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Photo: moonlightbulb / Flickr

Since Christmas is around the corner, you might be wondering what to prepare for dessert. If your family is not keen on a traditional Christmas pudding, this blueberry pie will be a lovely alternative. Made with sharp blueberries and soft-textured apples, these pies ooze out a crimson colour that is perfectly suited to Christmas. A word of warning, though: be careful not to overcook the apples when you have them in the pan as they will become rather mushy during the baking. (more…)

Photo: KathrynW1 / Flickr

Richard Bertinet’s Czech assistant Zdenek introduced him to these gingerbread biscuits. Z, (as he is most often called) got the recipe from his grandmother. It’s a tradition for him and his family to bake the biscuits at Christmas time. Richard’s family have also taken to them. He explains: ‘My children like this recipe so much that we cut the dough into shapes, make little holes in each one, then thread them with ribbon after baking and hang them on the Christmas tree.’ (more…)

Photo: Kekka / Flickr

Every Christmas you can count on getting at least one gift you really don’t like. Standing in return lines in shops isn’t fun, and some gifts are just so bad you can’t bring yourself to upcycle them and give them to friends come their birthdays or next Christmas. The good news is there are plenty of people out there who might just love that gift you can’t stand. Here’s how to find them. (more…)

Photo: zephyrbunny / Flickr

Weight watchers beware – this post is in celebration of all things sweet and nice around Christmas time. Herein you will find links to brilliant recipes for two of the most iconic Christmas desserts that make this season the ‘sweetest’ of times, as well as a failsafe in case your family isn’t as fond of the confectionary as we are. (more…)

Photo: Stock.Xchng

Non-stop Christmas carols playing over sound systems in stores around the country, red and white decorations, and nativity plays at many a school are confirmation enough that Christmas is nigh. For those who’ve happened upon Boney M. playing on radio, Christmas is certainly here. And for parents all around the world, the stress of finding appropriate gifts for your little ones – for which a grey-bearded man with a pot belly in a red suit takes all the cred – has come to bear. Fear not, though, for if you have little girls under age six, some gifts will never fail you. (more…)

Photo: RadioLynx

What would Christmas be without family, gifts, a tree, goose or turkey dinner, and of course that Christmas pudding or cake. However, if you plan on enjoying a bit of brandy beyond just brandy sauce or butter over the festivities, then you’ll want to check out the following Brandy Blazer cocktail recipe from JJ Goodman. (more…)

Photo: Kekka / Flickr

According to a new survey of 3,000 British mums, 85% are feeling the financial strain this holiday season, being forced to spend around £100 less, on average, on their Christmas shopping compared to last year. Fortunately, we have some tips for making the upcoming Christmas day just as enjoyable as ever, even with less money. (more…)

Photo: Britrob / Flickr

As Christmas rolls in, folks all around the world are planning what gifts to get their family, and where to go for the festive season. While the obvious places like the glitz of North America, the tropics of the Caribbean, and the festivities of Spain always spring to mind, there are some amazing places all around the world that you could visit instead, and get a unique experience the obvious places won’t give you. (more…)

Photo: nilexuk / Flickr

As the year draws to a close it is time to open up your home to friends and family. At this time of year you may feel an urge to clean out your house. With the economic depression it is also time to embrace the idea of minimalism. Take some tips on how to de-clutter your home, and your life. By clearing out the clutter you can clear your mind and start afresh this festive season. (more…)

Photo: dklimke / Flickr

While every family pretends Christmas is a completely harmonious time with the whole family entertained, the dirty truth is that it isn’t nearly as peaceful as we make out. Some children don’t want to be at Aunt Jane’s for Christmas, nor do some of the adults necessarily enjoy all this ‘family time’ with family they may see twice a year at best. Even then, though, Christmas is a time for family, and we should always make the most of it. (more…)