Treat Yourself Christmas Edition
We love Gingerbread!
Christmas around the World
Winter Wonders
Christmas Calendar Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Five Reasons to Eat Out This Festive Season
The Caribbean at Christmas
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Your Letters
Here to help...
Each issue Treat Yourself dishes out hints & tips to help things go smoothly in the kitchen. This month
April Summers focuses on solving your winter worries to ensure your Christmas is absolutely fabulous. Oscar Wilson from Surrey asks...
“When should I start making my Christmas pud?” Christmas puddings mature with age so I would advise you to begin making your pudding as soon as possible, in order to give it a stronger taste. Perhaps make your own mixed spice using ground spices such as Cinnamon,Caraway, Nutmeg,
Maureen Lonsdale from Glasgow asks
Harriet Bronson from Bath asks...
“I desperately need
a lactose-free bread sauce recipe?” I have relatives who are lactose intolerant, so every year I am faced with this issue. Luckily soya milk company lacto-free provide many dairy products with removed lactase which are the perfect alternatives to milk. See the website for list of products: http://www.lactofree.co.uk
“I’m looking for an interesting alternative to Christmas pudding?” Christmas pudding is a rather acquired taste, so I would suggest adapting a universally loved party pleaser: the trifle. By using caramelised oranges or toffee apples instead of traditonal fruit and adding Brandy cream, gives the trifle a wintery touch. Sprinkle Gingerbread crumbs on top to finish.
The Ultimate Christmas Punch Bowl: A traditional Christmas Punch is the ideal festive tipple for your Christmas parties. Using rum and red wine with a tea of your choice (I would suggest green tea or Earl Grey) gives the drink a warm, earthy kick. You will want to make sure that the glasses you serve the punch in are suitable for a warm liquid. This delicious drink only takes 20 minutes to prepare and provides approximately 28 servings! The Must Have Christmas Drinks... 1) Cabernet Sauvigon 2) Rekorderlig Winter Cider 3) Pinot Noir 4) Baileys with Orange Truffle
You will need:
- 750 ml bottle dark rum - 750 ml bottle dry red wine - 3 cups strong, brewed tea - 2 cups sugar - 1/2 cup orange juice - 1/2 cup lemon juice
1) Heat, but do not allow to boil, the all of the ingredients in a saucepan or chafing dish. 2) Stir well, ensuring all of the sugar is dissolved. 3) Pour the heated mix into a heat-proof punch bowl. 4) Serve warm and enjoy!
TWEET A TREAT!
Feeling festive? Send us snaps of your Christmas preparation for a chance to feature on our website! Tweet us: @TreatYourselfUK
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Events & Gifts
G I NG E R B R E A D
With Christmas in sight, we celebrate our favourite holiday biscuit and go gingerbread mad!
Gingerbread house Gingerbread man keyring
John Lewis £15
Radley £29
Wilton metal Gingerbread boy John
Lewis £0.95
Knitted Gingerbread man decoration
Accessorize £4
Iced Gingerbread advent calender
Gingerbread tree
John Lewis
Gingerbread man biscuit tin
Marks and Spencer £18
Gingerbread man ice cube tray Accessorize £5
Crabtree & Evelyn £9
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A little bit of
Christmas in a jar
Preserve a seasonal glut of fruit and enjoy it over the winter months, or display them delicately and send as Christmas gifts. Here India Minns selects her favourite festive jams and chutneys...
Dried apricot jam
Green tomato chutney
Gooseberry jam
Rhubarb & vanilla jam
I500g whole dried apricots juice of 3 large lemons 1½ kg jam sugar
2½ kg green tomatoes 500g onions 1 rounded tbsp salt 500g sultanas 500g cooking apples 500g light muscovado sugar 1.14 litre jar spiced pickling vinegar
1kg gooseberries, juice of ½ lemon 1kg granulated sugar
1kg rhubarb, 3cm chunks 1kg jam sugar 2 vanilla pods, juice 1 lemon
Place apricots in a large pan, add 1.5 litres of water, and leave to soak. Place a small plate in the fridge to chill. Put the apricots and water on the hob, then add the lemon juice and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, then simmer for 30 minutes until the apricots start to break up. Remove from the heat and add the sugar, stirring until it dissolves. Return to the heat and boil rapidly for 20 minutes or until setting point is reached. To check this, remove the plate from the fridge, put a spoonful of jam onto the plate and pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Pour the jam into hot sterilised jars, top with a disc of wax paper, seal with a lid then leave to cool and set.
Slice the tomatoes. Finely chop the onions. Layer both in a large bowl with the salt. Leave overnight. Next day, chop the sultanas, then peel, core and chop the apples. Put the sugar and vinegar into a large pan and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the sultanas and apples and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tomatoes and onions in a colander, then tip into the pan and return to the boil. Simmer for about 1 hour, until the mixture is thick and pulpy. Once consistency is right, transfer to warmed jars and cover with lids.
Place jars in a 140C/fan 120C/gas 1 oven. Put the gooseberries, lemon juice and 400ml water in a large wide pan. Bring to the boil then simmer for 15 minutes until the fruit is very soft and pulpy. Put 2 or 3 small saucers in the freezer. Add the sugar and stir over a gentle heat for another 10 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once you can’t feel or see any grains of sugar bring to the boil and boil hard for 10 minutes, skimming the surface as you go and stirring now and again to stop it catching. The jam will start to turn a pinky red hue as it cooks. Do a final skim on the finished jam then pour into the sterilised jars and seal.
Put a small plate in the freezer. Put the rhubarb into a preserving pan with the sugar and halved vanilla pods. Heat gently, stirring, until all the sugar has dissolved, then squeeze in the lemon juice and increase the heat. Boil for about 10 minutes. Test for setting point by spooning a little onto your chilled plate. After 1-2 minutes, push your finger through the jam – if the surface wrinkles it is ready, if not, keep cooking for 2-minute intervals, testing in between. Once the jam is ready, let it cool for about 15 minutes before ladling into warm sterilised jars and sealing with a lid. A perfect gift for your friends and family.
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Winter Wonders
Recipes
This month we are using the wonders of winter to create some delicious dishes; a hearty veggie soup, a warm root vegetable salad and the ideal Christmas leftover pizza.
You will need... 4 carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 4 parsnips, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 large red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 cans of low-salt chicken broth 2 large onions, halved and sliced 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon fresh thyme 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup Sherry
Winter Warmer Broth: 1) Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and sautĂŠ until golden. 2) Add carrots and parsnips, cook for 10 minutes. Add 2 cans of broth, potatoes, parsley and thyme. 3) Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. 4) Puree half of soup in processor. Mix puree into remaining soup in pot. Stir in Sherry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Cover and refrigerate.) 5) Bring soup to simmer, thinning with additional broth, if desired. Treat Yourself | 4
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You will need... 1 red and 1 yellow pepper 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 50g whole blanched almonds 2 courgettes 4 garlic cloves 20g pack mint, ½ butternut squash 1 red onion 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp harissa paste 250g couscous 300ml hot vegetable stock zest and juice of 1 lemon
Roasted Root Vegetable and Cous Cous Salad: 1) Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. 2) Cut peppers and squash into bite-size pieces. 3) Tip all the veg into a baking tray, then add garlic, 2 tbsp oil and seasoning. Mix and roast for 20 mins. 4) Add onion, cumin, harissa and almonds. Roast for another 20 mins. 5) Put couscous into a large bowl, pour over the stock. Cover and set aside for 10 mins. Fluff up with a fork. 4) In a bowl, mix lemon zest, juice and remaining oil. Squeeze garlic pulp from skins into the bowl, mash well and fold in the mint. 5)Pour over the veg, then toss with the couscous.
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Recipes You will need... 1 recipe for 1 pizza base 1 knob butter 1 teaspoon olive oil 3 large red onions, sliced 100g Stilton, crumbled 2 tablespoons walnuts
Stilton, Red Onion & Walnut Pizza 1) Prepare the pizza base according to the recipe instructions. 2) Preheat the oven to 190 C / Gas mark 5. Line tray with baking paper. 3) In a frying pan over medium heat, heat the butter and olive oil and add the sliced onions. 4)Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelised, about 10 to 15 minutes. 5) Roll out the pizza dough to a 25cm thickness, either making 1 large pizza or several smaller ones if desired. 6) Place the pizza base on the prepared baking tray and top first with the caramelised onions, then the pears and the crumbled Stilton. 7) Sprinkle with pine nuts, if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the base is crispy and the cheese melted. Treat Yourself | 6
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Recipe by Lauren Daley
What you will need: The biscuit base:
Festive toppings:
•300g of plain flour
•175g of icing sugar
•250g of soft butter or margarine
•6ml boiling water
•150g of caster sugar •40G of cocoa powder/250 gram chocolate bar •1 tsp of baking powder
Delightful festive treats
•2 tablespoons of cocoa powder •1 teaspoon vanilla extract •White/milk chocolate chips Enjoy a cup of Cocoa and scrummy cookies
How to make them: 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/ gas mark 3/325ºF and line a baking sheet or cover in margarine so the cookies don’t stick. 2. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl creating a whipped mixture. Beat in the 40g cocoa powder (sieving if it is lumpy) and, when mixed in, beat in the flour with the baking powder.
Christmas tree cookies
3. This mixture will become soft and sticky so pinch off large pieces and roll them into balls. Then slightly flatten the balls into fat circles as you place them on your baking sheet. Aim for about 10-12 on at the same time. 4. Sprinkle the chocolate chips into the mixture. They can be white or milk chocolate. Whatever you fancy! 5. Bake each batch for 15 minutes. If there are cracks, don’t worry you will be decorating them shortly!
5. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack, and leave them to cool before decorating. Use a sheet of baking paper in order to stop the crumbs falling everywhere. 7. To make the topping, put the cocoa powder, icing sugar, water and vanilla extract into a small saucepan and whisk over a low heat until everything’s smoothly combined. Take off the heat for 10 minutes. 8. When the biscuits are cool, drizzle each one with a tablespoonful of chocolate glaze . If you want to decorate your cookies more, add some sprinkles to brighten up your chocolate cookies! 9. Time to try your home made cookies. Remember if you have any mixture left, don’t forget to make more cookies with it! You then have your perfect Christmas biscuits. Enjoy!
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Recipes
Chocolate chip cookies
Treat TreatYourself Yourself| |8 14
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Celebrating
The Winter Solstice...
by April Summers
Although it may be hard to believe that this woman could be the grandmother of a 20 year old, it is in fact true; this lady is my Nana. She follows Paganism, one of the oldest religions. Pagans have an annual cycle which follows the changing seasons through the Wheel of the Year. Paganism is an umbrella term for the original indigenous nature based religions, before the received religions, like Christianity, were established. Over the winter, just like Christians celebrate Christmas, Pagans also have reason to celebrate.
The Winter Solstice is a celebration which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a day considered extremely important in the Pagan calendar. The Winter Solstice is known as the rebirth of the Sun, and some believe that the Christian faith adapted this celebration as the rebirth of ‘The Son’ of God.
My Nana shares two of her favourite Winter Solstice recipes that are traditionally prepared during The Winter Solstice celebrations, also referred to by Pagans as “Yule”.
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O
ne particularly traditional Pagan tipple often drunk at Winter Solstice celebrations is Wassail Punch. The name of this drink comes from the Old Saxon term ‘Waes Hael’ which means good health. The term ‘Wassailing’ means blessing the apple trees, an ancient tradition which incorporates singing songs, offering the trees cider and toast and blessing the crop of apples for the following year. Part of the ritual includes making loud noises with pots and pans, to scare away evil spirits which may harm the apple trees. For enough Wassail Punch to serve 18 people, you will need: • 12 small red apples • 10 cloves • 10 allspice berries • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1 piece of muslin, approximately 30cm by 30cm • 12 cups of cider • 2 cups of dark brown sugar • 1 tbsp ground ginger • 1 tbsp ground nutmeg • 1 cup of brandy • 10 eggs (optional) First things first, preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Once you have done this, scoop out the apple cores, filling each one with tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake the apples for 40 minutes. While they’re baking, pour brandy and cider into a stockpot and place on a medium heat. Add all the spices to the pot and stir, making sure the mixture does not come to the boil. Put the cloves, allspice and cinnamon into the muslin. Tie it up and drop into the pot along with the powdered spices, and let that heat. Seperate the egg yolks from the whites. In seperate bowls beat the yolks and whip the whites until stiff. Fold the egg yolks into the whites. Remove spice muslin and pour the eggs into the punch. Put everything into a punchbowl and float the baked apples on top. Serve punch in mugs, placing a slice of toast on top - a Pagan Tradition.
It may seem odd to add eggs, but they help to make the punch extra frothy, giving the drink a traditional twist. However they are optional and can be left out of the recipe if you wish to do so.
A
Recipes
lthough the Yule Log is often associated with Christmas, it is thought to be originally associated with the Yuletide festival; the festival of Fire. During Yuletide a log is burnt on the eve of the Solstice to honour the power of the Sun.
For a Yule Log that serves 14, you will need: • 4 large eggs • 3 cups of caster sugar • 1/4 cup of self raising flour • 1 tsp of vanilla flavouring • 1 grated lemon peel For the Filling: • 1 cup of double cream for whipping • 2 tbsp icing sugar • 1 grated orange peel For the frosting: • 6 tbsp of unsalted butter • 1 cup of icing sugar • 6 tbsp cocoa • 3 tbsp whipping cream • handful of assorted broken nuts To start, grease a large roasting tin lined with paper and preheat the oven at 400 degrees F. Beat the egg whites until stiff and add sugar. Fold in the flour. Mix in the vanilla, lemon peel and egg yolk. Spread mixture into the tin. Bake the mixture for 10-12 minutes. Turn out and onto towel covered in icing sugar. Fold into a lose roll. When cool, gently open and spread the filling over the roll. Then re-roll as tight as you can. Wrap cake in wax paper and put in the fridge for 1 hour. While chilling the roll, mix the sugar and cocoa with a spoon. Add the butter and beat. Then, gradually add cream. The frosting should be creamy and easy to spread. Take cake out and frost using a spatular to make it look like a tree bark. Sprinkle broken nuts on top to finish.
You learn something new everyday... It is believed floating a bit of toast in Wassail Punch is where the concept of ‘toasting’ a drink comes from. So, when you announce “Let’s have a toast,” or ”I’ll toast to that,” you’re actually paying homage to an ancient ritual. Treat Yourself | 10
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A taste
of Christmas
around the world Take a trip to snowy Canada
Visit the famous Colosseum in Italy
See the sights of New York
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d
mous in
Travel Spain The festive holiday in Spain can be seen as a slightly different tradition to how other countries celebrate Christmas. A Spanish Christmas dinner is called a ‘Pavo Trufado de Navidad’ which is Turkey stuffed with truffles. To the right is a traditional sweet bread loaf orginated in Milan. This is known as the Panettone, a staple of a Spanish Christmas dinner. It contains candied orange, citron, and lemon zest, and raisins can also be added. Many other variations are available such as plain or with chocolate. It is served in slices, vertically cut, accompanied with sweet, hot beverages or a sweet dessert wine. Most people in Spain celebrate Midnight Mass. It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have celebrated the night that Jesus was born. After the midnight service, people walk through the streets carrying torches, playing guitars and beating on tambourines and drums. A festive Spanish saying is ‘Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no Es noche de dormir’ which means ‘Tonight is the good night and it is not meant for sleeping!’ If you fancy a different dessert this Christmas, the Panettone is the perfect treat for the whole family to enjoy.
Panettone
France We all know the French love their wine, cheese and bread and this tradition doesn’t stop at Christmas. A particularly French custom at Christmas starts with the famous yule log, which is made out of Cherry Wood and often burned in French homes. The log is carried into the homes of French people on Christmas Eve and is doused in red wine to make the log smell nice when it is burning. There is a custom that the log and candles are left burning all night with some food and drinks left out in case Mary and the baby Jesus come past during the night. The main Christmas meal, called Réveillon, is eaten on Christmas Eve/early Christmas morning after people have returned from the midnight Church Service. Dishes might include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert, a chocolate sponge cake log called a bûche de Noël is normally eaten. Another celebration, in some parts of France, sees a feast of 13 different desserts being served. All the desserts are made from a variety of fruit, nuts and pastries. Christmas in France is ideal for wine connoisseurs and cheese enthusiasts.
Bread, cheese and wine
Ireland The Irish celebrate Christmas in a similar way to the UK. The picture to the right a typical Irish coffee, consisting of hot coffee, mixed with brown sugar, Irish whiskey, and topped with thick cream. The coffee is drunk through the cream for a simply unique tasting experience. Christmas for Irish people, who are Catholics, usually lasts from Christmas Eve to the feast of Epiphany on January 6th, which some Irish people call ‘Little Christmas’. In some Irish households people put a tall, thick candle on the sill of the largest window after sunset on Christmas Eve. The candle is left to burn all night and represents a welcoming light for Mary and Joseph. Traditional Christmas food in Ireland include a round cake, full of caraway seeds. One is traditionally made for each person in the house. In addition to turkey for Christmas dinner, sometimes spiced beef which has matured over several days is cooked, and then eaten. This can be served hot or cold. Perhaps add a splash of Irish to your Christmas festivities this year by picking up a bottle of Jamesons! Irish coffee Treat Yourself | 12
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Christmas in the
Caribbe A festive holiday you will never forget
The perfect view for your festive holiday 13|Christmas Edition
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Travel
s
bean Why not try a new Christmas experience this year and head over to the Caribbean for the festive period. Not only can you enjoy the perfect beaches and wonderful hot weather, but you will have the chance to experience how the people of the Caribbean celebrate Christmas with their vibrant festivities, cultural food and Christmas traditions. Back in 2004, Wendy Kean from Kent decided to travel to the Dominican Republic with her family for the festive holiday. Staying for three weeks and flying back on New Years Eve, Wendy gives the highlights of the holiday and why she would love to go back in the future. “It was one of the most weird and wonderful Christmas’s we have ever experienced. We arrived at the airport and were transported to our destination via a coach. Some of the areas were awful, just like any country, but when we reached the holiday resort where we were staying, it was like something out of a luxury holiday brochure!” Wendy travelled with her husband and her two children, having always wanted to try something at Christmas. The family had always spent Christmas at home in the UK but wanted a new adventure and to fly somewhere exciting for the festive season. “The sights were amazing, the beaches were perfect, covered in white sand, going on for miles.’ says Wendy. “I’ve seen pictures of the Caribbean in magazines but never thought it actually looked like that. I felt like I was in a dream. It’s perfect for a family holiday as there are loads of things to do. We went swimming, banana boating, and all sorts of other things. We had so much fun and there were endless activites available to us!” Just like in the UK, Christmas is an important holiday in the Dominican Republic and starts in October, ending in January, ‘I have never been so relaxed’ says Wendy. ‘Everyone is so welcoming and chilled out but also loves a party. When we woke up on Christmas day, it wasn’t like any other Christmas. The kids opened their presents and instead of going for a cold, wintery walk we took a short stroll down to the pool where the celebrations were already in full flow. The hosts were dressed in Santa suits dancing around the pool to Christmas songs and drinking cocktails. Everyone was in high spirits. It wasn’t your average Christmas but it was great! The entertainment didn’t stop there though! We then headed to the main restaurant at about 3pm as
we didn’t have our own place to cook Christmas lunch, which was a nice change! The food they set out was just incredible. Roasted pork and chicken were the mains with never ending vegetables and side dishes such as peas, tropical root vegetables, and soft white bread. The kids and I looked over at the dessert counter and our eyes just completely lit up. So many sweet delights were available for us to feast on; different Caribbean cakes such as the black cake and pineapple upside down cake were placed in front of us. I’ve never seen so much food! The entertainment was brilliant. Dancing, singing and games filled the room with festive fun. The whole day was just fantastic, something I had never experienced before. ’ As the people of the Caribbean celebrate Christmas for months, it can be seen as a very different atmosphere to a lot of other countries, especially England. The cold, wintery evenings in England are a far cry from the warm and tropical weather the Caribbean has all year round. Perhaps Christmas is associated with winter, snow and cold sunday walks with the family, but a Caribbean Christmas presents an exciting change of scenery. Your trip to the Caribbean would offer you an exciting new experience of how the Dominican Republican culture celebrates the season. Wendy and her family stayed in the same resort for three weeks for their holiday. “It was quite a big resort, with about four swimming pools, it’s own beach and endless restaurants,” says Wendy. “The only time we actually left the resort was when we visited the water park which was a few miles away. It was nice to get out of the resort for a bit, to see more of what the Caribbean Island had to offer. The highlight of the entire holiday was just seeing my children smiling everyday. They loved every minute of it. There was actually a lot of families at the resort with us which was nice. Would I do it again? Yes I would, but would love to try a new resort and different Island to see what they have to offer. It was one of the most amazing Christmas my family and I experienced and I would do it again in a heart beat.”
Competition Time! Tweet us three reasons why you deserve a Christmas in the Caribbean for a chance to win the holiday of a lifetime! @TreatYourselfUK
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Make dining out an experience to remember.
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5 reasons
Eating out
to eat out this
festive
Season... Christmas is a time for family, friends and indulging in a little extra luxury; so why not take all of these things and enjoy them in the comfort of an authentic, festive resturant or cosy pub. Do something different this year by changing your Christmas tradition, in the knowledge that you can sit back and relax and embrace the festive surroundings, while someone else takes the strain. One of the great things about eating out is that you can try new dishes and visit interesting new places, making it a Christmas to remember. This Christmas, India Minns lists the top five reasons why you should eat out this festive season, and with a little help you will be enjoying a stress-free, luxurious dining experience for you and your nearest and dearest in no time. Treat Yourself tells all...
1 Delicious food & offers
Whether you visit one of your favourite family restaurants, or try somewhere new, now is the time to take advantage of dining out with relatives and friends. From a fine dining experience to local pub grub, around Christmas time you’re going to be guaranteed delicious food and superb service, making it enjoyable for everyone. Always check for latest offers from your local pubs and restuarants, whether it’s a glass of champagne on the house or a two for one offer on a meal; most places are willing to share a little extra this Christmas, to make your festive season fabulous.
2 Stress free
Make this Christmas a stress free one and dine out instead of having the hassle in the kitchen at home. If you haven’t got the oven space to cater for everyone, or enough space for lots of guests, worry no more. Simply leave it to the professionals. Christmas really doesn’t have to be a stressful time, and nobody really wants to be left with the washing up. So, book a table in advance, and sit back and relax, comforted by the knowledge you will be looked after and won’t have to lift a finger.
3 Quality time with friends and family
If you have been meaning to get the family together for a while, now is the perfect time to do so. It can be difficult finding the time to get everyone in the same place, especially if your busy at work or family have moved away, but make this Christmas special and get everyone together, as there is no better way to spend this time of year than with your friends and family. And as it ‘tis the season to party, why not organise a fancy Christmas work do and enjoy a hearty meal out.
4 Christmas spirit
Eating out can be a great experiene as most restaurants and pubs will be beautifully decorated, creating the perfect festive atmosphere. There is no better feeling than being in a cosy pub in front of a log fire, enjoying a glass of mulled wine with your loved ones. The celebratory atmosphere from your fellower diners will make the occasion even more enjoyable and will get you excited for the big day.
5 Try something new
If you fancy changing your Christmas tradition, why not do it this year. Dining out instead of eating at home gives you the chance to visit new restaurants, taste new foods and get a whole new perspective on the festive season. Experiment with different foods such as fish dishes and alternative meats, and perhaps try out an entirely different cultural Christmas experience altogether. [turn to pages 11 & 12 for a range of interesting Christmas delicacies from around the world!]
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What’s on this
Decem
CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPPING 1st -7th December The first week of December comes around quicker than everybody anticipates, so beat the rush and start getting prepared in advance. Now is the time to go and choose your perfect Christmas tree to display and decorate. If you are wanting a real Christmas tree this year, visit the National Christmas tree association website and it will find the nearest place for you to go and buy your tree. This is perfect if you do not want to travel far, as it will calculate the nearest place for you. On arrival, friendly and helpful staff will greet and help you to find your perfect Christmas tree. However, if you don’t fancy the real deal and don’t want the hassle of the mess, then visit a local supermarket such as Tesco, Homebase or Argos, where they have a huge range of Christmas trees to offer for a reasonable price. It is now time to decorate your tree and you have officially begin your Christmas countdown. http://www.realchristmas trees.org/dnn/AllAboutTrees/
WINTER WONDERLAND
22nd November - 5th January Christmas is simply not complete without a trip to the notorious Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London. Easy to get to via train, bus or car, Winter Wonderland has something for everyone. Enjoy ice skating around the huge ice rink, visit the small unique stalls to get your last minute Christmas shopping done or simply indulge in all the glorious food and drinks that are on offer, throughout the day. There is a big selection of rides also in the park; perfect for children, or even just you big kids! Entry to Winter Wonderland is free, so you will only have to worry about transport expenses, and money for the attractions inside. Make the most of it and extend your day into the evening when the park lights up magnificently, creating literally a winter wonderland. You will regret it if you don’t make a visit this season. Open: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm
MEET THE REINDEERS 5th December - 5th January If going to the zoo isn’t exciting enough, this Christmas London Zoo have their very own herd of reindeer taking up residence at the new Reindeer Lodge. Rudolph, Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen will be taking a daily walk around the zoo and visitors will be able to pet the reindeer in their enclosure. Make your childhood dreams a reality and relive your Christmas fantasies. If this doesn’t get you in the festive spirit then nothing will. London Zoo is located on the Outer Circle at Regent’s Park London. Also, while your there, why not take a look at the other wintry attractions such as feeding time for 70 penguins at Penguin Beach and a chance to meet Santa. You cannot miss out on this amazing experience so hurry up and get your ticket now to avoid dissapointment. If after your visit, you’re not completely tired out, why not head into Regent Street and do some last minute Christmas shopping, or have a relaxing warm drink in a local pub to finish off the perfect day. Zoo open: Mon-Sun 10am-4.30pm
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Events & Gifts
ember...
We have selected our top six events you simply cannot miss out on this December, making sure you embrace the most of the Christmas festivities.
HAMPTON COURT ICE SKATING 30th November - 12th January If you’ve never been before, this is the perfect excuse. Enjoy an unforgettable experience of outdoor ice skating at the magnificent Palace that Henry VIII once lived in. Head down to Hampton Court Palace this Christmas located in East Molesey, Surrey, and skate around the beautiful palace grounds, perfect for a romantic cold evening. The pretty Christmas lights will get you feeling festive in no time. Wrap up warm whilst you skate in the huge ice rink and you can even have your photo taken as a souvenir of your experience. Skate marshals are also on hand for those less experienced skaters. Beside the ice rink, the Ice Bar & Café provides a welcome place to warm up after your skate, serving a selection of winter drinks and festive snacks. After your ice skating session, why not take a walk around the palace grounds and see the palace in all it’s glory. Tickets vary in price according to age and session time. To find out visit the website http://www. hamptoncourticerink.com/sessions Open: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm
LEEDS GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET 8th - 18th December Bringing a bit of German culture to the Leeds city centre for Christmas! Christkindelmarkt, in Leeds is one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, Christmas carousel rides and twinkling colourful lights, creating a unique continental festive atmosphere in the heart of the northern city. The market consists of over 40 wooden chalet stalls from authentic German traders providing a wide range of seasonal gift ideas for everyone including; handcrafted toys, jewellery, Christmas cards and decorations. Speciality foods and traditional German delicacies such as gluhwein, bratwurst sausages, goulash and soups are also on offer. For further details and information visit www. frankfurter-scheune.com. Open: Mon-Sat 10.30am-9.30pm Sun 10.30am-7pm
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS Tuesday 31st December Say goodbye to 2013 and celebrate the New Year with a bang! To send you into 2014, why not go and watch the simply magnificient New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Jubilee Gardens, Southbank, London. The display is guaranteed to be even more spectacular then ever before. Launching from the foot of the London Eye and from the rafts on the Thames, you pretty much cannot miss the display if you are anywhere in Central London.The display lasts for over an hour, lighting up the sky for miles around. If you want the best view head to Victoria Embankment, the South Bank, Westminster Bridge or Waterloo Bridge. Hungerford Bridge however, is closed after 8pm and there’s also no entry to Westminster Bridge after this time. Remember to wrap up warm, get yourself a drink and toast yourself into the New Year with your friends and family. Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! For more informaton about the display visitwww. londontown.com/LondonEvents Display starts at 11.50pm Treat Yourself | 18
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