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That’s difficult – we were quite poor so we didn’t really get anything we thought we were going to get. So if you wanted the real Thunderbird One, for instance, you got the cheap version that cut your finger off with its sharp wings! You wanted GI Joe and you got… something else. The box! It’s a deserter! We got presents like that, but it was fine. We never wanted for anything. We didn’t get glamorous gifts, but so long as we had Christmas together, it was cool.
A life-size doll from Father Christmas when I was about seven – although we lived in a flat at the time so I don’t know how he got down the chimney! I was very, very small as a child and this doll was actually bigger than me. She could walk, swing her flicky-up hair and she wore a red polo neck, black tunic and white Mary-Jane shoes. My cousin Samantha really envied me and I remember I wouldn’t let her play with it. Sam reminds me of that whenever I see her!
Lesley Pearse One year just after sweets had come off rations, I received a pretty, heart-shaped box of chocolates that I thought was wonderful. I almost didn’t want to eat them because the box was so lovely. Another year when my father married my stepmother, she made me and my sister a rag doll each. The doll wasn’t particularly beautiful but I thought she was lovely, because I hadn’t really had any toys before then. I kept that doll for years.
Julie Walters
Gino D’Acampo My favourite gift was a Scalextric car that I got when I was ten. It completely made my Christmas – I cried for about an hour when I opened it, I was so happy.
The red and yellow Mobo scooter I was given when I was about seven or eight. It was fabulous! I’d known I was getting it because I’d seen it, wrapped in brown paper, in my parents’ wardrobe when they were out at work. I didn’t usually snoop around looking for presents before Christmas but I must have done on this occasion!
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Eamonn Holmes Oh it has to be Action Man. I got my first one when I was seven. After that I was hooked, and it was a love affair that lasted years. I got one for every birthday and Christmas and ended up with 13 of them – some with the eagle eyes, fuzzy hair and moveable hands, some without and all in different uniforms. It was my own personal army.
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There are two really memorable Christmas presents from my childhood. One was a doll’s cot when I was about six and I was delighted with it, even though I later learned it was actually the same cot I’d received the year before but with a fresh coat of paint and new coverlet. Mum and Dad didn’t have much money, you see. Then when I was seven, I received my absolute heart’s desire – the pair of tap shoes I’d been praying for. I remember ripping through every present, just desperate to find them. After that, I drove everyone mad – tipettytapping all over the place!
When I was about six, my nan gave me an unwrapped tube of toothpaste and half a crown for Christmas! She was absolutely hopeless at buying things. All the other presents I forgot about, but this was memorable because she was such a lovely lady.
Gwen Taylor I sussed out quite early on that Father Christmas was really Mum and Dad, but I kept it quiet for the sake of my three younger brothers. We didn’t have a lot of money but my parents would always get me The Picture Goer annual every year – if they’d had a better than average year, they’d get me The Picture Show one, too. To me, they were the best presents ever and I’d spend hours looking at pictures of Hollywood stars such as Rita Haywood in their kitchens and reading all about their home lives! I believed every word.
My favourite childhood gift was a doll with a beautiful china face that my mother gave me when I was four. I called her Cecilia. My mother’s friend was a dressmaker and she made her a chiffon dress with a matching bonnet, knickers and bootees.
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Keith Chegwin
Anne Charleston
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Tony Blackburn I remember getting my first two-wheeled bike when I was about six. That Christmas, we were staying in Ferring near Worthing with my grandparents, although my mum and dad were there too. I’m pretty certain I took to the bike quite easily.
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Style notes
Perfect party make-up kit The only four products you’ll need for a polished party look By Beauty Editor, Michelle Nightingale
Foundation Look for a foundation that gives good coverage, but also leaves a lovely glow – a quick and easy way to look younger and perfect for a party look. 40
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We love…
No7 Instant Radiance Foundation, £12.50/30ml
Brightens the skin with energising ginger and contains clever lightreflecting particles to reduce the appearance of imperfections.
Using a foundation brush, start by applying the product to the back of your hand, then dip the brush in and start in the middle of your face blending outwards. Don’t forget to blend down into your neck, too.
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Eyeshadow The ultimate party make-up requires a gorgeous smoky eye and it’s quicker and easier to do than you may think. Avoid black and really dark eyeshadows, which can make eyes look small and instead choose softer shades to enhance, rather than overpower.
We love… Bourjois Smoky Stories eye palette in Over Rose, £7.99 A handy kit that includes everything you need to create a soft, smoky eye for a party look and a flattering daytime look, too. 1 Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, sweep the lightest highlighting shade over your eyelid. With the
3 Blend using the eyeshadow brush, then lightly sweep the middle shade over the whole lid (right). Finish by dotting the highlighter on the inner corner of your eye and sweeping a little under each brow bone.
Mascaras that promise to add volume will help sparse thinning lashes look fuller, but choose black, which will give extra definition and make your eyes look whiter and brighter.
Cream blusher is much more flattering than powder for mature skin, because it won’t accentuate any fine lines.
We love…
This multi-tasking hero works brilliantly for cheeks and lips and really lasts.
We love… Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks in Powder Pink, £19.50/3.7g
Apply cream blusher with your fingertips – it’s quicker and easier to blend. Tap your middle and ring finger into the product and then onto the apples of your cheek tapping up to your hairline and then blend well. Use the same method to apply to your lips.
Instantly thickens and curls lashes and won’t flake.
STOCKISTS: Bobbi Brown 0808 281 0232 www.bobbibrown.co.uk; Bourjois stocked nationwide and at Boots; No7 available at Boots 0345 070 8090 www.boots.com. Details correct at time of going to press
✢ NEXT ISSUE Last-minute beauty gifts you’ll want to snap up for friends and family YOURS
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2 Next apply the darkest shadow with an eyeliner brush (which has a fine point) and blend along the upper lash line, and lightly along the bottom lash line. Using eyeshadow instead of eyeliner is a softer and more foolproof way to add definition.
Lipstick & blusher
Start by rolling your mascara from the base of the lashes to the tips using a zig-zag motion to ensure every lash is coated. Wait a minute and then apply a second coat. If you find your eyes run and your mascara smudges easily, try using a waterproof formula along the bottom lashes.
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medium shade and the sponge applicator work the shadow along the lash line and up into the crease of your eyesocket in a backwards c-shape (see right).
Mascara
Bourjois Volume Glamour Effect Push Up Mascara, £8.99
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get into the Christmas s GIVE SOMETHING BACK
HAND OVER THE DECORATING DUTIES
Volunteering to help people in need may help raise your spirits. Whether it’s serving food at a local soup kitchen, sorting goods at a food bank or welcoming people into a homeless shelter, there are many ways you can bring cheer to someone else’s Christmas. To find a local food bank, call The Trussell Trust on 01722 580 180 or visit www.trusselltrust.org. For more on volunteering with the homeless charity Crisis at Christmas, call 0300 636 1000 or visit www. crisis.org.uk Or why not ask about volunteering opportunities at charities local to you.
If the thought of decorating your home fills you with dread, why not delegate the task? Letting someone else take the reins will save you the hassle – and someone else’s touch might breathe new life into your old decorations. If you’re feeling brave, challenge the grandchildren with the task!
SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS
START A NEW TRADITION
WATCH CHRISTMAS FILMS
Join in a local carol concert, or visit one at a grand cathedral such as Canterbury, which has events on December 23 and 24 (www. canterbury-cathedral. org). St Martin in the Fields, London is hosting Christmas concerts in December, too, call 0207 766 1100 or visit www. stmartin-inthe-fields.org. Alternatively, if you can’t get to a carol service, play a Christmas CD to bring a little cheer, instead.
It’s never too late to start a new tradition, whether it’s sitting together reading The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve, playing a new game, or going for a winter walk followed by hot chocolate on Boxing Day. A new element will bring fresh excitement to the season.
Whether you’re a fan of old or new films, there’s a Christmas classic for you. Pile your sofa with cosy cushions and blankets, and bring in a few snacks and some warm mulled wine. Try anything from It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street. Youngsters love films such as Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol, so dim the lights, snuggle down and enjoy a film with them.
MAKE IT SMELL LIKE CHRISTMAS Your sense of smell can unlock hidden memories according to scientists, so filling your home with the scents of Christmas could lift your mood. Make a simple stovetop fragrance by filling a pan with water and adding orange peel, a couple of cinnamon sticks, a few cloves and a good grating of nutmeg. You could also add a few cranberries, a stalk of Christmas tree or some rosemary. Simmer gently to scent your home.
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s spirit by Ruth Garner
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If your Christmas has lost its sparkle and you’re fed up with the whole idea of the festive season, try our ideas to bring out your inner elf!
ATTRACT REINDEER Make ‘reindeer food’ with the little ones. Mix some oats with bird seed and a little edible glitter (make sure it’s the edible kind) and place in paper bags. Help children scatter the food over the lawn before bed on Christmas Eve. Reindeer will be sure to stop in your garden (and the garden birds will feast on the oats).
FEED THE BIRDS Winter can be a hard season for birds, so make them a hanging bird cake of kitchen leftovers (don’t use anything salty). Mix one part fat (room-temperature suet or lard) to two parts dry (oats, and bird nuts and seeds) in a bowl. Make a small hole in the bottom of a yogurt pot, then thread through some twine. Pack the yoghurt pot full of warm fat mix. Leave to set in the fridge overnight, then cut away the pot, tie a strong knot, and hang in a nearby tree or shrub.
MEET UP WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS
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BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
Christmas can be lonely for those without family. If you know of any friends and neighbours on their own, invite them over for a glass of mulled wine, or visit them at home taking a little sweet treat to share. Your visit might just make their festive season. If you’re on your own, try to meet up witha group of friends for a friends’ Christmas rather than a family one.
Forage in your garden for berries and boughs to give your home a natural boost. “Gather your collection of cuttings and arrange them in large glass jars filled with water,” says stylist Selina Lake, author of Winter Living (Ryland, Peters & Small). “Try long rosehip cuttings and Callicarpa autumnal berries. Place short cuttings of rosemary, ivy and holly in a variety of vases and glass bottles and place on windowsills.” Use cuttings from your own, or a friend’s, garden to avoid decimating local woodland.
EMBRACE THE TWINKLING LIGHTS
GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME
Brighten up the shorter, darker days with plenty of twinkling lights. Light some candles, hang fairy lights and make the tree sparkle. Take a walk through your local town just to look at the Christmas lights and the shop windows.
If the idea of giving presents no longer appeals, why not plan fun days out for the New Year instead? Write your plans/ activities on notecards and leave them for your loved ones under the tree. This will lighten the load of festive shopping too!
It’s Christmas Craft Month on www.yours.co.uk – visit now for lots of festive ideas!
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Our favourite pin-up
It wasn’t unusual to rather like the swivel-hips of Tom Jones, although younger ones preferred Paul, John, George and Ringo. We had a soft spot for Dave Clark, too, from the group of the same name, with his gorgeous smile and we loved their fun film, Catch Us If You can. But we were also smitten by the cool looks of Michael Caine as his film character, Harry Palmer, came to life in the Ipcress File.
In the news... If you lived near London in December 1965, you may have caught a glimpse of Goldie the Eagle, who had escaped from London Zoo – again! Gran, however, was thinking of joining Mary Whitehouse’s newly-formed Viewers and Listeners Association after hearing bad language in new workingclass sitcom, ’Till Death Us Do Part.
Food and drink Turkey was becoming the centrepiece of our Christmas dinner, and it might have come from the new supermarket and been stored in the new fridge. If the young ones were lucky, they’d be allowed to have a ‘grown-up’ chocolate in the form of After Eight Mints – which you were supposed to nibble delicately. As for drinks, rum and blackcurrant was popular once we discovered it was the Beatles’ favourite drink, although Dad stuck to Double Diamond, while Mum favoured a Babycham.
Your memories of Santa
■ When our daughter Susan (now 52) was taken to see Santa Claus for the first time, she screamed in the lovely decorated grotto and started off most of the other children, yelling, “I don’t like him!” She would only take a gift from the elf. The next Christmas in the same store she was all smiles and even sat on Santa’s knee, announcing, “It’s Bill, my granddad’s friend”. She had recognised his voice! There were smiles and laughter all round from the other parents. Mrs G Raper, Middlesbrough
Mrs Raper’s daughter was terrified of Santa... but the following year was all smiles!
HIDDEN GEM… DrJohn Zhivago Lennonand turned Lara’s down first Walt lines Disney of dialogue Studios’ request with each for The other Beatles don’t to pr oh 76
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We wished we looked like... James Bond’s DB5 car became a Christmas best-seller, along with space themed Thunderbirds toys
We wanted for Christmas...
What was in fashion... If you dared to wear it – a crocheted mini-dress, as worn by Patti Boyd in teen mag Fabulous. But whatever you wore, to be on trend it should be in black and white – possibly with a cheeky cut-out front or back. Team your outfit with flat white boots for super trendiness. As for your hair – long or short, it needed to be straight and with a full, deep fringe you could peep out from mysteriously.
As part of the enthusiasm for all things modern and convenient, Mum liked the idea of an artificial Christmas tree which were now on sale in all the shops. They came in a whole host of colours, there were no needles to vacuum up and when Christmas was over you could just pack it up and put it in the loft for next year.
■ Nancy Sinatra (left) shows off a crochet mini dress
■ I took my daughter Kim, aged three, to see Father Christmas. She looked very feminine with long hair and a beautiful outfit. He asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she replied in a very gruff voice, “a pair of football boots”. It was very embarrassing, as all the other little girls were asking for dolls or doll’s houses. She is now 54 and battling cancer with more treatment to come, but we hope she may yet be back to playing football. Mrs L Soutter, Southampton
Jackie learned to love Santa
Singer Sandie Shaw – a regular in the 1965 hit parade and daringly unconventional performing in her bare feet. Failing that – Julie Christie, so beautiful and tragic in Dr Zhivago. It was definitely cool to be British in 1965.
Our festive read You couldn’t beat a thriller by John le Carré, and hoped somebody had bought us his fourth book, The Looking Glass War. Dad said he only ever looked at new men’s mag Mayfair (launched in August) because it had interesting articles on cars... And it was either Blue Peter or Dr Who annuals in the children’s Christmas stockings.
■ In 1961, when I was three years old, I was taken to a store in the centre of Brighton and forced to sit on a strange man’s lap. I was scared! However this traumatic experience didn’t put me off Santa and I grew to love him (once I realised he brought presents). Jackie Dinnis, Brighton
on’t o pr ovide happen the voices until 81 of the minutes vulturesinto in The theJungle film (counting Book. Thethe film overture was finallyand completed opening in December credits) 1966 YOURS
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Crochet penguins
FOR THOSE WITH SOME EXPERIENCE
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Use these little penguin ornaments to decorate presents, give them as gifts or hang from your Christmas tree!
MATERIALS 1 pack Lion Brand Bonbons Beach Collection containing 8 mini balls. 1 10g ball White (colour A), 1 10g ball Black (colour B), 1 10g ball Orange (colour C), 1 10g ball Turquoise (colour D),1 10g ball Yellow (colour E),1 10g ball Purple (colour F),1 10g ball Seafoam Green (colour G),1 10g ball 114
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Red (colour H) 3.5mm (UK 9) crochet hook. Polyester toy stuffing. Stitch marker.
MEASUREMENTS Each penguin is approximately 7.5cm(3in) tall.
TENSION 7 sts and 6 rows = 10cm/4in square over double crochet using 3.5mm hook. It is essential to work to the stated tension to ensure success.