Pick Me Up! 8-Dec-2022_Double issue

Watching as the pile of wrapping paper grew higher, I couldn’t believe how much stuff we’d accumulated at Christmas. Our garage was already filled with old toys, buggies and baby books we’d got from previous Christmases, that my daughters, Sophie, 11, and Lexie, eight, had outgrown. I didn’t want to just throw it away – so I did my research, and that’s when I discovered Stripey Stork. We’re a baby bank collecting donations of clothes and essential items for children, rehoming them with local families experiencing hardship, I read from the website. It sounded perfect. So, dropping off a boot-load of things the next morning, I got chatting to the volunteers. We ensure no child is left without a gift And the following week, I signed up myself! That’s when…

HAVE YOU HEARD? It’s the ultimate musical goal – Christmas Number One. And this year, none other than Basil Brush has set his sights on it! Boom! Boom! It’s Christmas Again! is out now, and it’s a treat for the ears and the eyes – with icons like Mr Blobby, Zippy, George and Bungle and Muffin the Mule cameoing on the festive video. Plus, proceeds from the fun Christmas single will go to Save the Children and the Shooting Star Chase children’s hospice. But Basil’s not the only contender – turn to page 78 to read more about Marco’s bid for the top slot, with his Christmas/World Cup mash-up, inspired by his daughter Mila. But whoever you choose to back – have a holly jolly Christmas! • Boom! Boom! It’s…

My rescue bunny Luna and Border Terrier Eddie are certainly ready for Christmas! Caroline Palin, St Helens Here I am on Christmas morning, wondering whether it’s worth putting the washing out or not! Sandi Fletcher, Bracknell My daughter Mia thought this turkey hat was hilarious when she saw it in the toy store! Richard Adams, West Midlands My beautiful little girl Olivia, three, loves Disney princesses but especially Snow White. She makes us act out the story all the time and Mummy always has to be the prince. It’s just like a pantomime! Justine Machin, Preston Work Christmas parties are always a laugh – I’m lucky to celebrate with my best friends all year round! Chloe Lake, north Devon If your letter makes Star Letter of the week, you will…

Making my way into the kid’s bedrooms, I hung four stockings at the end of their bunk beds. Getting everything ready for the big day, in the late hours of Christmas Eve, me and my husband Kevin, now 64, tried to make it as special as possible. Christmas was always such a magical time for us, especially with the sound of the kids giggling outside the bedroom door in the morning. Only, then, our eldest Gavin came leaping into the bedroom in his Superman PJs. With Selina, now 40, Tara, now 37, and Gareth, now 35, following closely behind. ‘Please can we open our presents?’ Gavin begged. ‘Course you can,’ me and Kevin laughed, as they all climbed into bed with us. And that’s how Christmas would pan out in…

Showcase your Christmas presents in style this year with fun, festive gift wrap!…

Striking a match, a bright flame lit up the living room. Carefully, I lit the first Hanukkah candle on our family menorah. Being Jewish, my family didn’t celebrate Christmas – but still, Hanukkah and the festive season was one of my favourite times of year. Lighting the candles, eating traditional doughnuts, getting presents over the eight days… it was truly magical. And on Christmas Day, I’d still sit down with Mum and Dad for a traditional yuletide turkey roast (minus the pigs in blankets!) – so I got the best of both worlds. After all, one of the best things about the festive season was the food! Sweet or savoury, I devoured it all. Mum and I would pore over festive food catalogues, ordering delicious picky bits for family gatherings.…