Countdown to Christmas by Belfast Telegraph

CELEBRITY CHEF JEAN CHRISTOPHE NOVELLI IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A PERFECT CHRISTMAS WITH HIS YOUNG FAMILY

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Lyn Friel sacriďŹ ces many creature comforts to give animals a sanctuary

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Plus: Great winter getaways, style for men and women, events, entertainment and much more...

4 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

CONTENTS

For the men who enjoy a bit of a pamper, a choice of affordable skincare treatments

Jean Christophe Novelli is looking forward to precious family time this Christmas

Our A-Z of making the most of the festive season

Clothes to spruce up your winter wardrobe

Our survival guide to the office party. Plus, tips for getting your social calendar in order

Absolutely delicious... gobble up these edible gifts

Gems, jewels and birthstones

Animal lover Lyn Friel on life at her Co Antrim sanctuary

Face forward make-up to take you from the office to the party

How to crack the teen gift buying conundrum...

Gift ideas that won’t break the bank

Looking good! Beauty gifts that will make her glow

Tots are tops when it comes to Christmas

Glitz, glamour and sparkle — look your best this Christmas

Skin deep... seasonal sets to keep your skin at its radiant best

Gifts for gamers

Suave gear for stylish guys

Great escapes for a festive break

10 ways to budget for Christmas

Express yourself when it comes to the decorations this year

Seasonal scentsations

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Deep winter tones for homes

Events and entertainments to take you through to 2019

How to cope when Christmas is tough...

PUBLISHED BY Belfast Telegraph, Belfast Telegraph House, Clarendon Dock, 33 Clarendon Road, Belfast, BT1 38G ADVERTISING Jackie Reid – Senior Advertising Manager Tel: 028 9055 4685 ✸ j.reid@belfasttelegraph.co.uk EDITOR Fiona Rutherford Realtime Editing & Design NI Ltd ✸ f.rutherford@redni.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Patrick Murphy, Davina Gordon, Maureen Coleman, Maeve Richardson, Georgina Hatch, Ruaidhri McCarney, Jamie Roberts DESIGN Susan McClean & Helen Wright, INM Design Studio, Belfast PRINTING INM, Newry

Feeling festive? Only 39 sleeps until Christmas!

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The festive season is officially upon us with the Christmas lights being switched on in Belfast this weekend and across the country over the next few weeks. Even the most determined Grinch can sense the added buzz in the air. While some people can find Christmas a struggle, for others it is the most wonderful time of year. Celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli is looking forward to his best Christmas in three years with his young family after his toddler survived being the youngest person ever diagnosed with cancer when he was just six weeks old. He chats about growing up in France and how for once, food has taken second place in his life. We also meet the heroic Lyn Friel, a former circus performer who has saved countless animals since transforming her home into Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary. Everyone knows dogs are for life and not just for Christmas. If you’re scratching your head trying to think of ideas for gifts for your loved ones, we have dozens of suggestions to inspire you — including for those impossible-to-buy-for teens. Don’t just go online though, hit your local high street to find what you need and you’ll be giving your local retailers a happy Christmas too. It’s not called the festive season for nothing — from glitzy nights out to parties and weekends away, it’s vital to get

planning so that you don’t end up double booked and missing out. We have lots of useful tips, including surviving the office party with your reputation — and your prospects — intact. Our fashion and beauty edits should see you striding out looking and feeling your absolute best, whether you’re hitting the shops or the dancefloor. Perhaps you’re thinking of ditching the dish-washing and going away for Christmas? You don’t need to go far to feel completely pampered. Go to the wilds of Donegal or immerse yourself in a cosmopolitan Christmas experience in Belfast or Dublin. Whether you are planning to stay home or go away, now is the time to begin getting the house ready — for winter and for the festive season. We’ve lots of luxe looks for you to peruse and some great tips for helping your real tree survive to the end of the season. Of course, if you don’t fancy the expense of a real tree, the faux options are stunning and recommended by the Credit Union among good buys if you don’t want to bust your budget. Finally, no Countdown to Christmas would be complete without a guide to what’s on. From craft fairs to pantos, arena gigs to intimate concerts, we hope you find the right mix to get your festive season off to the best possible start.

6 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Being together as a family will be the best thing about Christmas this year Christmas Day may be the one day of the year that celebrity chef Jean Christophe Novelli doesn’t cook but he won’t be putting his feet up with three young boys keeping him on his toes. He spoke to Fiona Rutherford about his life and loves

Jean Christophe and Michelle with little Valentino

n unashamedly doting dad, Jean Christophe loves nothing better than quality time with his partner, Michelle Kennedy, and their three boys, Jean (10), Jacques (6) and Valentino (2) as well as his daughter Christina, a well known DJ. Every moment has become precious since little Valentino was diagnosed with cancer at just six weeks and while there’s no evidence of the neuroblastoma now, when I met Jean Christophe, the toddler had just undergone his six monthly review at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. Jean Christophe is in Belfast every other week to support the talented gang at Novelli

at City Quays restaurant, led by head chef Jim Mulholland and general manager Lisa Steele. It’s the only restaurant this once hyper busy, multi award winning chef is now involved with. It’s on the ground floor of the Marriott AC Hotel Belfast, one of the city’s newest hotels, which boasts a glorious waterfront location along the newly developed Clarendon Dock from the big fish. Everyone I mentioned him to said the same thing: “He’s a lovely man.” On arriving at the restaurant, it was obvious the staff share that view and after some time chatting to him, it’s hard to argue with this. Strong family ties are something Jean

Countdown to Christmas | 7

16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Jean Novelli (10) is just like his dad at the same age and (right), Jean Christophe, Jean and Jacques doing some Christmas prep Christophe has brought with him from childhood. He grew up in northern France near the Belgian border and jokes that his Italian father Jean — there are generations of Jeans down the family line — slipped up by moving there. His father was living in the much more beautiful south of France, where his arduous work involved climbing electricity pylons, when he met Monique. They were each other’s first loves and have now been happily married for 65 years. The early post-Second World War years were lean and they lived with Monique’s mother and her sisters. “I remember sharing a room with my grandmother and the floor was bare earth and sloped downwards. As a boy of about five I would spend my time rolling down the slope.” Despite the lack of material comforts, they were a close-knit, happy family. “We were very wealthy, the only thing we didn’t have was money!”

I’m still the same person. I’m the same way I was brought up AMAZING COOK

For a future world-class chef, unsurprisingly, home was the perfect training kitchen and both his grandmothers and his mother excelled in that area. “The food was always amazing,” he recalls. He adds that his mum’s cooking was incredible. “I don’t know how she did it with an oven that you had to dismantle to get it to work and a little two ring cooker.” His greatest memories of Christmas centre around the food. “At Christmas my mum cooked like a star chef — she was only cooking at that level on two or three occasions every year. I don’t know where they got the money from but we used to have smoked salmon, foie gras, goose fillet, things I never saw and even oysters — unbelievable food! The food was amazing but the presents weren’t so great,” he laughs. “I remember the ambience. We didn’t have decorations — we just had a tree. On one occasion the tree had real candles that you light — imagine, how crazy is that?

“We stopped that very quickly.” He grew up with both Italian and French cuisine and has set about passing the family traditions on. “I’m trying to do the same with my kids now and saying it’s my grandmother’s recipe, it’s not exactly the same but it is attributed to my grandmother,” he says. Both grandmothers came to them every Christmas and he says it was like being at the first ever Ready Steady Cook as they competed to see who could boss the other one about more. “They used to keep an eye on me but I remember they used to go at each other, competing. My mother was a great cook because her mother was great. My dad can’t cook but his mother was incredible too.” Now 89 years old, Jean Christophe’s mum is frail but still formidable in the kitchen. “Every time we go to France, the food she gives the children is incredible. What great cooking can do to people is crazy. She can still co-ordinate everything and works with the same intensity and her taste buds are incredible,” he says. “She has lost none of her palate.” As the eldest of four children, Jean Christophe knew early on that he would be working rather than studying. “If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t have been a chef, probably a gardener or a designer or even a hairdresser. When I was eight I decided I was going to become something like a chef.” He says he was classed as ‘thick’ at school. “The only attention I got was when I was playing football for the school and scoring most of the goals.” His future direction was set when, at the age of 12, his mum suggested he run a pancake stall at the school summer fair ‘as you have become good at pancakes’. “I made more money that day than all the rest of the stalls together,” he says, laughing that in those days, everyone always felt starving.

SUCCESS IN ENGLAND

He was a private chef for the Rothschild family in Paris before moving to England in the early ‘80s. He worked for Keith Floyd before winning his first Michelin Star as chef patron at Gordleton Mill in the New Forest. A move to the Four Seasons Hotel, London, followed and before long he had his own restaurant brand, many TV appearances under his belt and a string of awards, not least 5 AA Rosettes and the prestigious Egon Ronay Dessert of the Year award for his pioneering Jack-inthe-Box dessert. In fact, Jean Christophe has reintroduced The Jack-in-the-Box dessert after 20 years and it’s on the menu at the Belfast restaurant. Extraordinarily, for a nonBrit, he was selected to represent Britain in

the European Chef of the Year competition and in 1998 was named the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year. He looks back on those heady years as a moment in time. “I’m just very fortunate. There’s a moment in everyone’s life when you are at your peak. When I came to London after I got my first Michelin Star I was thinking, sleeping, living for the brand. I had the worst headaches in the back of my head because I was constantly working. I used to go outside, put some ice on the back of my head and go back in. Not even headache tablets would have helped. It’s the concentration and the intensity of not being pleased. I was never pleased, even when I got first my Michelin Star I wasn’t satisfied.” His focus was purely on what was coming next. He knew his New Forest restaurant was too small to gain two stars. “I had to move and had to give up my star and then get it again.” He achieved the Michelin Star again after just three months. The move to London meant even less time for his personal life. “When I moved to Hyde Park Corner to the Four Seasons, which at that time was one of the best hotels in London, I was working 18 hour days and used to sleep downstairs below the restaurant.” Now divorced, he had five-year-old Chris-

Christina Novelli

tina on Sunday evenings. He would cook tagliatelle, Christina’s favourite, and bring it to his office where she would be waiting in her own little chef’s jacket. These days he is circumspect about all the success. “I’m still the same person. I’m the same way I was brought up. Life goes so quick. I have been here for 36 years already! “If there’s been success it’s not only in having Michelin Stars, it’s not in having 5 AA rosettes out of 5. I remember getting a phone call saying I was in the final pack of Chefs’ Chef of the year in the UK and I won! I couldn’t believe I won. I got 750 votes over the number two but the thing that made it most special is that the voting was only open to chefs. All this is lovely but when I actually crossed the Channel for Dover I knew when I was on the ferry that this was it. I moved to the best country in the world. From that day I’ve been the most fortunate even though when I went to New Forest I didn’t understand a word of English. This country is my audience.” His personal life took a sudden turn when he met Michelle. “She’d just come back from Australia and was working in Luton Airport as a marketing consultant. I had just finished Hell’s Kitchen and was on my way to Dublin and I remember seeing this beautiful Irish girl with green eyes. I was walking with a beer and she said, ‘I don’t think you’ll be walking far with that beer in your hand’. “We chatted for five seconds. I said I’m just about to open a cookery school so if you are thinking of changing your career come and see me. I remember saying this not even thinking but she did eight months later! Imagine! The first time I met her I was in love with her and as soon as she came to the cookery school I knew I would marry her.”

BOMBSHELL

Before long they had started their family — having found they both wanted about 10 children — and life was going along swimmingly at their 14th century farm in Hertfordshire where Jean Christophe had opened The Novelli Academy in 2005. Valentino’s illness came as a bombshell that continues to reverberate through their lives. “Cancer has been a massive shock, we weren’t ready or prepared. It was definitely the worst day of our lives. We didn’t know

8 | Countdown to Christmas

anything about cancer. No one in my family has ever had it and the worst of the worst was that my beautiful boy was only six weeks. “He was the youngest baby ever at the hospital to have it. I remember the first time I saw the tumour on his neck when Michelle was feeding him.” He and Michelle decided not to tell Jean and Jacques or his parents what was going on but the boys got wind that something was up. “I remember driving them on the way to school and one of them said ‘Why is Valentino’s name always mentioned in the playground?’ He said, ‘It’s weird, somebody mentioned cancer, what does that mean?’” Jean Christophe had to pull over and explain the devastating news. “First thing they said, ‘Is he going to stay alive?’ They were absolutely shocked and in tears. “I refused to tell my parents the truth because that would have killed them.” They went through almost seven months of Michelle spending all her time at the hospital as tiny Valentino went through four cycles of chemotherapy. “She became like a shadow of herself,” says Jean Christophe. He would bring her food and her mum and Christina helped with the boys. “When I told Christina she was in Malaysia on tour. She cancelled her gigs and flew back and came straight to the hospital. She’s a very strong girl and if it wasn’t for her help and family and friends and my staff it would have been even more drastic.” He is in awe of the skill of the staff at Addenbrooke’s. “The NHS was fantastic. We are so privileged, I mean can you imagine living in some countries with a child with cancer. They did everything they could.” The doctors had given Valentino a 40% chance of surviving and Jean Christophe remembers signing the forms to give permission for increasingly harsh chemo treatments. “At one point the chemo was not working and they tried to remove the first growing lump, a long tumour twisted around his neck.” The memory of the intensive care bed with his tiny baby hooked up to drips and monitors is etched in Jean Christophe’s mind. “I saw the doctor and I thought, ‘He is a kid, how is he going to save my son?’ The surgeon began to operate but then had to stop because the tumour was attached to Valentino’s nerve. “He said it was too risky but I don’t know how he even had the courage to try. There’s people like doctors every day saving people’s lives or people on the front line, defending their country. We, however, are just ordinary people.” Valentino was put on the most stringent course of chemo. “You should have seen it, the chemo bag has the big cross saying ‘Poison’ and the liquid was dark red — it was unbelievable,” he shudders.

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Going through this has made us stronger. Our little boy is definitely very strong

Jean, Jacques and Valentino having fun with dad

BEST OF DAYS

The day they got word that Valentino was in the clear is a special memory. He and Michelle were staying at Christina’s flat with the children while they waited to hear whether the last course of chemo had worked. “We were waiting for the news, is he all right or is he not because if he’s not there was nothing left to do for him because they can’t operate on him. We were all out walking on the beach very early because we couldn’t sleep. When my phone rang I was almost frightened to answer it, but it was wonderful news. “It was the day of my mum’s birthday and I called her and said there’s two things I want to tell you — a good thing and a bad thing. The first thing is happy birthday mummy and secondly Valentino is safe. I didn’t tell you but he had cancer. She was in tears and wailed at me. I said, ‘How could I possibly tell you something like that but he’s fine now’. She put the phone down but then she called back. My dad took over and he said, ‘What are you doing, you’re crazy. You should have told us, we would have come over.’ But when he calmed down he said ‘I think you did very well not to say anything about that’.” While every day they are thankful that Valentino is recovering, everything doesn’t immediately return to normal after such a

Jean Christophe with head chef Jim Mulholland getting ready for Christmas

traumatic ordeal. The baby had been fed by a tube through his nose and his windpipe was only the width of a biro because it hadn’t been used in so long. “I remember the consultant saying it’s going to take a long time before he can swallow.” Jean and Jacques, too, are still coming to terms with the trauma and disruption to family life, with one or both of their parents being at hospital so often. When we met, their parents were considering taking them out of private school and enrolling them in a village school nearby where they hope they will get the support they need. “We only realise now the effect it’s had on my children. It’s been a nightmare for them too. They would wake from sleep crying at night. It’s only now we see the repercussions.” Jean Christophe and Michelle are also mindful of the many parents and patients they met in the hospital who weren’t so fortunate. “You get to know other parents as you are passing each other so much, walking up and down the corridors carrying your children and staying up at night and then you say, ‘Where is so and so?’ Oh, sadly he passed away last week.’ ‘But he was doing so well, his hair came back.” Apart from the stress and shared sorrows, there’s the fear that it could all happen again but he says they can’t think about that. “Michelle, myself and Christina — we would swap our lives to take away his cancer. “Going through this has made us stronger. Our little boy is definitely very strong. He’s like my mum, she’s the only one still alive out of her family apart from her sister. My mum actually caught polio when she was five years old — 84 years ago and she was the only one that survived out of 16 cases in hospital and she was the only kid. You are more likely to look like your nan or grandfather than your mum or your dad and that’s what it is. She’s passed that survival strength on to him.” For now, Valentino is recovering well. “Now he’s like superman.” The three boys have plenty of space to run around on the farm, which is near Luton Airport, and are, no surprise, well versed in the culinary arts with his dad cajoling Jean into sitting in on classes

at the Novelli Academy, rated one of the top 25 cookery academies in the world. “I get my kids to learn to do cake decorations. Jean is 10 and he can make pizza, cook salmon, fish, veg, they know everything basic. “I want them to be able to cook and appreciate food and nutrition. I say to my kids what is the best way to absorb iron from your meat? They know it’s vitamin C and they know the best ways to get vitamin C is from tomatoes and oranges and things like that. “I put Jean into my classes, he’s the youngest and he’s brilliant,” says Jean Christophe proudly showing us photos of his boys. They would love to keep livestock but haven’t had time for that yet or to have their long awaited wedding day. Jean Christophe says he’s had 25 dogs over the years but “that was only because I didn’t have my children”. His young and growing family are an international brood. With Jean being born in the States when Jean Christophe was filming his series Chef Academy and Jacques being born in Austria, they have five different passports — Irish, French, American, Austrian and UK — which raised a few eyebrows when they were stopped by German police one night.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

This will be their third Christmas together and Jean Christophe is excited about it. “This Christmas is the first one that Valentino’s going to have his smell, his taste, his sparkling eyes, using his five senses. It took him a long time to get to that. We’ve had two Christmases already — the first one, forget it, the second one was okay, the kids were happy but the baby was still in that cloud of trying to recover. This Christmas coming is the one we are looking forward to the most because we are going to be taking the most amazing pictures and also videoing because he now walks. He doesn’t speak but he makes little noises and he learns so much from the brothers, it’s unreal. I think Christmas is probably the most memorable day of the year in terms of being together with the people you love and your family and especially a growing family and of course the beautiful aromas of the cooking too.” It’s the one day he avoids the kitchen. “On Christmas day I do nothing. I’m banned from the kitchen. I don’t cook the dinner, my wife does it. We have the family coming over, my daughter is coming over and apparently this year we’re going to have a lot of snow!” And for once, food won’t be foremost in this chef’s mind. “I don’t know yet what we’re going to be cooking but I couldn’t care less because the fact that we’re going to be together is more important than the food for the first time ever. I’ve always said great food was the most important thing but if we had a sandwich I wouldn’t care less.”

10 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

THEA-Z

OFNAVIGATINGTHE PARTYSEASON

Club or party drugs can be fairly common at some parties and are a minefield for teens in particular. Kids — and adults — should know they can shrug off any offers of narcotics or recreational drugs with a ‘no thanks’ and move on.

Don’t overdo it! If you feel you’re going off the rails with the whole whirl, rein it in. There’s nothing to be gained by neglecting your work, your family or your health.

Parties are such a major part of the festive season — try to get to a good mix. What with the work do, club night out, family get togethers, dinner parties and nights in or out with friends, planning is essential.

Quality time is a flipside of the social whirl. You can’t beat a good heart-to-heart with people you’ve known your whole life. Catch up over breakfast — at the start of the day or as the sun comes up at the end of a long night.

Don’t get stuck in a rut of only going to bars and clubs. Meet up with old mates and do something different — have a round of golf, take to the spa, book in for an archery session for even more memorable socialising.

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Christmas isn’t known as the festive season for nothing. There’s a lot of celebrating to be done and a limited time to do it in. The dedicated party-goer will already have a fair idea of what glittering highlights the season will hold but even they need to do some forward planning to avoid clashing dates. For the rest of us mere mortals, who greet the season with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, open your mind and your diary to the possibilities of having a happy Christmas in the company of family and friends, old and new, and you’ll step out of 2018 with that sense of the perfect last dance at the end of a memorable evening instead of a dazed, ‘what happened?’ Even the most shy of introverts can celebrate in style with relaxing nights out with close friends and a spot of highly satisfying people-watching at the work do. Pick and choose the right mix and everyone can agree, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Here’s our A to Z of cresting the festive highs and avoiding crashing out

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! But if it does, check that wherever you’re headed is still open and accessible and that you’ll be able to get home at the end of the night.

The Fairytale of New York. There’s no escaping it so try to grin and bear it along with all the other delights from Slade, Band Aid, Wizzard etc. January will be here soon enough.

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you when the night’s fun is over and you might as well go home.

Have at least one excuse to dress up and feel wonderful.

Allow yourself to feel elegant at least once this season. Don’t be a Cinderella who doesn’t go to any balls.

Anticipation is part of the fun of Christmas so apply your mind to it. There’s only six weeks to go until we ring in 2019.

Budgeting isn’t sexy but it is essential if you’re going to sail through to the January sales and have enough money to buy that coat you’ve already got your eye on.

Christmas at its core is about peace, love and joy so sprinkle those about liberally –— to family, friends and strangers — and you won’t go far wrong.

The downside of failing to budget is debt. Don’t be tempted to whack everything on a high interest credit card to be sorted out later. Enjoy the social whirl for less by swapping outfits with friends, taking turns to be the driver on a night out so you aren’t out a fortune on taxi fares and avoiding costly rounds. Buy your own drinks and you’ll be able to keep tabs on your funds.

Family and friends are at the heart of a happy Christmas so try to make time for everyone you care about at some stage over the coming weeks.

Greed is gross — don’t be a glutton and eat all the snacks at a party or take the last of the drinks. Pay your way, whether that involves bringing along food or drink or paying your share of the taxi fare.

Hangovers are horrible and the older you are, the longer they seem to linger. Don’t mix your drinks and don’t down too many. Eat something that will absorb the alcohol and drink plenty of water and hopefully you can avoid losing precious days recovering. Never ever drink and drive.

Instincts are invaluable when it comes to socialising so don’t switch off. They’re essential for making sure everyone is all right when you’re the party host, they help keep you safe in uncertain situations and they’ll even tell

The whole point of Christmas is Jesus’ birth — factor in some carols or a young relative’s nativity play to experience the true joy of the season.

Killjoys can put a dampener on any party. Before you go avoiding them, try to ascertain if there is something troubling them. Christmas can be a tough time for all sorts of people and a couple of minutes’ of your attention could make a big difference to someone’s mental health. However, if they turn out to simply be negative naysayers, make your excuses and move on. Don’t get caught up in their toxic web.

Lunches are the perfect way to squeeze in more get togethers and they tend to be a lot cheaper than eating out in the evening. Just go easy on the wine if you have to go back to work afterwards.

Mistletoe might represent a harmless kiss from a stranger. It’s all right for a laugh but don’t feel pressurised into anything you aren’t comfortable with. In all areas of life, it’s okay to say no.

Taxi firms hike their fares at this busy time of year. Check whether you can book the homeward journey when you’re heading out. Try to avoid taking a taxi from Belfast to Omagh or somewhere similarly far away by yourself or that creaking sound will be you breaking the bank...

Venue is a vital part of getting a party vibe right so if you are the one booking, check out what’s available on the night — is there dinner only or a band and disco too — and whether it’s the right place for your do.

Who, what, where, when and why/how — keep track of these and let someone else know your plans if you’re going solo.

Christmas is a particularly tough time for anyone who has recently had a break-up and on occasion, people can bump into their ex on a Christmas night out.

No matter how ‘right’ it might seem, this isn’t the time to a. give them a piece of your mind; b. tell their new date inappropriate things about them; c. try to get back with them (unless it’s reciprocated, of course).

So many Ys, from YOLO to yellow snow but we’re not going there. Y is for year’s end so let’s hope yours is a triumph.

There’ll be plenty of time for catching up with the zzzs come the new year. Make the most of the festive season — it’ll be over before you know it!

12 | Countdown to Christmas

PICKA DATE, PICKA PARTY

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In seven weeks’ time it will all be over and the world will have lurched or glided, depending on one’s perspective, from 2018 into 2019. Give 2018 the best send-off by organising your social calendar now. With parties, balls, shows, pantos and dinner parties to fit in, there’s no time to waste if you don’t want to miss out. Here are our tips to help get you in the mood... BIG OCCASIONS Christmas is synonymous with glitz and glamour and the chances are, yours won’t be complete without at least one major event. It might be your work Christmas night out, a New Year’s Eve ball, a charity do or a dance

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

or two. If you don’t normally go for that, why not give it a whirl this year? Looking forward to a big event and getting ready on the night is often as much fun as the bash itself. If you don’t have a large crowd to go with, don’t worry. Many hotels and restaurants host Christmas and New Year events where everyone mingles together. If you’re the brave/unfortunate/congenitally–efficient one who is nominated to sort out everyone else’s party schedule, there’s no time to waste if you are booking for a large number as the best venues will be filling their diaries now. Some logistical acrobatics may be in order if you are to find a date that suits the majority of people and that doesn’t clash with other engagements. For parents, there’s the

added pressure of making sure baby sitters are available — but promising a higher rate should help on that front. WORK PARTY For events such as the work do, where people are paying their own way, value for money and great entertainment is key. Take soundings on what sort of thing people enjoy — this is easier if the group is generally similar in age. Do they want a room to themselves or would they prefer joining in with lots of other parties in a larger venue? List a few preferences and check availability as soon as possible. Often it’s impossible to find a date that will suit everyone and you just have to disappoint some. For larger numbers, don’t be surprised if the venue requires a deposit and if the event is going to be quite expensive, consider allowing people to pay in a couple of instalments. Keep everyone informed about what to expect, whether there is entertainment and the menu choices. In some cases, the employer pays for the whole party but in others, they may pay the deposit or get the first round of drinks so have that conversation with your boss as soon as possible. FAMILY FUN Family get-togethers are wonderful at this time of year. They are the perfect opportunity to gather all the students and others who live at a distance and booking into an hotel or restaurant means no one person has to shoulder all the responsibility, the cost and the cleaning up. A work party may

be all about the boogie after the meal but in the case of a family reunion, being able to circulate and chat to everyone is important. Finding somewhere that can accommodate you in a room means the whole family can enjoy the party. Remember to take account of older members of the family and make sure that they will be comfortable and able to feel involved for the duration of the meal. If they are so full of the joys of the season that they want to stay for the dancing, so much the better. Factor in the costs of transport during the peak season and you might decide it’s best to opt for an hotel and an overnight stay. This has the added benefit that if there are children there or someone needs time out to go and rest, their immediate family don’t have to leave early with them and they may even be able to rejoin the celebrations later. If there are people coming from overseas, prime the best photographer in the family to get some group shots to distribute later. FRIENDS TOGETHER Christmas celebrations inevitably mean invitations to go out with different sets of friends, your gym mates, old school friends, parents from school and so on. Why not suggest mixing things up with a walk and afternoon tea with one set of friends or a spa day with the girls. The beauty of a Christmas party night with friends is that you can vary them, depending on how things are going. Have a meal or go to a gig or show and then a club. GETTING HOME Many hotels offer great discounts to people staying over after a Christmas party — including money off a spa treatment to get you through the morning after the night before. Again, book early for your restaurant and hotel room to avoid disappointment. If you are all making your own way home, don’t forget to organise a driver or book a taxi in plenty of time, if possible. Some taxi firms won’t allow pre-booking at such a busy time and you can expect to pay considerably more than the usual fare. Stick together and share the ride home to reduce the costs or have a nominated driver and make sure they don’t have to buy their own soft drinks. PACE YOURSELF Obviously, the demands of the party season can take a toll on the body as well as the purse strings. Follow the advice about safe drinking, watch out for your friends and have a safe Christmas!

Tips for tipples 

The festive season is about to get into full swing. It’s a time to eat, drink and be merry, however, overdoing the social aspect of Christmas can leave you with more than a headache. At the extreme end of things, someone can start off as feeling a bit merry and end up in

hospital or a police station. It’s wise to take a few precautions and pace yourself — that way you and everyone around you can enjoy a good night out as well.

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16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Howto survivethe

Christmas OfﬁceParty BYGEORGINAHATCH

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Everyone — well most of us — enjoy a good Christmas party, especially when someone else is footing the bill. This year, as usual, venues are booked out for the festive celebrations, usually by corporate companies keen to reward their staff with a year-end knees-up. Many people see these celebrations as an opportunity to let their hair down, kick up their heels, and generally let loose the tensions of the previous months. And there’s nothing wrong with that — if you don’t let it go too far. Office parties can be great fun but they are often notorious for boozing, schmoozing, dodgy dancing and even dodgier behaviour. If you want to become a legend in your company for all the wrong reasons, then all you have to do is misbehave at the end-ofyear function. Research shows that 65% of companies who have hosted office parties believe that inappropriate behaviour at the Christmas party can negatively impact the career growth of certain employees. Regrettably, once the booze starts to flow, common sense flies out the window and some people forget they are still at an office function and that office etiquette continues to apply. We’ve probably all witnessed drink-fuelled embarrassing and inappropriate behaviour, resulting in hilarity for the onlookers but serious humiliation for the culprits. Here are some tips on how to have a good time at your office party without embarrassing yourself or damaging your career:  Don’t arrive too late or leave too early: Attendance at the annual company party is practically mandatory and these indiscretions don’t go unnoticed by eagle-eyed bosses.

■ A few simple steps can help you enjoy the party season safely... ■ Appoint a designated driver or arrange how you will be getting home before you go out.

 Don’t drink too much: Sometimes, on these occasions, alcohol really is the work of the devil! There may be a free bar but that doesn’t mean you have to over-indulge. Try to limit your intake and avoid mixing drinks. If you are really concerned, offering to be a designated driver should help keep you out of trouble.  Don’t eat too much: If the boss wants to chat, you don’t want to be caught with a mouth full of canapes. At least wait until the boss has left or is otherwise occupied before stuffing yourself with vol-au-vents and sausages-on-a-stick!  Don’t gossip: This may appear to be the ideal time to tell your office colleagues what you really think of them and others, but loose lips can lead to lost jobs. Limit conversation to small talk and avoid getting into serious, in-depth discussions about business. Whatever you do, avoid the temptation to complain about the company or air old grievances. Believe it or not, one in 50 people have admitted to quitting their job at the office party.  Don’t wear the wrong outfit: Pay attention to the dress code mentioned on the invitation and if in doubt, consult with

■ Eat food before and while you drink. ■ Don’t gulp down the first few — sip your drink. ■ Pace yourself with a nonalcoholic drink occasionally or have a glass of water to hand that you can sip on intermittently. ■ Avoid unfamiliar drinks and drinking games. ■ Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know. ■ Don’t leave a drink unattended in case of spiking. ■ Stay with your group — don’t wander off alone if you have been drinking a lot. ■ Whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.

colleagues. Don’t use the occasion to show off your new low-cut dress or novelty tie (unless you have been specifically given the okay).  Don’t get any ideas about romance: Surveys show that 20% of people admit to sharing lingering kisses (and sometimes more) with a colleague at the year-end party. And 14% admit flirting with the boss — a surefire way to an uncomfortable atmosphere at the office for the rest of your working life. A friendly peck on the cheek under the

mistletoe is acceptable but anything else is not. An office party is all about having fun. Don’t see it as an opportunity to whinge, complain, gossip, drink too much or flirt. Leave your worries behind you, drink in moderation, enjoy the company and have a good time. If you remember these tips, the office party should be an occasion that you will remember fondly — not look back on with shame and horror with hazy memories of dancing on the table, demonstrating your version of The Full Monty or worse!

14 | Countdown to Christmas

Early starts, long days of hard graft and a serious injury have all been in the line of duty for Lyn Friel, founder of Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary. Her single-minded mission to rescue abused, stray and unwanted four-legged friends has seen her sacrifice many of her own creature comforts along the way. Helen McDowell reports

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018 Lyn Friel who runs Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary in Antrim tends to some of the horses in her care Pic by Peter Morrison

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Animals have been a life’s work for Lyn Friel. Even as a teenager, and an only child, she ran away from her north Belfast home to join the circus for the sole purpose of working with horses. “I was 16 and the circus came to town. I used to go up each night. I don’t like circuses but I liked the opportunity of mucking out the horses and grooming them. I was only with them a few weeks, and travelled down over the border, but it was very harsh and a lifestyle not suited to me. “The horses and dogs were very well cared for but it was not a life for me. Even though I was quite happy to run off with the circus, I was glad to come home again,” she recalls. Lyn laughs as she puts this early foray into working with animals, and her dedication to them since, down to the fact she was allowed only one pet, a dog, when she was growing up. “I say it’s because of my animal-deprived childhood that I grew up to do this.” And by ‘this’ Lyn is referring to Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary (CLAS), a rescue centre granted charitable status in 1996 and located in the countryside close to Antrim town. It has been a natural evolution for Lyn who first started out as an animal nurse, and was then a keeper for 15 years at Belfast Zoo where she was involved in its various breeding programmes. “I specialised in hand-rearing and working with orphan chimps. I also worked in the breeding programme for the Golden Lion Marmosets. “I don’t like the concept (of zoos) but I do see the worth in them. I enjoyed doing the best I possibly could to make the animals’ days as enriched as possible.” A horse riding accident however put an end to that. “I broke a bone in my back in a riding accident. I was in hospital for six

With more people and a little help from each of them, we could go a long way

Whymyanimalsanctuary isbestkeptsecretinNI:Lyn months and went back to work in the zoo but wasn’t able for the heavy manual work. Back then it wasn’t like it is today. There was a lot of heavy manual work, whereas now there’s a lot of mechanical gadgets to assist. “I came back here (Crosskennan) to teach riding and run boarding kennels.” Increasingly though Lyn took in rescue horses, ponies and dogs until, she explains matter-of-factly, there was no room to do anything else and that was when she applied for charitable status. That was 22 years ago and it’s been a long and arduous road since. While predominantly an equine rescue centre — at its busiest it had 167 horses and ponies in its care across a number of sites, a burden which almost broke the charity — CLAS has continued its evolution and is now caring for a range of animals. It is currently home to 16 dogs, 19 cats and 26 chickens in addition to 42 horses and ponies. These numbers however are in a constant state of flux as more neglected, abused, abandoned or stray animals arrive, while others are lucky enough to find new homes thanks to CLAS. And despite the unrelenting strain of its hand-to-mouth existence — being a charity, CLAS relies on public donations to continue its work — turning away an animal in need is not an option Lyn can countenance. Indeed, on the day I visit, the sanctuary office is doubling as a nursery for two kittens and their young mum, found roaming a housing estate, because there’s simply no room anywhere else for them, explains Lyn, still dejected at the loss of a third kitten of the

litter the previous day from mystery seizures. The rooms adjacent to the office are also occupied, with two Jack Russells in one and a Shih Tzu-cross in the other, none of them having coped well being in the CLAS kennels. Another recent arrival in the stables across the yard is a pony receiving urgent treatment for painful severely overgrown hooves. Some of the dogs in the care of CLAS will never be rehomed, Lyn admits, among them one deemed so aggressive due to abuse that it was just hours from being put to sleep until Lyn stepped in and saved it, working with it until it regained trust, in her and her volunteers at least — but it will spend its days at Crosskennan. “I don’t understand people’s attitudes to animals, and the cruelty,” Lyn observes. “I don’t believe animals are my children. They are not, they are cats and dogs, but they deserve the same kindness (as children).” With so many neglected and unwanted animals in its care, CLAS is itself in dire need too. As veterinary and running costs

Shetland pony

mount, and with the winter months ahead, Lyn is appealing for help — both in terms of financial donations and volunteers to assist in keeping the sanctuary ticking over. “We need volunteers, people to turn up here who can help,” she explains. “With more people and a little help from each of them, we could go a long way.” This help can be anything from tending to the animals, walking the dogs, general maintenance around the sanctuary including painting, gardening and running repairs, as well as fundraising. In particular, Lyn is keen to train more people to help with its ‘pet therapy’ visits to nursing homes and events. “We usually bring some of the dogs [to care homes] and, believe it or not, the chickens are very popular too. There was one man with dementia who wouldn’t interact with anybody and would sit curled up on a settee. When we brought Mrs Leghorn [a chicken] he was gesticulating to people to come and see what was happening. It would bring tears to your eyes. It emerged he had worked with chickens in his younger days. “We have so many ways of helping the public. We had a day with a lot of people from the Fold for an hour, introducing a pony, an akita and a number of chickens to them, then we had a sing-song. At the end of the year they were asked what had been the best event of the year and it was here. We all enjoyed it too. The sing-song was brilliant. It was memorable. “Eventually we would like to be well enough organised to bring a pony out, which we used to do. We used to go to the Children’s

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16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Two of the many horses that have been cared for by CLAS Jonathan Porter

Lyn with one of the sanctuary’s rescued hens Pic by Peter Morrison

Hospice and the Royal Belfast Children’s Hospital.” One such event is taking place next month when CLAS will bring two donkeys to Belfast Cathedral to feature in a nativity play. Lyn continues of the sanctuary’s need for more hands to help: “There’s bound to be retired people that have knowledge that could help us in some way and who would benefit from time spent up here. It’s all skills we need. “There’s so much here that people would get a lot back from as well. We have so much to offer. “There’s always so much happening. “We are the best-kept secret in Northern Ireland.”

And it’s because of the sense of well-being among volunteers that Lyn says CLAS often turns out to be a lifeline for the people whose help is so invaluable to it, in addition to being a lifeline to the animals it rescues. In the meantime, for Lyn and her small team of helpers, the hard work continues, as does the battle to raise enough funds to keep the sanctuary afloat. CLAS is only just emerging from a burden of debt accumulated some years ago when, having had rescue contracts with a council and the police, it ended up with 167 horses and ponies in its care, Lyn explains. “When we were tasked to go and lift any dogs or horses, we were well paid for it for

a couple of weeks but after that the money stopped.” Simply put, CLAS had to pick up the tab for the ongoing care of these animals, unless and until they could be rehomed. And for the horses that meant veterinary bills to have those that were in foal delivered and stallions castrated before they could be resettled. “We got into a lot of debt because we couldn’t see them put to sleep. We are only just getting out of that debt now with a lot of hard work from everybody. “We ran up bills which, if it had not been for the support and goodwill of the people we work with, we could’ve been well and truly under. Bills are still being paid off after three years and, thanks to goodwill, we are catching up. We have met some tremendous people and some of the support we got was unbelievable.”

If you would like to help, there’s many ways to do so: from volunteering at the sanctuary or offering a forever home to one of the animals, to giving a small amount every month by text message or buying items for CLAS from its wishlist on Amazon. Monetary donations can also be made via the CLAS Facebook page or its website. Fundraisers are also welcome, says Lyn, who’s hoping local firms might host a Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 14 in aid of the sanctuary. CLAS is also hosting a Christmas Open Day on Saturday, December 1, noon-4pm. Visit http://www.crosskennanlane.org. uk, see the facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/CrosskennanLane/ CLAS is situated at 26 Crosskennan Lane, Ballynoe, Antrim, BT41 2QY, tel 028 9446 5384

16 | Countdown to Christmas

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Magical

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MAKE-UP

It’s no surprise that Christmas make-up is all about sparkle! Be sure to steal the spotlight by getting your mitts on these beautiful palettes and kits to transform you into a glittering goddess. We love Highlighter in Stardust by OPV Beauty, Highlight & Glow Highlighting Powder Duo by Bobbi Brown (and the packaging is oh so pretty!)

and Kiss Me Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick Set by Stila. It’s all about clear, glowing skin, glittering eyes and bold lips. Nude lips are also gorgeous, just be sure to go all out smokey eyes! So, whether you are going from the office to a Christmas party, or you just want to look gorgeous on the big day, you can’t go wrong with our pick of beautiful beauty buys.

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15 14

1 Highlighter in Stardust, £17.99, OPV Beauty 2 Smokey Crystal Eye Shadow Palette, £35, Bobbi Brown 3 Pure Decadence Click & Colour Lip Crayon in Merlot, £17, Mii Cosmetics 4 Pure Decadence Click & Colour Lip Crayon in Rose, £17, Mii Cosmetics 5 Pret-a-Party Mini Eye & Lip Palette, £26, Bobbi Brown 6 Pure Decadence Eye Palette, £25, Mii Cosmetics 7 Party Lips Mini Lips Colour Duo, £19.50, Bobbi Brown 8 Party Glow Eye & Lip Palette, £26, Bobbi Brown 9 Nudest Nudes Lip Gloss Kit, £32, Bobbi Brown 10 Shiny Pretty Things Cremesheen Lipstick in Open Presence, £29 for set, MAC 11 Shiny Pretty Things Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare, £29 for set, MAC 12 Shiny Pretty Things Lipglass in Holiday Miracle, £29 for set, MAC 13 Life of the Party Mini Eye & Lip Palette, £32.50, Bobbi Brown 14 Lark Glow Stick, £11.95, Lush 15 Kiss Me Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set, £22, Stila 16 Highlight & Glow Highlighting Powder Duo, £49.50, Bobbi Brown 17 Day to Night Lashes Smokey Eye Mascara & No Smudge Waterproof Mascara Duo, £32, Bobbi Brown 18 Festive Make-Up Collection Illuminating Sculpting Powder Face & Decollete, £31, Clarins 19 Festive Make-Up Collection, Gold Top Coat Mascara, £22, Clarins 20 Christmas Collection, Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Red Berry Glam, £19, Clarins

18 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Your step-by-step guide to glowing skin this Christmas

BYMAEVERICHARDSON

As the weather becomes harsher, now is the time to invest in rich products to reintroduce moisture and protect your skin from the elements CLEANSERS

A good cleanser is the first and most important start of any skincare routine because it paves the way for everything else that follows. The products below go the extra mile in making sure your skin is in prime position to absorb the moisture it desperately needs as winter sets in.

Precleanse, £38.50, Dermalogica Christmas make-up tends to be brighter, which means more pigment, and often contains glitter, which can be difficult to remove. This deep-cleansing oil melts impurities and make-up from skin, and used as part of a double cleanse regimen, it thoroughly melts away layers of excess sebum, waterproof make-up, pollutants and products that build up on skin, allowing your regular cleanser to penetrate even further.

Bio-Active Eye Cleanser, £29, ESPA This bio-active formula gently but effectively removes eye make-up, conditions lashes and soothes the eye area, while helping to visibly soften and smooth fine lines. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while rose water conditions and comforts — perfect for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers.

Blackhead clearing fizz mask, £19.50, Dermalogica This unique mask’s active fizzing formula effectively cleans pores and helps target blackheads and decongest skin. Sulfur provides anti-microbial benefits to help keep skin clear, while kaolin clay absorbs excess oil and purifies the skin, and apple fruit extract helps hydrate the skin.

EYE CREAM

’Tis the season to be merry and while it’s great to indulge, it’s even better if it doesn’t show! These creams are just the ticket to put that sparkle back in your eyes.

Tru Face Ideal Eyes, £46.86, Nu Skin This miracle product instantly brightens the under-eye area, softening the appearance of dark circles and fatigue. It reduces puffiness and limits the formation of bags, because let’s face it, with all those parties on the horizon, we’ll need all the help we can get.

Confidence In an Eye Cream, £30, IT Cosmetics Designed for multiple skin types, this moisturising eye cream features an apricot tint that helps to colour-correct and brighten for the look of more wide-awake eyes, so if you’re brave enough to face the day without a full face of make-up, this is your perfect secret weapon.

SERUM

Even if you don’t normally bother with a serum, your skin will thank you for an added boost of moisture during this frosty weather. Here are my favourite skin-quenching selections.

ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra, £200, Nu Skin Formulated with ethocyn, these uniquely formed capsules incorporate the power of ageLOC, a revolutionary anti-ageing scientific technology, which targets the sources of the visible signs of ageing, and firms the skin.

Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, £72, Elizabeth Arden A new, targeted treatment designed to visibly diminish lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture and tone. Each capsule is single use and sealed tight for optimal freshness and potency. For best effects, smoothe over face and neck each night before your moisturiser.

Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum Mask, 5 x 30ml, £65, Clarins The first Clarins anti-ageing fibre mask to leave skin visibly lifted and plumped in just 15 minutes. It features the synergy of a unique serum texture (enriched with instant lifting and plumping active ingredients) paired with a stretch mask that moulds to the exact contours of the face and neck for optimal diffusion — just make sure you’re not expecting any visitors while you let it work its magic!

MOISTURISER

Layer moisturiser over your serum to lock in the moisture and target multiple levels of the epidermis.

Confidence In a Cream, £38, IT Cosmetics This wonder cream can be used on its own or

as a moisturising base to prepare your skin for make-up. This quick-absorbing cream is perfect for morning and night, and contains the winning combo of collagen and hyaluronic acid, leaving your skin silky smooth and beautifully hydrated.

Midas Touch Revitalising Cream, £44, Emma Hardie A strengthening and nourishing cream that works to plump, lift and tighten the skin for a more youthful look and a radiant glow. Pumped with skin-loving ingredients including moringa, evening primrose, avocado, rosehip and marine extracts, this delicious blend will help counter some of the over-indulging of the festive season.

MULTI-PURPOSE

Skincare can be expensive and on a practical level take up quite a lot of space, which is why I love finding a good multi-purpose product that gives you extra bang for your buck and makes packing for a night away much easier.

Egyptian Magic, 118ml, £29,

Boots A legendary cream made from honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly and bee pollen, that takes multi-purpose to the next level. This cream tames hair frizz, eradicates dry skin, smooths and soothes chapped lips, moisturises your face and can even be used as a make-up primer. Simply take a small amount and rub it into your hands to warm it up, then gently apply to your face or body. You can also apply it to your hair and scalp as a hair mask, leaving for 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo.

Wild Rose Beauty Balm, £40, Neal’s

Yard A deeply nourishing multi-purpose balm which gives you skin a lovely glow. It can be used as a nourishing overnight treatment mask, a cuticle balm, a lip balm and an exfoliating cleanser. The award-winning balm contains antioxidant-rich, organic wild rosehip oil and a balancing blend of organic geranium and patchouli essential oils to leave your skin supple and smooth.

White Flowers Eye & Lip Make-up Remover, 125ml, £23, Elemis This effective bi-phase make-up remover instantly cleanses the delicate eye and lip area of all traces of make-up, including waterproof mascara and stubborn lip stains, with a gentle formula that works a treat for even the most sensitive eyes.

Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, 50ml, £25, Elizabeth Arden This skincare classic restores, calms and helps relieve chapped, cracked and dry skin. First created in 1930 by Elizabeth Arden to soothe skin, it has been praised by make-up artists and beauty editors for many years now — well and truly earning its title as a cult product.

BODY

Even if you’re living in cosy jumpers and wooly tights these days, it’s important to make sure you don’t neglect your body during the winter. These products will keep you buffed and smooth and ready to face the world on even the gloomiest of days.

Invigorating Body Reviver, £34, ESPA An intensely uplifting, naturally foaming exfoliator that gently cleanses while sweeping away dull, dry cells, to reveal fresher, softer skin. Coconut extract and moringa seed deeply cleanse while Bora Bora sand smooths away unsightly lumps and bumps. Lemongrass and lime invigorate the senses and prepare you for the day ahead.

Tonic Body Balm, £32, Clarins Banish the blues with essential oils of rosemary and rosewood and ginseng extract to generate a moment of bliss and provide an energising boost for body and mind as well as a moisturising skin treat.

Rejuvenating Hand Cream, £25, ESPA A deeply hydrating hand cream to soften and nourish skin, nails and cuticles while helping to protect from environmental pollution. Shea butter mulberry, liquorice and bearberry revitalise the skin’s appearance while vitamin C-rich rosehip helps protect against the elements.

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16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

SPONSORED

Countdown to Christmas | 31

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As the darker nights and colder weather draws in, the team behind The Kitchen range of prepared pizzas, paellas, lasagnes and side dishes, has partnered with top bakeries and producers to create a range of mouth-watering desserts. The Henderson Group’s Fresh Team has developed the new Desserts by The Kitchen range with Armagh food producers Daily Bake and pudding specialists, Davison’s Puds in Portadown which sees 11 new products hit SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA shelves. Desserts by The Kitchen offers hot favourites from perfect crumbles to tasty tarts, as well as sticky toffee puddings and traditional bread and butter pudding. There are also cold options including white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake, as well as a fluffy Victoria Sponge and luxury chocolate profiteroles. Eamon Taggart, fresh trading manager at Henderson Wholesale, said: “The development of The Kitchen range has come on leaps and bounds over the past couple of years and

Rachael Stoddart from Davison’s Puds, Eamon Taggart from Henderson Group and Jonny Stinson from Daily Bake at the launch of the new Desserts by The Kitchen range we’re catering to our shoppers’ demand for a dining experience at home for tonight’s tea. “Desserts by The Kitchen delivers on this demand, with only the very best and most loved options making it past our panel of taste testers onto the shelves. “The new products complement the entire The Kitchen range, as well as our local own brand products, to provide a comprehensive selection of tempting options to finish any dining occasion.”

Over 400 SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA stores and supermarkets across Northern Ireland will carry the range, alongside over 50 The Kitchen products all developed by Henderson’s Fresh Team in partnership with local food suppliers. The fresh and convenient meals were launched in 2016, growing from a range of 39 to 63 in the space of two years. Other products include the popular chicken & broccoli bake and the new honey chilli chicken chunks,

alongside accompaniments such as cheese & red onion potato skins and butternut squash fries with cajun spice. The pizza and oven-ready range was recently introduced to include family favourites from a meat feast to ham & mushroom pizzas, as well as chicken & chorizo paella, meatball pasta bake and chicken tikka and rice. For more information, visit SPAR NI and EUROSPAR NI online, and VIVOXTRA on Facebook.

32 | Countdown to Christmas

January: Dainty red garnet teardrop earrings set in 9ct yellow gold, also available in many other colourful gemstones, £59, www.gemondo.com

March: This half eternity ring features alternate diamond and aquamarine gemstones set in classic 9ct white gold and is available in other gold and gemstone varieties, £119, www.gemondo.com

May: Emerald and diamond cluster necklace, £2,250, www.lunns.com

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

February: 9ct rose gold halo amethyst and diamond round cut pendant on 45cm chain, £139, www.gemondo.com

April: Running free sterling silver satin finished tie pin set with a 0.025ct diamond, £140, Steenson’s Jewellers, Glenarm, www.thesteensons.com

June: Vines of gold 9ct yellow gold brooch with cultured pearls, £435, www.thesteensons.com August: An elegant dress ring in 9ct yellow gold with round cut peridot and diamond shoulders, £209, www.gemondo.com

July: Hand-crafted in England, these earrings in silver feature reticulated heart and cabochon turquoise drop charms, £45, www.annabeljames.co.uk

September: Sapphire and diamond bracelet, £6,500, www.lunns.com

October: Shiny graduated ring with blue lace agate stone opals, £135, Robinson Goldsmiths, Bangor, www.robinsongoldsmiths.com

November: Jewellery designer Fiona Kerr’s Ebb and Flow ear-ring and pendant collection features each of the birthstones, including topaz. Ebb & Flow Small Silver Drop Earrings with Blue Topaz, £78, www.fionakerrjewellery.co.uk

Birthstonesmakeagemofagift

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Discovering your birthstone used to be almost a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood and there’s a renewed interest in jewels with a personal twist now. The association of certain gems with months is thought to have originated in scripture, from the 12 stones on the breastplate of Moses’ brother Aaron and the 12 foundation stones of the heavenly city listed in Revelations. It wasn’t until the 1600s that they became associated with astrology. Whatever the provenance, there’s no problem finding something stylish in a pendant, ring or ear-rings for Christmas or even a milestone birthday. Make it an even more personal statement for someone with an April birthday, with a gift that combines diamonds with the birthstone of a loved

one, such as their partner or baby. Here’s our month-by-month guide to help you figure out what you’re looking for, with the modern and traditional variations as well as the foundation stones in brackets:

January: Garnet (Garnet) It’s usually sold in its rich red colour although it can come in lots of different colours and symbolises trust and friendship. February: Amethyst (Amethyst) This beautiful, deep violet stone, is associated with serenity and royalty. Traditionally, it’s believed to provide courage and strengthen relationships March: Aquamarine, Bloodstone (Jasper)

Blue aquamarine is associated with youth, health, hope, and love. Bloodstone, which is usually green with red or orange spots, was traditionally associated with the crucifixion.

April: Diamond (Diamond) Having long symbolised love, marriage, and courage, diamonds come in many colours, with yellow and champagne becoming increasingly popular. May: Emerald (Emerald) Generally associated with rebirth, this popular green stone symbolises fertility, health, and faithfulness. June: Alexandrite, Pearl (Agate) Very rare Alexandrite changes from green to a purple-red depending on the light.

The more popular pearl represents purity.

July: Ruby (Turquoise) Rubies represent love, passion, wealth, and peace. August: Peridot, Sardonyx (Carnelian) Lime green peridot was thought to symbolise strength and ward off evil while sardonyx is a red and white type of quartz. September: Sapphire (Chrysolite) Sapphires have many associations but primarily wisdom, purity, and faith. October: Tourmaline, Opal (Beryl) Tourmaline can be multi-coloured, a feature they share with the traditional October stone of Opal which has many associations

Countdown to Christmas | 33

16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph Choose from amethyst, blue topaz and peridot for these adjustable sterling silver gemstone rings, £24.95, www.houseofbath.co.uk

OUTSIDETHE(JEWELLERY)BOX

If genuine gemstones are beyond your budget or you’d just like to add an extra personal dimension to a gift, why not reference their birthstone without going the whole hog. Here are some hacks for introducing gem coloured magic to your presents...

January: Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Garnet’, Japanese Maple, £9.99, Thompson Morgan

December: Belfast jeweller Gardiner Brothers specialises in diamonds and bespoke rings. This 18ct White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond ring features a 3.06ct rectangular Tanzanite of superb quality set between two 0.25ct Brilliant cut diamonds. Price available from www.gardinerbrothers.co.uk

April: Belt with diamonte buckle, £16.99, www.bonprix.co.uk

July: Small turquoise peacock clip, £4.99, Homesense at TKMaxx, www.homesense.com

February: Amethyst tea light holder, 13x10cm, £24.99, TK Maxx, www.tkmaxx.co.uk

May: Emerald dragonfly clip, £6, John Lewis

March: Aquamarine Gemstone Tree, 19th Anniversary Gift for Her, March Birthstone, €35, KouinCreations on Etsy

June: Pearl embellished bag, £14, George at Asda

August: 6mm Round Genuine Carnelian Cabochon Cab Gemstone 925 Sterling Silver earrings, £9.99, Rubaajewellery4you on Etsy.com September: Gold thread embroidery on deep blue velvet makes this Sapphire embroidered cushion a luxury must have, £50, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

including the luckiest and unluckiest stone! November: Topaz (Topaz) Topaz can be many colours, not simply yellow and was historically thought to bring wealth and health. These days it’s associated with love and affection. December: Tanzanite, Turquoise (Ruby) Shades of blue distinguish December’s birthstones with Tanzanite associated with generosity and friendship. For further information, check out the International Gem Society, www.gemsociety.org.

October: Dragonfly opal napkin rings, set of two by Joanna Buchanan, £66, www.amara.com

November: Green Wilderness Topaz throw, £125, www.bridgman.co.uk

December: Artland Iris ruby wine glass, £31.95 a pair, www.notjustjugs.com

34 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Soap & Glory She’s Show Ready gift set, £60, Boots and other stockists

‘Notes Before Bed’ small leather notebook in emerald green by Organise-Us, £30, www.amara.com

Daisy So Fresh 125 ml eau de toilette, by Marc Jacobs, £55.26, Amazon and other stockists

GIFTSFORTEENS

Happy hugs guaranteed! This bluetooth speaker is waterproof, has up to 10 hours battery life and you can daisy chain it. When wireless Bluetooth isn’t an option, connect your device to the speakers with the cable. JBL Clip 3 Portable bluetooth Speaker, £49.99, Curry’s stockists

Powerbeats3 Wireless bluetooth earphones for workout freedom. Take calls, control your music and activate Siri with RemoteTalk, rrp £169.95

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Shopping for teens seems to get harder by the year as the old stalwarts of CDs and DVDs don’t do it any more. They get their music on Spotify, their videos on YouTube, films on Netflix — but don’t despair, there are a few certs when it comes to putting a smile on your teen’s face. Katie Hughes (16) from Newry, says: “First, find out what kind of music they’re interested in and ask them what kind of concerts they would want to go to and then check out if their favourite bands are touring here. The 1975, twenty one pilots, Olly Murs, the Vamps and Little Mix are all playing Belfast over the next few months. Check the dates as well in case they don’t suit with exams and stuff. Avoid gigs

Sterling silver turquoise statement ring, £24, Accessorize, uk.accessorize.com

The Canon PowerShot SX60 HS has a powerful 65x zoom for distant objects and with a 21mm ultra-wide angle it can also capture stunning, sweeping landscapes. An intelligent optical image stabilizer ensures sharp, detailed photos even if you’re shooting at full zoom or handheld in low light. With the freedom of Wi-Fi and NFC you can upload images and movies to social networks straight from the camera or transfer them to your smartphone or tablet. Use the Canon CameraWindow app to remotely control the camera from your smartphone and enjoy convenient PC and cloud backup with image sync. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS, £389.99, Argos and other stockists

in May and June. There’s bound to be a gig they would like.” Be prepared to sit through something you’d rather not if your kid is under 14 and for over 14s, check with their friends’ parents about buying matching tickets so they can go together. Only buy tickets from Ticketmaster or directly from the venue to avoid hidden charges. If there aren’t any suitable tickets, look at gift cards that give options for lots of different shops. Even if you go for tickets and or gift cards, everyone likes to have something to unwrap on Christmas day. Here are some of Katie’s picks that should have them giving out hugs all day.

Concrete Diamond Sculpture Jewellery Holder From £11, Pasinga.etsy.com

Garmin Forerunner 35 in Frost Blue lets you track how far and fast you run with GPS accuracy, measures calories burned and heart rate, even while you sleep. Stay in touch with text and call notifications and keep track of fitness goals, £159.99, Curry’s and other stockists

Pearl and crystal heart ring, £8, Accessorize

Dirty Works Top-to-Toe Treats Gift Set, £7.99, Argos and other stockists

Mary Poppins Socks Gift Box, £3, Primark

Molton Brown Pink Christmas Bauble Style Wash, John Lewis and other stockists

Super milkshake gift set, £7, Next

Countdown to Christmas | 35

16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

GO CHEAP AND

CHEERFUL

Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers for loved ones or desperately searching for a gift for the dreaded office Secret Santa scenario, here’s a selection of ideas that might just do the trick!

Dinosaur slippers, £6, Tiger Stores Because you’re never too old for novelty slippers

The Avocado Cookbook, £9.99, The Present Finder Because everyone knows at least five people who are obsessed with avocado Decadent Decorations in Beautiful Bohemienne, £8, MOR Vitamin E, shea and cocoa seed butters are a treat for the dry, chapped hands

101 Things To Do Instead Of Playing On Your Phone Book, £5.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk For those friends who need a gentle reminder to be in the moment

GIFTS FORLESS THAN£10

Snowman Chocolate Lolly, £1.49, TK Maxx It’s not just cute, it’s tasty too!

Vacuum Flask, £6, Tiger Stores Practical and pretty, this is perfect for keeping your soup or hot chocolate toasty, and will last all year round

Men’s Christmas Polar Bear Socks, £4.99, TK Maxx It may be a cliche but you may as well give in, seasonal socks are as much a part of Christmas as too much mulled wine and dry turkey Indulgent Manicure Collection, £10, Laura Ashley This pretty keepsake tin contains an ideal collection of hand care and manicure essentials to keep your hands and nails luxuriously groomed Disco Ball with Sound, £4, Tiger Store Brighten up dull parties and unleash your inner disco queen with this throwback gadget

Glitter Liquid Lamp, £10, Tiger Stores Another throwback to brighten up your desk

Wooden Natural Body Bath & Gift Set, £7.99, TK Maxx The tools you need to stay soft and smooth and access all those hardto-reach places

Heart Kaleidoscope, £2, Tiger Stores This super pretty Magnetic Dartboard, £7, Tiger Stores Let your competitive spirit out this season kaleidoscope still holds the power to enthrall and prepare to quibble over who cheated — bringing back nostalgic memories of childhood Christmases of old

36 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Blush Pink Heart Gift Set, £15, Baylis & Harding Containing a Bath & Shower Creme enriched with vitamins A, B and C, nourishing Body Lotion, and a rose gold foil covered Bath Fizzer for ultimate bath-time fun

Beige Animal Pattern Clutch Bag, £14.99, TK Maxx Leopard print is back with a bang, and this little number is the perfect way to update any outfit and ideal for party season

All is Bright Cracker, £15, Emma Hardie Good things do come in small packages with these deluxe miniatures. Moringa Cleansing Balm, Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth and Moringa Renewal Treatment Mask cleanses, hydrates and brightens for nourished, radiant skin

Big gifts at small prices Gold Toned Heart Pendant Necklace, £14.99, TK Maxx This pretty piece of costume jewellery takes any outfit up a notch

Air Hockey Game, £15, Tiger Stores Get competitive with friends and family this festive season with this classic game

Gin & Tonic Fruit Infusion Bags, £15.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk Just when you thought you had tried every wild and wacky gin on the market, along come these pyramid tea bags. Available in six flavours containing herbs, spices and dried fruit to take a classic gin and tonic to the next level

Beauty Sleep, 15g, £15, ESPA Enjoy a restful slumber and wake up to a radiant complexion with ESPA’s mini Overnight Hydration Therapy

Amber and Sandalwood Wash Bag, £15, Baylis & Harding Pamper the man in your life with this luxurious skincare set

Gingerbread Men Biscuits, 200g, £12, Crabtree & Evelyn A dozen classic British gingerbread men made with ginger and sugar syrup giving a crisp bite with sweet tastes of ginger and presented in an adorable novelty tin

Double Wood & Copper Metal Frame, £12.99, TK Maxx In an age of digital photos, there’s nothing quite like a physical reminder of a precious memory — this tasteful frame makes an ideal gift to capture a special moment

Glitter iPhone case, £12.99, TK Maxx Add a touch of Christmas sparkle with this stunning cover

Compact Gold Glitter, £15, Tangle Teezer A handbag-friendly design that detangles hair and delivers the perfect finishing touch, ideal to pop into your handbag and keep you looking glam on the go

38 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Baby’s‘first’ Christmas: allthe cheer,none ofthebeer!

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In years gone by, Christmas time for me was all about the drunken nights out singing along to timeless classics. But that ship has sailed and it’s time for pastures new. Okay, so it may not officially be our first Christmas with Fallyn, but considering she was only five weeks old last year — and four weeks premature — this is certainly being treated as our first ‘proper’ Christmas with our little girl. She may not know who the fat bearded man in red is just yet or why she’ll be receiving gifts galore, but it’s clear that it’ll be Santa and his army of elves who will be getting the praise for packing our tree full of presents for years to come. Luckily for our little one, the team in the North Pole will have to work twice as hard on her gifts as she’ll be having two Christmases for the foreseeable future, too — one in my home town of Whitley Bay, and one in the presence of the in-laws in Armagh; Santa’s certainly going to be a busy guy! Last September saw us starting the shopping for baby essentials, but this year, it’s time for the Christmas shopping to take centre stage, beginning with Santa and Rudolph’s plate for their own tipple and carrot being ordered — Fallyn’s footprints

BOOKSFOR BEDTIME AND BEYOND...

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Reading to babies is about more than settling them down for a night’s sleep. Reading at any time of the day is good for bonding and it helps the child’s brain development. Research shows that for babies aged 6–12 months, the greatest benefit is books that have faces and single, named objects in them. However, whether you want to help your child realise their full potential in later years, or simply foster a love of reading for the sake of it, there are books galore to help you both on your way.

Fallyn is used to holding the reins

Jamie Roberts with daughter Fallyn made into a festive fancy. So too was the rocking Husky we failed to secure from Dunelm last year — oh and a Christmas clad bath duck, although I can’t see that lasting until Christmas day! Everyone always did say how special the festive period was with wee ones, but can you really prepare for what’s ahead? Like every ‘first’ our little bundles of joy provide us with, it’s going to be a special occasion. Gone are the days when I’d be heading to City Hall after work for a Belly Buster and

an array of mulled cider (dandelion and burdock being the pick of the bunch). But, do you know what? I don’t mind at all! Christmas is a time for family and that statement has never rung truer as our new addition has only added to our excitement. Instead of nursing hangovers, we’ll be looking after a newly-turned one-year-old come December 25 and that’s absolutely fine by me. In previous years, I’d always commented on how Christmas would only begin

when I first heard Mariah Carey hit those high notes, but the festive spirit has been in full flow for much longer this time around. Will she know what is going on? No, probably not. Will she enjoy the fuss and being the centre of attention? Most definitely! And seeing that smiling face and hearing those belly laughs — probably more so at a cardboard box knowing my luck — will be worth every penny. Having kids completely changes your perspective on life, and Christmas celebrations are no different. Shots of sambuca will change to bottles of milk, but let’s deck the halls with boughs of holly, watch the snow (maybe) fall all around us, and rock around the Christmas tree to spread the cheer this holiday season because we have been blessed with the best gift of all. Roll on Elf, The Snowman, Home Alone and the abundance of other feel-good movies to welcome in the best time of year. Is it bad to already be thinking of next Christmas and how it’s only going to get better as she grows up?

THE DAY HENRY MET.... A DOG

MY MAGICAL UNICORN

A perfect picture book to cuddle up to, this sweet story has Henry, who is familiar to young viewers of Nickelodeon, out for a walk when he meets a dog who is sad because she doesn’t have a best friend. Henry and Dog set off to find a best friend for Dog... maybe, they don’t need to look that far. It’s a 32-page paperback by O’Brien Press, £6.39.

My Magical Unicorn takes readers on a truly fantastical journey with a beautiful unicorn. With push, pull and turn mechanisms and a sparkly foil cover wheel, little ones will have lots of fun taking part in the unicorn’s exciting adventure. Yujin Shin’s beautifully coloured illustrations are paired with gentle rhyming text to create a perfect unicorn world, with bright, sparkling detail and things to spot in four magical scenes. My Magical Unicorn is the first book in the exciting My Magical series, based on the popular Busy Book format. It’s a 10-page board book by Pan McMillan, £5.99.

By Gilly

By Yujin Shin

THE GREAT BIG BOOK OF IRISH WILDLIFE THROUGH THE SEASONS Written by Juanita Browne, Illustrated by Barry Reynolds

Packed with pictures, illustrations and facts, this hardback will appeal to primary school children, from the age of seven. It explores nature in your back garden as well as weird and wonderful natural phenomena, such as the metamorphosis from tadpole to frog, the red deer rut in autumn and the fact that there are 13 types of dragonfly in Ireland. This 80-page hardback from O’Brien Press is £17.99.

THE POOKA PARTY

By Shona Shirley Macdonald

The Pooka is a magical shapeshifter who can look like anything from a goat to a snail to a human. He lives in the mountains all alone; fixing things, painting, dancing and singing. Suddenly, the Pooka realises that it’s lonely and decides to throw a big party. Some slightly scary looking goblins mount a raid on the cakes but the Pooka’s friends give chase and a food fight ensues. It’s up to the moon to intervene and all’s well that ends well. A 32-page picture hardback, from O’Brien Press, £13.99.

Countdown to Christmas | 39

16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

5toysfortots BY JAMIEROBERTS

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It’s that time of year again when Santa and his elves work overtime to bring joy to the faces of many. Or, in other words, when we spend our hardearned money on our little cherubs and someone else gets the recognition! For those young — or old — enough to believe in the big man dressed in red, the festive season really is magical. However, if they’re too young, it doesn’t mean they are less spoiled. The months between a child’s first and second birthdays are crucial in development. Not only will you watch them grow physically, but their mental intake will rapidly expand too, meaning picking the right toy could be vital. Here, we list some of the best gift ideas for any babies in your life:

Centre’s dinosaur hopper. The lightweight inflatable is suitable for 12-36-months-old and it’s a great aid for building your child’s confidence, co-ordination and physical development. Widely available and costing in the region of £19.99, if pre-historic play isn’t for you, it’s also available in a rabbit design. So, hop to it!

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Elsewhere, if it’s a brilliant bouncing journey that tickles your fancy, look no further than Early Learning

Set rides in at around the £139.99 mark and provides a great quality automated product that had forward and reverse speed settings. Let your bundle be the controller as they sit on top of Thomas and go for the ride of the early life. The size of the track on offer, however, means that a big space would be required for setting this up.

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If you don’t want to break the bank and dig too deep into your pockets, or indeed you are looking to buy a little something for a friend’s child or relative, there are plenty of options for under £10. One prime example is the Chuckle Ball. For a laugh a minute, the self-rolling sensation is perfect for toddlers. With a range of silly sounds and colourful characters, the wibbly, wobbly toy can keep your wee ones entertained while they are on the go. Will they be able to get a hold of it? Head to your local toy shop, hand over £10 and you’ll find out this Christmas!

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Do your little ones have to be constantly on the move? The Fisher Price Zoom ‘n Crawl Monster is next up and it’s a great way for your little, erm, monster, to stay entertained thanks to its colourful balls and cruise control that allows them to play chase. At approximately £35 this motorised marvel can provide hours of entertainment.

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Moving slightly up the pricing ladder is the Chicco Talking Kitchen. With a recommended retail price of £49.99, this mini plastic kitchen talks and sings to your special one. The fully-accessorised kitchen allows your child to learn about numbers, the alphabet, time, shapes, opposites and, of course, the kitchen. And, if you think that language is important, you can set it to speak in French too. Ooh la la!

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At the higher end of the spectrum, a list of toys wouldn’t be complete without a train set. The Thomas & Friends Ride on Train and 22-Piece Track

from budget to big ticket

So, there you have it. If you want to steer clear of the Barbies and Action Man for the time being, why not try one of our five picks and watch the smiles beam from ear to ear (hopefully not just for the box they’ve came in). Christmas really is a special time of year and youngsters make it all the more so. Remember, whatever your price range,

it’s all about spending time with loved ones — you can’t put a price on memories.

40 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

MOREOFTHE SAMEFROM FIFA19 RATING: 3/5

BY RUAIDHRÍMCCARNEY

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FIFA 19 is what FIFA games have been for some time now: a fun arcade-style version of football that is expertly presented nearly beat-for-beat how we are used to watching it on TV. It also retains its title as the best game couch multiplayer game you can play with friends. If you have enjoyed previous FIFA games you will almost certainly enjoy FIFA 19. However, in sticking to its strengths, its weaknesses feel more pronounced and neglected than they have before.

Feel for the game

FIFA 19’s gameplay is very similar to last year’s version, with a few tweaks changing the balance of how the game feels. Previously, pace was king. Now, however, speed has been de-emphasised with strength playing a much more important role. Players clash and jostle for possession more often and realistically, slowing the game down as a whole. At times though, FIFA 19 can feel like it has swung too far in favour of strength, particularly when the opposition’s lumbering centre back isn’t even breaking a sweat to stay stride for stride with you when you’re controlling Kylian Mbappe. However, to FIFA 19’s credit, this forces you to look for more ways to score and it supports different play-styles. Through-passes have been improved and now play better

into the space where your players can move into. FIFA 19 also introduces timed shooting which supposedly makes shots world class when timed correctly. In reality though, it feels fiddly and unnecessary as each shot is hit at different speeds meaning there’s no consistency to timing that second button press. Additionally, even if you do time your shot perfectly, players that don’t have high ratings barely get any benefit to their shot.

The twelfth man

Matches are presented as slickly as you’ve come to expect from FIFA, with particular attention being paid to the newly-acquired Champions League matches. Players look identical to their real-life counterparts, particularly star players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah and Neymar. Crowds look better than ever and sound excellent. Outside of the newly introduced duo for European nights however, commentators quickly wear on you with their repetitive anecdotes and phrases and serve only really as background noise.

In need of a shake-up

Where FIFA 19 stumbles the most is with the lack of improvements to some of its core game modes. Career mode hasn’t been updated in any meaningful way in years and this year

GAMESROUND-UP

✸ RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 – PS4, XBOX ONE Simply put, Red Dead Redemption 2 is the best game out this year — and arguably for some time before that too. We follow outlaw Arthur Morgan, a member of the infamous Van der Linde gang, as he and his friends cling onto their Wild Western way of life in the face of an expanding civilisation that has left them behind. The detail poured into this stunningly crafted open-world, how you interact with it and its inhabitants, and how much it ropes you into feeling like you are a part of a living world that existed before you and will thrive long after you are gone, make Red Dead Redemption 2 an unmissable experience that’s like nothing you have ever played before. ✸ SPIDER-MAN – PS4 Everyone’s favourite friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man swings his way onto the PlayStation 4 in a brilliant new open-world adventure. This new Spider-Man tale has you playing as an experienced Peter Parker as he takes on some of his most notorious nemesis, web-swinging through a stunning portrayal of New York City.

✸ GOD OF WAR – PS4 His vengeance against the Gods of Olympus behind him, Kratos now lives in the realm of Norse

deities and monsters. This excellent reimagining of God of War combines all the hallmarks of the iconic series — brutal combat, epic boss fights and breathtaking scale — and fuses them with a powerful and moving narrative that re-establishes Kratos’ world. ✸ SHADOW

OF THE TOMB RAIDER – PS4, XBOX ONE, PC

Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider in the final chapter of her origin trilogy. With a greater focus on raiding tombs, supported by massively improved stealth combat, Lara’s race to save the world from a Maya apocalypse makes for one of her best modern adventures. ✸ CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 4 – PS4, XBOX ONE, PC

Call of Duty’s flagship series Black Ops returns with a sole focus on delivering its best multiplayer game in years. The usual multiplayer modes are back feeling as tight are ever, while Zombies gets its biggest offering to date. However it’s Blackout, the newly introduced battle royale mode that steals the show.

is no different. Pro Clubs also looks to have been copied and pasted from previous iterations. These need to either be given some attention or scrapped for something new in the future. The three modes that have received the most attention are Kick Off, The Journey and the hugely profitable FIFA Ultimate Team. Kick Off has been overhauled and includes the excellent sub-modes under House-Rules. There’s the chaotic No Rules (no fouls, bookings or offsides), Survival Mode (each time you score you lose a player), the playground classic Headers and Volleys, and more. Bizarrely though none of these modes can be played online. The Journey continues Alex Hunter’s rise to the top of the game while adding his sister Kim Hunter and friend Danny Williams as playable characters, however it suffers from the same problems as before. Despite a very bright start that sends you back to the 1960s to play as granddad Hunter, the Journey soon becomes a chore to slog through. Again you are forced to take part in countless tedious training drills to avoid being relegated to the substitutes’ bench, while matches blend into one another with only a handful of games standing out. FIFA Ultimate Team, or FUT, has quickly become the franchise’s cash cow and flagship mode. FUT has you build your own team of players and pit them against other players online in a variety of competitions, while incentivising players to stick around with daily and weekly challenges that drip feed rewards as you play. At its core though, FUT is built as a pay-to-win experience that wants players to buy packs containing players and items, which ultimately makes it impossible to recommend. Having the gambling system of a free mobile app in a game that you are already paying £50rrp for is fairly nauseating, especially given that children are a large portion of every FIFA’s player base. FIFA 19 is more of the same then, and that is where both its strengths and its weaknesses are most apparent. It is flashy, fun and at its best when shared with your friends. However the lack of meaningful changes leave FIFA 19 feeling more like an update to last year’s game rather than a new experience in itself.

✸ ASSASSIN’S CREED ODYSSEY – PS4, XBOX

ONE, PC

Building on the change in direction brought about by Origins, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has you at the centre of an epic open-world adventure set in ancient Greece that features characters, combat, story and scope a level above anything the series has attempted prior.

GAMES FROM EARLIER IN THE YEAR YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED  DRAGONBALLFIGHTERZ–PS4,XBOXONE,

SWITCH, PC

The best fighting game to come out this year with a spot-on depiction of Goku and friends.

 MONSTER HUNTER: WORLD – PS4, XBOX ONE, PC

Hunt down and battle a host of fantastic beasts, building your way up to conquering the game’s biggest behemoths.

✸ FIFA 19 – PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC The best-selling sports video game in the world returns with another flashy and fun take on the beautiful game and now boasts the glamorous European nights of the UEFA Champions League. Control your favourite team and lead them to glory, and battle your friends for the title of FIFA king in the new Kick Off modes.

An intense co-op adventure that follows two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, making their daring escape from prison.

✸ PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2019 – PS4, XBOX

 CRASH BANDICOOT N. SANE TRILOGY –

Though PES 2019 lacks the licenses of some of the top-tier competitions, it continues to do its talking on the pitch and produces one of the best playing football games yet. While it falls short of the competition’s off the pitch polish, the once dominant franchise looks to be gearing up for a comeback for top spot once more.

Everyone’s favourite bandicoot is back in this incredible remake of PlayStation’s cult classic platformer.

ONE, PC

✸ FORZA HORIZON 4 – XBOX ONE, PC Undoubtedly the best driving game money can currently buy. Taking place in a reimagined UK, Forza Horizon 4 has you experience a shared world with dynamic seasons that will change how you drive, explore beautiful scenery and collect over 450 cars and become a Horizon Superstar.

 A WAY OUT – PS4, XBOX ONE, PC

 YAKUZA 6 – PS4

The brilliant conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu’s engrossing crime drama.

PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC

 GUACAMELEE! 2 – PS4, SWITCH, PC

A charming and rock solid metroidvania game that tasks luchador Juan with saving the world yet again.

 CELESTE – PS4, XBOX ONE, SWITCH, PC

A tricky and creativity platform game following Madeline and her beautiful melancholy story.

 THE BANNER SAGA 3 – PS4, XBOX ONE,

SWITCH, PC

The epic conclusion to the sweeping viking saga that challenges you to survive as the world crumbles around you.

16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Countdown to Christmas | 41

42 | Countdown to Christmas

Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

DoingChristmas awayfromhome?

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Christmas can be a stressful time for many people, particularly when it comes to deciding who hosts the festive family get-together. While the hosts have the upper hand on how the food is cooked and what time dinner is served, they must also shoulder the responsibility and in most cases, the cost. To take the tension out of Christmas, more and more people are opting for a Yuletide break. A holiday provides neutral territory where everyone can join in and share the excitement of planning Christmas. Going away gives everyone the chance to relax and enjoy the festivities. There’s no need to worry about last-minute food shopping, non-stop preparation and endless cleaning. You don’t need to head abroad to enjoy a Christmas break. There are plenty of places closer to home where you can kick back, chill out and celebrate the occasion. One place that is always a popular choice for a short break is Donegal. It may be the coldest, most remote and wildest part of Ireland, but what could be more festive than cosying up in front of a log fire in a pub in Portsalon or taking a Boxing Day stroll along a beach in Buncrana? With its abundance of

Dublin is always a magical, fun-filled place to visit at Christmas

hotels and holiday cottages, Donegal is ideal for a Christmas getaway and was even voted the coolest place on the planet last year by National Geographic Traveller. There’s plenty to do for the children as well, with a number of hotels across the county offering Christmas-themed shows and Santa’s Grottos, including Donegal’s Lapland in Inishowen. From castles to fortresses, rugged coastline to lighthouses, award-wining golf courses to stunning beaches, Donegal is worth a visit at any time of the year. But in the middle of winter, it’s also a great spot for photographing the Northern Lights, particularly around Malin Head. If it’s more the bright lights of a big city

Christmas in Dublin’s Grafton Street

Countdown to Christmas | 43

16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph View of the Aurora Borealis in the night sky over Tra na Rossan Beach in Donegal

Buncrana Beach

than the Northern Lights you’re interested in, Dublin is always a magical, fun-filled place to visit at Christmas. There are several Christmas markets within the city centre, with the most popular being the St Stephen’s Green Market. Running between December 13 and 16, the Flea Christmas Market will be back, with over 100 stalls selling an eclectic mix of funky festive gifts. The Temple Bar and Grafton Street areas of Dublin city centre are even more alive than ever come Christmas, with shoppers, buskers, carol singers and revellers making the most of the festive cheer. And while the pubs and restaurants are packed with peo-

ple, many of the hotels outside the city centre experience a lull at this time of year, so keep an eye out for cheap deals and last-minute breaks. Closer to home, Belfast is becoming increasingly popular for a weekend break, not just with tourists but with those who live in other parts of Northern Ireland. With an ever rising number of hotels opening up in the city, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. Many of the hotels are offering special Christmas packages and as ever, the Christmas market

in the grounds of the City Hall, will kick off the festive celebrations, opening from November 17 and running for five weeks. All the main entertainment venues, including SSE Arena, The MAC Belfast, the Waterfront, Grand Opera House and Lyric Theatre, will be staging Christmas pantos and shows so there will be plenty going on to keep the whole family busy.

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

EXPRESSYOURSELF!

Made from polyresin with a circular wood shaped top, this charming Polar bear side table will be a quirky addition to any room. Kitsch design at its best. £135, www. frenchbedroomcompany. co.uk

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Whether you want to express yourself with a multi-coloured tree, go traditional with Victorian-style decorations or have a stylish tree that complements your home, there’s more choice than ever this year. From Scandi chic to tropical flamingos, anything goes, indoors and out. And it’s not simply about tree decorations, from wreaths to lights and accessories, there’s a wealth of ways to add festive pzazz to your decor.

Set of 3 glass baubles, Grand Noel Collection 2018, £11.99, www. lights4fun.co.uk

White Ornament by Kina Ceramic Design on Etsy, £11.50, Kinaceramicdesign. etsy.com

Holly & Berry glass bauble, Jolly Holidays Collection 2018, £6.99, www. lights4fun.co.uk/

Pinecones and green spruce illuminated wreath, £35, www.redlilly.co.uk

This vintage noel paper chain kit in 3 designs with stamped characters can make 10 metres of paper chains, £6.49, www.gingerray.co.uk Large peacock emerald bauble, £10, John Lewis

This handmade, Fairtrade stag head decoration is not only stylish but proceeds support projects in Rajastan, £4.99, www.iansnow.com Each hand painted ceramic bauble by EatPrayPedal is unique, and £2.70 from each sale goes to the A21 campaign, a non-profit organisation fighting to end human trafficking, see www.a21.com. Bauble, £18, EatPrayPedal at www.etsy.com

Each snowflake bauble is the same design finished in gold, white, grey and red print with a gold ribbon for hanging. Box of 7 gold Snowflake Christmas baubles, £15.95, www.melodymaison.co.uk

Rattan outdoor LED penguin, from £55, www. marquisanddawe.co.uk

Eucalyptus Wreath & Garland, www.lights4fun.co.uk/

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16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph

Make your festive season tree-mendous

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The Christmas tree is probably the most important part of your festive decorations. It’s the cherished symbol of the holiday season, with most of us placing it beside our front living room window, visible for everyone to see. Now that many of us may already have the tree up, it becomes the focal point of our living space and can brighten even the gloomiest of winter days. Putting the tree up can be an activity for all the family as we listen to some music and

Nordic Christmas tree from George at Asda

crack open a bottle of wine. But if the same tree we’ve been putting up for 20-odd years lost its Christmas spirit many moons ago, and we find that we need to buy a new one, then what is the best one to go for? It’s hard to know what’s the right for your home and family. Christmas tree farms across Northern Ireland grow a variety of trees that go on sale each year, with pines, firs and Norway spruce among the most popular. However, do make sure you have a good idea of what size you want and what can fit — the last thing you want is to take home a tree that’s too big! The family-run Greenmount Christmas Trees near Lisburn have been harvesting and selling trees since 1996 and offer a great selection in many different shapes and sizes. When a real tree is brought home, there are some important factors you need to consider to ensure it stays in good condition. Mount it in a water-holding stand and place it away from direct heat, such as a radiator. Keep the container topped up with water every day and allow it to have some natural light and don’t keep it for longer than two or three weeks. If you prefer to go for an artificial tree, it is worth pointing out that they have come a long way in recent years and are now almost identical to real trees. There are some advantages to an artificial tree too such as

Grand Noel Collection 2018, www.lights4fun.co.uk

7ft Snowy Pre-Lit Christmas Tree, from George at Asda (£85) no falling pine needles and wilting branches, you can use it again year after year, and you don’t need to worry about finding a recycling facility after the festive season comes to an end. Also, no pine needles clogging up the vacuum cleaner! There’s many different types such as traditional, which you can decorate with whatever you like, pre-lit with the lights already on the trees, and fibre optic that come with white or colour-changing lights.

Green Flocked Pre Lit Christmas Tree 2ft , from George at Asda (£7)

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

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Midwinter candle, £32, The Little Yorkshire Candle Company A blend of zesty orange and mandarin, aromatic cinnamon, rich cardamom and sweet, spicy notes of ginger and star anise strikes the right note and conjures memories of coming home for the holidays, soothing the senses like a sip of mulled wine. Strike a match, batten down the hatches and enjoy its comforting fragrance well into the New Year.

Diffuser and Essential Oil Collection, £85, Neal’s Yard Remedies If you’d rather create your own signature scent, why not invest in this Neal’s Yard elegant bamboo diffuser and 100% pure essential oil blends, designed to support your well-being. Featuring calming and night-time aromatherapy blends (which most of us will be in dire need of during the festive season), it releases an aromatherapeutic mist for a feelgood atmosphere and comes with a helpful guide to essential oils, written by in-house experts.

If you’re not a fan of overly Christmassy scents and would rather something less seasonally specific, why not try these alternative options — ranging from fresh and fragrant to spicy and sensual there’s something to suit every preference.

Rose Glow, £27.50, Elemis English rose and rosa damascena calms, uplifts and restores, with a classic scent that conjures images of a beautiful rose garden. The delicate scent adds a touch of romance to the bedroom and is a blissful accompaniment to a luxurious bubble bath.

FESTIVEFRAGRANCES TOFILLYOURHOME WITHYULETIDECHEER As we prepare for another season of Christmas parties, family gatherings and cosy nights in by the fire, there’s nothing quite like a luxury scent to set the right tone. Here are some of the best scents on the market for setting the scene, with ingredients including clove, frankincense and cinnamon guaranteed to imbue any occasion with a distinctly festive feeling.

For every season...

Joyful Glow, £27.50, Elemis The warming aromatics of vanilla, orange and cinnamon bring a soft festive glow to any home, with the added benefits of garnering warmth, comfort and calm — perfect to help you wind down after a mad dash into the bustling streets to pick up those last-minute Christmas essentials.

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the essential oils into the room. Available in a range of scents and sizes, there’s something for everyone in this fantastic range, hand-crafted in Belfast, available from www.tulipmoon.com.

Noel Room Spray, 100ml, £14, Crabtree & Evelyn Imagine bottling the joyful ambience of the festive season — from the crackling fire and the smell of the fir tree to the pot of mulling spices on the stove. That’s what you get from a single spritz of this seasonal room spray. A mix of wintry, aromatic spruce needles, with a squeeze of zesty citrus fruits and hints of spice combine to warmly greet your guests as soon as they walk through the door. Frankincense, Peppermint and Lavender & Clove, Cinnamon and Sweet Orange, Diffusers £20, Candles £12£20, Tulip Moon Tulip Moon is an environmentally conscious option using soy wax, which burns cleaner than paraffin wax and at a lower temperature. This melts the wax evenly and naturally diffuses

Winter Candle, £38, Cowshed Traditional pure essential oils of rose, neroli and ylang ylang blend with the festive scents of cinnamon and clove in a warming, floral fragrance that transcends the seasons in this hand-poured, natural candle.

Plum Rain Body Spray, £20, Lush Although this is technically a body spray, it can double up as a room spray, which is great if you love a good multi-purpose product! A downfall of bewitching osmanthus and succulent Sicilian mandarin results in a refreshing, delectably fruity and wonderfully crisp scent.

Vetiver and Black Spruce Candle, £41, ESPA Aromas of citrusy cardamom and warm black spruce soothe the senses, while the woody anchor of Virginian cedarwood and Javan vetiver envelops you, taking your mind to a glowing fireside — the perfect scent to enjoy while snuggled up with a good book.

Snow Gardenia Candle, £28.00,

Mor A luxury home fragrance, this exquisite candle features a gold embellished black glass vessel and elegant black soy wax to perfume the air with a signature scent and add style to any space. Blooming with bergamot, snow white gardenia and angelica, ambrosial juniper berries entwine with sandalwood, vanilla, ylang ylang and amber to allure and fascinate the senses.

Tobacco and Tonka Candle, £35, The Luxe Candle Co This fabulously funky leopard print design is ideal for die-hard fashionistas and notes of tobacco leaf, tonka bean, vanilla and iris wood combine to create a deliciously spicy and sensual scent that goes rather nicely with a dry martini!

Ebenus Nobilis Le Couvent Des Minimes Singular Candle, £35, Lookfantastic.co.uk. Using vegan wax and developed in the traditional French Haute Parfumerie, this collection pays tribute to the master candle-makers and marks interiors with an assured personality. Ebenus Nobilis’s warm aromatic notes of incense and gin-scented juniper set the party mood.

Aura Candle, 180g, £39, Aura Mugler Mysterious and multifaceted Aura Mugler is the promise of radiant freshness and tender sensuality, blending juicy notes of pear, the floral aromas of hibiscus seeds, the richness of tiger liana, and the velvety accents of white vanilla tahitensis, combined with iris root.

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Layer on the luxury for warm home style

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There’s more to getting in the mood for the festive season than sorting through Christmas decorations and writing your Christmas card and gift lists. Embrace the season with a warmer look for your home. This year has been notable for the resurgence of colour which has blazed a trail into our hearts and homes. From bright jewelly colours to soft muted shades of olive, teal and mustard to winter’s deep and dark shades of purple, crimson and burnt orange. For drama and opulence, gold and black are perfect for Christmas. It’s all about luxe with rich, velvety fabrics and lustrous metallics. Walls have become more striking and if you want to go all out on the dark trend, paint your walls, doors and ceilings the same colour to create a background that will perfectly

showcase your coloured or textured pieces. While some ornaments will need to go away to make space for Christmas decorations, you can add to the appeal of a room with little finishing vignettes. For instance, arrange your favourite book, photo and lamp on a small table with a plant or faux/ fresh flowers. Lighting is a crucial element to creating a welcoming atmosphere for Christmas so avoid overhead brights and go big on lamps and candles wherever you can. Faux candles might lack the aromatic appeal of the real thing but they are handy for saving your table and curious toddlers’ fingers. Use mirrors as statement pieces, to add depth and throw the light into a space. Add some thick, gorgeous throws and you’re all set!

Ero Velvet Tassel Table Lamp, £65, Oliver Bonas

Super soft woven cashmere for ultimate snuggling. Portobello Cashmere Throw, mustard, £400, Soho Home

Rich, jewelly coloured cushions pop against a calming background while the mirror is the perfect statement piece. Studio Large Sofa, £1,299, Harvey Norman

Valerio floor lamp, £90, Next

Copper vase, £35, Star by Julien MacDonald at Debenhams Pink table light, £90, Sarah Colson at Debenhams Crown Paints’ ‘Midnight Garden’ look combines the dramatic and the soft, giving a sense of subtle grandeur and intense atmosphere

Berry square sheepskin cushion, £50, Oliver Bonas Gold and black side table, £89.99, Homesense at TK Maxx

Sheepskin rug, £89, Michael Murphy Home Furnishing Set of two tables in black and gold, £179, Dutchbone at Cuckooland

Leather and brass make this mirror by French designer Jacque Adnet extra stylish, Gubi Adnet Circulaire Mirror, £608, nest.co.uk

Ivory taper candles, www.lights4fun.co.uk

Fiesta feather cushion, £18, Paradise cushion, £25, Chiswick cushion, £35, Tree of Life cushion, £30, Meridian Raspberry cushion, £25, Harvey Norman

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Get out and about this FESTIVESEASON

Belfast Christmas Market

s the days get shorter and the evenings longer, why not savour the steady transition from autumn to winter through the abundance of events occurring around Northern Ireland this festive season. Whether it’s things to do with the family or to simply appreciate the arts in your area, there’s something for everyone. Top concerts, museum exhibitions, comedy, theatre and panto — we’ve got you more than covered. So get out and about, be merry, spread the Christmas spirit and make this a real cracker.

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Film fanatics will have plenty to be excited about as this year’s Foyle film Festival in Derry is celebrating its 31st year between November 16-25. The festival is an acclaimed Light In Motion (LIM) competition, with three categories for the films: Best Irish Short, Best International Short, and Best Animation. The LIM Award Winners will be announced at the festival’s closing night gala screening in Brunswick Moviebowl on November 25.

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If you’re after some delicious food and quirky gifts, why not make the quintessential visit to the Belfast Christmas Market, which comes once again to Belfast City Hall on November 17-December 22. It is open Monday–Wednesday from 10am8pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am-10pm (closes at 6pm on Saturday 22 December) and on a Sunday at 12pm – 6pm. Gain the full experience by tasting foods from all over the continent, like some luxurious Belgian chocolate or tuck into a tasty crepe and sample some of the best German beers and mulled wine. This really has become a main fixture of Christmas in Belfast. www.facebook.com/ BelfastXmasMark.

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Tomorrow night (November 17) at the Belfast Castle, enjoy a hilarious night and three-course meal with Del, Rodney and all your other favourites from classic comedy Only Fools and Horses. Comedy Dining brings a completely different experience as all your favourite characters will be on

Only Fools and Three Courses

hand to make sure you have an evening you will never forget. This will exercise chuckle muscles you didn’t know you had. DCI Roy Slater will be putting in an appearance, and we all know what Del thinks of him! Meanwhile, Cassandra and Rodney take a trip down memory lane. Del, Rodney, Boycie, Trigger, Uncle Albert, Raquel and Cassandra will all be on hand to make sure you have a hilarious evening. This tribute evening takes place in the Chichester room of the castle, with award winning food and a gorgeous view overlooking Belfast Lough. Spaces are limited for this event. Contact Belfast Castle reception on 028 9077 6925 for more information or to book tickets.

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The Ulster History Museum has several events on and prepare to take a big step back in time, with the skeleton of Dippy the Diplodocus dinosaur being the biggest attraction for families. Having made the journey all the way from the Natural History Museum in London for the first time since 1905, Dippy will be in the Ulster Museum from now until January 6, 2019. The exhibition is free, but pre-booking is recommended due to high demand. Booking is available at www.nmni.com.

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Also, the 137th RUA Annual Exhibition is running at the Ulster Museum, from now until January 6, 2019. It is an excellent opportunity to admire a wide variety of contemporary paintings, sculptures, film, printmaking, installations and photography from RUA academicians, established artists and also gives emerging artists a chance to showcase their work.

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If you’re fascinated with all things Titanic, then this is definitely for you. On November 18 in the opulent Titanic Suite, Titanic Belfast will host a red-carpet movie themed Afternoon Tea by the replica Grand Staircase — perfect for the ultimate movie fan to enjoy the film in first-class style. During the film, take your chance to re-create the ‘meet me at the clock’ moment with your friends, family or loved one on the Grand Staircase for a photo to remember. For more info, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

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For all you Mumford & Sons fans, sigh no more as the world-renowned folk rockers will be bringing the party to the SSE Arena, Belfast, on November 18 in support of their new album, Delta. This will be the band’s biggest tour since forming 10 years

Dippy the Diplodocus ago, and they’ll perform the show on a new ground-breaking stage right across the middle of the arena. Not to be missed!

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If you are interested in history, Armagh’s Georgian Festival is the place for you. From November 22-25, experience a city steeped in heritage, visit the old court house for a trial, or eat your way round the themed banquet, or if you are feeling brave go for a guided ghost tour at night. See the website for more information and book at www.visitarmagh.com/georgian

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In terms of theatre there is plenty to go around this Christmas with countless enticing shows to get you in the festive mood.

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16 November 2018 | Belfast Telegraph Twilight Market

Mumford & Sons The Georgian Festival in Armagh Elf the Musical comes to the Waterfront Hall November 23-24, brought to you by the acclaimed Belfast Operatic Company. This musical is based on the cult classic Buddy the Elf starring Will Ferrell and will be sure to have you and all of the family in stitches. https://waterfront.co.uk/

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If you are looking for a night of laughter, check out Irish comedian Gearoid Farrelly at the MAC in Belfast on November 24, where he will discuss everything from Trump

to decluttering and why you shouldn’t toilet train a cat. Farrelly was also a finalist in So You Think You’re Funny and the winner of the Bulmers Nuthin’ Butt Funny Comedy Award.

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Perhaps what many feel encompasses the Christmas spirit is the annual Christmas pantomime in the Belfast Opera House. This year promises to be a highly entertaining watch with a performance of Jack and The Beanstalk. May McFettridge, the epitome off all things pantomime, stars as Dame May Trot, along with two-time Olivier award-winner David Bedella as the giant’s henchman, Fleshcreep. Jack and the Bean-

stalk runs between December 1, 2018-January 13, 2019. Hurry and book tickets before it’s too late! www.goh.co.uk

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The Lyric is displaying Alice: The Musical following the success of last year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. It is a musical rendition of Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s classic Alice in Wonderland, on from November 29 2018-January 5, 2019. Marvel at the wide assortment of wacky characters you will meet as you travel through Wonderland on Alice’s musical journey down the rabbit hole. Another option from the Lyric is the Charles Dickens-inspired

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Snow Patrol

Tara Lynne O’Neill

Kylie Minogue

Def Leppard

show, with a Belfast twist, BAH, HUMBUG! Ebenezer Scrooge has the fright of his life when met with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in this fable of Christmas spirit, which is on between November 17th 2018-January 5, 2019. https://lyrictheatre. co.uk/

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In County Down on November 29, check out the Comber Christmas Fair in the Square and meet Santa, his reindeer and little helpers in the grotto; browse the stalls with local food and crafts, visit the food village and enjoy the music and carol singing as the Christmas tree lights are switched on. A perfect choice for all the family.

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The Belfast Waterfront is running Beauty and The Beast a Christmas pantomime from November 30-January 6 with a relaxed performance on December 20, where the environment is more comfortable for people with autistic spectrum conditions, anyone with sensory and communication disorders or people with learning disabilities. It promises to be a fun and engaging performance with larger than life characters, produced by TGBL Productions. See waterfront.co.uk or call 028 9033 4455 for further details and tickets.

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In all the Christmas cheer The Belfast Opera House takes a cheekier approach to the festive season with On the Shelf which stars Derry Girls’ Ma Mary Tara Lynne O’Neill as Paula, recently dumped, fast approaching 40, and not happy about it. The play ensues in a Bridget Jones-style comedy and is sure to have your stomach sore with laughter. It runs from December 10-22 and has a 16-plus rating. www.goh.co.uk

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Heavy metalers Def Leppard mark the beginning of a great week of gigs at the

Andre Rieu SSE Arena in Belfast on December 2 and will deliver what fans have been waiting for — the Hysteria album performed in full plus other hits. These will be their first UK and Ireland tour dates since the sold-out arena run in late 2015.

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Aussie golden girl Kylie Minogue makes her way to the SSE Arena a few days later on December 5. The star was forced to postpone a planned date in Belfast in October due to illness, but she has rescheduled and is ready to dazzle her fans.

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If you’re after something on the classical side, then the very next night (December 6) join Dutch violin superstar Andre Rieu and his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra for an unmissable night at the SSE Arena. On stage Andre’s incredible musical prowess, passion and charisma make for a magical spectacle and he will play wonderful Christmas carols besides his entertaining and fantastic program.

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Northern Ireland superstars Snow Patrol will then cap things off at the SSE Arena with two unmissable gigs on December 7 and 8 in support of new album Wildness, their first in seven years. Since their 1998 debut, Songs for Polarbears, Snow

Patrol has racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, five UK Platinum Albums, and a Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Music Prize nominated.

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On December 9, Frock Around The Clock returns to the Belfast Castle for the spectacular Magical Christmas Fair from 12-5pm. This event will feature 50 sellers of beautiful and original handmade crafts and vintage treasures, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles and decor, artisan food, art, crafts and gifts, beauty and wellness, Christmas decorations and much more. It will be the perfect place to finish off your Christmas shopping in style, from a superb selection

of sellers. Admission costs £2 for adults and children go free. Be sure to wrap up warm as the Christmas Twilight returns to St George’s Market on December 11 and 12, 4pm-11pm. Visitors can sample local food, drink and craft stalls, as well as enjoy a programme of live entertainment and cookery demonstrations. All Twilight Market events are strictly over 18s after 9pm.

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Co Down singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan brings his largest ever Belfast headline show to the Ulster Hall on December 21. The past year has seen a phenomenal rise for Ryan, from selling out The Limelight and Mandela Hall and now playing such an iconic venue in the Ulster Hall. He will also support Snow Patrol in Belfast.

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Belfast Telegraph | 16 November 2018

Tackling blues at this

Find both the little and big pleasures in life and give yourself some joy.  Be the light for someone else: Do something nice for someone you know or even don’t know. Dedicate some of your free time and help out at a local church or volunteer for a charity. Even if you are just there for someone to talk to. Making someone else happy is sure to put a smile on your face.

time of year ✸

With Christmas just around the corner, we tend to associate this time of year with festive fun and frivolity in the company of those we hold near and dear. As the Andy Williams song goes — it’s the most wonderful time of the year... right? Well, not quite. For some people, this isn’t the case. Thoughts of eating too much, drinking and being merry with close family and friends are but a mere memory, one we don’t want to dwell on because the pain of looking back on better times can prove too much. We can become consumed by feelings of loneliness, trauma and anguish. We grieve for the people we’ve said goodbye to over the years. The parents. The friends. The children. We’d love nothing more than to just hibernate and re-emerge on January 1, ready for the new year ahead. Two years ago, a study by the Samaritans showed that out of 140 people polled in an online survey, 48 % of men said they feel low in December with 45 % saying their worries were the most troubling during the festive period compared to any other time of the year. However there are many ways to beat these

 Allow time to grieve: Maybe this is your first Christmas after a parent has died or after a break-up from a long-term relationship. It will feel different. Once you accept this, it will be much easier to let yourself deal with these emotions. Look back on the happy times and not the part that hurts — you’re only feeding negative feelings this way.

festive blues and boost your spirits. These are some steps you can take to feeling a bit more merry this Christmas.

You might feel a bit awkward asking at first, or accepting such an invitation, but it will give you something to look forward to.

 Surround yourself with company: Even if you find yourself away from family, or live in a different country, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or even a work colleague if you could spend Christmas with them. Chances are they are going to know that you may be alone and will invite you to their festivities.

 Take care of yourself/indulge a little: Treat yourself to something you’ve maybe had an eye on throughout the year. If you can afford it and know it will occupy your mind then go for it. If you’re really ready to splash the cash, why not even go on a mini-break? Be attentive to your most basic needs.

 Where to turn to for help: There are many charities in Northern Ireland that are dedicated to giving support to people who may be struggling with emotional issues. Action Mental Health works to enhance the quality of life of people with mental health needs. Their central office is based in Newtownards, Co Down. Tel: 028 9182 8494 SOS NI is a volunteered centred charity that can be found on the streets of Belfast at night. You might have seen their big yellow bus. They help vulnerable people in their time of need, when no one else can help. Their emergency number is 07901505505. The Belfast Samaritans can also be contacted on 028 9066 4422.

10WAYSTOBUDGET FORCHRISTMASFROM ORMEAUCREDITUNION

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It’s only weeks away from the big day so if you haven’t started budgeting for Christmas, now’s the time to start! Presents are no doubt the first thing on the shopping list, but there are a few festive essentials than can add up if you don’t budget effectively. CHRISTMAS CARDS If you’re not keen on sending a physical card, you could save money by sending an e-card. However, there is something special about getting a card through the post. Our advice is to work out how many you need rather than just buying in bulk — you might only need a few rather than a box of 20. And remember to look out for next year’s in the January sales! POSTAGE If you are going to post a card or festive gift, try to post it second class. A second-class stamp is 56p compared to a pricier firstclass at 65p. Be mindful of the last cut off date for postage before Christmas as second-class is earlier. REAL OR FAKE CHRISTMAS TREE? Real trees aren’t cheap, so work out in advance the cost and remember to add in the delivery charge if you aren’t taking

it home with you. A fake tree is often a cheaper option and will last you a good three or four years, if not longer. SECRET SANTA If you have a limited budget and have a big family, don’t be afraid to suggest a Secret Santa. Also, don’t underestimate the value of a homemade gift — if you’re a keen cook or know how to knit, put your skills to good use and save a bit of cash while you’re at it. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Your lights might have worked fine last year, but for some reason when you open the box, one has blown. It might be wise to stick a spare £10 in your budget just in case. If the lights are all working, then you can use the money elsewhere. WRAPPING PAPER If you’re on a tight budget, pick something that could be used for gifts all year round such as red, gold or silver. Brown parcel paper with a festive ribbon can look great too. STOCK UP EARLY A turkey won’t come cheap, and all the extras will add up too. The earlier you work out the total cost (supermarket websites are a great way to get a rough idea) the sooner

you’ll know if you need to cut back on the overall spend. Also buy non-perishables like canned and frozen goods to spread the cost and avoid panic buying in Christmas week. CRACKERS Can you really have Christmas dinner without a cracker? Hunt around early for special offers, but find out what is inside. The very cheap ones are often a huge disappointment. Leave it late and you might only have the option of pricey versions. FESTIVE JUMPER You might say you’re not going to wear

a Christmas jumper, but when someone comes into the office with a glow-in-thedark reindeer, you’re bound to have sweater envy! Add it to your budget now, along with Santa hats — you can get cheap ones from pound shops. SHOP SMARTER Many of the supermarkets offer discount off festive spirits, in some cases up to 20%. This is for stand-alone bottles but also alcoholic presents and party gifts. Chocolate retailers also offer similar discounts, so keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks to snap up bargains!