Feature - page 36

There are many famous and ancient traditions associated with Christmas. Undoubtedly, it is some of the key traditions that make Christmas so special.

It is the season to be merry and after an extremely challenging year of physical and emotional issues to deal with, everyone is ready for this festive season. As some families polish their silver tableware ready for the Christmas day feast, villages and cities hang up their festive decorations and open the doors to a season of Christmas shopping and anticipation for Christmas day.

Christmas has a long history but we have the Victorians to thank for many of our most loved festive traditions, including sending cards and decorating Christmas trees. In fact, before the 19th Century, Christmas was barely celebrated in Britain.

Why do we have Christmas trees?

In the UK the Christmas tree was first introduced in 1800 by the wife of King George III, Queen Charlotte, who brought the tradition from her native Germany, where it was common custom to have a Christmas tree in your home Yew.  She requested a Yew tree be brought to Queen’s Lodge in Windsor, which she decorated herself.

Why is mistletoe hung at Christmas?

Before it became a romantic symbol, mistletoe was considered so sacred in ancient Britain that it could only be cut by druids with a golden sickle.  The plant had connotations of peace, and people who met underneath it were forbidden from fighting, even if they were bitter enemies. Homes decorated with mistletoe offered shelter and protection to anyone who entered.

Even to this day it is very rare to see a sprig of mistletoe inside a church thanks to its Pagan leanings. To the druids of the old religions it was a potent symbol of fertility, and the Greeks and the Romans regularly parleyed peace beneath its boughs. From the Middle Ages our ancestors hung it above the threshold to ward off evil spirits, although the Victorians helped give the plant its modern, lip-smacking tradition. In the UK, the main mistletoe event of the year is the Tenbury Wells Mistletoe Festival in Worcestershire.

How did the Victorians celebrate Christmas?

Much of our understanding of a merrie old English Christmas has more to do with the writings of Charles Dickens or Washington Irving than our real medieval ancestors. For the early Victorians, Christmas was an antiquated curiosity, but one that the English bourgeoisie were beginning to remember. Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is more an idealised romance based on his own childhood memory rather than a chronicle of what was happening at the time. When the Victorians did rediscover Christmas they couldn’t stop themselves and soon we had Christmas cards, crackers and the sense that Christmas was a time for family. And, as Tiny Tim observed: “God bless us, every one.”

Why is turkey eaten on Christmas Day?

In the Victorian era, birds raised in East Anglia were often herded along Drovers’ roads to London to be sold fresh in time for Christmas. Daniel Defoe recorded that 150,000 turkeys were driven from East Anglia to London each year, a journey that took three months to complete. To protect their feet, turkeys were fitted with leather or sacking boots, while geese had theirs tarred and sanded.

In London itself, many working-class citizens banded together to form ‘goose clubs’ as a way to make the Christmas meal more affordable. Each individual paid a few pence a week towards the purchase, which was then shared out between them.

Mince Pies, like Christmas puddings, were originally filled with meat, such as lamb, rather than the dried fruits and spices mix as they are today. They were also first made in an oval shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby, with the top representing his swaddling clothes. Sometimes they even had a ‘pastry baby Jesus’ on the top.

Why is holly associated with Christmas?

The barbed leaves and red berries of the holly plant have long been identified with eternal life and protection in Great Britain. At first the Christian church took a disapproving stance to holly, forbidding it from appearing in churches, but the spiky leaves still appeared in people’s houses, as the red of the berries was thought to ward off witches. In the face of such popularity, the custom was sanctified, the leaves taken to represent Christ’s crown of thorns, and the berries His blood. Of course, special care had to be taken with such a powerful and lucky plant and so the old decorations, which were traditionally taken down on Candlemas (2 February), were never thrown away, but burnt.

Where did Christmas Crackers originate from?

Christmas crackers are a traditional Christmas favourite in the UK. They were first made in about 1845-1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith. He had seen the French ‘bon bon’ sweets (almonds wrapped in pretty paper) on a visit to Paris in 1840. He came back to London and tried selling sweets like that in England and also included a small motto or riddle in with the sweet. However, they didn’t sell very well. In 1861 Tom Smith launched his new range of what he called ‘Bangs of Expectation’

Legend says that, one night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half.

Why do we celebrate Boxing Day?

Celebrating the 26th December began sometime in the 1800s when Christmas gifts were received by the in a ‘Christmas box’. The following day, wealthier classes would fill the box with gifts to give to the poor – often servants and staff from their home who would traditionally be given Boxing Day off as a holiday. Alternatively, the box would be donated to a local church to help poorer people.

The feast of St Stephen is now known as Boxing Day thanks to the tradition of tradesmen calling on anyone who had employed them in the previous year to collect a monetary gift placed in special Christmas boxes.

Whether traditions are steeped in history or ones we create ourselves, there is something wonderfully comforting and nostalgic about our beloved customs and shared beliefs over Christmas.

Two years ago I found myself announcing an imminent album release from the Valerga Brothers when they were inducted to the Hall Of Fame Class of 2019. I had been privy to an advance copy so I was confident that the CD would have been well received. Covid delayed that album and forced into isolation, the brothers made good use of the extra time available and started to add songs to it with a view to making it a double album. Recordings went on until finally they had over thirty songs in the bag. That’s nearly a triple album’s worth! This is where we are two years later as Henry Valerga meets with me offering a bunch of new CD information handouts and the beaming smile of a man who has just done his musical best.

“The ‘Soundtrack of my teenS’ by The Valerga Bothers is our ‘opus magnum.’ A snapshot of our early years in pictures and biography, packaged with the soundtrack of the 60’s and 70’s music which shaped our teens. This bumper musical offering includes great covers of big hits from legendary artists and we have also brought in local artists to the party in the hope that Calpe House, a charity really close to my heart, will benefit greatly from the entire proceeds of this thirty two track album.”

The album which has been financed by Kamlesh Krishna Khubchand, consists of a beautiful front cover painting of brothers Henry and Denis by artist Leslie Gaduzo. Stephen Perera has done the graphic design and produced the twelve page libretto which includes many photos from the era in montage using vintage cameras and layout. Henry has thoroughly researched the songs and added written quotes as sleeve liners. The local artists collaborating are Chris Montegriffo on harmonica, guitarist Paul Patrick Cano, Trevor Guilliano of ‘After Hours’ (recording assistance), singers Corrine Cooper and Seila Pavon, tenor Nathan Payas and soprano Claire Hawkins, veteran Rocker Giles Ramirez and veteran Rock guitarist Harry Chichon. The Gibraltar National Youth Choir conducted by Christian Santos, with spoken words by Krisna Gulraj and Michael Cortes, were recorded with Brian Torres and Nicky Gonzalez assisting. That represents a wide cross section of local talent who have rallied round to embellish the project with their contributions.

“As we speak (early November) it’s not yet guaranteed that the release will be in time for Christmas but we are still hopeful. All the music is done and mastered and it’s just the packaging and printing which still have to be tweaked. The songs we have chosen are legendary classics, evergreens from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Kinks, Simon and Garfunkel, Procol Harum, The Righteous Brothers, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Donovan, The Everly Brothers and  many more.”

“Our versions of their songs are backed by rich instrumentation and versatile vocal arrangements which we and the other contributing artists have poured their hearts into. I think that we have achieved a recording milestone in the way that our covers of these classics have turned out. It’s the biggest project that we have ever attempted and we are immensely proud of everyone with the results that we have achieved.”

Henry gave me a sample CD of twenty songs from which I have selected a few to mention as a trailer and ‘The Boxer’ immediately stands out as does ‘You’ve lost that loving feeling’ both great productions. ‘Grocer Jack’ features the GNY Choir on it and has all the tenderness of the original.  Henry’s vocal in Donovan’s ‘Catch the wind’ gives you goose pimples and ‘Universal Soldier’ is a truly epic production. Denis Valerga sings ‘Blackberry Way’ and he has orchestrated a ‘Penny Lane’ type of trumpet solo at the end which is a masterpiece. ‘Ruby Tuesday’ is given a sensitive treatment which evokes all the magic of the early Rolling Stones at their acoustic best and Don Maclean’s ‘Vincent’ is also a truly standout track which captures the beauty and fragility of the original. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the songs.

Having heard the sample CD I can vouch that you will be in for a feast of classics which will make you feel proud of the local talent on display in these collaborations. They really do stand out as special musical treats and I can see many copies of this bumper album package from the Valerga Brothers, which includes a 19 track CD, a 32 track USB and a 12 page comprehensive libretto, selling really well in support of Calpe House. The ‘Soundtrack of my teenS’ will gladden many hearts with the nostalgia and the musical journey of two brothers who have captured our hearts and still endure with their music.

For the past seven years, Personal Trainer Jojo Ruby France has been raising money for local underprivileged children. “It became apparent that orphanages in La Linea, Manilva and Estepona were struggling and after a visit to one I realised that although they were well run and organised, they lacked the basics and there was no money to pay their bills,” Jojo explains. “I put together a Christmas appeal where I wanted to be able to give every child in one of these orphanages a Christmas card and it was so successful that not only did every child get a card with €20 in, they also got a Christmas sack.” 

The following year, when Jojo realised that children were going to school without having breakfast and not eating until their evening meal, she got in touch with Gary and Judith Beaumont from the Duquesa Charitable Society of St George, and the Feed a Child campaign was launched. “For €20 a month a child would receive a package containing a ham and cheese roll, a piece of fresh fruit, a yoghurt, drink and biscuit.” 

Due to the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Jojo could see that more and more people needed support, so this year theFeed a Family campaign was launched. “When Covid-19 hit it was apparent that by March we were in dire straits as a charity, not only had we run out of money but the amount of people who needed help was greater than ever, so I worked with local supermarkets to have a trolley available for people to add an item, such as food, washing powder, nappies or sanitary products, and we would put packages together and distribute them to around 120 vulnerable people who had no job and no access to social welfare,” Jojo says, adding that she personally raised €12,000 euros from April 2020 to January 2021. 

Jojo’s goal for her Christmas campaign is to raise €12,000 by the 3rd January 2022.

“This will ensure all our families are supported throughout December, January and February. Each family will have a Christmas meal, each child on the Social Services list in Manilva, Casares and at the Emaus Social Kitchen in Estepona will receive a Christmas gift bag and no child will go to school hungry.”

Jojo is supported in her endeavours for the Christmas campaign by Gibraltar businesswoman Katherine Grant. 

“Previously the Christmas appeal has been something I have done by myself and it has been really tricky, but with Kath on-board it has eased everything and I feel that this year is going to be our most successful,” Jojo comments. 

There are a whole host of fundraising events making up the Feed the Family Campaign, the first having taken place on Friday, 19th November when six members of the Royal Gibraltar Police took part in an intensive personal training session. “This charity workout pushed them out of their comfort zone, but I hope it raised awareness about the project and reinforced the fact that this is not just for Spanish or English people, this is for anyone that has come across hard times,” Jojo states.”

One of the biggest money raisers for the past seven years has always been the annual Pub Quiz at the Hairy Lemon which Jojo says is always a great event, full of fun with Irish Bingo and some fantastic auction prizes on offer, including an overnight stay on the Sunborn Hotel. “I sold out eighty tickets in six hours and everyone comes along knowing that I am going to take their money off them,” she laughs. 

The 12 days of Xmas Exercise Push launch on the 1st December is another way to help raise funds for Feed the Family. The start of December is always a tough time to try and get fit, but for those that want to start getting fit or for those who have had surgery or are in recovery, Jojo has created a simple, yet challenging programme.

“Knowing that people in poverty live their lives in discomfort every day, a group of eleven are running in the Malaga Half Marathon on the 12th December, including Kath who was a non-runner and who will now be running 21 kilometres,” Jojo says. “We are going to put ourselves through discomfort for a couple of hours to feel what it is like being vulnerable and out of our comfort zone.”

The Burpee Challenge will be the biggest in its history. Teams will burpee around the Rugby field at Pueblo Nuevo in fancy dress, running three times round the track over a distance of 1.2 kilometres. “We go from a burpee to a jump,” Jojo says. “It is brutal on the hands and the body and a lot of people who do this are not fit, they come to me to get fit, but they are willing to give up three hours on the 16th December to raise money for Feed the Family. 

The final event will be a Boxing Day Dip in the sea on the 26th December! 

For more information, to make a donation, to donate a gift or even join in one of the challenges, get in touch with Jojo Ruby France in Spain: 00 34 687 030 047 or Katherine Grant in Gibraltar: 00 350 5784 4000 

We all understand that terrific feeling that accompanies leaving a store with a fabulous shade of lipstick or after ordering a phenomenal pair of boots online. It is called retail therapy for a reason. 

More than one scientific study has backed up its effectiveness. The truth is when you are stressed out or having a rough day – if you can afford it, scouring your favourite shop for that perfect top can actually help boost your mood.

There are numerous reasons why shopping has become such an integral part of our lives. Here are just a few:

It takes your mind off things

Shopping takes time and concentration whether it is being done online or in your favorite store. You have to think about what you want or need and then find the most appropriate item to meet your requirements. You are focused on what you desire and not on the stressors in your life.

It is a Confidence booster

A beautiful dress or the perfect shade of nail polish can make you feel amazing. No one would argue that. There is nothing wrong with letting a new item give you a little boost now and again, but do be careful to not let the things you own be the only way you can feel good about yourself. Yes you look good in that outfit, but you are amazing either way!

You are in control

You are the one calling the shots when you walk into a store. The clerks are there to help you out and you are the one making all of the decisions. Everyone likes to be in charge now and again. If you have been feeling like everything is out of your control lately, a day of shopping could help with the frustration.

Spending time with loved ones 

If you are like me, you probably like to invite your best friend, mum or sister along. We all know that time with your favourite people can make you feel good and remind you what is important.

It is Satisfying 

Some of the studies about shopping and happiness suggest that simply wanting an item without ever purchasing it can make you feel good. We all know from experience that finally purchasing that item is so satisfying.

It can contribute to your self image 

The way you present yourself to the outside world is important. You are creating an outwardly projected image of yourself with every item you purchase. Effectively creating the image you want to feels good.

Our Own Must have buys

We all need food, shelter and clothing, but even outside of the basic needs that we all share you may find that there are things which are necessary for a hobby you enjoy or a trip you are going on. Having those needs met allows you to reach goals and have unique experiences, which is in turn another kind of satisfaction.

It is Uplifting 

Everyone likes having new things every now and again. Whether you want to bring a new look to a room or your wardrobe, shopping to incorporate something new into your life is always refreshing.

It makes us feel good

This is the most fundamental point, which is always worth mentioning. Studies have shown that shopping actually causes your brain to release more Serotonin, which is a chemical that makes you feel good.

Next time you are experiencing a bad day, maybe you a little shopping can boost your mood. Remember that simply looking for and wanting an item can be uplifting. If you don’t have the funds at the moment maybe a little online ‘window shopping’ would be a better solution for the moment. When you can afford it though, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally.

It is also interesting to consider what kind of shopper you are:

All of our shopping experiences vary depending on our buying rituals, kind of shopper we are and our budget. What is important is that we enjoy the process.

Christmas how it used to is how we all best like to remember our childhood Christmases. I have been invited to recall mine and duly wearing my rose tinted memory glasses I will set about stirring the nostalgia cake mix and we shall see what turns up. I have rewound back seventy years to 1951 and we are at number one Alameda House (Humphries) as the estate was named after the building contractors. That year had seen the tragedy of the ‘Bedenham’ explosion in April and Christmas couldn’t have come any sooner. Our old ‘block’ still neighbours the fire station and the sound of a happy gathering reaches my seven year old ears. The legendary seasonal ‘Comparsa’ (quite unmusical and random bunch of wandering carol singers) from the fire brigade off-duty watches were already in fine form and well ‘lubricated.’ They were ready to set out on their annual boozy sing song on Christmas Eve around the fires station perimeters.

Their loud ‘Zambombas’, a small barrel with a skin stretched on top and a cane stalk tied to its centre (‘Carriso’ or noise activator!) which when wetted and rubbed up and down the stalk would provoke a grunting noise which helps mark time, acting as a rough bass and bass drum combined. The ‘Panderetas’ (skin topped tambourines) were rattling away and the hearty singing (could it really be called that?) sent the celebratory echoes of ‘Noche Buena’ (Christmas Eve) around Humphries estate. 

Empty corrugated glass bottles of ‘anis del mono’ would also provide a squeaking noise when a wine cork was rubbed along their sides. A lone guitar or a mandolin really stood no chance of being heard above all that cacophony and the traditional Spanish carols (Villancicos) announced the imminent birth of Baby Jesus, who probably wouldn’t have chosen to be born to that din when he had choirs of angels at his disposal.

We lived on the ground floor of Alameda House and word had it that if they were tipped off, the firemen ‘Comparsa’ would sing at your door until invited in to feed and drink from the modest table laid out in readiness for the family supper. Just imagine the panic setting in for mum and dad thinking that our modest family spread would hardly last thirty seconds and all the beers and the sweet rough wine from Malaga (muscatel) would also be drank in half that time! Well I seem to remember that we survived the ‘raid’ from the good folk of the fire brigade, however I don’t remember how we re- formatted the house later and re-stocked the table for supper that night. My thoughts were only on Father Christmas as I uncovered my ears after convincing myself that there had not been an earthquake in my home.

In the good old days you were primed about what to expect for Christmas. My uncle Tony who was also my godfather had hinted that I ‘might’ get a scooter, which prompted happy dreams and adjusted my tendency to bad behaviour lest Santa would turn up and just gift me a few ‘coal nuggets’ instead of the coveted scooter of my dreams. In the run up to Christmas my mum who was very good at crib making, would have put up a display of little figurines representing the nativity scene surrounded by brown and grey mountains made out of heavy paper with flour dusted on top to make their snow caps. Everything in the crib (Nascimiento) would be ready except for the arrival of the infant Jesus who would magically make an appearance on Christmas morning as we unwrapped our presents of modest toys and confectionary. No plastics in those days. Painted cardboard, wood and tin toys or lead soldiers (we never heard of a child with lead poisoning). 

Never in my wildest childhood dreams could I have imagined that my uncle would build me a scooter in the Her Majesty’s dockyard where he worked at the iron works foundry. It was modelled on the old ‘Mobo’ or Triang brand of scooters that not everyone could afford at the time. Mine was built to last and it weighed a ton! Had I run into a wall I would have demolished the wall for sure. Not to digress, that night Father Christmas came to 1 Alameda House in the aftermath of the fire brigade ‘Comparsa’ visit and without a word helped my parents clear up before depositing a very large brown paper bag which looked suspiciously like a scooter. I was beside myself with expectation but my parents said that the bag was full of old pipes to be used for repairs to the plumbing.

Did I believe them? Of course I did – against my better judgement. The next morning I was allowed out to practice on my big brown scooter which had yellow trim lines, no brakes to tame its savage momentum and military – like heavy duty black wheels which might have come from wheelie bins, had they existed in those days.  When I look back and compare with the present day I feel sorry for the times that surprises don’t happen too often at Christmas. Nowadays the young ones mostly get what they have expressly asked for (demanded?) and budget is hardly ever a problem.

 At the same time I feel thankful and blessed that those early days in my life gave me a sense of community which is the greatest gift after family and good health. Our rough band of street carol singers – the ‘Comparsas’ of yesteryear, exuded real Christmas cheer without making polite excuses or renaming Christmas as simply a ‘holiday season’. Easy on the sherry and mince pies now and have a wonderful family Christmas full of blessings, just like the pandemic had never happened and we were still safely in the EU!     

The Animals in Need Foundation (AINF) is a Gibraltar registered charity that has been operating since 2016, and has focused on helping the most mistreated, vulnerable, and ‘invisible’ of dogs.  They have successfully rehomed over 2000 dogs during this time – the majority of which have lived in or have connections to Gibraltar.

Most of these dogs have required substantial veterinary care and different degrees of rehabilitation.  AINF is run by a small group of volunteers who give up their time day and night to work tirelessly for the charity.

The Animals in Need Foundation (AINF) is a Gibraltar registered charity that has been operating since 2016, and has focused on helping the most mistreated, vulnerable, and ‘invisible’ of dogs.  They have successfully rehomed over 2000 dogs during this time – the majority of which have lived in or have connections to Gibraltar. Most of these dogs have required substantial veterinary care and different degrees of rehabilitation.  AINF is run by a small group of volunteers who give up their time day and night to work tirelessly for the charity.

The charity has on average 60 dogs under it’s care at any given time and around 30 dogs are usually rehomed per month. The dogs are rehomed in Gibraltar, Spain, Holland, Germany, Finland and Sweden and every potential new home is carefully vetted and approved prior to the adoption. The charity has also rehomed cats, rabbits, and even hamsters! 

During the COVID lock down the small team of AINF volunteers were inundated with requests for help from the most vulnerable demographics; front line workers, individuals with mental health challenges who were unable to look after their pets and those who were scared that they were going to die and needed help with their canine companions in the event of their death. 

AINF, together with Save Gibraltar Street Cats have launched a campaign this year to remind people in Gibraltar that animals should not be given as presents. Both charities seek to remind the public about the long term commitment required when getting a pet, to try and reduce the post-Christmas abandonment of puppies and kittens.  

It’s been 40 years since the iconic phrase ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’  was coined in the UK by the Dog’s Trust, however people still buy pets as presents over the festive season and unfortunately many of these end up in shelters or on the streets.

The charity has stressed that bringing home a pet needs to be a much considered decision as to whether they are right for our lifestyles and whether or not we can give them a home for life, which can be 15 to 20 years. It is a lifelong personal and financial commitment and should never be an impulse buy. 

The campaign has partly been triggered by the unprecedented number of requests that AINF have received recently to rehome dogs from Gibraltar.  In the last few months alone AINF has been asked to rehome or rehabilitate over 50 dogs in Gibraltar. 

With the cases of pet abandonment or rehoming increasing so much recently the charity has struggled to find sufficient funds to continue its work as the burden in meeting monthly financial commitments and rehoming these dogs is significant.

The charity is extremely grateful for the generous donations from the people of Gibraltar that allow their work to continue. Without the ongoing public support and generous donations many animals would have been left to suffer alone, however the charity is entirely reliant on public donations and the charity incurs continuous ongoing costs to save and rehome animals in need.

To raise funds to allow the continuation of their work the charity is undertaking two events during December. Their annual flag day is on 3rd December when volunteers will be in various locations throughout Gibraltar promoting the work of the charity and fund raising. In addition, they will be hosting a Christmas Quiz on the 8th December at the IPA Hall – this is a great fun night out where teams of up to 8 people compete to take home the quiz prizes and the much coveted winner trophy. The evening also includes a fantastic buffet dinner a prize raffle draw. Teams wishing to compete can check the AINF website or email for further details.

You can donate to AINF or find out more about the charity, including dogs available for fostering or adoption, forthcoming events, and volunteering opportunities via email, their website or their social media accounts:

info@ainf.gi  •  www.ainfgib.com
Facebook: Animals in Need Foundation
Instagram: @ainfgibraltar

There are two types of people in this world. Those who put their Christmas tree up in November, and the rest of us. I’ve never been someone who has been overly enthusiastic about the Christmas period, but there are definitely aspects of it that I enjoy. The social gatherings, the cheesy Christmas movies that I’ve seem to have grown more fond of over the years, the food and of course, the festive coffee flavours at Costa. If you’re looking for ways to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit, here are some things to get doing! 

Buy an advent calendar. 

I remember when I was a child I used to get an advent calendar from my parents and one from my grandparents, so I proceeded to eat all 25 chocolates from the second one in one day. I’m now 27 and still like having an advent calendar to give myself a little daily treat on the leadup to Christmas. If chocolate isn’t your thing (do these people exist?), you can find all sorts of advent calendars nowadays! From candles, to make-up to gin. 

Have a weekly Christmas movie night at home.

If you are really dedicated, there’s probably enough of them out there for you to watch one every night in the lead up to Christmas. Especially if you have the Hallmark channel. If that’s too much to commit to, pick a night of the week to watch a festive movie with your friends and family. We always watch the Harry Potter movies around Christmas, but some other good choices are Love Hard, Last Christmas, The Holiday and The Holidate. 

 Plan a party. 

December in Gibraltar (bar 2020) always has such great ambiance and everyone just seems happier. No wonder we always need all of January to recover. Use this time to get together with all your favourite people, drink some mulled wine and either have everyone bring a dish or order a takeaway to reduce the workload! 

Visit a Christmas market.

If you managed to pick up last month’s issue of Insight, you might have read my article on my favourite Christmas Markets to visit around Europe. If you’d rather stay home, Gibraltar will hopefully be having their own stalls where you can get your hands on bratwurst sausages, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts! 

Wake up with Christmas songs. 

Not as an alarm tone, or else that might have the opposite effect. I always listen to music when I get ready for work in the morning, and I know as soon as December hits I’ll be playing Justin Bieber’s Mistletoe or Michael Buble’s Christmas album. 

Make some festive goodies.

I have never baked cookies or peppermint bark myself, but this might be the year I do so. If you’re feeling more adventurous why not make some eggnog, build a gingerbread house or a chocolate yule log? I tried making Kylie Jenner’s marshmallow and sweet potato casserole last Christmas, and sadly I was the only one in my house who liked the combination. 

Or load up on festive treats.

If you’re not one for baking, just head to your closest supermarket and stock up on mince pies, polvorones and a Quality Street box. Speaking of, did anyone else used to think mince pies contain meat in them? Probably why I was never a fan of them!

 Change your reading material for something related to the holidays.

I used to love coming home to Gibraltar from university at Christmas time and be able to read all these holiday themed books. Let It Snow from John Green was probably my favourite one. The one I have saved to start reading this month is The Chaos of Standing Still by Jessica Brody. Which follows two strangers who get snowed in at Denver Airport on New Years Day. 

Gift yourself something.

We often think of all the people in our lives who we want to buy presents for, but we should also take the time to reflect on everything we have achieved that year and not feel guilty for spending a little bit of money on ourselves too. I actually started a challenge on the 1st January where I’d put an extra penny a day in a Revolut savings vault, which has allowed me to buy an iPhone 13 for Christmas! 

Get your Christmas shopping done! 

It’s so easy, and sometimes cheaper to get your shopping done online nowadays. That being said, there is something uplifting about going into town to do your Christmas shopping and seeing everyone doing the same. Especially if you sit down to have a hot chocolate after. If you’d also like to do something special for the people close to you, write them all a Christmas card. Tell them all the reasons why you’re grateful to have them in your life. 

After the underwhelming and hard Christmas we all had last year because of covid, I’m grateful that this year we will hopefully be able to celebrate with our loved ones and make the most of the holidays. As you get older you’ve probably also grown to realise that Christmas is less about presents and more about making memories with the people you love. However you choose to spend it, I hope it’s a special one! 

Cold weather brings people together. We yearn for warmth, love, and connection. The holidays deliver big family meals, endless gratitude, and it just seems like time moves a little bit slower than usual. When the first winter breeze blows through the trees you can feel the magic in the air.

Every season has their own joys and challenges. Winters can be long, cold, and dark. The inherent nature of winter can make it difficult for us humans to endure happily. Learn to make the most of this season with these tips to enjoy winter:

Drink Something Hot

Find comfort in a mug of something warm. This is the season to enjoy any and all the homegrown herbs dried over the summer and autumn. Keep it simple, or make it fancy. A nice balance of both is a great way to enjoy winter. Herbal tea most days, a fancy coffee drink now and then, hot chocolate for dessert on Sunday. Throw in a hot toddy now and then.

Snuggle Up

Winter is usually cooler if not downright cold, depending on location in the world. These cooler temperatures require warmer clothes and blankets. Snuggle up under a favorite blanket. Read books, watch TV, play games surrounded by the simple comfort of a blanket. It seems too simple but there is something so cozy about a pile of blankets for everyone to choose from while practicing hobbies or doing nothing.

Read

Some people read avidly no matter the season, some of us don’t pick up a book during gardening season. No matter which camp you fall into, winter is a great season to read. Hit the library or bookstore and stock up. Pick up books about winter. Read for fun and read to learn something new. A good balance of both is great. A book specifically focused on winter is a terrific idea. Snuggle up under a blanket with a cup of something warm, and get lost in the pages of a book.

Get Outside

To live seasonally, the seasons have to be experienced in the natural world.  Getting outside in winter has special considerations but it can and should be done.

Get outside for a walk, ice skate – simply get outside of the house. Enjoy the sun, absorb some Vitamin D, and take notice of what’s happening in the natural world. Bundle up, put on several layers, wear a hat and gloves, if necessary but get outside as often as possible. This is simply the best way to make seasonal living routine. When we are outside we are able to get a better sense of the season in our individual locations.

Be Creative

For many of our ancestors, winter was the time spent on hobbies and creative pursuits. Clothing was made, spoons whittled, rugs woven. These creative pursuits helped pass time, allowed them to engage in pleasurable hobbies and in many cases helped them earn money. Items were made in the winter and taken to town in the spring for selling or traded with neighbours.

These are all things we can continue to practice in our modern times. Use the long nights to practice something creative. Use the finished items for the home, save them for gift items, sell or trade when possible, or donate to charity.

Eat Seasonal Foods

Eat the foods of the winter season or those preserved from the previous seasons. This is the season to eat that homegrown and home canned applesauce, indulge in those foraged and frozen berries, and eat soups full of homegrown and dehydrated greens. Seasonal, whole foods are perfectly designed to help us get through each season.

Learn a new way to cook those winter squashes, try a new soup recipe, sample something new but eat well and enjoy. We have a tendency to seek comfort foods in the winter. Eat the cinnamon rolls occasionally and feel good about it, just keep it balanced with healthy foods too. Healthy food can also be comforting, find those recipes and indulge.

Practice a Random Act of Kindness

This winter season can be very hard on members of our communities. It’s cold which presents significant hardships all by itself. While the sunlight is returning our days are still plenty dark and that is emotionally tough on many people. The people we come in contact with might be struggling in ways that we cannot comprehend.

Sharing moments of kindness helps them and us – this is a good thing to do in any season but can be especially welcome in the frigid temperatures. Be kind, give hats or blankets to charities to keep less fortunate people warm. Buy a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you, let the car merge, pay a compliment to a stranger.

Light Candles

Winter does mean that the sun is returning. Each day is getting a little longer now. However, the days are still mostly dark, especially for the more northern folks. Combat the darkness by throwing out light in the form of candles.

Eat a meal by candlelight, turn off the electric lights for a bit and bask in the golden glow of a lit candle. Make your own if you want to incorporate a little useful crafting into your winter enjoyment or buy them but light some now and then and use it as an excuse for a gathering where no technology is permitted and conversation is prized.

The smell

At some point towards the end of the year you realise you can actually smell the cold. It’s a clean, vivid smell which travels down your airways making you feel suddenly alive. There’s something a bit like peppermint or eucalyptus to it, but these are pale imitators of the real thing.

Rest

Take that afternoon nap. Heed the call to go to bed early. Allow the body and brain to rest.  It is part of our how our ancestors survived without electric lights and modern conveniences. They slept more in the winter. It’s okay and right even to feel tired at an hour that might still be filled with energy in the summer.

So, to recap, this is what we love about winter.

• The smell. At some point you realise you can actually smell the cold
• Unapologetically stodgy food
• The light on a freezing cold morning
• Winter woollies.
• Christmas markets
• Carol services
• TV box sets and long Victorian novels.
• Listening to the radio

The Office of Fair Trading has carried out an awareness programme to help consumers identify unsafe toys. Ensure the safety of your child this Christmas by following this simple guidance. 

What to look out for:

Button cell batteries 

These are one of the most dangerous hazards for young children. Not only are they a choke hazard, they can do serious damage if swallowed. Saliva combined with the electrical current causes a reaction that can lead to severe burns. A toy that conforms with appropriate safety standards will have button batteries enclosed in lockable compartments that cannot be opened by children. If you ever suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery, seek medical help immediately. 

Magnets 

Not only are loose magnets a choke hazard, if swallowed, they can stick together and cause serious life-threatening damage to childrens’ digestive systems. Make sure magnets cannot be detached from the toy and swallowed by your child. If you ever suspect that your child has swallowed a magnet, seek immediate medical help.

Choke hazards

Check whether a toy can cause choking by pulling and tugging at it before giving it to your child. Usually, if the item easily fits inside a toilet paper roll it means that the toy is unsafe for a child that’s younger than three. Latex balloons also pose choking risks to younger children. 

Who are you buying from?

UK and EU toys must comply with high safety standards. Toys that come from other countires, may not. Only buy from reputable traders, particularly when purchasing online. 

Fake toys do not undergo rigorous testing before being placed on the market and may therefore catch fire, fall apart, contain dangerous chemical content or pose choking hazards. 

Check the toy’s packaging and labels as these should contain the manufacturer’s or importer’s name and address. 

Safety markings

There are several symbols that you might find on a toy or children’s fancy dress. The symbols indicate that the toy complies with safety standards.

‘CE’ marks – Products with this marking are tested for conformity with EU health, safety and environmental standards. Children’s costumes (including wigs, masks and other accessories) are classed as toys and should bear the ‘CE’ marking. Facepaints marketed for children should also carry the ‘CE’ marking.  Watch out for fake CE markings however! See ‘How to spot a fake ‘CE’ mark’ below.

‘UKCA’ mark – The ‘UKCA’ mark has been introduced in the UK following Brexit. This mark will be displayed on products which are in conformity with applicable UK standards.Therefore consumers may now find products displaying either the UKCA mark, the EU’s CE mark or both.

Age-appropriate marks – Toys that may be dangerous for children under three may contain this graphic. There should also be a brief indication of the specific danger. 

Age and size suitability

If you have older children keep their toys out of reach from the younger ones.Toys should be appropriate for your child’s age and size. While the ‘Age Warning’ mark shows what toys are suitable for children under three, all children develop differently so take your own child’s ability into account. Outdoor toys such as bicycles that are too large or small for a child can also lead to unnecessary accidents.

How to spot a fake ‘CE’ mark

The ‘Chinese export’ mark is similar to the EU’s ‘CE’ mark but is not an official European mark. Unlike goods with a genuine ‘CE’ mark, other ‘Chinese export’ marked toys may not have to comply with the same safety standards as the UK or EU and do not guarantee that it conforms with standards designed to keep children safe during play. 

In the diagram note:

• the ‘CE’ mark’s letters are placed further apart from each other than the Chinese mark; and

• the middle line of the ‘E’ on the genuine ‘CE’ mark is shorter than the top and bottom lines. Some none genuine ‘CE’ marks have 3 equal lengths on the ‘E’. 

The information contained in this article is
intended as awareness and is provided for
guidance and educational purposes only. It should not therefore be regarded as, or relied upon, as legal advice.