The following day at work, Helen found a mound of cards on her desk. She called out a generic “thank you” and stuffed them in her drawer.

We do not make, nor do we seek to make, any recommendations or personalised advice on financial products or services that are regulated by the FCA, as we’re not regulated or authorised by the FCA to advise you in this way. In some cases, however, we have included links to regulated brands or providers with whom we have a commercial relationship and, if you choose to, you can buy a product from our commercial partners. I know,” says Malcolm, a twinkle in his eye again. “I thought the adults might like a festive tipple though.” So, here we are. About to make Christmas Pudding Number Thirty-something. This one will be alcohol free, mind, so the grandchildren can have some too. It also means we get to eat it a lot sooner too, as it won’t store for long. A weekly top-up of quality fiction provides the perfect short read whether you are cosied up on the sofa or on the go. Expert advice It’s the regatta this afternoon,” she announced, pushing a colourful leaflet towards them. “There are all sorts of competitions: pavement drawing, fancy dress, raft-building, paddle-boarding. I think you’d enjoy it.”

Celebrity agony aunt Helen Lederer, provides heartfelt advice every week. Sharing expert advice, My Weekly’s favourite GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis discusses important health topics. Stepping outside, Susie White offers expert gardening advice alongside plenty of hints and tips to help you make the most out of your green space.

She still spent most of her working day talking to her customers, who usually turned out to be tourists. Julia had experienced a couple of disappointments that way. There had been at least two potential friends, with whom she had found herself chatting easily and warmly on several occasions. One was a visiting artist, who had promised to return next summer, but the other was from New South Wales and was more likely to cross her son’s path than her own. You may also have built up some additional state pension, previously known as the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (Serps) or state second pension (S2P). Splat! Everyone looks round to find a broken egg dripping off the counter top down the side of the washing machine. Malcolm’s face crinkles with embarrassment.My Weekly prides itself on curating high-quality fiction from some of the finest authors in the UK. Enjoy romance, drama, mystery and more with unmissable short stories inside every issue. And I saw that look,” scolds Alice. She glances at Malcolm, a wry smile softening her face. “You used to do the same for me when Mum told you not to.” Helen felt obliged to dab some on to her hand. She held it to her nose and inhaled the scent. It had an unusually bitter smell. Her head began to swim and she was afraid she was going to pass out. If you 'contracted out' and paid reduced National Insurance contributions for several years, you're likely to get less. I daresay it’s beautiful all year,” Helen said, irritated by the assumption that a few decorations had made such an enormous difference.

Another answer is to make up you mind to enjoy the day. Get in some special treats: these don’t need to be expensive. It might be your favourite meal or some nice bath oil along with a good book and a film. Hopefully you’ll be able to speak to your grandson on Christmas Day and maybe see him on Face Time or Zoom? For the 1.2 million retirees living overseas and collecting the UK state pension, there is a huge variation in how much they'll be getting - and it's dictated by the country they've ended up in. I did tell everyone. Just because they didn’t listen doesn’t mean I’m going to rush out buying last minute Christmas cards. You'll get whichever is higher - the amount you would have got on the last day of the old system, or the amount you would get had the new system been in place over the whole of your working life.You can’t. We’re all together. Doing something so simple, but so very special: The Making of our Christmas Pudding. Can we go to the toy shop later?” Izzi demanded happily. She skipped along beside her grandmother, waving the prize voucher in her hand.

I know I’m always telling my husband of the hoarding, but I too find it difficult to get rid of things like this wonky old plastic goalpost that never worked properly in the first place – what if George still needs it? – and a rugby ball, which is severely beaten up on the outside, but still works. On one or two occasions, Julia even had the chance to study him more closely, from a few rows behind in the queue at their local store. She liked the way his dark hair curled down onto the collar of his coat, usually turned up against the bitter island winds. I lean into their hugs, my cheeks rosy. “Have you brought your wishes with you?” I say quietly and seriously. This is very important business.

My friend was widowed a few years ago and now signs up for adventures on a fairly regular basis in between her part-time work as a dentist and helping out with the grandchildren. She is an inspiration. Invaluable, particularly during the current climate, Consumer Expert Sue Hayward offers savvy finance tips, advice and simple steps to help readers make a saving or two. Head straight to My Weekly’s Home Comforts section for seasonal ideas. You will also hear from Interiors Expert Dilly Orme, offering trendy crafts inspiration! Catch up with your favourite celebrities No – thank you – I’m fine.” Helen took a deep breath. She wasn’t sure what had just happened. She stood up. Crisis averted. He is satisfied with this and digs into his Christmas pudding, smearing toffee sauce around his mouth as part of the process.