The Ultimate Guide to christmas - A

[Madhatter]

I'll be building this thread up with information on Everything Christmas as I find it.


Angels - A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:
When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drank all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?'

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

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Avoid - Laplandnewforrest, this attraction had a fantastic website promising a greeting from elves at the car park, a real snow landscape, real log cabins, a tunnel of light with glimpses of reindeer and husky sled rides, a olde worlde traditional fair and a bustling Christmas Market. Reality


news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/08/uk_lapland_new_forest/html/2.stm
the idea is great and the themeing that has been done is great, shame it hasn't bee finished off, it looks a quarter done. I'd love to do something like that at Atherstone.

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B

Bad santa
8 Reasons why adults think santa is bad.
guyism.com/humor/reasons-that-santa-claus-is-an-unfit-family-holiday-icon.html

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C

Carols - Christmas Carols...

Angels, From the Realms of Glory

Angels We Have Heard on High

As With Gladness, Men of Old

Away in a Manger

Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem

Bells Will Be Ringing

Birthday of a King

Blue Christmas

Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella

Carol of the Bells

Caroling, Caroling

Christians Awake Salute the Happy Morn

Christmas In Killarney

Christmas Time Is Here

Deck the Halls

Ding Dong Merrily on High

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Feliz Navidad

Frosty The Snow Man

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Good Christian Men Rejoice

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Happy Xmas (War is over)

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Here Comes Santa Claus

Here We Come A-Wassailing

Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I'll Be Home For Christmas

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I Wonder As I Wander

Jingle Bell Rock

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle

Jolly Old Saint Nicolas

Joy to the World

Let it Snow

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Little Saint Nick

Mary's Boy Child

Mary Did You Know?

Mele Kalikimaka

Merry Christmas Darling

Mistletoe & Holly

Must Be Santa

Nuttin' For Christmas

Little Drummer Boy

O Christmas Tree

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Oh Come, All Ye Faithful

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Once in Royal Davids City

Over the River and Through the Woods

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Santa Baby

Santa, can you here me ?

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Silent Night

Silver and Gold

Silver Bells

Sing We Noel

Sleigh Ride

Star of the East

Sweet Little Jesus Boy

The Christmas Song

The Coventry Carol

The First Noel

The Friendly Beasts

The Holly and the Ivy

The Most Wonderful Day Of The Year

Twelve Days Of Christmas

Up On The Housetop

Good Saint Nick

We Three Kings of Orient Are

What Child Is This

When A Child Is Born

While Shepherds Watched

White Christmas

Winter Wonderland

Wish You A Mery Christmas

Crime Prevention

Warwickshire Police
DON’T BE A VICTIM THIS CHRISTMAS

Warwickshire Police would like to offer the below crime prevention advice to helpreduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime this Christmas.

When Christmas Shopping
Park in well lit public places, avoiding isolated or dimly lit areas.
Do not leave items on display in your car, regardless of monetary value.
If you have to return to your car to unload purchases make sure that they are locked out of sight and be aware of anyone watching you as you do this.
Avoid carrying too much around with you, the more bags you’ve got the more vulnerable you are.
Keep your purse or wallet somewhere close to your body where it is secure and you can feel it.
If you carry your purse in a handbag make sure that the zip or clasp is kept closed and out of the way of pick pockets. Ensure zip openingsare facing to the front, rather than to the back
Take extra care with your credit cards over the Christmas period to reduce the chances of them being stolen or skimmed. Make sure you always keep them in sight whilst your transaction is completed.
Be vigilant at cash machines. If you notice anything out of place, any unusual devices attached to the machine or anyone hanging around nearby, report it. Keep your PIN safe and put cash away safely before walking away. Never write your PIN number down.
If you feel your number has been compromised in any way, use the service available at cashpoints to change it.

At Home
Keep presents out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve. If presents are left on display, ensure they can not be seen via external doors and windows, they may attract the attention of people passing by.
Try not to hide or store Christmas presents outside in the shed or garage.
Keep receipts and instruction manuals separate so that should the worst happen, you have evidence of what was taken.
Dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside will indicate that these goods are available inside.
When out of the house ensure all windows and doors are locked. At night use a light on or set on a timer switch to give the impression that someone is at home. Also leave a radio playing or a television on.
Out and About
Organise transport home before you leave or stay with a friend, to avoid confrontational situations.
Make sure someone knows where you’re going and what time you will be back.
When you walk try to appear confident and pay attention to what is going on around you. Keep to well lit routes and avoid dark areas. Do not use iPods or mobile phones.
If you have to telephone for a taxi, always try and use a firm you know and have the number programmed into your mobile phone. Always sit in the back, preferably behind the driver.
Issued by
Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire Police

[Madhatter]

Chavmas - even Chavs celebrate Christmas. The twelve days of Chavmas.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziQ3umB2sZA

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Christmas trees - Rent a tree

Stop the needless annual harvest of Christmas trees only to end up in some land fill,and don't consider buying a plastic tree made with petroleum materials that are dangerous for you and your children and rent a real pot grown Tree from www.treesforrent.com

www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/christmas/3698123/Rent-a-Christmas-tree-service-introduced-as-tree-prices-soar.html

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Coke Truck 2014

Here's where you can see the Coca-Cola truck around the UK this December.

Nov 28 - 12:00-20:00 - The Plainstones, Elgin

Nov 28 - 13:00-20:00 - Trafford Centre, Manchester

Nov 29 - 12:00-20:00 - King Edward Street, Perth

Nov 29 - 12:00-20:00 - Flag Market, Preston

Nov 30 - 13:00-21:00 - Asda Eastlands, Manchester

Nov 30 - 10:00-18:00 - Burns Statue Square, Ayr

Dec 1 - 12:00-20:00 - St Enoch Square, Glasgow

Dec 1 - 12:00-20:00 - Peace Gardens, Sheffield

Dec 3 - 12:00-20:00 - Church Street, Liverpool

Dec 3 - 12:00-20:00 - Devonshire Street, Penrith

Dec 4 - 12:00-20:00 - Y Maes (Castle Square), Caenarfon

Dec 4 - 12:00-20:00 - Festival Market, Morecambe

Dec 5 - 12:00-20:00 - Centre Square, Middlesbrough

Dec 5 - 12:00-20:00 - Queens Square, Wrexham

Dec 6 - 12:00-20:00 - Asda Gateshead, Gateshead

Dec 6 - 12:00-20:00 - Back Lane Car Park, Newton

Dec 7 - 10:00-18:00 - The Brunswick Centre, Scarbrough

Dec 7 - 11:00-19:00 - Princess Way, Swansea

Dec 8 - 12:00-20:00 - Queen Victoria Square, Hull

Dec 9 - 13:00-21:00 - St David’s Shopping Centre, Cardiff

Dec 10 - 12:00-20:00 - Asda Bristol Patchway, Bristol

Dec 10 - 12:00-20:00 - St Marks Shopping Centre, Lincoln

Dec 11 - 13:00-21:00 - Bullring Shopping Centre, Birmingham

Dec 11 - 13:00-21:00 - Frederick Ward Way, Grimsby

Dec 12 - 13:00-21:00 - King’s Square, Gloucester

Dec 12 - 13:00-21:00 - Victoria Gardens, Leeds

Dec 13 - 12:00-20:00 - St George’s Square, Huddersfield

Dec 13 - 12:00-20:00 - Wharf Green, Swindon

Dec 14 - 11:00-19:00 - Clarks Village, Glastonbury

Dec 14 - 12:00-20:00 - Cathedral Green, Derby

Dec 15 - 12:00-20:00 - Asda Coventry, Coventry

Dec 15 - 12:00-20:00 - Harbour Car Park, Looe

Dec 17 - 12:00-20:00 - St Giles’ Square, Northampton

Dec 17 - 12:00-20:00 - 27 Union Street, Torquay

Dec 18 - 12:00-20:00 - Asda Milton Keynes - Milton Keynes

Dec 18 - 12:00-20:00 - Seldown Car Park, Pool

Dec 19 - 13:00-21:00 - Asda Havant, Havant

Dec 19 - 13:00-21:00 - St George's Square - Luton

Dec 20 - 12:00-20:00 - Potters Fields Park - London

Dec 20 - 13:00-21:00 - Market Place Shopping Centre - Burgess Hill

Dec 21 - 10:00-18:00 - Intu Chapelfield - Norwich

Dec 21 - 11:00-19:00 - Westwood Cross - Thanet

Dec 22 - 10:00-18:00 - Clacton Factory Outlet - Clacton-on-Sea

Dec 22 - 12:00-20:00 - Bishops Square - London

Dec 23 - 12:00-20:00 - London Designer Outlet - London

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D
Dancing Santa - Yes it could be you as the Santa Claus, Dancing through the snow. Send it you all your buds that annoy you to annoy them back.

www.dancingsantacard.com

www.dancingsantacard.com/?santa=6979 < me


Dominoes
vimeo.com/8242082


Drinking - What is the safe limit
There are loads of pubs in Atherstone and all will see their fair share of tipsy Atherstonians this Christmas.
There are a few myths about drinking and avoiding getting drunk, this site deals with a few, and has sensible advice for drinking over the festive period

www.nhs.uk/livewell/alcohol/Pages/Alcoholhome.aspx

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Fatigue

Your six-step pre-tox party plan: Avoid festive fatigue by boosting your immune system now
By SOPHIE MORRIS
Last updated at 4:22 PM on 30th November 2009
Comments (11)
Add to My Stories
Over dinner with a group of girlfriends last week, I realised it was nearly December and no one had mentioned the dreaded 'D' word: diet.
Instead of the habitual panic to slim down before weeks of Christmas feasting, we were ordering warming plates of stew and roasted fish and vegetables, washed down with wine.
Was this irresponsible behaviour? Not at all: starving yourself will leave you exhausted and hammer your immune system, not to mention triggering terrible mood swings.

Avoid festive fatigue: Stay happy and healthy by preparing your body

The smart way to withstand the inevitable festive over-indulgence is with a pre-tox - nourishing your body from the inside out by eating and sleeping your way towards the party season.
'The build up to Christmas is not the time for crash dieting,' warns dietician Nigel Denby. 'You can cut down on stimulants, but don't go on a detox. It would be too much of a shock to the system to throw yourself back on the scrapheap afterwards.'
'The stress on the body increases dramatically at Christmas,' says Bean Sopwith, mind-body therapist at the Body Alchemist and the woman responsible for Jack Osbourne's dramatic lifestyle overhaul a few years ago.
'You want to get it into balance as much as possible before you take it out of balance. You need to address a number of things, including how you're eating, when you're eating, and the importance of sleep.'
Overloading on alcohol - as many of us tend to do in December - tires out our livers and weakens immunity. Eating well now will give your body a headstart, and is the best present you can give yourself.
Here's our indispensable guide to preparing your body before indulging - and reducing the after-effects.

No need to crash diet: Try pre-toxing instead
DIET
The easiest way to manage your diet well in the run up to, and during, a spree of social events, is to eat regularly, eat balanced meals and regular snacks, and never miss a meal - especially breakfast.
'Lots of people skip meals, knowing they will be eating party food and drinking alcohol,' says Denby. 'This isn't good, because it will disrupt your blood-sugar levels and you will probably overcompensate when hungry in the evening.'
He advises planning your diet around fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and topping up with immune-boosting foods such as lean meat and nuts.
Sopwith recommends working a raw salad into every meal in the weeks preceding Christmas.
Raw food is rich in enzymes but absent from most Christmas menus. The body is capable of storing certain vitamins (though not vitamin C) in the liver, kidneys and fatty tissues for long periods.
Stocking up beforehand makes up for nutrients you miss out on later.
Avoid going longer than three to four hours without eating to keep your blood sugar levels steady, and make sure each meal contains some protein and quality fat.
Poached eggs on wheat-free bread is Sopwith's ideal breakfast, because it's a great balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Or stir in nuts and coconut oil to porridge, to mix good fats with the carbs.
There's good news for coffee fiends, too. Not only can you snack and eat fatty foods on a pre-tox, you don't have to give up your morning caffeine hit.
Sopwith points out that cutting back by a cup or two is a good idea, but there is no need to omit it altogether.
Ian Marber, principal nutrition consultant at The Food Doctor Clinic, says eating a combination of protein and fat in small, regular amounts will keep blood sugar steady.
A hungry body goes into famine mode, forcing the adrenal glands to work overtime just to keep you ticking over, which depletes your energy levels in the long run.
The result? Exhaustion, and probably a large helping of stress, too. By keeping your energy levels stable, no extra demands will be made of the adrenal glands, and you won't be playing catch up into the New Year.
DRINK
The next stop is to prepare your gut and immune system for the boozy onslaught ahead.
Eighty per cent of our immunity is in our gut, where most of the vital bacteria that fight off toxins from food and other invading bugs reside. This means that strong digestive health is directly linked to the state of our immune system. If your digestive health is poor, you will struggle to withstand bugs.
'One thing you definitely need are probiotics,' says Anita Vukomancic, a holistic cosmetologist and founder of London's Inhale clinic. Adding probiotics, otherwise known as 'good bacteria', to the existing bacteria in your gut means your immune system has more ammunition to fight off intruding bugs.

Cheers: Avoid a hangover by drinking cranberry-mixed cocktails and taking milk thistle
Sopwith agrees, and Vuko-mancic recommends Biocare or Kiki probiotics. 'Anything which you need to keep in the fridge will be good quality,' says Vukomancic. 'And it will help you from the inside out, giving you a flat stomach, aiding digestion and hydrating and moisturising the skin.'
One week will make a difference. Vukomancic also recommends cutting out wheat for a few days. Whether you have an intolerance or not, it will give your gut a break, because wheat, found in pasta, breads and cereals, is hard to digest.
Eating slowly and chewing your food until it is almost liquid will give your insides a lighter load to digest.
Pineapple and asparagus are great cleansing foods and will help to clean you out before you batter your system with mince pies and mulled wine.
No one wants to give up alcohol at such a social time of year, especially if you are facing lots of otherwise awkward mingling with neighbours, relatives and acquaintances. This is why a proper pre-tox is vital for regular drinkers.
Lush flush
Excess drinking can lead to a permanent flush, due to chronic dilation of the capillaries

But the good news is that you needn't go cold turkey. Marber points out that the enzymes which break down alcohol are produced when you drink alcohol, so abstaining before a period of indulgence will only decrease your tolerance and make you get more drunk more quickly, and feel much worse, when you do hit the bottle again.
This doesn't mean you should go out drinking every night, but you needn't deny yourself to the point of becoming miserable.
Cranberries are one of the very best antioxidants, so plump for Christmassy cranberry cocktails if you are out drinking.
There is a reason hangovers get worse with age; our livers get clogged up and become less efficient, just like a vacuum cleaner clogged up with fluff. Taking milk thistle (£9.15, Solgar) regularly, both before and after drinking, gives your liver a gentle scrub and will help it to break down the alcohol.
SLEEP
Long days at work and present-shopping combined with late nights at parties are unavoidable in the run-up to Christmas.
The Sleep Council's Jessica Alexander says it is crucial to get your 'anchor sleep', which is at least four hours of uninterrupted shut-eye. You can try to stock up on sleep with a pre-party snooze, but make sure you leave at least 30 minutes between waking up and going out.

Burning the candle at both ends: Try to get in more sleep before midnight to avoid exhaustion
Any less and you'll still be drowsy, which is dangerous if you plan to drive or walk along dark and icy roads.
Sticking to your normal timetable is crucial. 'Get your system into a rhythm,' says Sopwith. 'Your body craves the regularity of sunrise and sunset.'
It is far better to get up when you usually do and top up with an early night, than it is to sleep in. Unfortunately, for night owls, the old proverb of an hour before midnight being worth two afterwards holds true.
Most of us find it impossible to get a good night's sleep after drinking alcohol, but Marber says 200mg to 300mg of magnesium, a natural sedative, will help.
Too much refined sugar depletes magnesium levels, so you're likely to be running low after a few sugary drinks.
SKIN
Exercise often takes a back seat once the clocks have gone back and the cold sets in.
Don't look at it as a way to shift fat, but as a solution to sluggishness and dull skin - moving around improves circulation and shifts toxins, preventing them from settling in your gut and liver and appearing on your face in a nasty breakout the next day.
For glowing, blemish-free skin, 'prevention is better than cure', says Selfridges beauty director David Walker Smith.


Technology has recently turned its attention to skincare and beauty gadgets, such as FSD (not cheap at £2,875), which rejuvenates skin, and Nutra Sonic (£125), a deep cleansing brush, give your skin a good workout and make it more resistant to breakouts.
Vukomancic swears by dry-skin brushing. Get a good quality brush from The Body Shop or The Organic Pharmacy and brush three times towards the heart.
'You'll notice smoother, brighter skin within days and it fights water retention too,' she says.
If you do get spots, she prescribes a paste of crushed aspirin and water applied to the pimple overnight - an update on the teenage toothpaste trick. It will reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of swollen red spots without heads.
BODY-BOOSTERS
If you need a little extra help, and most of us do at this time of year, invest in some decent supplements.
Marber says we should rely on food for all of our nutrients, but if you know you're going to be existing on a diet of egg nog and mince pies for a month, then a supplement will help.
If you can't manage your energy levels with regular meals and snacks, try CoQ10 softgels (£11.79, Solgar).
The co-enzyme Q10 is a nutrient which every body cell requires to produce energy, so it will perk up your natural energy levels very quickly.
Denby advises looking out for nucleotide-based supplements, which help our bodies build new immune cells efficiently - vital when we may be run down. Vitamin C is good for a boost, but Vitamin D is harder to come by in winter because we spend so many hours inside, but it is vital for bone health.
Two in ten of us are vitamin D deficient, which can lead to osteomalacia (rickets or bendy bones) and osteoporosis later in life. If you spot some sun, get out there and grab yourself 15 minutes of daylight.
POST-PARTY PICK-ME-UPS
Thankfully, there are a few instant pick-me-ups to help you through to January 1.
Before you go to bed take Nux Vom (£4.30 from Nelsons), a homeopathic remedy which tackles hangovers and over-indulgence.
Then smear Guerlain Midnight Secret (£56) over tired skin. It claims to be 'eight hours' sleep in a bottle' and is the secret weapon of many die-hard party girls.
Drink as much water as possible and, says Marber, have a 'grill-up' breakfast rather than an unhealthy fry-up, with sausages, eggs, bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes - whatever you fancy.
While caffeine will only dehydrate you further, Marber operates under the 'needs must' principle: if you need a small cup to kickstart your day, so be it.
Vukomancic's kitchen-cupboard remedy is to rub half a lemon over the skin, as long as you don't suffer sensitivity.
This works like a DIY peel and renews and refreshes the skin. Rehydrate yourself with some aloe vera juice in warm water.
Finally, pile on generous amounts of Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Serum (£83). It's packed with hyalauronic acid, which is a great moisturiser and leaves skin with a dewy glow.
Alternatively, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (£24.50) will brighten your complexion immediately. So there you have it: eschew the famine and get on with the feast.
Your seven-day pre-tox diet plan
This plan, devised by dietitian Nigel Denby, contains a source of immune-boosting dietary nucleotides each day that help the body build natural defences so you can better withstand the parties, festive food and drink. The foods highlighted in bold are a rich source of nucleotides and the diet follows sound Low GL (Glycaemic Load) principles.

Monday: Boiled egg and soldiers for breakfast
MONDAY
BREAKFAST: Two boiled eggs with toasted low GL bread (Low GL sliced bread like Burgen, Soya & Linseed) or pumpernickel, dark rye bread.
Max one slice per day for women, two for men.
MID-MORNING SNACK: An apple.
LUNCH: Tuna, with salad (mix dark leaves like spinach with vitamin Cpacked tomatoes, pumpkin seeds).
MID-AFTERNOON SNACK: Handful of almonds or dried apricots.
DINNER: A pork and red pepper stirfry with wholegrain noodles.
Fry a chopped onion until soft. Add diced pork steak (one per person) and cook for 8-10 minutes. Throw in strips of peppers and stir over the heat for 2-3 minutes.
TUESDAY
BREAKFAST: Porridge made with water, milk or soya milk plus strawberries or dried apricots.
SNACK: Pear with a cheese stick.
LUNCH: Carrot and coriander soup with one slice low GL bread/toast - soften 200g sliced carrots and a chopped onion in 1tbsp of sunflower oil. Add 1tsp of ground coriander and cook for another minute, before pouring in 800ml vegetable stock. Bring to the boil and simmer until veg are tender, before blending.

Tuesday: Carrot soup for lunch
SNACK: Natural/sugar free yoghurt.
DINNER: Vegetarian (or high meat content) sausages with a medium baked sweet potato and peas.
WEDNESDAY
BREAKFAST: Mushroom omelette, heat 1 tbsp sunflower oil in a small frying pan and pour in two whisked eggs. Add sliced grilled mushrooms once the egg is cooked on the underside, fold, flip, and cook the egg through.
SNACK: Grapes.
LUNCH: Prawn salad. Serve with salad leaves and tomatoes in a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette.
SNACK: Piece of Edam cheese.
DINNER: Grilled chicken with asparagus, roasted cherry tomatoes and baked sweet potato. Bake a small sweet potato in the oven for 20 minutes, adding the tomatoes for the final ten. Grill the chicken breast on a griddle while steaming asparagus spears for three to four minutes.
THURSDAY

Thursday: Six squares of chocolate allowed as a snack
BREAKFAST: Low GL toast with butter and Marmite.
SNACK: Six squares 70 per cent cocoa chocolate.
LUNCH: Avocado salad (half an avocado, sliced, on a bed of salad greens) with Caesar dressing.
SNACK: Peach.
DINNER: Any roast white fish with sauteed mushrooms, spinach and potatoes. Slice the potatoes thickly and sauté in sunflower oil before adding sliced mushrooms, spinach and a handful of fresh coriander. Season any thick white fish steak with pepper and lemon before roasting in the oven.
FRIDAY
BREAKFAST: Fruit smoothie with milk/soya milk/water and any low salad GL fruits (ie: apples, blackberries, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, oranges, peaches, pears, raspberries and strawberries). Try and get two of your five-a-day into this smoothie (two handfuls of any berries or grapes/two pieces of fruit) and blitz in a blender with half a pint of milk
SNACK: Carrot batons with dip (mayonnaise/ houmous/marie rose).
LUNCH: Tomato/tomato and basil soup (preferably fresh in carton).
SNACK: Cashew nuts.
DINNER: Tarragon Panfried Turkey steaks with blue cheese sauce and roasted root vegetables. Chop veg into large chunks, brush with olive oil and roast for 20 mins. Scatter 1 tsp of tarragon over each steak and pan fry in a little sunflower oil. For the sauce, melt 30g blue cheese per person and whisk to the right consistency with a little milk.

Saturday: Scrambled eggs for breakfast
SATURDAY
BREAKFAST: Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon or chopped grilled bacon. Whisk two eggs per person then scramble in a pan with one tsp sunflower oil. Top off with two slices salmon or two grilled bacon rashers.
SNACK: Small bag of peanuts.
LUNCH: Chicken salad with olive oil- based dressing -grill a chicken breast and serve with salad leaves and tomatoes.
SNACK: Cherries.
DINNER: Vegetarian pasta with courgettes - choose wholewheat pasta, 80g per person. Slice half a courgette into thin ribbons and stir fry lightly. Stir through the cooked pasta with 30g cream cheese (serves one).
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST: Whole grain muesli with no added sugar or salt.
SNACK: Pot of natural/sugar-free yoghurt.
LUNCH: Celery soup. Soften 150g celery in sunflower oil with a chopped garlic clove and half a chopped red onion. Add 200ml chicken stock, bring to the boil and simmer for ten minutes. Blend.
SNACK: Six squares of 70pc cocoa chocolate.
DINNER: Fresh tuna steak with garlic roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach salad and baked potato. Chop two garlic cloves into chunks and sprinkle over the tomatoes before roasting for 10-12 minutes. Grill tuna on a griddle and serve on a spinach salad with the potato.
NIGEL DENBY, dietitian and founder of www.grub4life.org.uk

Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1231906/Your-step-pretox-party-plan-Avoid-festive-fatigue-boosting-immune-now.html#ixzz18qeZYXl4

G

Gifts for Guys
Guyism presents 50 hot gadgets for guys.
guyism.com/lifestyle/guyisms-2010-holiday-gift-guide.html

J
Jokes -

A Russian couple was walking down the street in St. Petersburg the other night, when the man felt a drop hit his nose. "I think it's raining," he said to his wife.

"No, that felt more like snow to me," she replied. "No, I'm sure it was just rain, he said." Well, as these things go, they were about to have a major argument about whether it was raining or snowing. Just then they saw a minor communist party official walking toward them. "Let's not fight about it," the man said, "let's ask Comrade Rudolph whether it's officially raining or snowing."

As the official approached, the man said, "Tell us, Comrade Rudolph, is it officially raining or snowing?"

"It's raining, of course," he answered and walked on. But the woman insisted: "I know that felt like snow!" To which the man quietly replied: "Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear!"

[Madhatter]

L
Lap Land Uk
A magical Christmas adventure in the UK.
www.laplanduk.co.uk/

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O

Off Licence
It's Santa's off-licence... The giant warehouse that will be sending out an incredible 36million bottles of wine before Christmas
By LUKE SALKELD
Last updated at 9:50 PM on 30th November 2009

If you wake up with a hangover on Boxing Day, there’s a good chance this place might be partly to blame.
Between now and Christmas, an astonishing 36million bottles of wine will be leaving this huge warehouse bound for supermarkets, off-licences and bars.
The complex in Avonmouth, near Bristol, can store 9.5million gallons – enough to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools.


Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232101/A-merry-Christmas-The-57million-bottles-wine-stocked-preparation-festive-season.html#ixzz18rutp0YI


Online shopping

Argos including ring and reserve to collect from their shops. www.argos.co.uk

M&S oh yes
www.marksandspencer.com/Christmas-Gifts/b/44386030/?extid=ps_ggl_Christmas%20-%20Generic_Christmas%20Decorations

Screwfix shop now open at Nuneaton, ring your order through first to have it ready for collection
Store location
screwfix.com

B&Q for most of your diy needs
diy.com

For her diy needs
www.annsummers.com

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Pringles

Party pringles and jingles at www.pringles.co.uk/jingles/flash/default.aspx

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Santa's helper - Santa's helper outfit ... It's no wonder Santa keeps doing what he does: running that toy factory in the bitterly cold North Pole and delivering all those presents on Christmas Eve may be tough, but when you've got assistants who look like this, it makes it all worthwhile!
Santa's Little Helper's green halterneck dress is seriously sexy, featuring fake fur trims and a cute bow.
The outfit is finished off with a matching belt, hat and gauntlets.

www.annsummers.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay3_et!letc~ev!14903||et!letc~ev!47953||et!letp~ev!87926||_40151_47953_-1_14903_10001


Sexy Girls with antlers
One for the guys, and yes they really do all have antlers.
www.manofest.com/Content/sex-girls-rocking-reindeer-antlers.html#guyismTOW

Snow Chains - no not for bondage sessions in snow, ones for for your Christmas Holiday to Switzerland. Very unlikely to be needed in Atherstone over the festive period although there was one Dickens night many years ago when it did snow, so much that it had to be cancelled, so never say never. Be prepared dib dob dib. One set's called Nevada, does it snow in Nevada?




Snowmen - Yes it's Mr potato head with a festive twist, it's build your very own snowman, it's the Snowman Construction Kit


Snowman Construction Kit at www.snowmanconstructionkit.com

<img src=snow/snowman-Christmas_Decorations-Madhatter-iugc7.jpg><br clear=all>Title: Christmas Decorations<br><a href=http://gamescene.com>Free Online Games</a>

snowmanconstructionkit.com/snow/snowman-Christmas_Decorations-Madhatter-iugc7.jpg

[Madhatter]

T

Track Santa - on the NORAD Track Santa site. Santa is tracked by Norads special Santa tracking equipment ....

NORAD details its tracking system:

Detecting Santa all starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system has 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. NORAD makes a point of checking the radar closely for indications of Santa Claus leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we use our second mode of detection, the same satellites that we use in providing warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America. These satellites are located in a geo-synchronous orbit (that's a cool phrase meaning that the satellite is always fixed over the same spot on the Earth) at 22,300 miles above the Earth. The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can detect heat. When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced - enough for the satellites to detect. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. The satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem. With so many years of experience, NORAD has become good at tracking aircraft entering North America, detecting worldwide missile launches and tracking the progress of Santa, thanks to Rudolph.

The third detection system we use is the Santa Cam. We began using it in 1998 - the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the Internet. NORAD Santa Cams are ultra-cool high-tech high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many places around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year - Christmas Eve. The cameras capture images of Santa and the Reindeer as they make their journey around the world. We immediately download the images on to our web site for people around the world to see. Santa Cams produce both video and still images.

The fourth detection system we use is the NORAD jet fighter. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots, flying the CF-18, take off out of Newfoundland to intercept and welcome Santa to North America. Then at numerous locations in Canada other CF-18 fighter pilots escort Santa. While in the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or F-16 get the thrill of flying with Santa and the famous Reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. About a dozen NORAD fighters in Canada and the United States are equipped with Santa Cams.


www.noradsanta.org/

Turkeys

Turkey helpline that will stop festive cooks getting in a flap
By LUKE SALKELD
Last updated at 8:13 AM on 2nd December 2009
Comments (5)
Add to My Stories
It's Christmas Eve, the presents are wrapped and the turkey's finally stuffed - but what happens when your lunch centrepiece won't actually fit in the oven?
To stop amateur chefs panicking on the most stressful cooking day, a free helpline has been set up to help you create the perfect roast turkey.
Experts offer advice on defrosting, cooking times and carving techniques until 5pm on Christmas Eve.

Don't panic if your turkey cooking goes wrong this Christmas - just ring the Turkey Hotline!
And the eight men and women expect to deal with several hundred callers a day - on any turkey-related issue, no matter how embarrassing it may seem.
A spokesman for the British Turkey Federation, which funds the 0800 783 9994 Turkey Hotline, said many first time roasters do not know which end of the bird to stuff, or how long a turkey should be in the oven for.
Half of them deliberately leave the bird in for longer than they should to kill any bugs, he added.


The confusion is exacerbated by conflicting advice from the queens of TV cookery. Nigella Lawson has insisted that cooking a 6.5kg (14lb 5oz) turkey for only two hours and 45 minutes is perfectly adequate to deliver moist, succulent and tasty meat.
But Delia Smith suggests the correct cooking time for the bird, assuming it is stuffed, should be four hours and 50 minutes.
Government watchdog the Food Standards Agency offers yet another 'safe' cooking time - four hours and 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, supermarkets are expected to become embroiled in a Christmas dinner price war.
The Good Housekeeping Institute says shopping around can deliver a quality meal for eight people for just £22.27.
Products from Lidl and Morrisons, with a few from Tesco and Sainsbury's, were the best value, researchers found.

Past Questions.
Q Can I half cook my turkey, then finish it off at my mother-in-law's house?
A Not unless you want a divorce. Invite her to yours or cook in her kitchen.
Q My turkey's too big for the oven. What shall I do?
A Cut the legs off and cook them separately.
Q Why can't I have boiled turkey eggs for breakfast?
A They are not available on a commercial scale. They are expensive to produce.
Q (Christmas Eve, 4.30pm): What time should I get my 25lb turkey out of the freezer?
A Maybe you could go to friends for Christmas Day and invite them to yours for turkey on boxing day.


Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232454/Turkey-helpline-stop-festive-cooks-getting-flap.html#ixzz18rsGi3Cz

[cv9]

WTF??

PMSL !

You seriously need to get out more.

[Madhatter]

The Wombles help Father Christmas
"It's going to be a very cold Christmas this year. I shouldn't be at all surprised if it snows quite soon," said Great Uncle Bulgaria as he looked out of the womble burrow on Wimbledon Common.
He pulled his MacWomble tartanshawl more closely round his shoulders and shivered, for the wind was extremely cold and Great Uncle Bulgaria is extremely old and his paws get rather chilly these days.
Of course Great Uncle Bulgaria was quite right - he always is! - and that night it snowed and snowed and SNOWED, so that by the time all the young Wombles, who had been out tidying up, got back to the burrow they all looked like snow Wombles. They came stamping into the nice warm cosy home, swinging their arms and slapping their paws together, all of them talking at once, because they were excited about it being Christmas time.
"The snow looks just like lovely icing on a cake," said Orinoco, who was carrying a large red lantern which he had found under a bush. "I think I won't eat anything at all on the day before Christmas, so that I can eat twice as much on Christmas Day!"
"Youn greedy young Womble," said Tobermory, who was neatly putting their things away in Workshop. "You're far too fat as it is. What you need is more excercise, like helping Father Christmas. Father Christmas has to work extremely hard at this time of year, and with all this snow about, his job will be more difficult than ever!"
"We work jolly hard too!" said Bungo in his bossy way. "Look what Tomsk and I have tidied up. A lot of pieces of wood all tied together with wire and bits of string. It's very heavy to carry!"
"Ho hum," said Great Uncle Bulgaria, who had just come to the workshop, "is it indeed? You've only got a few pieces of wood in your paws, young Bungo. Tomsk is carrying FAR more than you are! Brrrr, what a very cold night it is, to be sure!"
And Great Uncle Bulgari drew his MacWomble tartan shawl even more tightly round his shoulders.
"It's cold in here, because somebody has left the front door open," said Tobermory. "Dear me! What have we here?"
Everbody stopped talking and looked down the burrow to where a small, white figure was turning round and around saying. "I'm lost, I'm lost. I can't see anything, I'm lost. HELP!"
It was Wellington, the smallest and the shyest of the Wombles. whose spectacles were covered with snow so that he couldn't see where he was going. But the warmth of the burrow was melting the snow and making it go SPLIT SPLAT SPLUT on the floor. Clasped in Wellington's paws was a large round bucket.
"It's all right, Wellington old Womble, you're safely home," said Orinoco. "And, I say, what have you tidied up? IT LOOKS LIKE A BUCKET OF DELICIOUS BLACK TREACLE!"
"Treacle? Nothing of the kind, don't taste it, Orinoco!" said Tobermory.
But he was too late, for greedy Orinoco had already put his paw into the bucket and was now licking it and making faces.
"Serves you right, you greedy young Womble," said Great Uncle Bulgaria, quite forgetting to feel chilly as he laughed. "It's not treacle at all, it's tar! What you have all been so busy clearing up are some old road works. First there was the lantern, then the fence that round the road works and finally the bucket of tar the human beings must have been using! Tck, tck, tck, what careless, untidy creatures they are!"
"It tastes horrible," said Orinoco, screwing up his face more than ever and wiping his mouth with the end of his red scarf.
"Well, it's not meant to be eaten," said Great Uncle Bulgaria. "Dear me, dear me. What a terrible night it is going to be for poor Father Christmas with all this snow!"
"I thought he was used to snow. because he lives in the North Pole, doesn't he?" asked Wellington, who now looked more of his old self and less of a snow Womble.
"Yes indeed, but it will be extremely difficult for him to find his way through this blizzard. You may have noticed that even the areoplanes have stopped flying because of the weather, so it's going to be a very hard struggle for Father Christmas to make his rounds! Tck, tck, tck."
At these words all the young Wombles looked at each other with mouths going right down at the corners, because it seemed that perhaps they might not get all the presents they'd been hoping for. And, of course, it wasn't very nice to think of poor old Father Christmas bumping about in the blizzard and getting lost!
"I know what we'll do," said Tobermory, smacking his paws together."We'll light up a nice, brightsignal for him. Come along young Wombles."
Ten minutes later the door of the burrow opened and out marched all the wombles, Greta Uncle Bulgaria leading them with the red lantern, which was now shining brightly.
The snow was driving right across the common like a great white blanket, but as all the Wombles were roped together, nobody was frightened of getting lost. They all remembered exactly what Tobermorey had told them to do and they all counted their footsteps under their breath, and when each of them had reached the exact right number, he stopped, and as each of them was holding a piece of wood with one tarry end and one sharp end into snow and then waited patiently.
Up at the front Tobermory, by the light of the lantern, was looking first at his watch and then at his map of the common in a very anxious way.
Great Uncle Bulgaria, in spite of the driving snow and the cold wind, wasn't worried at all. He just put his head on one side and listened, and then he said calmly: "Here he comes, Tobermorey, I can hear him."
"Well, if you say so,"said Tobermorey, a bit doubtfully. "But I can't hear a thing except this drafted wind. Right, off we go..."
And Tobermory put a small piece of tarred wood into the lantern flame, until it sputtered and then caught fire and began to burn a beutiful clear red.
Off went Tobermorey and although he was not the youngest of Wombles he walked extremely fast, and in a very short time indeed stick after stick caught fire from his torch, and the tearing wind, right across the Common there appeared a great fiery arrow pointing the way to the centre of London.
Down below, the Wombles narrowed their little eyes as they held onto their torches and looked up at the sky, but all they could see were the whirling snowflakes and all they could heat was the roar of the wind. But Great Uncle Bulgaria seemed to hear something just a little bit extra, and he smiled and waved one white paw as just for a second a long dark shape appeared, flying across the black and white sky...
"Dear me" said Great Uncle Bulgaria to himself, "Father Christmas doesn't seem a day older... not a day! Tck, tck, tck!
The torches burnt out very quickly and everybody - still securely roped together - responded to a tug from his fellow Womble and trooped back to the burrow. They were extremely cold and rather tire and not at all sure that they really had helped Father Christmas to find his way across the common.
But the next morning at the bottom of each bed every single Womble found exactly the present he most wanted.... and what was more Great Uncle Bulgaria had a beautiful new thick tartan shawl which had pinned to it this message:

Thank you old friend. Good to see you again, even if it was only for a moment or two. Best wishes to you all and all the Wombles for the New Year. Father Christmas.

"How extremely kind of him, when he's so busy, " said Great Uncle Bulgaria as he put on the new shawl. It was so warm and cosy he decided to go out and see what the weather was like after the stormy night.
The sun was shining, the sky was blue and there were Wombles everywhere, tobogganing, throwing snowballs and making Snow Wombles. And the biggest and best Snow Wombles was wearing spectacles and a stick and was wearing a very old MacWomble tartan shawl. It had been made by Bungo, Orinoco, Tomsk and Wellington.
"Tck, tck, tck, and very handsome too," said Great Uncle Bulgaria. "A happy Christmas, young Wombles." and he laughed and laughed all the way back to the burrow.

[Madhatter]

Order your Turkey from Bates Butchers......

Turkeys May Be In Short Supply This Christmas

The Grocer magazine quoted the two leading premium suppliers as saying supermarkets had misjudged the impact of the recession on consumer spending.

They said that up to 30% fewer premium turkey chicks were hatched this summer in preparation for Christmas.

Paul Kelly, managing director of Kelly Turkeys, said: "Early in the year the major retailers dramatically cut their orders for premium fresh turkeys.

"They are now wondering if they made the right decision."

[Madhatter]

Quote from another forum ...
One of my neighbours has just shoved a flashing lights tree up on their roof along with a sleigh, a load of reindeers and a Santa. With the rain and winds we have had this week I am wondering how long it will be before his new car parked on the drive has additional lights on it courtesy of said decorations

[Madhatter]

Add your name to santas list

www.facebook.com/IBelieveInSantaClaus?ref=nf&v=app_4949752878

[Madhatter]

Can you prove that santa was in your house?

www.santawasinmyhouse.com/

[Madhatter]

Some unusual Christmas trees.
15 Most Beautiful Christmas Trees in the World.
www.peachygreen.com/going-green/peachy/15-most-beautiful-christmas-trees-in-the-world/

[Madhatter]

Consumer Rights

As the Christmas shopping frenzy is beginning to approach its peak many people are rushing to buy the latest must-have gadgets and toys or looking forward to the sales.

Warwickshire Trading Standards Service and The Know Your Consumer Rights campaign, launched earlier this year, is reminding people not to forget their rights through the festive period.

The key rules highlighted by the campaign are:

* Goods must fit the description given
* Goods must be of satisfactory quality
* Goods must be fit for purpose

Common festive queries from Warwickshire Consumers include;

Do I have the same rights if I buy something in the sales?
Yes. If something is faulty, mis-described or not fit for purpose then it doesn't matter if it was full price or in the sale - you are entitled to your money back. However, it is up to an individual retailer whether they want to take back an item because you have changed your mind.

What about unwanted gifts?
Again, it is up to the individual store whether they want to take back unwanted gifts. Check with the retailer when you buy the gift and consider asking for a gift receipt.

Do I have any rights if I buy from the internet?
Yes. You actually have additional rights when you buy a gift from an internet retailer. You have a 'cooling off' period of seven days, unless the gift is custom made, during which an order can be cancelled or returned without any reason being given and they must give you a full refund.

If my new gadget breaks on Boxing Day who should give me a refund - the manufacturer or the retailer?
When you buy something your contract is with the retailer and not the manufacturer - therefore if the goods are not up to scratch then it is the retailer, and not the manufacturer, who should give you a refund or replacement or repair the item concerned.

What protection is there for credit card purchases?
If you use a credit card to buy goods or services costing over £100 and up to £30,000, you may be protected under the Consumer Credit Act. This states that the credit card company is equally liable for any breach of contract, so if a problem arises you can claim from the trader or the credit card company.

How can I find out more about my rights?
If you've paid for something and you're not happy, establishing your rights is the first step towards claiming the refund, repair or replacement you may be entitled to. Consumer Direct is a government-funded advice service for consumers and should be your first port of call for practical help with how to complain. For more information go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call the helpline 08454 04 05 06. There's also a quiz on the website where you can test your knowledge of consumer rights and win £150 of shopping vouchers.

Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards, Regulation & Emergency Management, said: "If shoppers are aware of their consumer rights they are more likely to get a better deal, save money and make a more informed purchase. This is especially important at Christmas when people are spending money both on gifts and in the sales."

Shoppers are advised to contact Consumer Direct www.consumerdirect.gov.uk if they need any further advice. They can also test their knowledge of consumer rights by taking part in a quick quiz on website where they will have the chance of winning £150 of shopping vouchers each month.

News article courtesy of Warwickshire County Council.

[Madhatter]

Radio Lapland, Listen to santa making a cup of tea, feeding the reindeer and annoying the elves at the north pole. Santa is very clumsy, its a wonder he drives the sleigh without crashing!
www.radiolapland.co.uk/
Listen until the 24th

[Madhatter]

Walks and walkers gifts 2010

Warwickshire County Council’s Country Parks are not only providing a welcome refuge from the bustle of Christmas shopping, they are also this year offering some great gift ideas.

The Information Centres at Ryton and Kingsbury country parks are offering a range of gifts including books for all the family, walking and field guides, ornaments and cuddly toys.

Plus this year there are some very special gifts made out of timber from Kingsbury Water Park. These hand-made gifts are unusual and every single item is unique due to the nature of the wood.

These range from nutcrackers and pens to some very stylish walking sticks.

Visitor Manager Paula Cheesman said: "We've got some great gift ideas, and I can't think of a better way to walk of those Christmas Dinners, we've got events going on around the county on Boxing Day."

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks for a list of events.

Boxing Day events are:

* Boxing Day Stroll at Kingsbury Water Park - Come and walk off those Christmas excesses with a gentle stroll around the park. The Old Barn Café will be open for refreshments if required after the walk.
Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm. Meet: The Information Centre.
Cost: Adults £2.50, Concessions £1.50, Family £5.
* Boxing Day Walk at Ryton Pools Country Park - Join a Ranger for a stroll around the park to walk off all that festive food. See what wildlife is around at this time of year.
Time: 1pm to 3pm. Meet: The Visitor Centre.
Cost: Adults £2.50, Concessions £1.50, Family £5.
* Boxing Day Ramble at Hartshill Hayes Country Park - After all the Christmas festivities, a 4-mile ramble with a Ranger is just what the doctor ordered!
Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm. Meet: The Visitor Centre.
Cost: Adults £2.50, Concessions £1.50, Family £5.

For further information call 01827 872660 or pick up a copy of our free event guide from any of our park visitor centres, tourist information, local library and some local shops/hotels. Alternatively log onto www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks

News article courtesy of Warwickshire County Council.

[Madhatter]

Just in case you haven’t noticed, Christmas is on the way. Yes, really. There’s lots of cool and crazy stuff out there in our streets and shops. And the internet hasn’t missed out either.

Here’s our top six Christmas websites. Not all of them are well-designed. Not many of them are useful. But most of them are a bit bonkers – and should at least put a smile on your face at this festive time of year.

1. Alek’s controllable Christmas lights
This site’s worth visiting for the unbelievable design alone. Get over the shock and you’ll see you can actually control Alek’s Christmas lights on the internet – and watch on the webcams. Or can you? Back in 2004, this site was exposed as a hoax, but the guy behind it now claims it’s for real. Whatever, we think being able to control 20,000 lights online is a great idea, so we’re going to assume this is legitimate.
Go and control Alek’s lights >

2. Track Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) obviously don’t have enough to keep them occupied (guarding US airspace must leave them with plenty of free time), because every Christmas they set up a website that lets you track Santa’s progress on his journey round the world. This year they’re even planning to take some snaps of his sleigh en-route, so you can finally prove his existence.
Track Santa online >

3. Ugly Christmas lights
This website is devoted to a phenomenon that seems to have spread massively in recent years: slapping loads of Christmas lights all over your house. There are photos going all the way back to 2002, so you can see how decorations have evolved since then. We’ll try to resist making any comment about the look of the site itself, but it’s a good source of inspiration if you’re about to wire your house up.
Go see some ugly Christmas lights >

4. Tree decorating 101
If you’re a cat lover in search of the perfect way to decorate your Christmas tree, this site should be right up your street. The rest of us will just visit, then spend a few minutes wondering what on earth the whole point of this utterly bemusing website is. Seriously, if you figure it out, can you take a moment to let us know by leaving a comment here?
It’s Christmassy, and it involves cats >

5. Send your list of presents to Santa
So much for writing a letter and sending it up the chimney. Father Christmas has embraced the digital age (he’s probably even on Twitter by now) and that means you can fire an email off to him with your requests and get a fairly instant response. While you’re there, it’s worth checking out this insightful webcam of famous reindeer Rudolph too. Good, eh?
Email Santa now >

6. The best Christmas jumpers around
Ever wondered where to pick up a really authentic Christmas sweater? You know the kind: bright, knitted, big, fairly furry and with a big picture of a reindeer or snowman on. This Welsh company has a great range. There’s just one problem. They’re so popular, they seem to have sold out already. Still, it’s worth visiting just to see the designs. Perhaps next year?
See some great Christmas jumpers >

So that’s our pick of top Christmas websites. Any you’d like to add to the list? Leave a comment to let us know.