Pick Me Up! Special Festive 2018

Christmas is our favourite time of year and our gift to you is a magazine brimming with real-life stories and festive inspiration. Josie (pg16) was devastated when she was told her daughter Ruby had cancer. Then during Ruby’s brave fight, Josie was diagnosed, too, but their strong partnership would save them both. Some bonds are remarkable and we couldn’t be happier for Terrie (pg64) now her beloved missing cat has returned home after a decade. If you think you’re not prepared for Christmas, then spare a thought for Laura and Scott (pg54). The couple went for a walk on the beach and came home with something they really weren’t expecting – a baby! It was a huge surprise for Jane to find out she was having triplets (pg40),but even more…

Christmas is our favourite time of year and our gift to you is a magazine brimming with real-life stories and festive inspiration. Josie (pg16) was devastated when she was told her daughter Ruby had cancer. Then during Ruby’s brave fight, Josie was diagnosed, too, but their strong partnership would save them both. Some bonds are remarkable and we couldn’t be happier for Terrie (pg64) now her beloved missing cat has returned home after a decade. If you think you’re not prepared for Christmas, then spare a thought for Laura and Scott (pg54). The couple went for a walk on the beach and came home with something they really weren’t expecting – a baby! It was a huge surprise for Jane to find out she was having triplets (pg40),but even more of…

Winter warmers I tested my knitting skills by making this winter hat. I must say I was rather proud of myself! Linda, Newport Time for presents! There's nothing better than a child's excitement on Christmas morning. This is my daughter Nicole digging into her stocking last year – I wonder what she'll get this year? Charlotte, Margate Delicious treats It's all systems go at our house this month when it comes to Christmas cookies. The kids absolutely love creating their own decorations – and me and the hubby love eating them! Andrea, Hull Cosy comforts I love it when the living room looks all cosy and Christmassy. It’s the perfect time of year to wear your PJs’, snuggle up on the sofa and watch a good film. Maybe a glass…

Winter warmers I tested my knitting skills by making this winter hat. I must say I was rather proud of myself! Linda, Newport Time for presents! There's nothing better than a child's excitement on Christmas morning. This is my daughter Nicole digging into her stocking last year – I wonder what she'll get this year? Charlotte, Margate Delicious treats It's all systems go at our house this month when it comes to Christmas cookies. The kids absolutely love creating their own decorations – and me and the hubby love eating them! Andrea, Hull Cosy comforts I love it when the living room looks all cosy and Christmassy. It’s the perfect time of year to wear your PJs’, snuggle up on the sofa and watch a good film. Maybe a glass of mulled wine, too? Jess, Durham Feeling overwhelmed Christmas…

My family loves Christmas. Every year there’s tons of presents under the tree, Christmas music playing, and enough roast turkey to feed an army. And last year in early December, we just couldn’t wait for the festivities to start, so me, my husband Torryn, 26, and our daughter Mylie, three, hopped on the train to Disneyland Paris, where Christmas was already in full swing. Bundled up in our coats and woolly hats, the three of us watched the festive parade, as Mickey and Minnie Mouse danced around wearing Santa hats, and Frozen’s Anna and Elsa stole the show. Mylie was utterly hypnotised, a big grin across her face. ‘Christmas day is going to have to be amazing to beat this!’ Torryn said. I started to laugh, but it soon turned…

My family loves Christmas. Every year there’s tons of presents under the tree, Christmas music playing, and enough roast turkey to feed an army. And last year in early December, we just couldn’t wait for the festivities to start, so me, my husband Torryn, 26, and our daughter Mylie, three, hopped on the train to Disneyland Paris, where Christmas was already in full swing. Bundled up in our coats and woolly hats, the three of us watched the festive parade, as Mickey and Minnie Mouse danced around wearing Santa hats, and Frozen’s Anna and Elsa stole the show. Mylie was utterly hypnotised, a big grin across her face. ‘Christmas day is going to have to be amazing to beat this!’ Torryn said. I started to laugh, but it soon turned into a hacking cough. I’d had…