Get up & go by Lyonsdown

for the older and wiser December 2012

IN THE MARKET for festive cheer

Our pick of the best Christmas markets in Europe letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk shop

Pick the perfect presents for your little elves this year

Produced and published by Lyonsdown which takes sole responsibility for the contents

HUNGER GAMES

How to find and feast on the tastiest beast at Christmas

Russian resolutions Ditch the parties and ring in 2013 as part of the Eastern elite

guag.co.uk

Get up and go · December 2012

Get up and go

Publisher Bradley Scheffer

info@mygetupandgo.co.uk

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Editor Ellen Bennett

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Production Editor Amy Dickson

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Project Manager Josh Lesnick Emmanuel Arthur

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Get up and go’s great big gift guide

Bargain Lazy Housekeeper Mop Slippers £9.99 (Lazy Bone)

In case your kids never really did grow into responsible homeowners, with these silly mop slippers they’ll sweep up dust bunnies by shuffling back and forth from the couch to the fridge.

josh@lyonsdown.co.uk emmanuel@lyonsdown.co.uk

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Gifts

For more information on any of our supplements please contact us: Telephone 020 8349 4363 Email info@lyonsdown.co.uk Online lyonsdown.co.uk /contact-us

Affordable Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine £122 (John Lewis)

A good choice for lovers of espresso coffee, but also for the latte lovers, this machine uses Modo Mio coffee capsules to produce creamy espresso, with a steam arm for milk.

With thanks to the following organisations:

Luxury

What’s a QR code? You will find QR codes at the end of our articles. Scan these with your smartphone camera and you can view additional content, add comments and see what others think – all on our website. Here’s how to do it: 1. Get an app. Try QRReader for iPhone or QR Droid for Android. 2. Open the app and point the camera at the code. 3. Hey presto! The app will read the code and open the article.

BIG Kids your for

With so much choice out there, finding the perfect gift for your loved ones can be time-consuming and exhausting. But help is at hand – Bonnie Gardiner has gone on a treasure hunt to find gifts suitable for all ages and price ranges

Pistachio ‘Kandinsky’ medium leather sofa £1,280 (Debenhams)

Tired of visiting your son/ daughter and having to sit on their manky old couch? Then perhaps you’ll spoil them this Christmas with this chic leather one.

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Wives

Husbands

Bargain

Indoor allotment with seeds £24.99 (I Want One of Those)

Man flu survivor mug £3.49 (Sports Direct)

Luxury

Santiago Gonzalez crocodile briefcase £3,495 (Mr Porter/Neta-Porter)

Atlas dome watch £3,110 (Tiffany & Co)

This swish crocodile briefcase is a sleek yet spacious carry bag, fully lined with suede to transport your technology and papers safely, simply and with flair.

Affordable Victorinox 18812 Survival Kit Large £107 (Amazon)

Gifts

Excellent for outdoorsy men prone to camping and fishing trips. This set comes with a packed Swiss army knife plus various other essential items, all delivered in a black leather pouch.

Bargain

Tiny T ots

Moustache pacifier £6.99 (Lazybone)

Ever seen a baby with a moustache? No time like the present.

BIG KI DS Affordable

Gifts for

Budding musicians or seasoned performers will never say no to a swish new guitar. Choose from a range of instruments from websites like Guitar Guitar or for girls specifically, Daisy Rock Guitars.

Sold as “contemporary yet classic” – these designer reading glasses combine the element of fun and class. Available in a range of different colours and designs.

Affordable

Smart Trike 4 in 1 Safari Bear £63.99 (Mothercare)

Animal bathrobes £19.99 (Lazybone)

Featuring a “super swivel” for enhanced steering, new shock absorbing wheels for smooth rides, plus extra seat padding. Also comes with a stylish bag, anti-UV canopy and a parent footbrake.

your Grandchildren

A unique present for any budding artists or writers, the award-winning sketchpad DIY duvet comes with its own wash-out pens for messages, designs, stories and notes.

Gibson Les Paul Studio Guitar £999.00 (Guitar Guitar)

Visage designer reading glasses £69.00 (Elderluxe)

Luxury

Doodle duvet cover £45.00 (Not on the High Street)

Luxury

For the real gift buying aficionado, a gorgeous ladies watch from Tiffany & Co will sit just right with your partner. A variety of designs, including different metals, gemstones and bands. Affordable

spouse your for

Bargain Bleached flowers makeup case £10 (Cath Kidston)

This compact case is ideal for the teen or young adult on the go. Made from durable oilcloth, with secure zip closure and matching circular mirror, it can be used for makeup, toiletries or jewellery.

Luxury Star Wars themed R2D2 rubbish bin £119.99 (Lazybone)

Encourage kids to tidy up with a funthemed rubbish bin. This bin with the well-known Star Wars character is a creative and entertaining way to double up toys with more practical items.

Get kids to love bathtime with sweet novelty animal bathrobes. Made from cotton, you can choose from duck, frog, monkey or pig.

S N E E T PREBargain Chad Valley 250piece super art set £9.99 (Argos)

Encourage your grandchildren to get creative. Whether they want to paint, draw, colour or chalk, this mega stationery set has everything, packed in a handy case to keep it all together.

Affordable Batman Lego kit £69.99

In this issue COVER STORY

If looking to grow her own herbs, this sweet miniature allotment is diguised as a little wooden shed, with three miniature plant pots surrounded by a white picket fence with drainage trays.

Share a laugh over morning coffee as you celebrate your husband conquering one of the most serious illnesses known to mankind.

An old favourite that’s good for any generation, a Lego set with a fun theme or setting will keep kids entertained for days and keep them away from the TV for a few hours.

In the market From festive food to handmade gifts, the traditional European market is growing in popularity in the UK. See our pick of the best in Europe. Cover: Stuttgart PAGE 6 Times past A definitive look through the ages of the past, present and future of Christmastide and tradition. ALSO: readers reminisce over merry memories. PAGE 5 Recipe How to treat that vital meat. PAGE 8 Decoration Deck the halls in style this year. PAGE 11 Travel New ways to see out 2012. PAGE 12 Senior moments Our resident oldie waxes lyrical on the sacred annual ritual he embarksup on every New Year’s Eve. PAGE 16

IRACLE ORKERS

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Christmas past, present and future Why do we put up trees during yuletide? Where did Santa Claus come from? Bonnie Gardiner reveals all...

n Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol, the wellknown protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas present and Christmas future who hoped to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Centuries later, as we hit the shops in preparation for this year’s festivities, we ask: what is the real meaning of Christmas? And how have the holiday’s key elements, paired with mass societal change, altered the way we experience it?

Christmas past

The celebration of Christmas has evolved from many different origins throughout history and the world, the key point of course being the birth of Jesus Christ, which was dictated to be in December to coincide with pagan festivities surrounding the winter solstice. By the middle ages, Christianity had mostly replaced pagan religion, and many new themes began to emerge that have made Christmas the holiday we know today. The now universal image of the chubby, friendly and bearded man named Santa Claus was a

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mixture of Christianity, pagan mythology and commercialism. Historians say a Turkish monk named Saint Nicholas, born around 280 AD, was a figure revered for his kindness. As his popularity spread he was dubbed the protector of children. The Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, Sinter Klass, developed to Santa, which became a celebrated name throughout Europe and the West. The 1822 poem by Clement Clarke Moore, now known as The Night Before Christmas, popularised the familiar image of a Santa who delivered toys on Christmas eve, which inspired political cartoonist Thomas Nast to draw the first image of Santa as we see him today. Finally, after Coca Cola contracted an advert in 1931 including Santa in a bright red Coca Cola suit, the image was complete.

Tree-mendous tradition

The use of plants as decoration goes back to ancient history when yearlong green plants were symbolic of gods and eternal life, keeping away witches, evil spirits and illness. Germany is credited with founding the Christmas tree

tradition in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. In 1846, Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Albert were sketched celebrating beside a Christmas tree similar to those Albert enjoyed as a child. Due to the monarch’s popularity, their behaviour was fashionable and Britons and foreigners began to mimic the tree decorating tradition.

The Christmas feast

Lastly, the tradition of the Christmas feast was widely

popularised during the Victorian era, with vast banquets made with sugary treats or ‘sweet meat’ becoming the norm as a display of festivity and decadence. Originally meat such as beef and goose were the centrepiece of the Christmas dinner, but roast turkey was added to this in the 19th century by the more wealthy sections of the community, being the perfect size for a middle-class family gathering. The Victorians also transformed the idea of Christmas as centred on family, charity, good will, and peace.

as a passing fad. Lighting, on the other hand, has expanded onto the Christmas scene, where once-Christian societies relied on gentle candlelight; nowadays we have whole neighbourhoods decked out in twinkling Christmas cheer. This form of Christmas decoration has become not so much about symbolism and protection but rather spectacle, competition and enthusiasm – creating a new tradition for families to wander the streets and admire the lighting displays on Christmas Eve.

Christmas present

Christmas future

Though many still enjoy the traditions and customs associated with the holiday, various shifts in society and religion have led to an entirely new era of Christmas custom. According to IMRG, the trade body which represents online retailers, there were 4.8 million people in 2010 who partook in online shopping on Christmas Day, compared to the 4.5m who attend church, making it the first time that more people have shopped than worshipped. The decrease in churches that hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve, pushing it instead to 5am or 7am on Christmas Day, may show worship is no longer the top priority for Christians, while many others have no involvement with church whatsoever.

Music and lighting

As the concept of entertainment changes, so does Christmas music. Last year, crooner Michael Buble’s Christmas album peaked in the UK album chart, comprising entirely of songs produced 50 years ago and beyond. New carols were still being composed in the 1950s and ’60s for big stars such as Bing Crosby, unlike today where, with the exception of a few modern hits, new Christmas songs are waved off

With many new consumer habits, and constant technological advancements, further shifts of Christmas customs are likely. The rise in secularism means Christmas is often being ignored by more individuals who see no benefit from a religious standpoint, but who also hold contempt for the highly commercial agenda. The growing demand for energy efficient and eco-friendly technologies means excessive Christmas lighting may inspire new developments. The transition to low-power LED lighting is leading the way for more sustainable lighting methods, including those used on the famous Rockefeller Centre Tree in New York City.

A time to give

Lastly, gift-giving as a tradition has been dominated by technology sectors, with tablets, games, laptops and smartphones becoming more popular and entertaining for people of all ages. In future it’s likely that the number of gifts given to loved ones at Christmas will reduce from ten and more, to one or two high-value, multi-functional gadgets. How these developments will alter the idea of Christmas, including some of its oldest themes and traditions, only time will tell. But for now, the true meaning of Christmas will depend on the individual. While on the whole there may be some large shifts, the holiday season is still considered to be an important celebration of family, love and joy.

Memory lane: our fondest Christmas memories Elizabeth

Barry

Maureen

One of my best Christmas memories was several years ago when I sang with the National Christian Choir in Manger Square, in Israel. Several choirs from all over the world came. In this wonderful historical city we had unity and peace, celebrating the birth of a man that had a hand in the destiny of the entire world. It was a wonderful experience for me because I really saw that the world has love, no matter what background we come from. We are all in this life together.

I don’t really like to do very much at Christmas, so most of my Christmas memories are from when I was a little kid. It was mostly just at home, back in the days when it was Christmas school holidays; before we had Sky TV and a million channels in everybody’s homes. You’d look forward to what movies were going to be on TV and plan out your viewing. You would spend the whole of Christmas watching TV, sitting in front of the fire, relaxing at home.

My favourite Christmas memory was when my husband and I finally got to go overseas for Christmas. We went to southern Spain; it was really lovely. We went mainly because my husband had been diagnosed with cancer, so it was just the two of us. It was very different; for a start I wasn’t cooking, everything was laid on for you, all the Christmas trimmings, the decorations on the trees, carol singing – and I didn’t have to prepare any of it. You could just sit and relax. I would love to do it again.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Own your future Dreaming of the perfect retirement home but reluctant to sell your property? It’s time to wake up to the benefits of renting...

inding a practical solution that matches the quality of your retirement living dream may be easier said than done – and renting may not automatically spring to the top of your list of possible solutions. However, increasing numbers of UK retirees are discovering what their counterparts in America and Australia found out a few years back – that renting your retirement home offers many advantages over continued property ownership. Even more are discovering how you can continue to benefit from both. Hawthorns Retirement has brought its highly successful American formula for retirement living to the UK at Eastbourne, Clevedon and Braintree.

Market research The European Christmas market has made its way to the UK – and with plenty of festive fare on offer, it’s easy to see why its so popular

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and signed on the dotted line the next day following a second visit. Their decision to rent out their existing property rather than sell it was almost as quick, as Alan explains. “Jean has Parkinson’s, I suffer with The Hawthorns offers the arthritis and the thought of not having to worry about shopping, cooking and all the added benefits of security other home maintenance chores suddenly and companionship sounded so appealing. We loved The Hawthorns the moment we stepped inside minibus to take you to the shops and back. so it was an easy as well as swift decision. If you sit down and calculate what you are “I have to admit my initial thought was spending on all those items living in to sell our own home, a three-bedroom your own home, the rental fees detached bungalow in Tiptree, appear very reasonable indeed. but after a chat with our son we As well as the financial realised it made more sense argument, life at The to rent out our bungalow. Hawthorns offers the The rental income from that added benefits of security, subsidises our rent at The companionship and the Hawthorns and enables us flexibility of handing in to enjoy not only a fabulous just one month’s notice but an affordable lifestyle. of your decision to leave. “Of course, it makes While many residents complete sense at the moment fund this idyllic retirement Renting offers a more to rent out the bungalow. With lifestyle from the proceeds of comfortable way of living the housing market in the the sale of their home, many doldrums, I can wait two others opt to rent out their own property or three years for prices to pick up and and fund their new-found lifestyle then consider selling it and getting much from the rental income, maintaining more capital for it – very appealing. their property as part of their estate. “What’s more, we always know we still have our old home should we ever wish to return to it – which I It was easy for Alan and Jean have to say is highly unlikely, the way For Alan and Jean Ward, the decision we feel about life here,” said Alan. to move to The Hawthorns in Braintree was swift in the extreme. They saw an 0800 652 3449 advert for the development in a paper on a www.hawthornsretirement.co.uk Sunday morning, visited in the afternoon

ow much has Christmas changed since the 1980s? Even in 2012, much of it seems to follow the same pattern as before: trees and tinsel, great food, that one Slade track blaring out of Argos in mid-November and the appearance of some awful jumpers. Many things have stayed the same, but over the past few decades the UK festive experience has taken a more continental turn, with the rise of the European Christmas market. An established tradition across the water, this first hit Britain in 1982 with the arrival of a German Christmas market in Lincoln, and the phenomenon has come on ever since: the markets are now a regular showcase event in cities including Leeds, Bath, Manchester and Birmingham. And they are growing in popularity. Visit Birmingham, which promotes tourism in the city hosting the country’s largest market, claims it has seen a 30 per cent rise in bookings for customers travelling to the market by coach this year, compared to 2011’s numbers – at a time when the market already pulls in an average three million visitors annually. This success story can be put down to a variety of factors: the markets have benefitted from rigorous promotion by bodies including Frankfurt’s tourist board – which runs the markets in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh – as well as local councils, which often have website sections dedicated to them. And the markets draw people in because they have such a wide range of offerings: the usual German classics of glühwein and bratwurst are on show, as well as sauerkraut and roasted nuts, but the variety of foods extends to crêpes, Dutch cheese,

You can get your hands on rare meat such as venison or ostrich, as well as homemade specialities Hungarian goulash and Spanish paella. There are also prepared foodstuffs at some markets, for example in Manchester, you can get your hands on rare meat such as venison or ostrich, as well as homemade specialities – both from abroad and locally produced – including jam or gingerbread hearts. And handmade goods which can make for a thoughtful gift are also available: arts and crafts, jewellery, clothes and even toys. And with the waft of mulled wine and a bustling crowd, the festive atmosphere is hard to resist. The timing for different markets varies, but many tend to run from mid or late November until around Christmas eve, and opening hours tend to be reasonably long: London’s Southbank Centre market opens from 11am to 10pm during the week, and a number of others also open in late morning and close at the end of the evening. So when is the best time to make your visit? For those who want to soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible, the busiest times tend to be on weekends and evenings, when people are out of the office. But the busier it is, the more time wasted elbowing your way through a crowd – so it may be worth your while to avoid the peak times and the stress that goes with it. While some Christmas traditions may be best left behind – Slade and dodgy jumpers included – this is one festive custom definitely on the up.

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Home and away: christmas

markets

Manchester

Lincoln

Because of its sheer size, Manchester can offer huge variety: this year it has eight different markets, sprawled across the city centre. This means there is all manner of Christmas food and festive goods from different countries and vendors, as well as a vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of visitors. The markets run until December 23, and full details about them can be found on www. manchester.gov.uk

The sleepy city of Lincoln hosts the oldest of Britain’s Christmas markets. Held against the backdrop of a Norman castle and a gothic cathedral, visitors to this historic setting can benefit from more than a hog roast sandwich. To find out more, visit lincoln-christmas market.co.uk

Edinburgh

Germany

For those headed north of the border Edinburgh has an impressive festive offering: a good variety of events, ranging from traditional German stalls to a highland village market offering Scottish produce, all set against the glorious backdrop of the capital. Full details are available at www.edinburghs christmas.com

Christmas markets have spread across the continent, but they wouldn’t be the same without the German factor. German Christmas markets date back to the 14th century, and started as fairs providing food and supplies for the winter – but these grew popular and took on a festive theme. As well as arts and crafts and a selection of sausages and mulled wine, German markets are also known for Lebkuchen – gingerbread biscuits – as well as marzipan treats and roasted almonds.

Holland Holland follows similar festive conventions to other countries in western Europe, but few can make the boast of holding their markets underground. The markets, held in the two caves of Valkenburg aan de Geul, allow people to enjoy the usual mix of food and specialist items, as well as getting the chance to look at mural paintings, sculptures and an 18th-century chapel.. Above ground, the city tends to make the most of its festive status with a Christmas parade and live music.

Czech Republic The Czech Republic is among a number of European countries to have embraced the Christmas market tradition. Its markets involve traditional Czech fare such as handmade puppets, sweet pastries and the chance to see a nativity scene or even a petting zoo. Visitors may also witness another Czech Christmas experience: the 24th is a day of abstinence from meat, many families prepare fried carp with a potato salad – meaning tourists may get the chance to see fishmongers bringing in barrels of carp in preparation.

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“All the sight problems that were getting on my nerves are gone. It’s like I’m starting a new life” – Ashenden

Clockwise from top: Mr Qureshi , Martin Ashenden and The London Eye Hospital just remarkable how good my vision was “It’s made a real difference to my life – everything is bright and clear. Now I can go travelling and see everything from information screens in airports to scenery and vistas. I go to America regularly to see my grandchildren and now I can enjoy being with them far more.

“All the sight problems that were getting on my nerves are gone and it’s like I’m starting a new life. I’m looking forward to many more years of tennis!” The LEH Trifocal lens is suitable for anyone in their late 30s or older who has long or short sight, even if they have astigmatism. The lens is also suitable for anyone with cataracts, so millions of people who currently wear glasses or contact lenses could benefit – especially if previously they have avoided surgery due to the prevalence of glare problems after having traditional multifocal lenses fitted. 0800 612 2021 www.londoneyehospital.com

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Feast your eyes on this

Whether you’re a turkey traditionalist, a goose gobbler or even a KFC connoisseur, our Christmas dinner appetites are evolving... By Dave Baxter

very year in late December, Britons get seriously hungry. Christmas 2008 saw us consume 10 million turkeys, 25 million Christmas puddings, 250 million pints of beer and 35 million bottles of wine, according to the British Turkey Information Service. Getting the bird in has long been part of our celebrations: King Edward VII made turkey fashionable in the early 1900s and this remained a luxury until around the 1950s, when it became an affordable part of Christmas dinner. But despite the popularity of traditional Christmas food, people can now do things differently – by buying turkey in different forms, choosing new meats, being healthier or

going vegetarian. Consumer body Which? argues that, compared with the rest of the world, our culinary choice for Christmas is rather bland. In Norway, Sweden, Poland and Austria, fish is a festive dish, while in Germany, Christmas eating tends to involve game, including wild boar.

Different menu

But it’s easy for families to change things up. As celebrity chef Nigel Slater has argued, the way to eat turkey itself has changed: he says that some families have opted

In Norway, Sweden, Poland and Austria, fish is a festive dish. In Germany, Christmas eating involves game, including wild boar

At Christmas 2008, Britons drank 35m bottles of wine

for smaller turkeys to cut back on excess eating, while others have refined their choice, going for darkfeathered birds. There are alternatives to buying a whole turkey: by purchasing a crown roast, people can eat the same meat but consume less. And other options are emerging: goose, which used to be the festive bird of choice before turkey rose to prominence, makes for a richly flavoured alternative.

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Enjoy a Christmas meal with a twist aboard City Cruises

Rockin’ around the KFC Like leaving carrots and whisky out for a fictional man and his reindeer, dousing your delicious Christmas pudding in brandy and setting it alight seems like odd behaviour. But Britons are not alone, with many countries around the world doing strange things to their festive food. In Slovakia and Ukraine, family members sit down to Christmas Eve dinner, with a dish consisting of bread, poppy seed filling and water, called Loksa. Then it gets messy: traditionally the head of the family takes a spoonful of the dish and throws it at the ceiling – the logic goes that the more sticks to the ceiling, the better the next harvest will be. In Japan, Christmas has developed a life of its own – December 25 is not a national holiday, but some traits – such as the decorations – have been taken up to an extent. And while some go for a quiet meal on December 25, many like to stay in with a large bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). KFC is a popular brand in Japan, and since launching its first Christmas meal there in the 1970s it has become a festive icon – its Christmas Party Barrels are in such high demand that some orders are made two months in advance.

Healthy advice

This is becoming more widely used – Eddie Hegarty, chairman of industry body British Goose Producers, recently warned there may not be enough geese this year to meet growing demand.

The festivities can be had in a healthier way: the NHS offers simple advice on making the traditional Christmas meal healthier for you – such as removing the skin from a turkey – and a number of celebrity chefs have come up with interesting veggie alternatives. This can stretch beyond a simple nut cutlet – from salads to more varied fare, such as a squash, barley and spinach pie, which is joined by a number of other

NHS offers advice on making the Christmas meal healthier for you – such as removing the skin from a turkey options on the BBC Good Food site. Christmas is the time to eat and drink well – but if you’re fed up of stuffing yourself or just fancy change, you could get everything you wished for.

Do yuletide your way Why cook at Christmas when you could celebrate in style? Just scanning celebrity chef websites offers the preparation of all that food – but it is a heap of alternative Christmas meals possible to stay out of the kitchen. – Nigella Lawson’s suggestions include Though unlikely to be cheap, people can a seafood pot, an egg and bacon pie and eat at some iconic spots: those looking for crispy duck and ham cooked in Coca Cola. a bit of glamour could visit London’s Ritz Those on a fitness kick could put together restaurant, offering a six-course meal, live a healthier traditional Christmas meal with music, magic and a visit from Santa. This a number of easy changes – baking potatoes costs £390 per adult and £195 per child. rather than roasting them, not smothering Another way to eat, drink and be merry vegetables in butter and spooning the in the capital is offered by City Cruises, fat off the gravy top – or go for a firm which runs a four-course something entirely different. Christmas day meal with a There are various meals twist: it all takes place on a which are tasty, good for you, boat, which runs through and vegetarian-friendly: central London on the salads of wintery fruit and veg, Thames. or shredded root vegetable The trip leaves at midday pancakes using red beets and and costs £105 per person. carrots, are just two examples. Further North, the Veggies can also have their own Devonshire Arms in Skipton is festive indulgence, with dishes such Bye, bye Brussels an elegant country hotel offering as a wild mushroom and port brioche a traditional Yorkshire Christmas offering a welcome touch of extravagance. – including food at its Michelin-starred One eye-catching vegetarian centrepiece at restaurant. Prices vary, but book soon. the table would be to take an entire squash, Manchester’s Five-star Lowry Hotel bake it, and fill it with spiced couscous. offers festive afternoon tea and other ways to relax over the festive period, Avoiding cooking with accommodation prices from A notorious part of every Christmas is £77.50 per person.

SPONSORED FEATURE

Companionship at Christmas One charity is preparing to open its doors to those facing the holiday season on their own

bbeyfield, the charity that provides housing care and services to older people across the UK, is hoping older people that will be alone over Christmas – residents with elderly neighbours living alone, and family members in need of respite support over the festive period – will take up the offer of help and call the freephone number. The charity will then match the caller with the nearest participating Abbeyfield house or care home.

Home from home The aim is to give older people some company over the festive period, and pair them with others from a home-from-home alternative. As part of the free offer, the charity will be offering a delicious Christmas lunch and, in some cases, overnight accomodation in Abbeyfield locations across the country.

Attack of loneliness Living alone or feeling lonely is something that is sadly accepted and not discussed. However, in the run-up to Christmas when there is a barrage of cheery festive advertisements depicting happy times shared with family and friends, the sense of

In numbers • Over half of all people aged 75 and over live alone • 200,000 older people in the UK don’t get help to get out of their houses or flats • Half of all older people (about 5 million) say the television is their main company Source: Campaign to End Loneliness

isolation and loneliness that usually goes unnoticed can be magnified. According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, loneliness still continues to plague society. Social isolation is considered to be just as harmful as smoking or being an alcoholic and, according to recent studies, does more damage to your health than not exercising. As the Abbeyfield Christmas initiative begins, we would like everyone to consider someone that they know to be living alone without much contact with others to either bring this campaign to their attention, visit our website to find out more about the nearest participating house, or contact us. So if you are, or you know of someone who is aged 55 and over,

Don’t be lonely this Christmas currently living independently in their own home and will be alone or lonely over Christmas, then the charity would like to hear from you. The campaign has already received the backing from a number of MPs, other charitable organisations and local authorities charged with taking care of the elderly around the country.

“Our aim is to enhance the quality of life for older people” – Allen

Please call 0845 052 3553 if you wish to find out more about Companionship at Christmas. Or if you wish to volunteer for the Christmas initiative, contact the charity on 01727 857 536. Paul Allen, Abbeyfield’s CEO says: “Our aim is to enhance the quality of life for older people. We hope that people accept our invitation and contact us now – it will really enhance the Christmas experience.” 0845 052 3553 www.abbeyfield.com

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Sprinkle some festive magic Forget decking the halls with holly – get your home into the Christmas spirit with our pick of the best decorations Antique chic room decoration twig arrangement – £22.75 (Christmas Time UK)

Brown natural weave wicker table top tree – £13.50 (Christmas Time UK)

Round embossed gold leaf charger plate (Christmas Time UK)

Dolomite Chef Kitchenware range – £4.00 (Christmas Time UK)

LED snowflake lights – £14.00 (Debenhams)

Preserved leaf wreath – £45 (Not on the High Street)

Multicoloured glass droplet baubles with vertical stripes – £8.00 (Christmas Time UK)

Christmas reindeer tea light decoration – £44.95 (Not on the High Street)

Because You're Special, Our Care Is Too. We are MHA - Britain’s largest charitable care home provider, with 70 years’ experience. With our range of accommodation, care and support services for 16,000 older people, we aim to provide quality and choice to every individual. From specialist dementia care to live at home services in the community, we look to promote well-being by nurturing a person's body, mind and spirit. In a range of settings, including residential care, purpose-built apartments or people’s own homes, we believe passionately that older people deserve tailor-made care and support to meet their unique needs. Find out how we could help you or a loved one, or support us by visiting www.mha.org.uk or calling 01332 296200.

Icicle LED set – £31.00 (Christmas Time UK)

Multicoloured disc garland – £5.75 (Christmas Time UK)

Shatterproof mirror baubles – £3 (Christmas Time UK)

Methodist Homes (MHA) Registered as a Charity – No. 1083995 Company Limited by Guarantee – No. 4043124

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Is Auld Lang Syne getting too old? Can’t bear another year of overcrowded pubs or exhausting parties? Why not ring in 2013 under the guise of a Russian czar, on a murder mystery tour, or holed up in a cosy cabin? By Dave Baxter

nother bitingly cold winter evening is drawing in, and as the night deepens you find yourself making small talk with an acquaintance you barely know. Like you they are looking pale, tired, out of shape and not entirely sure what they are doing here. Welcome to the classic New Year’s Eve nightmare: it’s been an exhausting Christmas of cooking, cleaning, arranging, buying, wrapping and indulging, and as it falls to you to attend or even host another gathering, all you can think of is getting away. This is a classic dilemma: while Christmas is a good excuse for festive fun, it isn’t short of stress, making what is technically a holiday more of a fight for survival. By doing something

different you can escape the hassle, get away from seeing the same faces, and maybe experience something new to brighten what is likely to be a long January.

Murder mystery parties

Want a bit of glamour without needing your passport? An affordable UK alternative would be to head to one of two murder mystery parties being held at stately homes in the home counties – Oxfordshire’s Heythrop Park and Buckinghamshire’s

Latimer House – where individuals will be allocated characters and set out to uncover who the culprit is. Players have no idea at first whether they are a murderer or potential victim – and after the inevitable suspicious death, the night begins to unravel. Prices start at £170 per person, which covers dinner, the murder mystery event, accommodation and access to other entertainment including casinos and discos. To find out more or to book, go to www.new-years-eveparties-uk.co.uk or call 01790 756940.

Living like a czar

Get suited and booted to join a murder mystery

Fancy living like a king as New Year approaches? This might not be entirely possible – but with the right amount of money you could live like a Russian czar.

The sumptuous Czar’s Ball event, held by MIR Corporation at Catherine Palace, St Petersburg, mimics the imperial jaunts of the 1800s, when no expense was spared to entertain the top brass of Russian society. This is the height of luxury – the number of guests is limited to around 200, and the set-up of

tiered crystal chandeliers, polished parquet floors, ice sculptures and elegant flowers engulf attendees in Russian chic as the orchestra begins to play a waltz and guests tuck into a lavish feast. Prices vary because the ball must be booked as an add-on to one of two specialist Russian tours run by the company.

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Commission and the crowd of around 30,000 the music attracts every year. The Niagara Parks Commission has a useful website where people can build a holiday package to suit their needs – and finances. To find out more or book, go to www.niagaraparks.com/plan/ buy-tickets-packages.html

Enjoy Venice this winter

A European escape

Join the Russian elite at the Czar’s Ball

Full details can be found at www.mircorp.com/czarsball.asp or emailing charity@mircorp.com

A more natural touch

For those looking to escape the crowds and get back to nature, holiday homes company Under The Thatch may be worth a look. With a number of thatched

cabins and cottages located in remote spots across the UK, this gives people a real chance to savour the basics. There is a wide variety in terms of location, luxury and price. Hill Croft (right), a five star eco build in the furthest north west corner of Scotland, will guarantee dramatic landscapes, wildlife including whales, seals and puffins, and indulgences such as a seven-foot feather topped bespoke bed. Three nights’ stay, including New Year’s Eve, could cost a couple around £1,600. On the other end of the spectrum are more rustic choices – such as a three-night stay in a gypsy caravan in West Wales to from as little as £167. To book or to get more information, go to www. underthethatch.co.uk or call 0844 5005 101.

Get washed away by the beauty of Niagra Falls this New Year

Niagara Falls

For those seeking an adventure but not sold on the pomp of a Russian ball, Niagara Falls may make for a perfect backdrop as you prepare to ring in 2013. The appeal of the view itself is hard to argue with, but there are other reasons to go at this

particular time of year: as part of the Winter Festival of Lights held every year, there will be more than 3m lights on a four-mile route, illuminating the setting. The atmosphere is also heightened by two fireworks displays, held at 9pm and midnight, a major free concert organised by the Niagara Parks

With the right amount of money you could live like a Russian czar this New Year

As exciting as they are, trips abroad don’t have to break the bank. And if Russia and Canada seem too far afield but nothing in the UK appeals, you could go for a relaxing trip to the continent. There are plenty of good European spots to see in the New Year, and one great example is the beautiful lagoon city of Venice. Visitors can choose between big-crowd events, such as that held at St Mark’s Square – where there will be music and fireworks – or more low-key fare such as watching the sunrise before taking a dip at Lido Beach. Prices vary wildly depending on your demands in terms of luxury, what dates you return to the UK on and how early you book, but with a thorough search this could be done, frugally, for a few hundred pounds per person. To find out more about what Venice can offer, go to www. myvenice.co.uk

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Comfort, independence and security The beautiful town of Market Harborough provides a happy home for retirement SPONSORED FEATURE

Packages to suit your needs

Vibrant community Exclusively for people aged 60 and over, Welland Place forms a vibrant community of like-minded people who value their time and independence. They enjoy landscaped gardens, a cafe bistro, a library, hairdressing salon and even a swimming pool with spa and gym facilities. But beyond this is also the reassurance of a dedicated team of caring and professional staff, on site 24-hours a day, providing personalised long and shortterm care and assistance when needed. “My children are very reassured that there are staff on site here 24-hours a day, and there are call buttons if you need help,” Margie adds. “I’m only going to get older, and nobody knows what’s round the corner. It’s very good to have the help available on site, and Welland Place is so beautiful, it’s really like a five star hotel. I felt so comfortable from the first time I looked at it.” Day or night, professionally qualified members of staff are available to offer

Our wellbeing package includes 24-hour staff support, daily contact and varied activity options. Individual personal care can be arranged to suit your needs and take away the worry of day-to-day chores such as meal preparation, laundry or bills. In this way, you are free to spend more time enjoying activities and friendships. We will take time to get to know you as an individual, understanding your needs and preferences in order to support your well-being, both now and in the future. “As soon as I saw that one apartment, I knew that was the place I should be,” smiles resident Marion Foskett. As with all residents, Marion had the option to buy, rent or part-purchase a choice of one- and two-bedroom properties for individuals, couples and those who would like some extra space for guests. Energy-efficient and well soundproofed, with underfloor

“Welland Place is so beautiful, it’s like a fivestar hotel” – Margie Fone heating to the bathroom, broadband facilities and a discreet touch button call system, Welland Place’s apartments bring you security and reassurance with style and elegance. They are also all covered by Premier Buildmark Home Warranties, that include cover for structural repairs.

Discover the benefits All this in the beautiful town of Market

A safe and beautiful place to retire Harborough, with vintage local attractions, numerous opportunities for local shopping or eating out, easy rail and road links to surrounding cities, and barely an hour from London St Pancras. Getting out and about is easy, on foot or by public transport, though Welland Place also has the added benefit of secure underground parking for those who drive.

Award-winning provider Meanwhile, residents continue to enjoy spending their time in the way that they choose. Beryl Hill, for example, is interested in the WEA adult learning courses available locally, while Marion enjoys the book club and regular swimming. “And I helped to

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raise a nest of blackbirds whose nest was in my hedge!” she adds, laughing. Welland Place is part of MHA, the national charity providing accommodation, care and support services to 16,000 older people. Recently named Best Residential Care Provider by leading market information provider Laing & Buisson, we understand what is required for safe and fulfilling later living. 01858 412060 www.mha.org.uk

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aising a sparkling glass as she laughs with friends, Margie Fone is right to feel safe and secure, though this wasn’t always the case. “I had an aneurysm rupture and needed major surgery,” she recalls. “At the time, I had to call the ambulance myself.” It was a frightening time for Margie and her family. But now that she lives in Welland Place in Market Harborough, Margie – and her neighbours – can be reassured of care, support and assistance as and when they require it, at any time round the clock.

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hunter daviEs

What will next year bring?

or over forty years now, new year has been an incredibly busy time for me and my pen and my family. On New Year’s Eve, we sit down and look back at the year just gone, listing all the highlights, then give predictions for the year ahead. This is private, for the consumption of me and my dear wife only. I start by getting out the lists from the previous new year, all of which are about our family and friends, not the world at large, which I read out aloud to the assembled throng, i.e. the two of us. Then I go to bed – on the stroke of ten o’clock. This used to drive my mother mad, being Scottish. She

We have a rule about predictions – we don’t do unhappy. So we don’t predict people being ill, splitting up or losing their job

believed every human had to stay up for Hogmanay. I have a sub-section called present concerns in which I write down what was bugging us a year ago. Do you know, every year I can hardly remember them. My poisoned finger, for example, which was driving me mad on 31 December 2011. I was convinced I would not last till out till 1 January. Plus, the funny noise in the boiler and the drip, drip, drip from the roof – all long gone, disappeared into thin air. It’s so cheering.

Survival story So on 31 December 2012, when I get out my little pen and tot up all the things driving me mad, I will tell myself, don’t worry. You survived last year. We have a rule about predictions – we don’t do unhappy. So we don’t predict people being ill, splitting up, losing their job. If someone is pregnant, we predict the precise date and sex of their baby. If someone has exams, we predict positively. If someone in the

family has a book coming out, I always predict rave reviews. Now and again I will do one or two external events if, say, there is a World Cup, Euros or a general election in the year ahead. We had the Euros this

year, but until New Year’s Eve, I wont be able to able to open the lists and check my stupid preditions. Oh gawd , I hope I didn’t say England.

Measuring up Then on New Year’s Day, when the grandchildren arrive I measure them all in . This too has gone on for over 40 years. I mark the heights on the wall behind the living room door; good job we never decorate, with a different marker pen for each. I used to do the weights as well, but the older two girls, now 13, refuse to be weighed anymore. Foony things, girls. The younger ones, four and three, love it; desperate to be taller and heavier than last year. I used to give all the charts to our son, when he was hopeless at maths, and say look, here is all the data going back ages, please plot the figures on this graph paper, then draw curves, which will predict your final heights. Or not. See, keeping family charts is not just fun, but educational, oh yes.

TELDEC12