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From gifts and games to cards and crackers, these fabulous festive tips will help you prep for Christmas in style. Just follow the seven simple suggestions for stress-free family fun
CHRISTMAS
Dacia’s new seven-seat family car, the Jogger, is the perfect blend of estate car practicality, MPV spaciousness and upmarket SUV styling. Little wonder it was named Value Car of the Year at the 2022 News UK Motor Awards. To coincide with its release The Times is highlighting seven more examples of “good thinking”. This week we offer some handy tips to help you get ready for Christmas, save money and reduce stress.
The big day isn’t complete without Christmas pudding and it can be prepared at least a month in advance. The typical mix of 13 ingredients represents Jesus and the disciples and includes dried fruit, nuts, breadcrumbs and booze. Great recipes include Nigella’s and Times contributor Lindsey Bareham’s traditional masterclass.
PUD IT ON SOON
It’s never too early to start buying presents. Every Christmas there’s a must-have gift that sells out weeks before, so ask for your loved ones’ wish lists now, and be sure to listen to conversations. It’s amazing how often people drop hints around this time of year. Being organised means no last-minute wrapping panic on Christmas Eve.
BUY NOW
Pulling crackers before the feast is an essential part of Christmas Day. Make your own bespoke versions by buying recyclable DIY craft cracker kits like That’s Crackers produced by Little Crafty Bugs. There’s a variety of festive designs complete with snap, ribbons for tying, hats and jokes. And how good the gifts are is up to you.
GO CRACKERS
Add a personal touch by making your own Christmas cards. You can buy 50 readymade 250gsm weight white cards and envelopes from Hobbycraft and design them yourself. Get the kids involved with biodegradable glitter and potato prints. Alternatively, have a family photo made into a card by one of the online services.
BE A CARD SHARP
Add a special twist to your festive decorations with a fresh Christmas wreath. Gardeners’ World has a guide with a selection of styles – traditional, contemporary, classic – using a pre-bought wire or rattan frame and adding elements like holly, conifers, ivy, pine cones and berry sprigs. The result is a unique adornment to any front door.
MORE FOR YOUR DOOR
Christmas is about food. A lot of food. Stuffing is a key element and there are dozens of recipes based around classic ingredients of minced pork, sage, chestnuts, breadcrumbs, onion and cranberries. Vegetarians can substitute the pork for mushrooms, nuts and lentils. Just don’t forget to order the turkey (or defrost it).
GET STUFFED
Where would Christmas be without a bit of charades? Make sure you know where all the board games are (and their pieces), and compile a list of parlour games to play when everyone’s bored. Prepare a quiz. Put together your own or search online for ready-made Christmas-themed options or a topical quiz of the year.
GET QUIZZICal
Discover the all-new Jogger at
dacia.co.uk
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Flexible FRIEND
The all-new seven seater Dacia Jogger is both versatile and stylish
A family car that adapts to suit your needs?
Now that’s great thinking.
The Dacia Jogger is available in modular versions accommodating up to seven passengers without compromise on comfort or spaciousness.
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promoted content
Discover the all-new
Dacia Jogger at
dacia.co.uk
A family car that adapts to suit your needs?
Now that’s great thinking.
The Dacia Jogger is available in modular versions, accommodating up to seven passengers without compromise on comfort or spaciousness.