoy that time off when it comes to February.

We go from a few staff for most of the year to hundreds at the end of the year when we need people to sell and deliver our trees but every year are staff are fantastic and we couldn’t do it without them.

The cracker maker

Geine Pressendo, director, Simply Crackers

(Picture: Geine Pressendo)

The business started in 1980s by Heather Wheatley in Nottingham. She started to do christmas crackers for family and friends and it grew from there.

My husband and I bought the business in 2011 and we run it full-time with seven members of staff.

We are Brazilian and we are crazy people. Christmas crackers aren’t even a tradition there but we have been here long enough to know what they are.

I was a finance manager and my husband was in the banking sector. I wanted to buy a business and I loved the idea of bringing people together because that is what it is all about.

All our crackers are handmade and made to order. We don’t sell any ourselves to the public but are just a manufacturer.

Because we make them all ourselves, we can customise them – and the jokes of course.

Our jokes have to be pretty neutral – suitable for eight and 80 year olds. We did clothes related jokes for a designer brand.

We customise every aspect of the cracker from the outside to the inside and most of the time, the client provides the gifts.

So many of the traditional cracker gifts go into a drawer and are never looked at again and a lot of our customers are trying other things.

For something inexpensive, you can add a chocolate but we have had a huge increase in crackers with vouchers or tickets inside or mini gins. We’ve put everything from spices to condoms inside them.

We do think about Christmas all year round and come January, I really wish the phone would not ring.

We get orders all year round but it starts properly from April and it gets mad by October or November.

I have always loved Christmas so I don’t get sick of it. It’s very long and very busy days but we love it. I do worry about what to put in our own crackers though. We can’t just give our family any crackers on Christmas day.

The all-year-round Christmas shop owner

Rachael Wood, owner, The Christmas Emporium, Pitlochry, Scotland

(Picture: Rachael Wood)

We launched the shop in October 2005 and 13 years on, we are still dedicating ourselves to sourcing special, unusual and exclusive pieces.

I’m a linguistics graduate and former civil servant but I left my job to pursue my dream of owning and running an all year round Christmas shop.

We work a year ahead of, sourcing items, including many individual pieces from craftspeople in Scotland.

I select each piece and we spend lots of time looking for just the right pieces for our customers and take pride in showing them future trends for our customers and take pride in showing them future trends for Christmas decorating each year.

One of our specialties is personalising Christmas baubles, tree hangers and ornaments by hand. We add the names of individuals, families, businesses, clubs and even pets.

We’re also the only supplier in Scotland of Snowing Christmas Trees and Lanterns.

Our shop may be small, but it is an inspiring, interesting space to spend time in, to browse and feel the magic of Christmas all year round. It’s full of twinkling lights, wonderful scents, and is a very inviting space where you can feel at home.

We’re able to offer the kind of individual customer care and friendly, personal service that bigger shops can’t deliver.

Over the years, a visit to The Christmas Emporium has become a tradition with many families from far and wide, often returning year after year to purchase their special ornament.

This way, we get to make genuine, long lasting relationships with our customers and their families.

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Illustrations highlight all the unsolicited advice people give about mental health

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‘Just be positive!’ (Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

Just go for a run!

You don’t need pills, you just need a positive attitude.

What do you have to be depressed about?

Those are just a few of the reactions people get when they talk about mental health.

Unsolicited advice is always well meaning, but it all too often misses the mark. It’s often reductive or dismissive, minimising people’s very serious experience of mental illness, or puts the blame on the individual rather than a condition that’s out of their control.

Sonaksha Iyengar, the artist who previously created an illustrated alphabet of mental health, is fed up of the rubbish advice people dish out to those struggling.

She’s created a series of illustrations, called Public Prescription, capturing some of the most common responses people receive when they talk about their mental illness.

Just not worrying isn’t that easy (Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

‘Heaps of unsolicited advice are often thrown at people living with a mental illness or anyone openly speaking about their mental health,’ Sonaksha tells Metro.co.uk. ‘As if the debilitating pain isn’t enough, these comments can be extremely hurtful and detrimental.

‘The series intends to address these ill-advised comments that often come from a place of ignorance, using a combination of typography and illustrations.

‘It’s important to remember that belittling someone’s pain or struggle is extremely dangerous and the series hopes to create awareness about this.’

Sonaksha, who has anxiety and depression, has experienced the negative impact of mental health related advice firsthand, saying that comments from others added to her already existing guilt for being ill.

‘It lead to spiraling thoughts of hating myself, feeling like I’m an ungrateful person, feeling like I’m not enough or not even trying to be better,’ she explains. ‘Especially since living with a mental illness can make one feel so alone.

Just because other people have things worse doesn’t mean you aren’t deserving of help (Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

‘As I began finding other people who had heard similar things, we spoke about it and how these comments/advice diminished our experience and it just felt like a collective catharsis.

So apart from the awareness, I also hope people who are on the receiving end of such unsolicited advice find some sort of comfort knowing that they are not alone.

‘Of course, I also hope that people who are doling out such advice take a moment to evaluate and understand why it is so dangerous.’

The most annoying bit of ‘advice’ Sonaksha receives about her mental health is one that’ll be familiar to loads of people – the idea that other people have it worse, so we shouldn’t complain.

‘There seems to be this constant need to compare pain and put it on a scale,’ Sonaksha says. ‘We’ve been geared to constantly compete and that seems to be spilling over.

Mental illness can hit anyone (Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

‘Also, sometimes mental illnesses might not manifest with physical symptoms and people automatically assume that just because they can’t ‘see’ it, it doesn’t exist. But that’s so untrue. Just because it’s invisible, doesn’t mean it’s unreal.’

Sonaksha advises that rather than trying to problem solve when someone talks about their mental illness, the best thing to do is listen.

‘I think it’s important to approach it from a place of kindness and empathy,’ she explains. ‘Right now I feel like most people approach mental health from a place of judgement.

‘It’s essential to believe people living with mental illnesses and give them the space to feel whatever they are feeling without being judged. Often they just want to be heard, so it’s okay to not always have a response.

‘Lend an honest listening ear and don’t dole out advice that they haven’t asked for.

‘Say things you mean – say you’re there and willing to listen only if you are, not just as a formality.’

And for anyone wondering what they should say, remain calm – Sonaksha’s next series of illustrations will tackle just that.

Take a look at some of the bad advice people dish out below:

‘But it’s such a beautiful day, get some fresh air’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

When you’re deep in depression, just getting outside can feel impossible.

 

‘You’re overthinking. Stop.’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

It’s not that easy, pal.

 

‘But, you look fine! Stop pretending’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

You can look great and still feel rubbish.

 

‘It can’t be that bad, you’re still working’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

Many of us keep working even when we’re in a terrible state mentally. The shame around taking time off for mental illness doesn’t help with that.

 

‘Don’t focus on it’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

Sure, easy. Can you tell my OCD that?

 

‘Why are you always sick? Life is what you make of it’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

Shockingly enough, we’re not choosing to feel awful.

‘You’re lazy. You don’t need medication, you need some motivation’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

My brain tells me this every day. Thanks for that.

 

‘Calm down’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

Just tell me how!

 

‘You’re weak’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

Nah, anyone getting through the day with mental illness is incredibly strong.

 

‘Get over it! Just chill! Get a good night’s sleep!’

(Picture: Sonaksha Iyengar)

We’re trying.

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How to handle hosting Christmas Day for the first time

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How to handle hosting Christmas for the first time Metro illustrations. (Picture: Dave Anderson/ Metro.co.uk)
(Picture: Dave Anderson/ Metro.co.uk)

For many of us, Christmas is a day to leave our responsibilities at the door.

As we dump our bags, chuck our presents under the tree and settle on the sofa with a glass of Baileys, there’s something deliciously comforting about hearing your parents, or grandparents, bustling away in the kitchen.

We may pop our head in for a cursory, ‘need any help?’ before slinking back to our Harry Potter marathons, but that’s often as far as our assistance goes on the big day.

But we should enjoy it while it lasts. One day, and it could be soon, you will be called upon to host Christmas. Yes, that means cooking for everyone.

It could be when you have children, buy your first home, or get married, or maybe your Mum will just decide she’s had enough. Which would be totally fair.

There’s a lot to remember when you’re hosting Christmas for the first time, and preparation is crucial.

(Picture: Liberty Antonia Sadler/Metro.co.uk)

And it’s more than just the practical elements of providing enough beds and making enough food for the entire family – you’ve also got to manage the atmosphere. It falls to the host to conjure up the perfect festive ambiance.

So that’s the soundtrack, the choice of parlour games, the schedule for the day (when do we do presents? Will there be a walk after lunch or a movie?) – it’s a lot.

But first, let’s start with the practical. Top of the list has to be the menu. You can’t just wing it when you’re cooking for more than five people. It involves meticulous planning and at least three big food shops.

Is your oven actually big enough? You don’t want a festive sit-com situation on your hands where the turkey wont fit.

Can anything be made in advance and warmed up on the day? Which vegetables can be chopped the night before?

The more prep you do food-wise, the less stressed you’ll be on the day. And a calm, happy host, makes for calm, happy guests.

First-time hosting tips

Enjoy planing the experience in advance. What is the room going to look like? Consider the festive ambiance: make your own table centre pieces and wreaths, if you are on a budget, a few branches, some holly, or a candle arrangement can be easily picked up, or invest in a festive tablecloth, table runners and napkins and napkin rings to add your own artistic style.

Consider the dietary requirements of guests in advance. Are any of your extended family vegan and can you offer vegetarian options? About 30% of the UK population don’t eat meat anymore.

Gifts. Stock up on amazing gift wrap and little treasures, which can be continuously opened throughout the day, delighting the children. Confirm a time when you will open the big gifts; before dinner or after the feast. Today is all about the enchantment.

Playlist. What is going to be on the stereo? Think about your speakers to ensure the sound is of the best quality. Tailor the day’s music repertoire, from festive carols and classical music, to pop and soul or vintage classics and jazz up your Christmas Day.

Sleeping arrangements. Do you have extended family staying? Make sure you have some big, cosy pillows scattered throughout the lounge so that any of the family who wish to doze after a long day can do so.

Booze. Invest in some beautiful glasses, and think of a few exciting cocktails to lengthen the experience; if you are going to be drinking from lunchtime, create a few low-alcohol recipes to prolong the festive joy. Think Buck’s Fizz, Mulled Wine and Christmas negronis.

Holly Jade O’Leary, interiors and lifestyle expert

For some, the burden of hosting falls on them for a tragic reason – the loss of a family member.

Lindsay, from Staffordshire, sadly lost her gran this year. The loss meant that the dynamics of Christmas Day couldn’t stay the same as they had always been.

‘I knew it would be too hard for my mum to host Christmas with my gran no longer in the house,’ Lindsay tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I wanted to give my parents a change of scenery and take the pressure off them. They always do all the work to make Christmas so nice for everyone else. We want to look after them for a change. They deserve it.

‘On Christmas Day there will be four of us; me, my fiancé and my mum and dad. We will be joined by my fiancé’s mum on Boxing Day.

‘The day will entail breakfast, buck’s fizz, dinner and lots of chocolate and good TV in between. Perhaps a nice walk if the weather permits, and if we’re not too full of food to move.’

On paper, it all sounds brilliant. But how will it translate on the day? Lindsay isn’t sure her culinary skills are up to task.

‘I’m most worried about my sheer lack of cookery skills. I’m hopeless. Luckily my fiancé is a lot better than me and will no doubt save the day, and the dinner!

‘The most stressful part so far is that I haven’t even started getting ready yet.

‘Work has been so busy and suddenly I find myself only a week away from Christmas with no food ordered. It’s going to be a casual Christmas, but in my book that’s no bad thing. If you can’t take some time out and relax at Christmas, when can you?’

The perfect welcome drink

A guaranteed way to make a great first impression is to serve your guests a delicious and classy welcome cocktail.

Louise Hammond, Spirit of Harrogate’s mixologist, recommends making your guests a Slingsby Rhubarb Gin Mimosa cocktail served in your finest crystal glassware. Or you know, your Ikea tumblers will do as well.

‘A pre-dinner cocktail is a lavish way of welcoming guests into your home, and paired with your theme or first course, it can really kick off an evening in style,’ says Louise.

‘Why not surprise your guests with a modern twist on the Christmas classic bucks fizz? Our rhubarb gin mimosa, combines festive clementine flavours with our delicious Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin and a splash of bubbly, for a boozy, chic alternative.’

Nikki, from Milwaukee, is also hosting her first Christmas this year.

‘Last year my ex spouse hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas, and this year she hosted Thanksgiving again. So I felt it was my turn,’ Nikki tells Metro.co.uk.

‘There will be around ten of us on the day, my husband and I, my three sons, my ex and her boyfriend, my step daughter, and maybe two other friends.

‘The plan is one large dinner, probably in the late afternoon. Ham, duck, potatoes, veggie sides, cranberry relish, and dessert. There will like be appetizers out ahead of time too.

‘My sons will likely stay over. One son and I are probably going to go to Midnight Mass at Catholic Church, we are really drawn to the Christmas music.’

Nikki’s biggest concern is the food, she’s really keen to impress.

‘I want everyone to think I am a good cook,’ she explains.

‘I am lucky that this is my main worry. No family fights or feuds to worry about. No drama here with these people, thankfully.

‘Yesterday I spent an hour and a half at the grocery store getting all the food items and special ingredients for the Christmas dinner. I have not even started baking cookies yet, but I will get on that this week!’

But, stress aside, Nikki feels honoured to be hosting. She says it’s her chance to show her appreciation for the people she loves.

‘I am looking forward to opening up my home for the holidays this year. I have always been invited to someone else’s, so I look forward to paying that back, and paying it forward.

‘I am reaching out to two friends who might be alone for Christmas, and I really hope they come to spend it with my family.

‘I am also thankful my ex and I have a really good co-parenting connection. We still feel like family and it is so happy for our kids.’

Hosting can be a joy. It’s the perfect way to give something back to your family, and the sense of achievement when it all goes to plan is incomparable.

But you have to get the basics right. A common mistake is to focus on the aesthetics of the day and forget about the staple items.

For example, do you actually know how to cook a turkey?

Experts at Christmas hamper specialists, Betty’s, have provided their top tips for the perfect turkey this Christmas.

‘For a standard turkey that weighs around 6kg/13lb, the cooking time will be about four hours,’ they explain.

‘It’s best to calculate your cooking time at 40 minutes per kg or 20 minutes per lb to get the most accurate time.

‘Place a trivet of vegetables (celery, onion and carrot) under the bird and add two litres of chicken stock with a glass of wine. This will create steam to keep the turkey moist and provide delicious juices for your gravy.

‘It’s important that poultry is cooked through. If you’re using a digital thermometer, check the turkey is cooked by sticking the probe in thickest part – the breast or thighs.

‘The temperature should hold at 75°C for 30 seconds.’

Couldn’t be simpler right?

Or if that’s really too daunting – you don’t have to go traditional. If you’re hosting then you have artistic licence to add your own creative spin to the day.

Maybe you want to cook something you’re more familiar with, like chicken or a joint of lamb. It’s your big day – so you’re kind of in charge. Don’t let pushy siblings tell you otherwise.

One thing Lorna isn’t too worried about is the food. The chef, who lives in London, says Christmas duties fell to her this year after some family members decided to spend the season abroad.

‘My parents would have been home alone if we hadn’t stepped up this year,’ Lorna tells us.

‘We normally go to them, but my brother and his family are in Australia for this year and my sister got married earlier this year so she is celebrating with her in laws – so my folks are joining me and my husband and three kids.

‘We are going all out on the day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, more snacks, the list goes on. We are a foodie family and we show our love and affection through food!’

Lorna’s family are all staying for five days – but she isn’t daunted.

‘I’m not worried about anything, it’s the best time of the year with the best people in my life.

‘My eldest son is making pudding this year on Christmas Day – and my middle son has made the Christmas cake at his Beavers club – it will take pride of place on the desert table.’

The only slight concern is catering for different nutritional needs.

‘The most stressful part so far has been deciding what to make for my mum as she is a pescatarian. I have tried a few different things, and I will be making her something with salmon and pastry.’

Hosting Christmas is your chance to start new family traditions and make new memories.

For many of us, Christmas is the one time of year we get to see the whole family all in one place. Make the most of it, and remember to enjoy it – take some time out of the kitchen and talk to your loved ones.

When it comes down to it, it’s the people who really makes Christmas Day so special.

MORE: How to deal with non-PC relatives this Christmas

MORE: There are little things you can do to help those with Alzheimer’s enjoy Christmas cards

MORE: What do you argue about with your family on Christmas day?


Nameberry shares their list of the most popular baby names of 2018

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(Picture: Getty)

We’re so, so close to the end of the year, so now’s the time to look back over the last 12 months.

It’s been… interesting.

But let’s not get bogged down with all the truly wild news that happened in 2018 (if only for the sake of our own peace).

Instead we’ll stick to a nice, neutral topic: Baby names.

BabyCenter has already released their list of the top baby names of 2018. Now Nameberry has issued theirs.

Interestingly enough, they are quite different – the number one most popular names for girls and boys are different on each baby name site’s list.

Nameberry reports that three new names have jumped up into the top ten, which usually just has a bit of a reshuffle: Finn, Genevieve, and Rose.

There’s a preference for vintage revivals, with Clementine and Cordelia entering the top 100, and unusual names rather than more traditional options continue to be popular.

The letter A has been trendy this year – four of the top 10 girls’ names begin and end in the letter A.

The most popular 25 girls' names of 2018

  1. Olivia
  2. Isla
  3. Amara
  4. Cora
  5. Charlotte
  6. Aurora
  7. Amelia
  8. Ava
  9. Rose
  10. Genevieve
  11. Ophelia
  12. Maeve
  13. Eleanor
  14. Iris
  15. Ada
  16. Luna
  17. Penelope
  18. Eloise
  19. Violet
  20. Alice
  21. Ivy
  22. Evelyn
  23. Aurelia
  24. Lucy
  25. Isabella

The most popular 25 boys' names of 2018:

  1. Atticus
  2. Milo
  3. Jasper
  4. Asher
  5. Jack
  6. Theodore
  7. Silas
  8. Wyatt
  9. Henry
  10. Finn
  11. Oscar
  12. Oliver
  13. Declan
  14. Leo
  15. Felix
  16. Bodhi
  17. Levi
  18. Axel
  19. Ethan
  20. Soren
  21. Authur
  22. James
  23. Thomas
  24. Charlie
  25. Kai

On Nameberry’s top 100, new entries on the girls’ names list are Anastasia, Clementine, Cordelia, Emmeline, Florence, Lyra, Mabel, Margot, and Wren.

New entries on the boys’ list are Aarav, Amos, Atlas, Caspian, Desmond, Elias, Elio, Jayden, Otto, Ryker, and Wilder.

MORE: Experts explain why you don’t feel Christmassy

MORE: How to handle hosting Christmas Day for the first time

MORE: Why do we give presents at Christmas? The history of the festive tradition

Fishing therapy is helping war survivors with their mental health

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Date: 20 December 2018 PTSD-plagued veterans battling the horrors of war are getting vital help with ground-breaking FISHING therapy. This is the first time in the country picking up a rod and a reel has been clinically proven to help suffering soldiers who are slipping through the cracks. Pictured: Some of the veterans who have taken part in the fishing treatment. N.B. No names available of the veterans. Words: Essex News and Pictures.
Eastnews Press Agency

How do we make sure veterans don’t struggle in silence?

It can be hard to get people who feel a pressure to be ‘strong’ and protect others to open up and have a chat.

Fishing therapy could be a way to access those vulnerable people.

Psychologists Dr Mark Wheeler and Dr Nick Cooper are promoting angling as an effective way of reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

They discovered it could be helpful for veterans by chance, after chatting about how going fishing cleared their heads while they were having a pint.

Dr Wheeler then organised an overnight angling trip for trauma patients.

It worked – the doctors found that the fishing trip helped to reduce PTSD symptoms by 30%. Some of the doctor’s patients report leaving their house for the first time in years thanks to the project.

Date: 20 December 2018 PTSD-plagued veterans battling the horrors of war are getting vital help with ground-breaking FISHING therapy. This is the first time in the country picking up a rod and a reel has been clinically proven to help suffering soldiers who are slipping through the cracks. Pictured: One of the veterans who have taken part in the fishing treatment. N.B. No names available of the veterans. Words: Essex News and Pictures.
(Picture: Eastnews Press Agency)

Iraq and Northern Ireland veteran Stewart Bayford, 48, took part in the trip after struggling with PTSD for the past 20 years.

‘Fishing is so helpful because it is a break to completely turn your brain off,’ said Stewart. ‘It is the quietness of it with no distractions.

‘When I came back for the first week, I slept properly every night and I struggle to do that.

‘The biggest thing with the fishing is being together, there’s no pressure and no judgement, and we can offload in the quiet moments.’

Dr Wheeler has been bringing veterans from all over on fishing trips over the last three years, and personally attends every session. He’s now publishing a paper to promote the therapy so it can reach more people.

Date: 20 December 2018 PTSD-plagued veterans battling the horrors of war are getting vital help with ground-breaking FISHING therapy. This is the first time in the country picking up a rod and a reel has been clinically proven to help suffering soldiers who are slipping through the cracks. Pictured: The veterans who have taken part in the fishing treatment. N.B. No names available of the veterans. Words: Essex News and Pictures.
(Picture: Eastnews Press Agency)

‘We did some research into fishing and thought this would help it is a restorative environment,’ he said.

‘It is quiet and if we pick the venue, we can take them away from all stigma that might be triggering such as crowds, loud noises and aircraft..

‘There is a restoration of military bonds, they get back with the guys and there’s a shared goal in fishing.

‘There is something here in what we have been doing, there is no doubt about that.

Date: 20 December 2018 PTSD-plagued veterans battling the horrors of war are getting vital help with ground-breaking FISHING therapy. This is the first time in the country picking up a rod and a reel has been clinically proven to help suffering soldiers who are slipping through the cracks. Pictured: One of the veterans who have taken part in the fishing treatment. N.B. No names available of the veterans. Words: Essex News and Pictures.
(Picture: Eastnews Press Agency)

‘The results we can achieve, I can’t achieve in former therapy.

‘The first time we ran the figures and the graphs from the tests came up we looked at each other and wondered what we had done wrong as the results were so good.

‘We did it again and it was right, we are constantly surprised at the success we can achieve and we are really excited by it.’

Dr Wheeler has launched a non-profit firm called iCARP to help develop the project, and hopes to get funding so he can work on it full-time.

MORE: Illustrations highlight all the unsolicited advice people give about mental health

MORE: Meet the people paying for private therapy because they feel failed by the NHS

MORE: How do you keep your faith when you’ve been sexually abused by a religious figure?

I’m a feminist-in-progress, but there are times when I’ve been part of the problem

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True feminism is intersectional (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images For Parkwood Entertainment)

As a women’s rights activist and equality campaigner, calling out bad behaviour is a big part of what I do.

But it would be hypocritical of me to expect others to address their words and actions without also looking at my own.

I’m a feminist-in-progress. With each day that goes by I realise what a bad feminist I have been in the past – only thinking about how issues affected me, naively and therefore affect all women in the same way.

True feminism is intersectional. If we address the issues in a way that benefits only able-bodied, straight, white women, then we haven’t addressed anything at all.

Highlighting discrimination is vital, but we must also seek to improve our own behaviour if we wish to progress as a society.

Over the past couple of years, amid the #MeToo movement, I have found myself having many interesting conversations with male friends – most of who have felt embarrassed and ashamed on behalf of their gender.

One friend suggested that society would benefit from a social media movement where instead of women opening up about things that happened to them, men admit to things they have done. He suggested that society would benefit from if men owning up to their actions.

I saw what he was getting at, and I agreed with the principle. However, what was imperative about #metoo was that it put women at the centre of the narrative, and the emergence of any #ihave type movement would do the opposite.

Yet I do think we could all be having uncomfortable conversations with ourselves. There have been times when I, too, have been part of the problem.

I look back at comments I have made, or behaviour I displayed, which I now see were unacceptable. I have been guilty of body-shaming, slut-shaming and have taken part in conduct which, at the time, I deemed to be ‘harmless banter’ – upon reflection I see that it was anything but.

We all need friends like this, with whom we can have challenging and often uncomfortable conversations that lead to a better understanding of the world around us. And sometimes we need to be that critical friend to ourselves.

And it’s not just sexism.

I have made remarks, or shared thoughts and had no idea about the impact they could have on another person whose background or life experience was different to my own.

If we want to stamp out bigotry then we must do so with all of its ugly forms: racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, mental health stigma, the list goes on.

In a world where we are bombarded with rules and guidance on how to conduct ourselves in the most ‘politically correct’ way possible, to slip up now and then is understandable, but to continue to be knowingly ignorant of the experiences of others is not.

A few years ago I was at a house party of a friend in London. I was talking to a guy about feminism and the work I had been doing in the women’s rights movement. We shared our theories on how best to take down the patriarchy.

He was good-looking, and we were getting on really well. I cheekily asked, ‘So, how does your girlfriend feel about all this stuff?’

‘I don’t have a girlfriend. I’m gay.’

‘Oh, what a shame,’ I smiled and tried to move the conversation on, but he stopped me.

‘Why? Is my sexuality something I should feel shame for?’

I panicked, I backtracked, I apologised profusely. He understood. I was so involved in a conversation about fighting my own good fight that I had blindly walked into the role of the antagonist in someone else’s.

He talked me through the countless times other women had said similar things to him, and how it had made him feel as though he was being valued only on what he had to offer sexually. Sound familiar?

The same man is now one of my best friends. We talk openly and honestly with each other about issues in our own lives and how to be better allies to others.

We all need friends like this, with whom we can have challenging and often uncomfortable conversations that lead to a better understanding of the world around us. And sometimes we need to be that critical friend to ourselves.

There is often a lot of fear at play when it comes to discussions like this. We read so much in the news about people being rightly vilified for their oppressive views or behaviour.

To create a safe space to learn and better educate ourselves against bigotry, we must be able to acknowledge that we have been part of the problem, and express a willingness to do better.

To quote fellow activist and feminist-in-progress Jameela Jamil: ‘Nobody is born perfectly “woke”. Listen, read, learn, grow, change and make room for everyone. We aren’t free until ALL of us are free.’

I hate the phrase ‘a more tolerant society’. I don’t want to live in a society where people just ‘tolerate’ each other. I tolerate sprouts, Coldplay’s music, and self-service checkouts. A person deserves more than tolerance.

I’d much rather live in a society that encourages compassion, empathy and understanding to all who exist within it. In the process of changing a culture of oppression, we must be open to criticism, and to learn from our mistakes.

MORE: The contraceptive industry is sexist. Women have suffered in silence for too long

MORE: Why I hate the term ‘strong female character'

MORE: Debate is vital but breakfast TV has become a soap opera

Oh great, here are the alibis cheaters will use to see their lovers over Christmas

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Tales of office Christmas party hookups - good, bad, and deeply embarrassing Metro illustrations (Picture: Ella Byworth/ Metro.co.uk)
(Picture: Ella Byworth/ Metro.co.uk)

Merry Christmas! Ready for some more bleak stats about people cheating on their partners over Christmas?

We already know that a lot of people cheat at Christmas parties, that revenge cheating is rife, and that the problem is so far spreading that you can get paid £60 to catch a cheat in the act.

Now another dating website for cheaters (wow, there really are quite a few of those) has revealed that a significant bunch of cheaters will meet their sex buddies over the festive period.

By polling 9,571 male and female members of their website, Victoria Milan found that 76% of cheating men will meet their mistresses during Christmas, and that 56% will spend more on gifts for them than they will on their wives. How heart-warming.

This kind of festive awfulness isn’t as common among women, but it still happens. 30% of the women surveyed by Victoria Milan said they were tired of spending so much time with their partners during Christmas, and plan to meet their bits on the side because they’re starving for good sex, not just a second serving of roast potatoes.

So, how will you know if your partner is running off to see their secret lover over Christmas?

Well, 32% of women on the affairs website use the excuse of Christmas shopping, while men are more likely (33%) to claim they have plans with old friends.

The top reasons cheaters meet their lovers over Christmas:

  • I get tired of spending so much time with my partner
  • I’m stressed and irritated
  • I’m starving for good sex
  • I get bored of so much family time

Other excuses used are important work commitments, going to the gym, and a company Christmas dinner.

Unfortunately, all these alibis are entirely convincing because they are things a non-cheating person would do in December.

The most common alibis used for meeting up with a lover over Christmas:

  • Going shopping for gifts
  • Important work commitments
  • Meeting old friends
  • Gym visit
  • Company Christmas dinner

That doesn’t mean you should pounce on your partner if they say they’re going shopping – they could be buying something for you. It’s best to trust your gut and only start questioning if you suspect something fishy is going down.

Oh, and if you spot a fancy gift in their pocket that you don’t end up receiving (yep, just like that devastating scene in Love Actually), you go right ahead and blast Joni Mitchell – then make sure the cheat’s stocking is filled with coal.

Cheaters' present-buying habits:

When asked why they buy presents for their long-term partner, the majority of cheaters responded that it’s because they care.

20% of men and 12% of women said they buy gifts because they feel guilty, and 1% of men and 2% of women do it because their partners know they’re having an affair and they want to keep the peace.

When it comes to buying gifts for their secret lovers, the reasons are a bit different.

When asked why they buy presents for their lovers, the cheats responded:

  1. I care about him/her more than my long-term partner – 14% of men, 18% of women
  2. I like to surprise and delight him/her – 42% of men, 45% women
  3. So he/she keeps coming back for more – 21% of men, 20% of women
  4. So that he/she doesn’t forget me during this period – 23% of men, 17% of women

Cheating men tend to spend more on their lovers than they do on their longterm partners, while women are more likely to do the opposite.

MORE: What if it really is Christmas every day in your office?

MORE: Artist’s knitted creations of festive food look just like the real thing

MORE: Experts explain why you don’t feel Christmassy

Couple shocked when dog goes for a trim and comes back almost bald

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(Picture: Hull Daily Mail/MEN Media)

A couple who left their pedigree pup with groomers at a pet store were left outraged after returning to find their dog had been stripped of its fur.

Lesley and Steve Wilks had arranged for their one-year-old Maltese terrier, Effy, to have parts of her fur shaved after she had become matted following play fights with their other pooch, CJ.

Steve took Effy to The Groom Room at Pets at Home in Hull, East Yorkshire, on Wednesday morning and showed staff the matted hair on her two front legs and behind her shoulder.

According to Steve, he told the shop he didn’t want Effy fully shaved – but he returned an hour-and-a-half later to find Effy virtually ‘pink’ after having her body sheared by groomers.

Pets At Home said Effy was shaved for her own welfare due to the extent of her matted fur.

Steve 54, said: ‘I told them I did not want her shaving all over. They said she was matted everywhere but she wasn’t as she’d only been bathed and brushed on Monday.

‘When I saw the state of her I wanted to shout and start swearing but I didn’t – I kept my cool and I said nothing because I just wanted to get out of the store.’

A couple who left their pedigree pooch with groomers at a pet store were left outraged after returning to find their dog had been stripped of all its fur. Lesley and Steve Wilks had arranged for their one-year-old Maltese terrier, Effy, to have parts of her fur shaved after she had become matted following play fights with their other pooch, CJ. Caption: Effy (front), before her haircut, pictured with the Wilks family's other dog, CJ
(Picture: Hull Daily Mail/MEN Media)

After returning home, Lesley ‘burst into tears’ when she saw her beloved pet before angrily taking to social media to rant about the procedure which she likened to ‘torture’ for Effy.

Lesley, a 50-year-old beautician, said: ‘We are absolutely distraught, disgusted and gutted [by] what The Groom Room Pets At Home Hull has done to my baby girl.

‘Her poor bottom has been completely stripped as has all her fur! Please be aware this place is nothing but a shave room.

‘I hope [you’re] happy and would love to get responses and advice from anyone, as I would love to sue them for what they have done.

‘She has been shaking with anxiety since she returned this afternoon. Their attitude in response has been disgusting.’

Steve said he was even more aggrieved after Pets at Home charged him an extra £10 to have Effy’s body shaved.

The dad-of-two, said: ‘Originally it was £40 but they put an extra £10 on for the satisfaction of shaving her all over which I didn’t want done.

‘They offered me the deposit back but they said it in such a nonchalant way I thought they were being clever.’

The couple, who have used The Groom Room twice before, went to the pet store because their normal dog groomer was on holiday.

A couple who left their pedigree pooch with groomers at a pet store were left outraged after returning to find their dog had been stripped of all its fur. Lesley and Steve Wilks had arranged for their one-year-old Maltese terrier, Effy, to have parts of her fur shaved after she had become matted following play fights with their other pooch, CJ. Caption: Effy after her haircut
(Picture: Hull Daily Mail/MEN Media)

However, he said the pair will now boycott the shop after Effy’s shaving which has had serious repercussions on the young pup, according to Steve.

He said: ‘We wanted to get her done for Christmas like anyone would but now we are going to have to take her to the vet because she is constantly shaking and is even defecating inside.

‘They have traumatised her and it’s freezing now so she is constantly shivering. She is pink and it looks like she has just come out of an operation.

‘They said they would have to shave under her legs which was not a problem. I understood that but the last thing I said to them was “don’t shave all over”.’

A spokesman for Pets at Home said: ‘Our groomers are highly trained and will always put the welfare of pets first.

‘When Effy was brought in to our Hull store to be groomed it was explained that, because her coat was heavily matted, particularly around her legs and shoulders, it would have to be clipped close to the skin, purely for the welfare of the dog.

‘We believe that clipping a matted coat is kinder, faster and gentler for the pet. Effy’s owner, Mr Wilks, was advised of this, including the additional £10 matting charge.

‘Our groomers offered to refund the deposit and not groom Effy, but the customer agreed to go ahead and signed both our clipping policy, and pet grooming salon contract.

‘We hope that Effy will be happier and healthier with her matted coat now removed and our expert groomers would be happy to help if Mr Wilks has any further concerns.’

MORE: Oh great, here are the alibis cheaters will use to see their lovers over Christmas

MORE: Why you should never give your dog a mince pie

It’s definitely OK to take a fitness break over Christmas

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Here's what a Christmas binge does to your body
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Christmas is all about indulgence. And with indulgence, comes the guilt.

Torrents of guilt for having that extra mince pie, eating cheese for dinner for the third night running, sitting on the sofa for five straight hours.

It can be tempting to overcompensate for these indulgences by hitting it even harder in the gym. But our relationship with fitness shouldn’t be built on guilt and repentance – it never makes for sustainable goals or a healthy mindset.

Fitness culture has become about punishment and pushing your body to its limit. If you’re not utterly broken and sore – did you even work out?

Christmas is the perfect time to push back against this kind of toxic spiral, and give your body the break it needs.

Rest is criminally undervalued in modern society. But maybe it’s time to reintroduce yourself to the concept of doing absolutely nothing, and recognise the benefits.

Sit on the sofa. Watch all the movies. Eat all the leftovers. Leave your trainers in the cupboard. Your body and mind will thank you.

Why a nap on Christmas day feels so damn good/is such a good idea
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Embrace the lack of schedule

You spend the entire year on the clock. You’ve got to get up for work, you’ve got to catch this train, you’ve got to be on time for dinner, you’ve got to make it to six am spinning.

Having every minute of every day mapped out in relentlessly undeviating order can make you feel a bit trapped. There’s no space for spontaneity, surprise or much in the way of choice.

Wiping fitness off your to-do list entirely will open up hours of free time – for you to do whatever you please.

Maybe you can finally read that book everyone has been banging on about, or pick up a new hobby – knitting looks relaxing. Or, of course, you could always use those extra hours to sleep.

Spend time with your family

You’re probably only going to be home with the family for a couple of days, a week at best. And yes, they might drive you up the wall at times, but spending time with your family is rare and you should do your best to make the most of it.

That means not spending half the day on a big run, or disappearing at dinner time to go to a HIIT class.

If your mum wants you to help her bake Christmas cookies, or your little cousin wants you to watch Moana for the fifth time in two days, then just do it.

These are the moments you’ll remember for years to come, not the time you spent working out. The gym can wait.

Rest your body

This is a biggie. Your body is tired. So tired. It’s really important not to underestimate the power of resting.

As well as helping you feel less sore and achy, taking a significant rest can actually help to improve your fitness in the long term. So you really don’t need to feel guilty for taking time off.

Alessandra loves lifting weights in the gym, but she’ll be taking some time to rest this Christmas.

‘I think it’s important to give your body the chance to rest completely every now and then,’ she tells us.

‘You can review your workout plan and goals and take note of any progress you have made since your last break. When you enter the gym again you feel more ambitious and motivated.

‘I’ve found It’s actually better to give my muscles a break every few months so that they can fully recover. I always seem to make gains during this rest period at Christmas.’

And that isn’t surprising. Resting allows the body to replenish energy stores and repair damaged tissues – the body uses this time to strengthen itself, so don’t be surprised if a few days away from the gym leave you feeling stronger.

How to take a break at Christmas

It may seem counter-intuitive to take time off over Christmas from your training. You have worked hard throughout the year and don’t want to loose any fitness.

But rest days are really important. They give your body a chance to reset and recover.

Use the off time as a way to re-visit other hobbies or plan a few training cycles for the next year. Research races and compeitions. Find the latest books and research studies.

Just because your body is taking a break doesn’t mean your mind has to.

You can still stay active over the holidays rather than sitting around the house watching TV. Start a new family tradition of a walk in the park or a family cycle.

Make it fun for all abilities – bring the kids along and just have fun rather than worrying about having training targets to hit.

PT Mollie, personal trainer and running coach

It won’t ruin your goals

Taking a week off isn’t going to undo all the hard work you’ve put in this year.

When you’re consistent with your training schedule 80% of the time, it’s more than ok to allow yourself the other 20% to completely sack it off.

A couple of days on the sofa isn’t going to make any kind of noticeable difference to your fitness levels  – so you can cross that worry off your list.

Give your mind a break

For many of us, fitness is a form of therapy. It’s a release, an escape, a tool to help reduce and maintain feelings of anxiety and negative emotions.

But, while the release of endorphins can do wonders for your mood, exercising is still a stimulant, and can leave your brain feeling a bit frazzled.

Running and intense fitness increases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body – which is basically linked to a primal response where running equals a threat.

That cortisol bump can cause mood issues, irritability, sleep problems and other health issues if stress levels are chronically high.

So really it’s about finding a balance. Taking a few days out from high-impact and high-intensity can do your nerves a lot of good. Use the time instead to try meditation or gentle yoga to further reduce your stress levels.

Reinvigorate for the New Year

Over-training can lead to exhaustion, injury and illness – and if you work out too much you can start to resent it. It stops being a positive thing that you do for the love and the exhilaration, and starts to become a chore.

Taking a concentrated number of days completely away from fitness can deflate this balloon of negativity, and reset your outlook.

Sometimes you have to step away from something to really examine why you do it, and what you get out of it. If you’ve fallen into a training rut, this is particularly important.

Taking time out gives you the chance to properly miss fitness, which will lead to a real desire to get active in the New Year, rather than doing it out of a sense of obligation.

But don’t forget that guilt works both ways, and if you want to continue exercising over the festive period then you shouldn’t let pressure from friends or family stop you.

‘Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and if you’re spending the day alone then some exercise might be a way of doing something for you, if it makes you feel good,’ explains personal trainer Polly Hale.

‘Christmas can be a challenging time of year for  people with mental health problems.

‘If exercise helps relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, or keeps you away from the booze you might otherwise drink far too much of, then keeping up your normal workouts over the holidays isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

‘I guess it’s up to you and if you need a break, take one guilt free, relax. But if you genuinely feel better when you exercise, don’t let family and friends make you feel guilty for taking that important time out for yourself.’

MORE: How to do a plank: The perfect technique for the core exercise

MORE: Exercising at night won’t mess up your sleep

MORE: The ultimate gift guide for fitness lovers

Every year reindeer visit a care home to bring festive cheer to elderly residents

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Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Barbara Fox, aged 88, left, enjoys feeding moss the reindeer.
Barbara, age 88, enjoys feeding Rudolph some moss (Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)

Each December, residents at Sunrise of Edgbaston care home have some special visitors: therapy reindeer they can stroke, feed, and chat to.

It’s one of many initiatives the care home does to tackle loneliness and boredom for the elderly people who call the place their home.

Every Thursday morning there’s a flower arranging class, each Wednesday at 2pm is baking club, and on Fridays at 10am anyone who fancies getting creative can enjoy an art workshop.

Pets are allowed, events and workshops are arranged for every special occasion, and Sunrise puts in a lot of effort to make sure couples are able to live together in mini apartments that can feel like home.

And, as we mentioned, there are reindeer, brought in every Christmas for their therapeutic benefits.

Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents.
This is Rudolph, one of the regular reindeer visiting the home (Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)

‘We absolutely love having the reindeers visit every year,’ Kelsey Green, the activities and volunteers coordinator at the care home, tells Metro.co.uk.

‘The residents love meeting them and they really bring to life the Christmas spirit at our community.

‘It is such a special and happy time of year and it’s important to us to ensure that every resident is able to build further memories with their families and friends, especially their grandchildren or great grandchildren. Many wouldn’t have seen a real reindeer, let alone getting to feed them or take a photo with them.

‘The reindeer bring everyone together, young and old, and they enjoy the wonderful moment together.

Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Rupert Oakes, aged 6 months, whose auntie works as a carer at the home, comes face to face with Rudolph.
Six month old Rupert has an aunt who works as a carer in the home (Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)

‘The reindeer always add that final touch to Sunrise of Edgbaston’s festive celebrations and we looking forward to welcoming them back again next year!’

While some residents use the reindeer visit as a reason for their family to pop around, others take joy in having a quiet moment with reindeer Rudolph, gently stroking his nose and feeding him moss from a teacup.

The reindeer work to combat loneliness, not just through the calming effect of spending time with an animal, but by providing a conversation point for all the residents.

Lovely, right?

Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Rudolph enjoys a cup of tea and moss from Kelsey Green, Activities Co-ordinator, right.
Kelsey Green gives Rudolph some moss (Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents.
(Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Residents Janet Bradshaw, aged 87, left, and Barbara Fox, aged 88, right, ready with a cup of tea and food for Rudolph.
Janet, 87 (left), and Barbara, 88, get ready to feed the reindeer (Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. The residents make a fuss of Rudolph.
(Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Resident Anthony Wharton, aged 84, dresses up as Father Christmas to meet Rudolph.
One of the residents, Anthony, dresses up as Father Christmas (Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Resident Anthony Wharton, aged 84, middle, dresses up as Father Christmas to meet Rudolph with his fellow residents.
(Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Barbara Fox, aged 88, left, enjoys feeding moss the reindeer.
(Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)
Sunrise Senior Living, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Rudolph the reindeer was visiting the residents. Rudolph enjoys a cup of tea and moss.
(Picture: Richard Swingler/Metro.co.uk)

MORE: Experts explain why you don’t feel Christmassy

MORE: Two-year-old boy born with a heart condition is controlling a street of Christmas lights with his heartbeat

MORE: Why do we put out brandy, mince pies and carrots for Santa?


The 19 best tipples to gift this festive season to make it even more merry

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Tis’ the season to be jolly and what better gift to give a loved one than that of merriment. We’ve been doing the research for you and these are the ones that will nail it.

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal glass pack, £51.95

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Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal glass pack

There’s no denying it, the Royal Sidecar – a classic cocktail for over 100 years – has firmly found its place as a favourite for us too.

And the key ingredient? Cognac.

For the cognac lover, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is ideal. Elegant with a traditional bottle, this gift pack comes with glasses too, for a festive touch.

The liquid itself has delicious notes of plum and fig rounded out by oaky notes of toffee and toasted bread and will make a perfect gift for your cool aspiring bartender friend. We’ll be around for a Chocolate Old Fashioned and Royal Sidecar.

The Whisky Exchange

Rémy Martin XO, £140

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Rémy Martin XO gift pack

If you are feeling extra generous on the cognac front then Rémy Martin XO gift pack with glasses is the one to impress with – perfect for festive cheese and dessert pairings and the showstopper bottle looks very slick on the cocktail cabinet.

The Whisky Exchange 

Cointreau The Selective Edition by Design Laboratory Central Saint Martins, £49.50

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Cointreau The Selective Edition by Design Laboratory Central Saint Martins

Royal Sidecar without Cointreau is incomplete, so if you are feeling extra generous give the gift of golden orange along with the Rémy this Christmas. It’s in margaritas too, and delicious in chocolate puddings or on pancakes.

This limited edition 1litre gold bottle is designed by Design Laboratory Central Saint Martins and there are only 100 in existence in the UK.

Catch this little treasure while you can at Harvey Nichols – it’s will definitely jazz up your bar trolley.

Harvey Nichols

The Botanist gin, £36.99

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The Botanist gin

For the cool forager friend, The Botanist is the one. Foraging was once a way of life for everyone and this gin brand reminds us of the flavours hidden in our own backyards. #BeTheBotanist this Christmas and reconnect with nature. Nine classic gin botanicals are augmented by 22 local herbs and flowers, foraged responsibly and by hand from the hills, shores and bogs of the fertile Hebridean island of Islay by a team of botanical scientists. The perfect gin for hipsters and beyond.

Waitrose.com

Mount Gay XO The Peat Smoke Expression, £220

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Mount Gay XO The Peat Smoke Expression

The rum renaissance continues to ride the wave. Mount Gay XO The Peat Smoke Expression is full bodied, rich and fruity, making this Barbadian spirit is perfect for the festive season. With only 6,120 bottles in existence, this unique limited edition has been finished in Islay peated whisky casks for a complex array of salty and smoky notes.

Selfridges.com

Port Charlotte 10, £48.95

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Port Charlotte 10

Port Charlotte 10 is a whisky made by people at a distillery (Bruichladdich) that employs more than 90% of the residents and uses barley grown on the island itself – no mean feat in the brutal conditions! It’s a whisky borne of a community with a vision and a mission to kick start a single malt whisky revolution. This is one for the disruptor – the friend who is a leader not a follower.

The Whisky Exchange

Kavka vodka, £34.99

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Kavka Vodka

Craft vodka is set to have a comeback in 2019 with the boredom of vodkas that are filtered through Paris Hilton’s diamond collection or flavoured with Oreos. Kavka is bringing back the old-school with a flavoursome rye and wheat-based vodka from Poland with a touch of apple and plum. Vodka ‘how it used to taste’, it’s delicious in a crisp Martini and perfect for those wanting a cool addition to their brushed copper home bar.

Hedonism Wines

Freedom Brewery – Gift Set, £25

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Freedom Brewery – Gift Set

The beer for the socially conscious – oh, and the vegan guests.  Freedom Brewery is independent and has been brewing real beers for real beer drinkers since 1995. Brewed using sustainable processes, such as using natural spring water directly from their on-site bore hole, this will satisfy the wholesome lot.

This taster pack includes: Freedom Four Lager, Freedom Pils Lager, Freedom Amber Lager, Freedom Pale Ale Lager, Freedom Organic Helles Lager, Freedom Half Pint Tankard. Yum!

Moonpig.com

Chapel Down Rosé Brut & Truffles Gift Set, £44

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Chapel Down Rosé Brut & Truffles Gift Set

No gift guide is complete without bubbles. And these are one of our favourites – English sparkling from Chapel Down. Rumour has it Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s guests sipped on the bubbly rosé at her wedding, so if it’s good enough for royalty it’ll be good enough for your sophisticated pal. Chocolate is always a welcome addition. The Chapel Down Brut is also a goody.

Chapel Down

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry rum, £40.00

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Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum

Dreaming of Christmas in the Caribbean? Let Plantation rum’s new Xaymaca Special Dry bring you a slice of tropical beach-bar vibes with its quintessential Jamaican style rum. Using 100% pot-still rums and the legendary ‘Rum Funk’, or ‘Hogo’, Xaymaca is an intensely flavoured rum with rich aromas of black banana, flambéed pineapple and exotic fruits. Sounds like our kind of rum for jamming along to karaoke with, post-Christmas feasting!

Harvey Nichols

Chapel Down Bacchus Gin, £36.45

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Chapel Down Bacchus Gin

Another gin, and this one is distilled from Bacchus grapes with intense aromas, of citrus peel, juniper and freshly cut grass leading to an early palate dominated by ripe citrus fruit with a herbal finish. This limited edition gin was produced with distilled Bacchus grape skins and infused with juniper, coriander, elderflower, orris, angelica, lavender, orange peel and lemon.

Majestic

Waqar Pisco, £34.95

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Waqar Pisco

What’s more Christmassy than a frothy Pisco Sour? Waqar pisco hails from the foothills of the Chilean Andes using only handpicked Muscat grapes combining modern technology with small batch craft distillation. Tickles the tongue with an elegance of white flowers, fresh peaches & apricots and a smooth delicate finish in the mouth. Try it in a Pistón as they do in Chile, pisco and tonic water with a lemon zest to finish. Perfect for the world-traveler in your life, woolly lama hat optional!

The Whisky Exchange

Ceder’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Spirit, £16

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Ceder’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Spirit

The non-alcoholic gin for those who like their drinks without the morning hangover. Made with classic gin and rare cape botanicals, including Buchu flavours, a magical plant used for thousands of years by indigenous people of South Africa, as well rooibos, both grown in the Cederberg mountains. The distilled botanicals are then blended with Swedish water before also being bottled in Sweden. This Swedish / South African hybrid tipple is the brainchild of husband and wife team Craig Hutchison (South African) and Maria Sehlstrom (Swedish). Best served as a classic & tonic with 50cl Ceder’s Classic, 150ml premium tonic and garnished with a slice of lemon and a sprig of rosemary. Hurrah for clear heads!

Sainsbury’s

Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac, £46.00

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Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac

What’s more Christmassy than celebrating family? For the added feel good factor, Ferrand cognac have created the 10 Générations, a stunning tribute to the 10 descendants of the Ferrand family of cognac producers. Aged in Sauternes casks, 10 Générations has strong festive flavours of baked pear, honey, Muscat grapes, pineapple and cloves in addition to fruity spice cake and raisin aromas…move over Christmas pudding. The ultimate tipple for family bonding.

Harvey Nichols

Coty Blanc de Blancs 2013, £240 for a case of 6

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Kit’s Coty Blanc de Blancs 2013

The first Blanc de Blancs from Kit’s Coty vineyard on the North Downs of Kent. This shows typical aromas of cool climate Blanc de Blancs, with notes of green apple and freshly baked bread. The palate shows development from maturation on lees and a toasty character from partial barrel fermentation. A savoury finish with fine, persistent bubbles. This one is the perfect accompaniment to enjoy with oysters.

Chapel Down

Citadelle gin, £31.00

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Citadelle Gin

Who knew the French beat us Brits to the craft gin game? Launched in 1996, Citadelle is the most awarded gin in the world and a truly gormandise gin with 19 botanicals, distilled in copper pot stills at the Château de Bonbonnet. Citadelle has a delicate, aromatic flavour that’s perfect in G&T with a slice of lemon rind, ideally served with a side of oysters for added oh la la…it’s got your foodie, restaurant Instagram-loaded friend written all over it.

The Whisky Exchange

METAXA 12 Stars, £29.75

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METAXA 12 Stars

Something different – and will be looked upon fondly by those who enjoy a trip to a Greek Island. A unique Greek spirit, delicious on its own, or over ice with a twist of orange. Embracing fine wine distillates matured in oak casks for up to 12 years and Muscat wines selected exclusively from the semi-mountainous, terraces vineyards of Samos, METAXA 12 Stars glows with a radiant amber colour which will bring comfort and joy on cold nights.

The Whisky Exchange

Jacob’s Creek Aperitivo Spritz, £9

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Jacob’s Creek Aperitivo Spritz

Not so much a gift, but one to take if you’re a guest for dinner or to buy in if you are hosting.

We do love an aperitif pre-Christmas dinner and here’s one that will satisfy those who love a spritz but have their hands full making the festive feast.

Jacob’s Creek Aperitivo Spritz is best enjoyed over ice with a slice of blood orange or ruby red grapefruit, to bring the botanical flavours to life. The product offers lots of flavour with none of the faff traditionally required for making cocktails. It’s easy on the purse strings too.

ASDA

The Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, £20

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The Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition have been finished in craft IPA barrels. The results will exceed your wildest hoppy hopes – expect the same signature smoothness rubbing shoulders with IPA and introducing light hints of hops, fresh citrus and floral notes. One for hop fans.

Amazon

Sekforde Botanical Mixers, £1.45

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Sekforde Botanical Mixers

Now for those wondering what to mix these delicious spirits with, Sekforde have created some clever spirit-specific botanical mixers. Each one of them has been designed to perfectly enhance the flavour of the spirit without overpowering it and are low-cal to boot, so no sugar overloads…well, surely that means another mince pie’s allowed right?

31Dover.com

12 Burgers of Christmas: 12 of the best festive burgers available in London

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12 Burgers of Christmas written roundup
(Picture: Metro.co.uk/Getty)

Traditional advent calendars are for granddads, kids, and nerds.

I’m sorry, but it’s true.

Bored by miniscule slabs of cheap chocolate, or worse: smug two-dimensional pictures taunting me from behind a cardboard window, I decided to make it my Christmas mission to eat 12 burger specials in 12 days in the good, charitable name of peace, love, and spreading the good word of burgers.

Well, that and a 12 day break from having to make meals with my own hands, time, and ingredients.

There were moments of pure euphoria, heightened eyebrows in utter disbelief, and at one point, hovering dangerously close to being sick on the Hammersmith & City line.

So without further ado: these are the 12 burgers of Christmas, rated and reviewed.

Meat Liquor, XXXMas Burger

(Picture: MeatLiquor)

Free-range Heron’s farm roast turkey, Heron’s farm old spot sausage patty, crispy bacon, stuffing crumbles, gravy and Cranberry sauce.

Listen. I’ve had enough McMuffins to recognize the worth of a sausage patty. Dip&Flip have built their entire brand on the inclusion of gravy in a burger.

Hence, MeatLiquor’s XXXMas burger is a surefire success. It’s a meaty Venn diagram of successes, and wrapped messily.

A squishy bun is a godly bun, and I find great comfort in knowing that, if needed, I could crumple my bun into the palm of my hand like a late night Post-It note that says ‘learn magic??’.

Crisp, ashy bacon crumbles under the tooth and tastes like it’s been lifted straight off a winter BBQ by angels.

‘But turkey is too dry!’ I hear you wail.

Not here. Not between these soft buns, and merely scattered as topping on a deblanketed pig.

Sauce drips like leaked treacle from the sides and suddenly I feel so grateful for the world and the treasures it holds.

FOUR STARS OUT OF FIVE. 

The XXXMAS burger is £9.50 and on offer until 7 January. 

 

Hank’s, Christmas Cracker burger

hank's crackin christmas burger
(Picture: Hank’s)

Buttermilk fried chicken, house Cajun spice, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, Applewood smoked cheese, crispy bacon, and cranberry mayo.

American-influenced Hank’s (named after the single humble food truck they’ve upscaled from) don’t give a f**k about your mum’s Christmas dinner.

Buttermilk chicken, bacon and lettuce? On Santa’s special day? Leave it out.

In truth, it’s only the garish cranberry mayo sauce that excuses this ‘special’ from being a run-of-the-mill, year-round staple.

There’s a fine-tuned balance between soft and crispy at play here, I can appreciate that.

Is this burger delicious? Without question.

It’s even worth the trip to Deptford.

But it instills no festive cheer in my heart.

It’s a great chicken burger with a Santa hat on, but it is not a Christmas burger.

Thank u, next.

THREE STARS.

Hank’s Christmas Cracker burger is £8.50 and will be on the menu until 29 December. 

 

Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Holy Smoke

(Picture: Gourmet Burger Kitchen)

6oz Douglas Fir smoked beef patty, crumbed and fried Camembert, truffle mayo, onion jam, baby spinach, in a sesame seed bun.

This burger is smoked with real Christmas trees, but you wouldn’t taste it.

It’s a lovely idea to get behind, but I guess you just have to believe.

Camembert explodes to the touch and clings to the face like your least favourite aunt.

The whole package is pleasant enough, albeit a weaponised attack on anyone with a moustache.

But it’s somewhat safe. ‘Slippers for your da’ safe.

Cosy when you need it, but not for Instagram. Not even Stories.

GBK have a whole back catalogue of specials to their name, so I’d hoped they’d push the boat out further with this year’s offering.

Now watch them smash it for every other holiday in 2019.

THREE STARS. 

The Holy Smoke is £8.95 or £12.95 with fries and a drink. It’ll be on the menu until 8 January. 

 

Vurger, Crackin Christmas vurger

(Picture: Vurger)

A crunchy stuffing patty with leek, chestnut, cranberry and apricot spices coated in a crispy crumb. Cranberry maple syrup cabbage, rocket, and crispy fried parsnip tails on top.

This vegan burger contests with the best of ‘em.

Show me someone who says that turkey is the best part of a Christmas dinner and I’ll show you a liar.

Roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings reign supreme on the plate, and only a pig in a blanket comes anywhere close to challenging.

Yet in the absence of meat, everything else still has to be elevated. Spices and textures are used here that would otherwise be completely overshadowed by a thick, uniform patty.

Even I know that buying non-meat burgers can sometimes feel uninspired. This vurger automatically gets eccentricity points for not being a ginormous Portobello mushroom in a brioche sandwich.

It is a stodgy boi, however.

Devoid of gravy, it needs an injection of sauce to finish the job.

FOUR STARS. 

Vurger’s Crackin Christmas burger costs £9.95 and will be available until 25 December.

 

All Star Lanes, Christmas Dinner burger

(Picture: All Star Lanes)

Southern fried turkey, sage and onion sausage patty, lettuce, baconnaise, red onion and cranberry relish, a pig in a blanket, and chicken crackling on the side.

This burger is stacked. Seriously, it’s an absolute heffer.

The burger equivalent of a house of cards waiting to fall down, thankfully it has the benefit of being tasty.

Southern fried turkey is KFC in tinsel.

Chicken crackling is what I imagine Gary Lineker actually eats instead of Walkers. It is truly a revelation.

It still feels odd to eat a burger of such quality next to bowling lanes and the towering treasure trove of sweaty trainers.

But the next time you’re on a meat mission, spare a thought for All Star Lanes.

THREE AND A HALF STARS.

The Christmas Dinner Burger is £14 at Stratford and £16 at White City, Holborn, and Brick Lane, with £1 from each burger going to Centrepoint. It’ll be on the menu until 1 January. 

 

Honest, The Christmas Special

(Picture: Honest Burger)

Honest beef, smoked bacon, deep-fried Camembert, cranberry sauce, and rocket.

No novelty gifts here. Just practical.

A designer pair of socks. A well-reviewed tool kit. The Christmas burger.

When the basics are done this well, my word is this burger essential.

THREE AND A HALF STARS. 

The Christmas Special costs £12.50 and comes with a portion of rosemary salted chips. 

 

Hawksmoor, Christmas burger

(Picture: Hawksmoor)

Two burgers (one turkey and one pork patty) with crispy bacon, sprout tops, spiced cranberry ketchup and a slice of Ogleshield. Plus, turkey gravy for dipping.

People have ridiculed me. Yelled in my face. ‘Mustard isn’t Christmas’ – yet here it is, perfectly nestled in the original Christmas special.

Every constituent ingredient is multi-faceted and flavoursome.

It’s with deep regret that this masterpiece needs deconstructing, although this does afford you the opportunity to drizzle turkey gravy over the top and let things soak.

The result? Preferable to the Big Day.

Yes, a sacred meal with your nearest and dearest is special. But Hawksmoor’s breaded turkey is art.

When I die, I don’t want to be buried or cremated. I want to be breaded by Hawksmoor.

Bread me, Daddy.

FOUR AND A HALF STARS.

Hawksmoor’s Christmas Burger costs £14 on its own or £18 with chips or salad. It’s available at Spitalfields Bar until 24 December. 

 

Shake Shack, Xmas Shack

(Picture: Shake Shack)

Crispy chicken breast topped with gruyere cheese, pickled shallots, sliced kale, cranberry bacon chutney and gravy mayo.

Another chicken burger in Christmas clothing, but not up early enough to fool me.

Yet again, as a chicken burger, I cannot knock the quality. Give this to me after a night out and you may well have saved my life.

But for Christmas? I want to be surprised.

This is what I expected, but not what I wanted.

THREE STARS.

The Xmas Shack burger is £8.50 and is on the menu until 1 January. 

 

Byron, Holy Cheesemas

(Picture: Byron)

Beef patty, American cheese, smoked cheese, cheese crisp, pickled red onions, lettuce, spicy garlic mayo, onion ring, scoop of bacon macaroni cheese. Upgrade with an extra bowl of molten cheese sauce – a mix of Byron cheese, Cheddar and Emmental – to the table for dunking for an extra £1

Byron have been rolling this guy out for around seven years now.

What started as a Christmas special has quickly evolved into its own sovereign tradition.

I mean, an onion ring?

Chris Rea’s just grabbed the car keys and called it a day.

Now I bloody love a cheeseboard on Christmas. Even more so than dessert.

But attempting to eat it, swimming in custard-yellow cheese sauce, felt more like a forfeit on Get Your Own Back.

Just because something doesn’t fit my Christmas, doesn’t mean it’s not Christmassy.

Just look at Christmas stockings, or Mass.

Let Byron, be Byron.

THREE STARS. 

The Holy Cheesemas burger costs £14.95, and the same goes for the Veggie Cheesemas. They’re both on the menu until 2 January 2019. 

 

Lucky Chip, Chevy Chase burger

Honest Burger's 'Christmas' special. No thrills. No gimmicks. Just practical
(Picture: Chris Rickett/Metro.co.uk)

Longhorn beef patty, pigs in blankets, aged cheddar, honey mustard dressing and mayo.

The fact that Lucky Chip can serve me one of the God Tier burgers, with a pint, IN A PUB, means I am forever indebted to them.

I’ve never known beef to fall apart so easily, to softly melt like butter.

Stick a pig in blanket on it and well, it’s still not exactly Christmas.

But frankly, when it tastes like this, I don’t care.

FOUR STARS. 

Lucky Chip is doing four different Christmas burgers this year – the Rudolph, the Gizmo, the Bad Santa, and the Chevy Chase. They’re each £10.95, apart from the Gizmo, which is £9.95. They’re on the menu until the end of December. 

 

Blues Kitchen, Bun Humbug burger

(Picture: Blues Kitchen)

Buttermilk turkey, stuffing, Brie, cranberry, topped with two pigs in blankets, and resting on Brussels sprouts.

How can something so inoffensive, so entertaining when you’re there in the moment, be so forgettable mere moments afterwards?

Did you watch Elf this Christmas? Muppets Christmas Carol? It’s A Wonderful Life?

Well, remember The Family Stone? Sarah Jessica Parker? Diane Keaton? Clare Danes?

No?

This burger is The Family Stone.

Editor’s note: The Family Stone is an underrated Christmas classic and I do not approve of any bashing of it

THREE STARS.

The Bun Humbug costs £14.50 and will be on the menu until 27 December.

 

Absurd Bird + Deliveroo, Sproutmas Burger

(Picture: Deliveroo)

Pan-fried Cajun sprouts, bacon, chicken dusted with a secret sprout spice crust, a green cheese sauce, sweet potato and watercress.

That’s it, Christmas is cancelled.

The Grinch has finally stolen Christmas.

Disclaimer: I’m not terribly fond of sprouts. In fact, I think they’re utter scum.

But know that I was so emotionally ready to be converted by the Bird.

Can’t hate sprouts if they’re Cajun-spiced or a mere dust on chicken, can ya?

Wrong.

I can. And I did.

Even Byron are laughing behind hushed hands on the playground.

‘Green cheese sauce? Not even we would come up with something so despicable.’

You’re a mean one, Mr Grinch.

ONE AND A HALF STARS. 

The Sproutsmas burger is available only through Deliveroo in London, Glasgow, Bath, Exeter, and Leeds. Orders can be placed online or through the app between 5pm and 10pm each day over the festive period. It’s priced at £9.95.

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Canicross is the new fitness craze that lets you work out with your dog

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(Picture: Getty)

If you struggle to find the motivation to keep fit then this could be just what you need.

What could be a better incentive for running around than the prospect of spending more quality time with your dog?

Canicross is an adorable twist on cross-country running, which involves bringing along a canine companion.

Not only will they be with you – they’ll actually be pulling you along with an elasticated rope. Imagine a husky/sleigh kind of situation, but you’re the sleigh.

So if you don’t keep up then you’ll end up with a face-full of mud.

(Picture: Getty)

So how, exactly, does it work?

Canicross can be run with one or two dogs, always attached to the runner. You strap on a waist belt, your dog wears a specifically designed harness, and you’re joined by a bungee cord or elastic line.

You act as the driver, directing the dog from behind with commands, so it’s a great way to train your dog’s behaviour as well as your own fitness.

And any dog can do it, big or small, they don’t actually have to be a trained arctic husky. All that matters is that they’re fit and healthy enough to run.

The plus sides of canicross are that you get to have fun with your dog and get super fit in the process. The down side is that you might look a bit of an idiot in your local park.

But the positive effects of canicross might make you think it’s worth the potential embarrassment.

The exercise has the obvious benefits that come with cardio – improved anaerobic endurance, muscle tone and heart health – but the added bonus is that it helps improve your bond with your dog.

It’s also a really time-efficient way to exercise because you get a high-intensity workout, and you won’t need to walk your dog afterwards.

If you run with your dog anyway, it’s worth investing in the equipment and trying canicross instead. Using a lead to keep your dog close to you when running or jogging is not ideal. The constant pulling can be uncomfortable for your arm and shoulder and can also cause strain to your dog’s neck.

Tips for starting canicross

Choose your harness wisely
Ensure the harness is fits well. You want to be able to fit two fingers around the neck, chest and waist. Avoid anything that restricts your dog’s breathing, presses on the chest, or digs into rib cage.

Wear the right shoes
Particularly if you’re going off the beaten path on your run. Trail shoes are always good when running off-road, they will give you more grip on trails and reduce your chance of slipping.

Mix up the terrain
It’s a cross-country sport, so off-road is best. Local woodland parks, or forestry trails provide loads of technical work for both you and your dog.

If you need a bit of moral support you can join group canicross sessions, who meet regularly for rural runs. And there are sessions for beginners or more advanced runners, so all you have to do is find a group near you.

So what’s stopping you? Well, you do need to own a dog. But if canicross sounds like your vibe then it could be all the excuse you need to head to the animal shelter.

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Where did the Christmas stocking tradition come from?

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Christmas stockings hanging over fireplace

Like with many Christmas traditions, there is not actually a definitive answer to where hanging stockings came from, but there is one prevailing theory.

Each yeah children hang up their massive sock on Christmas Eve and hope that by the next morning it is filled with presents.

thumbnail for post ID 8274911Paul Scholes reveals his top choice to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United

The history of giving presents at Christmas time dates back an awful long way but where did the specific tradition of hanging stockings appear from?

Here is the most popular theory behind the bizarre festive event.

Live Science reckons that a nobleman and widower became impoverished while trying to raise his three daughters alone. Without a dowry, women could not marry and may have been forced into prostitution.

St Nicholas, the Christian Bishop who Santa Claus was later based on, heard of the situation and wanted to help out.

He tried to discreetly leave bags of gold by the family’s chimney, but one fell into a stocking there and that is where it was found.

The story of St Nicholas’ selfless act was discovered and was part of what made him go on to become patron saint of children.

Canada, Ontario, Kingston

The tale differs depending on who tells it, but it always comes back to old St Nic putting some gold in a stocking.

As patron saint of children, this story led to kids hanging out their own stocking hoping St Nicholas would visit them and leave a gift.

This started out as just leaving their normal socks, but eventually more elaborate Christmas stockings were created.

When the tradition began, the stockings were left out on St Nicholas’ saint’s day (19 December) but it seems that they became more associated with Christmas in the early 1800s.

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For the past three years I have had a women-only Christmas

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This year Lydia will be spending Christmas with her mum (Picture: Lydia Morrish)

I’d always dreamed of a big family Christmas.

Throughout my childhood, I thought a ‘proper’ Christmas Day like those fictionalised in films and relentlessly marketed to us on TV and on billboards had to have at least 25 family members, an 11-foot tree and swollen plates of vegetables and gravy.

But that image perpetuated in pop culture is a myth that isn’t true for a lot of people and their families (though granted, a Christmas bloat is universal).

For many, particularly those with fragmented families, little money or problems that don’t suddenly pause on December 25th, Christmas can be a time of anxiety and missed expectations.

Due to having family members across the country and divorced parents (though they’re still good friends), tradition went out of the window pretty much as soon as my brother and I hit adulthood.

While we never went without, and as kids had lovely, festive Christmas days doing all the traditional stuff  watching the Queen’s speech and laughing at Nan falling asleep after her Bailey’s  things have changed and I’ve allowed the image of a big, traditional Christmas fade from my brain.

It might sound depressing to some, but I’ve found it freeing to let go of the festive clichés we’ve all come to know. It’s also the secret recipe for a good Christmas living in the moment.

This year, my mum and I don’t have any plans for Christmas Day whatsoever, other than that we’ll be together at my childhood home

For the past three years, I’ve had a ‘women-only’ Christmas Day with my mum, my best friend, her sister and their mum, who live down the road. This year I’m spending the day just with my main woman: my mum. And I couldn’t be more excited.

No offence to my male family members (I love you!), but nothing beats female company on a day where you should be able to relax and spend some quality time.

Things are easy, there are no pretences, and you can do what the hell you like when you like. And while it’s excessively stereotyped and not the same for all women, that mother-daughter bond is worth celebrating.

Not making plans is also a welcome antidote to the rest of the year spent hurrying around, with a calendar booked up weeks in advance. Over the years I’ve come to loathe a full diary with no gaps for spontaneity or last-minute plans.

This year, my mum and I don’t have any plans for Christmas Day whatsoever, other than that we’ll be together at my childhood home. While the agenda is open for interpretation, I imagine we’ll have a lie-in, open a couple of presents and maybe go for a drive or to our local pub in the afternoon.

As an NHS nurse, my mum has often had to work on Christmas Day. So she’ll probably be happy just to have her feet up while I bring her endless cups of tea before resuming some kind of horizontal position.

I know we’re lucky to have a close relationship, and to not be alone on Christmas day like too many people are, so it’ll be nice just to be together.

While some say it’s unconventional to wave goodbye to Christmas Day plans, it’s liberating to be able to let go of the idea of a traditional Christmas. Anyway, who needs Rudolph when you’ve got the cutest, kindest mum in the world?

If only I’d known as a kid that the festive period doesn’t have to be one way or another. As with most events, it definitely isn’t going to be like it’s portrayed in films or in expensive TV ads.

I encourage everyone – mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, grandmothers and anyone else who is worried about not having a big traditional Christmas – to let go of what you think Christmas should be and create your own customs.

If that’s dancing around a tree singing carols, going to the pub with your mum or having no plans at all, you do you.

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