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KIRSTIE’S Handmade Christmas has become a festive favourite in households across the nation, so viewers will be glad to hear the hit craft show returns to our screens on Monday 9th December.

Over the 11 seasons we have already watched, Kirstie has guided viewers through the process of making everything from dazzling Christmas stockings to perfect gifts for pets.

But what are the Christmas connoisseur’s top tricks to having a stress-free day?

1. Prep Christmas food

Kirstie has always stood firm in naming early preparation as her number one tip for a successful and smooth Christmas.

In 2017, she spoke to Raise The Roof productions from the Handmade Christmas set, telling them: “Nowadays you find lots of recipes in magazines and on the internet for pre-prepared Christmas food.

“Do that, follow them, make sure the day isn’t stressful.”

From the vegetables to the gravy – most of Christmas dinner can be prepared the night before, saving you valuable hours on the day.

2. Go wild with tree decs and let the kids join in

A self-proclaimed lover of tinsel, Kirstie says Christmas is not the time for minimalism: “Christmas is the one time of year when less is not more.

“More is more at Christmas.”

And with kids hyped up on sweet Christmas treats, it’s a great way to keep them entertained and help them feel involved.

She told CelebratingMums: “Another great way to get kids involved is decorations – popping baubles on the Christmas tree is a great family moment – just make sure no one steals the chocolate decorations before Christmas Day!”

3. Save money by handmaking gifts

This tip comes as no surprise to fans of the show, who have seen Kirstie make all kinds of incredible and thoughtful handmade presents.

For a reminder, head to Channel 4 On Demand to catch season 10, episode 2.

In this episode, Kirstie’s crafters make silver clay jewellery, a storybook cushion and needle felt characters.

4. Ask for help and enjoy the day

Kirstie told Raise the Roof productions: “If you have got a lot of people coming over, pre-Christmas or actually at Christmas, ask them to help.

“People love being asked to help and everyone has their talents.

“Most of all, Christmas is a celebration, so have fun with it!

“It is not supposed to be a nightmare.”

You can get Christmas ready by watching the show at 5.30pm every day between Monday 9th December to Friday 13th.

You will also be able to watch it on catch up and online after.

PROUD mum Coleen Rooney was all smiles as she was flanked by her youngest sons as she arrived at the I’m A Celeb hotel in Australia.

It came after she came runner-up in the ITV series, second only to winner Danny Jones, 38, in Sunday’s finale.

Australia Media

I’m A Celeb runner-up Coleen Rooney was all smiles as she posed with her kids after the show final[/caption]

Eroteme

Australia Media

Coleen’s youngest Cass was seen sporting her jungle hat and rucksack[/caption]

Coleen, 38, was seen with a beaming grin as she left camp in her jungle gear accompanied by Kit, aged eight, and Cass, aged six, the latter of whom looked set for jungle life in his mum’s brown hat and jungle rucksack.

The mum of four had her hands around their shoulders as she steered the duo into the swanky hotel at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Coleen, who is married to former footballer turned manager Wayne Rooney, 39, was seen heading to her campmates with a cuddle and catch up.

Cass and Kit even starred on the main I’m A Celeb programme themselves, with a sweet reunion in the jungle base.

At the time, they hogged the show spotlight as they left fans giggling with a very cheeky remark towards their parent.

Kit, who hadn’t seen his mum for three weeks, promptly told her: “You stink!”

It came after her mum Colette revealed the heartbreaking question the I’m A Celeb star asked her when she went into camp.

On Monday’s Good Morning Britain, Coleen also let slip how her kids had brought their school work with them – with her parents tasked with studying with the pair.

CAMP EXIT

While Coleen said she was proud to get so far on I’m A Celeb, peaking on spin-off show Unpacked, she told host Joel Dommett that she had been waiting to leave for a while.

She also said she hoped that she made her four kids – Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass – would be proud of her.

Meanwhile, Coleen revealed how she had battled her surprise fears successfully during her time on the show on Monday’s Good Morning Britain.

Coleen told GMB hosts Susanna Reid, 53, and Richard Madeley, 68, how she was determined to “stay true to myself” and admitted: “My fears weren’t the trials or sleeping outside or critters.

“It was karaoke and cooking.

“I didn’t have to cook, because we had some cooks in there – and on the karaoke night, I enjoyed everyone else and had a sing-along.

“I stuck to my guns – I don’t do karaoke, so why would I go on a show and think I had to do it?

“I just enjoyed everyone else doing it.”

Australia Media

Coleen guided her brood into the swanky Surfers Paradise hotel[/caption]

Eroteme

ITV

The parent of four told Monday’s GMB how her kids had taken schoolwork with them Down Under[/caption]

INCOMING Chelsea star Willian Estevao has bagged two major gongs ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues struck a £28million deal for the teenager with Brazilian club Palmeiras in the summer.

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Willian Estevao, 17, bagged 19 goals and 12 assists for Palmeiras last seaosn[/caption]

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The Chelsea starlet’s haul landed him the[/caption] https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1865954682679537847

But the 17-year-old won’t join the west Londoners until next summer as he was immediately loaned back to the Verdao.

And he’ll join the Premier League giants having scooped two personal gongs.

Estevao – who has been dubbed “Messinho” by several footie fans – won the awards for the Best Young Player and Best Attacker of the 2024 Brasileirao last weekend.

Chelsea fans were quick to react to the news Estevao’s trophy haul.

One wrote: “Estevao Willian‘s got the golden touch, and soon Chelsea will too.”

Another said: “Chelsea’s attack just got a future superstar. Congrats, Willian!”

And another said: “Estevao is a generational talent and he’s a Chelsea player.”

One remarked: “Great news for Chelsea.”

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Another chimed in: “Big things ahead for Willian Estevao.

“Best Young Player and Best Attacker in the Brasileirao, Chelsea’s future star is already shining bright.”

Estevao bagged a whopping 19 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season, in which he made 50 appearances.

And his talents have been likened to those of Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal.

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario said of Estevao in an interview with Ben Jacobs: “He’s a young player and very talented.

“He’s kind of like Lamine Yamal. He will soon be a very big star in football.

“He’s very promising and at just 17.

“I think he’ll play for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup then join Chelsea.”

LISTENING to a news report about another storm sweeping across Britain, bringing Arctic temperatures, potential snowfall, and widespread amber alerts, Alysha Fletcher, 38, begins preparing for the extreme weather.

As a mum of three, she grabs everyday items from her cupboard – cat litter, potatoes, vinegar — and heads to the family car to kick-start her polar weather prep.

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From cat litter to hand sanitiser, Alysha has a endless hacks to help beat the cold weather[/caption]

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She has managed to save hundreds by using savvy hacks[/caption]

Alysha isn’t bothered by raised eyebrows at her unconventional methods.

She fills a sock with cat litter, ties the end, and places it on her car dashboard.

“It may sound strange, but it works wonders,” she says.

The cat litter-filled sock stops my car windows from fogging up. It costs next to nothing, but it’s brilliant for preventing condensation during winter.”

She prefers using clay-based litter and old cotton socks, even employing them around the house – on windowsills and in the bathroom – to absorb moisture and keep condensation at bay.

“It’s just one of my top ten quirky winter prep hacks that anyone can try,” Alysha explains.

“People think they’re weird, but it saves us £2,000 every winter.”

Last year, cat litter also helped her save £300 on emergency towing fees.

“I always keep a box of litter in the boot. If I get stuck in ice or snow, I sprinkle it in front of the tires to improve grip. It’s a life – and cash -saver,” she says.

Rather than laughing, Alysha challenges anyone to try her hacks before passing judgment.

“They might just work for you too,” she says.

Alysha, who runs an online crafting business, lives in Blackpool, Lancs, with her husband Garry, 39, a maintenance worker, and their three children, aged 19, 16, and 14, in a three-bedroom terraced council house.

A self-confessed “scrimping queen,” Alysha is passionate about using everyday items in creative ways to prep for winter weather.

With the cost-of-living crisis and Arctic conditions causing chaos across Britain, she believes being prepared for both home and car winter weather warnings is more important than ever.

I pop the socks over the windscreen wipers at night

Alysha Fletcher, 38

“Items in your kitchen or storage cupboard could save your life, keep you warm, and definitely improve your bank balance,” she says.

Number two on Alysha’s polar prep list is half a potato and vinegar.

“I rub a cut potato on the windshield at night to help prevent ice build-up.

“It costs next to nothing and saves time in the morning when I’m rushing the kids to school,” she explains.

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Her trusty tuber isn’t just good for stews; it helps keep my windshield fog-free[/caption]

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She uses shower caps to cover her side windows to stop the wing mirrors from fogging up and icing over[/caption]

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Sticky starch in potatoes creates a barrier between glass and moisture[/caption]

“My trusty tuber isn’t just good for stews; it helps keep my windshield fog-free. I also use it on windows around the house and the bathroom mirror.”

Experts from Live Science agree, saying that the sticky starch in potatoes creates a barrier between glass and moisture.

This, in turn, lowers the freezing point of water, helping to prevent ice and snow build-up.

In some countries, potato juice, a waste product of vodka distillation, is even used on snowy mountain roads to prevent ice from forming.

Shower caps are also great for covering pot plants and garden stools to prevent frost and snow

Alysha Fletcher, 38

Alysha also swears by mixing white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create a DIY de-icer, saving her from spending up to £100 each winter on expensive store-bought options.

“It works a treat. De-icing spray is essential for the Arctic freeze. I keep a bottle in the car and one in the house. I even use it to defrost the freezer,” she says.

Odd socks make it to number three on Alysha’s winter warming list.

“I pop the socks over the windscreen wipers at night. It stops the blades from freezing, prevents cracking, and makes de-icing in the morning even easier,” she explains.

Next up is isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as rubbing alcohol, which Alysha stocks up on for under a fiver.

It’s number four on her polar prep plan. “Most people have some in their home,” she says.

“I fill a spray bottle three-quarters full with alcohol and top it up with water.

“It’s an affordable DIY de-icer for car windows and footpaths.

“An added bonus is that it’s great for removing ink and permanent marker stains, plus it works as an awesome stainless-steel cleaner and makes the kitchen sink sparkle.”

Give the kids some so they can de-ice their bike locks

Alysha Fletcher, 38

Whenever Alysha stays at a hotel with her family, she also collects the disposable freebies from the bathroom.

“In winter, the girls use the shower caps to cover their bike seats. In the morning, they’re not icy or wet.

“I use them to cover my side windows to stop the wing mirrors from fogging up and icing over,” she says.

“The shower caps are also great for covering pot plants and garden stools to prevent frost and snow from covering them. I even keep two in my handbag.

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She fills a sock with cat litter, ties the end, and places it on the dashboard[/caption]

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Cat litter also helped her save £300 on emergency towing fees[/caption]

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Alysha Fletcher.Video headline: Cat litter, potatoes, beach tents and vinegar helps my family beat the Arctic Freeze. from alley einstein[/caption]

“When it’s wet and muddy, I pop them over my shoes to keep them dry when I bring the shopping in. They didn’t cost me a penny because they were free.”

“The shower caps are also great for covering pot plants and garden stools to prevent frost and snow from covering them. I even keep two in my handbag.

“When it’s wet and muddy, I pop them over my shoes to keep them dry when I bring the shopping in. They didn’t cost me a penny because they were free.”

Alysha also dabs hand sanitiser on her car keys or locks when it’s freezing, as it’s an “instant DIY de-icer.”

“Give the kids some so they can de-ice their bike locks. It prevents snapping and saves buying a new lock,” she says.

Alysha’s resourcefulness extends to using old curtains and blankets to insulate her home.

She hangs them in front of her front and back doors to block drafts.

“Doorway draughts are some of the worst places for heat to escape. This way, the heat stays in,” she explains.

“I’ll also hang them over my windows and draw them shut around 4 pm to keep the warmth in for longer.”

Another hack involves hanging cheap blankets to divide rooms in half, reducing the space that needs heating.

“We lose more than a third of the heat through walls, so I’m not taking that risk,” Alysha says.

“Friends think I’ve lost the plot, but when I tell them it saves us up to £500 on heating bills during the winter, they’re shocked.”

Alysha has another clever trick for keeping her children warm—she pitches summer tents over their beds to trap heat.

“Call me crazy, but it’s a fantastic heat saver,” she says. “By setting up the tent over their beds, their body heat stays contained longer, keeping them toasty warm.

Alley Einstein

She also puts foil behind her radiator to make use of the heating[/caption]

Alley Einstein

Alysha previously revealed to us how she batch cooks her food to save time and money[/caption]

“The best part? The kids love the idea of camping in their own rooms.”

Thanks to this hack, Alysha saved more than £200 last year by not turning the heating on overnight during the coldest months.

This winter, they’re investing in a double tent for their bedroom and a specialist queen-size ‘tent cover’ costing around £80.

“It’s a great way to stay warm all night without cranking up the heating,” she says.

My kitchen cupboard solutions mean there’s no excuse for beating the big freeze this winter and saving cash while you do it

Alysha Fletcher, 38

Her final winter money-saving tip is WD-40 to make her boots and shoes waterproof, as well as sanding down the bottoms of her shoes to prevent nasty falls.

Alysha learned this super shoe grip hack from her experience hitting the stage as a pageant star with her daughters.

“When Arctic weather hits, I’m ready, and I know I’m saving money too,” she says.

“My kitchen cupboard solutions mean there’s no excuse for beating the big freeze this winter and saving cash while you do it.”

IT makes the perfect Christmas gift – even if you’re just buying it as a present for yourself.

And M&S’ new viral scarf has also had the stamp of approval from fashion fans, many of whom are racing to the store in a bid to get their hands on the £19.50 accessory.

tiktok/@shezdawson

tiktok/@shezdawson

tiktok/@shezdawson

Shez took to TikTok to share a video of herself wearing the Whipstitch Scarf – kicking off in the white one, before modelling the black one.

The scarf is the perfect oversized fit, and even features two little pockets on it that you can pop your hands in when it’s nippy outside.

“Run, don’t walk to M&S!” she wrote over the top of the video.

She then added: “I literally grabbed the two last scarves off the mannequin!”

“Viral M&S scarfs,” Shez wrote in the video caption.

“Couldn’t decide what colour so bought them both!”

“These are gorgeous,” one person commented on the video

“Tesco have their version of the cream one for £12 plus 25% off but quality didn’t look great.”

“Damn!” another raved.

As a third asked: “How much?”

“£19.50!” Shez replied, clearly thrilled with her purchases.

And it seems the scarves have been equally popular online too, as both the white and the camel mix options are out of stock – with only the black mix currently available to buy.

But the positive reviews of the product kept on coming as customers weighed in on their buys on the M&S website.

“Lovely scarf, super soft and not itchy,” one wrote.

“Looks very cute on goes with everything.

“Love the little pockets to keep your hands warm!”

“Looks super stylish on and keeps you very warm,” another gushed.

As a third said: “I ordered camel to match a coat and they look perfect together.

“It’s soft, perfectly oversized and the pockets are great for extra warmth.”

“Fantastic winter wrap scarf just as advertised, the pockets are a nice touch!” someone else praised.

“Fab colours , cosy and a great asset to my wardrobe,” another wrote.

“Gorgeous soft scarf. I love the colour and the cute pockets,” someone else commented.

“Can’t wait to wear it as an extra layer. Really stylish!”

“Stylish warm blanket scarf, love the pockets and stitching, and the texture is soft, thick and so cosy,” another wrote, adding that the white they purchased “looks so expensive on”.

PRINCE George may be second in line for the throne, but he is set to have a down-to-earth Christmas with Princess Kate, Prince William and his siblings.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to give their kids as normal a Christmas as possible, including trips to UK Lapland.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly like to give their kids a down-to-earth Christmas[/caption]

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The family have kicked off the past few festive periods with Kate’s Together at Christmas concert[/caption]

It’s already business as usual for the Wales family who were seen at Princess Kate’s Together at Christmas carol concert on Friday.

King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold told Fabulous: “William and Kate are fun. They’ve got a good sense of humour.

“They’ll be putting up the stockings by the fireplace, the mince pies, the milk for the reindeer. 

“You could absolutely guarantee they’ll do the exact same thing that we all do.

“They will give their kids a Christmas which is the same as every other kid in the land. Well, most kids in the land.”

Here’s how Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis celebrate the festive period…

UK Lapland

Lapland UK

Last year, William and Kate took their kids to Lapland UK[/caption]

Gordon Scammell

Lapland UK is located not far from their Windsor home[/caption]

In 2023, Princess Kate and Prince William stayed under the radar as they took their kids on a secret outing to Lapland UK.

The Wales family were seen by a few other attendees as they explored the immersive theatrical experience in Ascot, close to their Windsor home.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will have had the chance to visit the Toy Factory, get an Elf passport, meet huskies and reindeer before an audience with the big man himself, Father Christmas.

The company took to Instagram following the visit saying: “We’d like to thank the Prince and Princess of Wales for trusting LaplandUK with their children’s precious belief in Father Christmas. 

“We feel truly honoured that they would choose our world to celebrate this most magical moment in their Small Folks’ lives. A day we will never forget.”

Watching Elf

Prince William previously discussed his love for the 2003 classic Elf, a comedy that has continued to tickle him each year.

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Prince William said he loves watching Elf – starring Will Ferrell – each Christmas[/caption]

Speaking to young patients at Royal Marsden Hospital, William said: “It’s very funny and I keep watching it every Christmas, it still makes me laugh.”

But he was less decisive when it came to what music the family rock around the tree too, “because he loves so many different types of songs.”

“But for this particular chat, I’m going to say Feliz Navidad, because it’s a bit different,” he said.

Sending letters to Santa

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At Kate’s 2023 carol concert, George, Charlotte and Louis sent letters to Santa[/caption]

Like thousands of kids around the country, George, Charlotte and Louis send letters to Santa.

Last year the royal trio were seen dropping off envelopes for Father Christmas in a red post box at Kate’s Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

The Range dash

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Kate was seen popping into The Range for some last-minute Christmas gifts in 2018[/caption]

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Kate helps her kids put stockings by the fireplace, according to a former royal butler[/caption]

Kate stunned ­Christmas shoppers in 2018 by popping into bargain store The Range to buy festive gifts.

Kate, who was with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, mingled with crowds in cut-price outlet The Range.

She bought trolley-loads of pictures, children’s books and artist materials then queued at the tills.

One mum said: “I did a double-take when I saw her. You don’t expect to see royals shopping at The Range.”

It is believed Kate was buying for fellow royals.

The Queen likes her family to swap modest, jokey gifts on Christmas Eve in line with German tradition.

Board games galore

Brits may have heard of the Royal’s love of charades, but it seems the next generation have begun to favour board games – despite some struggling with defeat.

Prince William explained: “We’re playing board games with the children quite a lot. We love Monopoly, that’s good.

“And Risk, that’s a good game. It goes on for hours, and usually everybody gets very cross because they lose.”

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Kate’s family are said to be fans of playing games at Christmas[/caption]

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Monopoly is said to be a firm favourite in William and Kate’s household[/caption]

Christmas Eve boxes

The Wales kids also have Christmas Eve boxes to look forward to, which are gifted by grandma Carole Middleton.

Sarah Hewson, royal editor at Talk TV, explained: “Kate’s mother Carole has talked about Christmas Eve boxes, a tradition of a little gift on Christmas Eve for the children, just whet their appetite for what’s to come the next day, as well as hiding cheeky elves around her house to make her grandchildren laugh.

“Christmas Eve evening is a black tie dinner for the adults.”

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Carole is said to give her kids Christmas Eve boxes[/caption]

Arthur Edwards / The Sun

Christmas Day is spent with the extended royal family, and includes a trip to church[/caption]

‘Mum has scared the daylights out of us.’

Dutch police have seized 25kg of a chemical powder that could have made more than 15 million two-milligram doses of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

Police have lashed irresponsible mums and dads for failing to parent their own children after 400 unsupervised teens ran amok on Rottnest Island, assaulting holiday makers and pelting officers with bottles.

A pre-Christmas interest rate cut looks unlikely after a poll of more than 30 economists unanimously tipped the Reserve Bank would stay put on Tuesday.