Innholdsfortegnelse for 18th Nov 2025 (Double Issue) i Woman's Weekly

Magic is in the air  “I’ve written before about how everyone at Woman’s Weekly loves this time of year, when you start planning for Christmas. It’s such a joyful antidote to wintry weather and short days. Sharing the celebration with family and friends is a true highlight, so we hope you’ll find loads of inspiration and useful ideas inside this festive issue to make the holiday especially magical. But we think you’ll find it packed with relaxing entertainment too - the perfect foil to all the rushing around we do to get ready for the season. And don’t miss page 12 for the favourite Christmas toys from yesteryear. Which ones do you remember?” EDITOR geoffrey.palmer@futurenet.com…

Catherine Purcell, 70 Tell us about your look I love colour and enjoy creating my own individual look. My coat came from Zara (about three years ago), and my top and jeans are old M&S. I think accessories are so important and I have quite a collection! My jewellery came from an antique market about 20 years ago, my bag is Zara, the pumps are M&S, and my scarf is from a charity shop. What’s your favourite thing about yourself? My get-up-and-go and my positivity – no matter what! YOU WORE IT WELL Neilma Johns, 1954, sent in by her daughter Nicola Rowan Here is my mum on her wedding day with her parents. She was married at a register office in north London and chose this smart tailored suit.…

A garden shared with living creatures provides lively entertainment across the seasons. And since natural habitats in the countryside have been disappearing at an alarming rate, there’s never been a better time to make our outdoor spaces welcoming environments for wildlife. There’s a misconception that wildlife-friendly gardens need to be overgrown and unruly, when in fact all that is required are a few specific areas given over to providing food, water and shelter for creatures that visit. The colder months of the year can be tough for the guests to our garden, but just a few tweaks can turn it into a refuge that will help them get through the most challenging season of the year. Provide a takeaway Natural sources of food that were plentiful during the growing season…

“I’ll happily admit it – I’m a Jane Austen obsessive. My days are already filled with everything Austen, so in many ways, this year doesn’t feel that different. But the 250th anniversary makes it extra special. We’ve had plenty of Austen celebrations over the years, but this feels like a milestone – one of the last big Austen moments we’ll have for some time. Touring with my play Austentatious has been incredibly exciting, especially performing at stately homes straight out of Downton Abbey, with curated grounds and sweeping vistas. ‘I don’t think she’d like all the fuss’ This year I’ve also written a book about Charlotte Lucas, one of the most intriguing figures in Pride and Prejudice. It made me think hard about the choices available to women in Austen’s…

EASY UPDO If you have shorter hair, then an updo might be the style that fits the bill, especially if you don’t have time to wash your hair before the event. This style works much better on hair that has a little bit of ‘grip’, so it’s ideal for hair that’s one or two days post-wash. 1 If you have freshly washed your hair, then it’s important to add some grip to your strands with the help of BondiBoost Sea Salt Texture Spray, £21, lookfantastic.com. It boasts a crunch-free finish while volumising and coating your hair with a matte texture ready for styling. Another way to add both grip and volume is with Brushworks Back Comb Brush, £4.99, Superdrug. Use it to backcomb before styling so that your hair looks…

I’d like you to have this,’ Alison said, handing her partner Sarah a parcel wrapped in cheerful Santa-covered paper. They were sharing a pot of coffee and eggs on home-baked soda bread one Sunday morning in early December. Sarah had been singing along, softly, to Christmas songs on the radio. Ali, lacking the confidence to sing aloud, even in her own home, smiled at her partner’s renditions, especially the cheesier numbers. Sarah weighed the parcel in her hands, looking uncertain. ‘I hope you don’t mind?’ Ali said. ‘I know it’s not Christmas yet.’ ‘Not at all. It’s just, well, gifts are on my to-do list,’ Sarah said. ‘We’ve got the tree, but there’s still the local cards to deliver, and the cake to decorate. You know, all the usual Christmas…

Coping with HIGH CHOLESTEROL Too much of this essential fatty compound in your blood can cause serious problems We all need cholesterol for making cell membranes, bile and hormones. Too much of the wrong sort, however, can block your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease or a stroke. High cholesterol doesn’t usually cause symptoms; you will only find out you have it by having a blood test. ‘Your GP might suggest having a test’ High cholesterol is more common in men over 50, women after the menopause, and people of South Asian or sub-Saharan African origin. It may also run in families – inherited high cholesterol can start at a young age (familial hypercholesterolaemia). Cholesterol levels may be higher in those who eat fatty food, are overweight, are smokers and those…

For tots & teens For her For him GET CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP WITH A SUBSCRIPTION TO WOMAN’S WEEKLY Subscribe online at magazinesdirect.com/xwk/dl87w Or call 0330 333 1113 and quote DL87W Offer ends 15 January 2026. For full terms and conditions, visit magazinesdirect.com/page/terms-and-conditions. For enquiries, please email help@magazinesdirect.com Six issues for just £1…

Difficulty level HEIGHT 24cm YOU WILL NEED ✱ Access to a photocopier✱ Tracing paper and pencil✱ 75 x 50cm rectangle of white plush fabric✱ 30cm square of off-white curly fabric✱ Pair of 1.2cm black toy safety eyes✱ 7cm square of black satin fabric✱ 20cm square of red felt✱ 25cm of 1.2cm-wide red grosgrain ribbon✱ 1.2cm buckle✱ 50cm of 1.2cm-wide red bias binding✱ 18cm of 6mm-wide elastic✱ Bodkin or safety pin✱ Matching sewing thread✱ Toy filling SUPPLIERS Solid cuddle plush fabric, £5.50 for 50x75cm rectangle, Billow Fabrics; curly loop bouclé fur fabric, £13.95 for 50cm of 160cm wide, Neotrims. Making the toy poodle 1 Stitch the faces to the outer bodies A-B. Snip the curves. Press the seams open. Stitch the faces and outer bodies together C-B-D. Snip the curves. Press the…

Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 82-86 (92-97) (102-107) (112-117) (122-127) (132-137) (142-147) (152-157)cm/32-34 (36-38) (40-42) (44-46) (48-50) (52-54) (56-58) (60-62)in. Actual measurements 94 (105) (116) (127) (138) (149) (160) (171)cm/37 (41¼) (45¾) (50) (54¼) (58½) (63) (67¼)in. Length to shoulder 56 (57) (59) (60) (61) (62) (64) (65)cm/22 (22½) (23¼) (23¾) (24) (24½) (25¼) (25½)in. Sleeve length All sizes 45cm/17¾in. MATERIALS 4 (4) (5) (5) (5) (6) (6) (7) x 100g (290m) balls of King Cole Orchard DK (55% wool, 45% acrylic) in Red (Scrumptious 5866) and 1 ball in each of White (Snow Sweet 5860) and Navy (Topaz 5869)*. Pair each of 3.25mm (No. 10), 3.75mm (No. 9) and 4mm (No. 8) knitting needles; long circular needles in same sizes for yoke; stitch holders. Yarn available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk.…

Jumbo wordsearch All the words relating to snow are hidden in the grid. Words may be read forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally. ANTIFREEZEARCTIC FOXAVALANCHEBLIZZARDBOBBLE HATBOOTSCHILLYCOLD SNAPCRAMPONSCRUNCHEMPEROR PENGUINFIR TREESFIRESIDEFLAKESFLURRYFROSTFROZENGLACIERHOT CHOCOLATEICICLEIGLOOLEG WARMERSLOG CABINMELTINGMIDWINTERMITTENSMOUNTAINSNORTH POLEPLOUGHPOLAR BEARPOWDERSCARFSIBERIAN HUSKYSKATING RINKSKIINGSLEDGESLEETSLEIGH BELLSSNOWMANSNOWY OWLSQUALLTOBOGGANWHITE CHRISTMASWOOLLY JUMPER Crossword Try the easy or cryptic clues, then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares for the answer. Red beard restyled for a festive treat (11). EASY CLUES Across Down CRYPTIC CLUES Across 1? (9) .. eat double! (5,3) Down SUDOKU To solve this puzzle, fill in the grid so that each 3 x 3 box, each row and each column contains the numbers 1-9. Jumbo puzzle Read down the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a breakfast dish (5,3,4). ACROSS g. (10) DOWN Wordwise You have 15…

James Martin’s Saturday Morning (£25, HB, Quadrille) If you’re a cook who likes to prepare ‘comforting and foolproof’ food, then James Martin is your man. With his compilation of cooked-from-scratch Saturday Morning TV show recipes, this cookbook includes a bit of everything, from hearty breakfasts to dinner time prawn linguine and Thai pot roast chicken, plus tasty sweet treats – including making your own Dubai chocolate bar. He’s also invited guest favourites Si King, Asma Khan and Nathan Outlaw to contribute their top recipes. A deliciously varied collection. The Little Book of Miriam by Miriam Margolyes (£16.99, HB, John Murray Press) There really is no one quite like Miriam. In this collection of memoirs, the actor and presenter looks back on career highlights such as voicing the saucy Cadbury Caramel…

“I must ask you this week to visit your extensive library, possibly stepping over a body as you enter, and blow the dust off one of the many bound volumes of The Rosemary Official Scrapbook that you have no doubt been collecting over the years. Make yourself comfortable in your favourite leather armchair, ask the footman to bring you a low-calorie sherry, and look up references to our neighbours Doug and Sandra. Sandra is a nurse, but more important is that she is an Olympic-standard gossip and attracts friends who are also gifted in this field. When Doug and Sandra threw a party one Sunday afternoon, one of the guests told me that she and her husband were only staying together for the sake of the labradoodle, and that she’s…

DANCE WITH DESTINY Based on Powell and Pressburger’s classic film, The Red Shoes returns to the stage in Matthew Bourne’s dazzling production. Victoria Page wants to be the greatest dancer in the world, but she’s torn between the two men who inspire her. In Plymouth on 17 November, touring until 9 May 2026. ✱ new-adventures.net Roaming Rudolph Reindeer are as much a part of our Christmas traditions as robins and wreaths – but did you know we have our very own herd roaming wild in Scotland? Extinct in the UK for around 800 years, they were reintroduced to the Cairngorms by a far-sighted Swedish couple back in the 1950s, who realised conditions were perfect for reindeer to thrive. The original herd of six has since expanded to around 150. There…

As Christmas zooms towards us, Graham Norton is decking the halls of his studio for two star-studded festive editions of The Graham Norton Show. Graham’s gift to us this holiday season is the promise of witty conversation and amusing anecdotes from the biggest showbiz stars on the planet. He’s not allowed to divulge the names of his guests yet, but it sounds like there’ll be plenty of ho-ho-ho-ing in the studio. ‘The holiday episodes always feel extra special because the decorations and sparkle put everyone in a jolly mood,’ says Graham. ‘The sense of excitement about the holidays seems to infect the guests and the audience – and even me!’ Graham tells us he’ll spend Christmas with his partner Jono McLeod, a Scottish film-maker, and other family members. He always…

TOPS WITH SLEEVES Create instant impact with statement party tops that offer chic arm coverage – perfect paired with sleek black trousers or tucked into a skirt. V shapes elongate the neck, slim the torso and flatter most body types, while scoop necks soften the bust by drawing the eye upwards. High necklines add volume to the upper body, making them ideal for those with smaller busts. WAIST-CINCHING SKIRTS This iconic silhouette has worked its magic for decades. The A-line flare gracefully skims the hips, thighs and tummy without clinging, combining comfort and elegance. Style with a crisp white shirt and statement jewellery; finish off with classic heels or ballet pumps. SHOES TO FIT ALL If you love hitting the dance floor, choose comfort that lasts all night – wide…

‘Wherever they are in the world, my kids will get their special stocking fillers’ Author Clare Marchant, 65, lives in Norfolk with her husband Des, 65. As my friends open their tiny packages, they all dissolve into laughter. The crocheted pigs in blankets are a real hit and I hope my dear friends know that they are made with love. My mum Shelagh was a knitwear designer, and she taught me to knit and crochet at the age of five. When my children were little, I’d make cardigans and blankets, and I crocheted a special blanket for Mum when she died in 2023. But usually I now stick to smaller jobs – half-finished jumpers make me feel under pressure. ‘Luckily, I enjoy the process’ When my children Dominic, now 43,…

Dreading the Christmas juggle Q My kids have both paired up this year and want to spend Christmas Day with their partners. One wants to do the morning and lunch with us, and then go off, while the other wants to come in the afternoon and have dinner. I don’t want to be making two meals. It all seems such a rush, with no one that interested in being with us. Dianne, Dorset A It’s hard when our children grow up and want to do their own thing. Do you remember when you wanted to do exactly that yourself? It is part of the evolution of a family. I think the first step to manage this is to embrace this next stage and let them know you’re pleased. Tell them…

Flopping into a chair, Jess switched on the TV as rain pelted the windows and wind scooped up the autumn leaves. Sipping her coffee, she flicked through the channels for something comforting amid the gloomy weather. Staring at the ever-changing screen, she found herself thinking of Christmas and how finding the right present for her niece Lenni had become increasingly difficult. At six, Lenni had just started ‘big’ school and was even thinking about a career! Yet childhood, Jess mused, should be carefree, endless summers, playing and fun. ‘Now, could a beginner do this?’ the TV presenter asked, catching her attention. Frowning, Jess glanced up. Rather than the cosy crime repeat anticipated, she found she had landed on a shopping channel called In Stitches – focusing on needlework. The presenter…

Stepping into the lift at the shopping mall, Angela tried to focus on her Christmas shopping. She had the family’s gifts to buy. Yet there was another issue preying on her mind… Seasonal music trickled through the lift’s speakers. A jolly version of We Wish You a Merry Christmas was playing. Angela glanced at the woman next to her in the lift. She looked around her own age – mid-60s. With her bright blue twinkling eyes and silver haircut in a sleek bob, she had a warm expression. Angela noticed that she was smartly dressed, wrapped up in a calf-length scarlet winter coat, with a fluffy white trim on the sleeves and hem. Black slim-fitting heeled boots and leather gloves completed the look. Angela wondered if she had bought the…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED ✱ Stranded cotton as listed in the key✱ Size 24 tapestry needle✱ 14-count aida✱ Embroidery hoop✱ Beads✱ Card blanks✱ Scissors✱ Double-sided tape✱Sewing thread and beading needle 1 The 0 or dotted central lines on the chart should be matched with the centre of your fabric. Fold your fabric in half and then into quarters. Where the fold lines cross is where you should start stitching. You can mark the centre with a line of tacking stitches to use as a guide. 2 Using the charts, stitch your design on to the aida held within an embroidery hoop. Cut a 40cm embroidery thread length. Take two strands from the length and work cross-stitches from the centre of the chart and fabric. Each coloured square on the…

Difficulty level MEASUREMENTS Nose to tail 18cm/7in. Top of head to foot 16cm/6in. MATERIALS 1 x 50g (175m) ball of Rowan Felted Tweed DK (50% wool, 25% viscose, 25% alpaca) in each of Light Brown (Rose Quartz 206) and Dark Brown (Phantom 153), and small amounts of DK yarn in Red and 4ply yarn in Black*. Pair of 3mm (No. 11) knitting needles, plus spare needle for 3-needle cast-off; toy stuffing; pair of 5mm black domed safety eyes. Yarn is available from theknittingnetwork.co.uk. TENSION Not essential for this project. ABBREVIATIONS Inc, increase by working twice into the same st; k, knit; p, purl; ss, stocking stitch (k on right side and p on wrong side); ssk, one by one, slip next 2 sts from left to right needle, return them…

ARIES 21 MAR – 20 APR You may meet some interesting people over the next fortnight. Be ready to put yourself out there so you can benefit. TAURUS 21 APR – 21 MAY People you surround yourself with have the power to influence you. Choose carefully. It’s a good time to re-evaluate. GEMINI 22 MAY – 21 JUN You have great inner strength and power. Believe in yourself, and doors will open magically for you from many directions. CANCER 22 JUN – 23 JUL Although it may be tempting to refer to the past to predict your future, it’s time for a fresh start. See life as a glorious adventure! LEO 24 JUL – 23 AUG Decide to be happy, no matter what. Seek and maintain an optimistic outlook, and…

Letter of the week Memories on the tree Every year my family and I go shopping at the start of December and we choose a new decoration for the tree. It’s a tradition we’ve had since my children were little. Now that they’ve grown, I love seeing all our memories hung up together to enjoy. Colette Webber, London PAWS FOR THOUGHT I went to Finland on holiday and tried dog-sledding for the first time. It was a bit of a bumpy ride but I couldn’t get over how cute the dogs were. Elenore Stewart, Aberdeen GET IN TOUCH WE LOVE LETTERS Woman’s Weekly, Future plc, 121-141 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 6JR. P.S. It really helps when you put your details in capitals. ✱ We do not return photos (apart from…

Remember the joy that came from spinning a brand new hula hoop, racing cars around a Scalextric track or snagging the elusive Furby for your child? Looking back at different generations of toys is like opening a time capsule, conjuring up waves of childhood memories. We unwrap our favourites from across the years. 1950s fun Life for post-war children was all about simple play, but early TV ads and the start of consumer culture were beginning to offer the next must-have toy. The hula hoop became an overnight sensation and sold by the millions across the UK. Tiny Tears, originally delivered in the US in 1950, with her real crying eyes – one of the first ‘drink and wet’ dolls – felt like having a real baby, and taught us…

Christmas is a time of magic and togetherness, and this year holds deeper meaning for the Dowsett family – they’re planning a big, multigenerational celebration for the first time since their youngest child underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant. ‘He was covered in bruises and red dots’ Theo, now 14, was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia – a rare and serious condition where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells – in 2023. Although he was excited to be home for Christmas that year, he remained in isolation, spending the day with his parents Ellie, now 45, and Paul, 44. His sisters Mia, 20, and Gracie, 18, celebrated with grandparents and cousins, before they all played games and quizzes over Zoom. Last year, the family’s plans were thrown into…

1 IT’S A WRAP Finding the right coat to complete your party wear look can be tricky. Opt for a classic, streamlined silhouette in a neutral hue for effortless elegance. Coat, £55, sizes 8-22, Tu Clothing at Sainsbury’s 2 TAKE A BOW Update your festive knit this year with on-trend bows. Jumper, £25, sizes 6-22, F&F at Tesco 3 LEOPARD LOVE Great with jeans, or tuck into a tulle statement skirt for an effortlessly chic evening look. Jumper, £16, sizes 8-20, Nutmeg at Morrisons 4 DREAM TEAM Treat yourself or a loved one, and cheer up chilly bedtimes with this sweet bow detail set. Pyjamas, £22, sizes 8-24, George at Asda 5 ON POINT Add a dose of glamour to a maxi dress or smart trousers with these affordable gold heels. Boots, £28,…

What’s that? It’s a new fruit hitting supermarket shelves called Boombites Red Berry Grapes. They look and taste like a grape, but bite into them and you’ll find a juicy red pulp similar to a berry. ‘Dark fruits have soared in popularity over recent years as people become familiar with their high antioxidant content,’ says public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire. ‘The vibrant colour of the Red Berry Grapes is down to high concentrations of anthocyanins, an antioxidant linked to a range of health benefits.’ Time to try… A daily supplement This three-in-one capsule combines vitamin D with omega-3 for heart and immune health, alongside EPA for heart, brain and mood, and DHA for brain, eyes and vision. Bare Biology Rise & Shine, £33.95 for 60 capsules, barebiology.com NEWSFLASH New…

Difficulty level YOU WILL NEED (FOR THE CREAM STOCKING) ✱ 27x28in of plain cotton fabric in cream✱ 6in square of plain cotton fabric in red✱ 27x28in of plain cotton fabric in light blue✱ Cotton wadding✱ Matching sewing thread✱ Patterned ribbon CUTTING OUT ✱ From the red fabric, cut two 3in squares and one 2¼in square✱ From the light blue fabric, cut one 3in square✱ From the cream fabric, cut one 3in square and four 2¼in squares MAKE THE OHIO STAR BLOCK Finished block size: 6in square 1 Make four half-square triangles (HST), pairing the 3in squares together – one red and cream, one red and blue. To do this, place two squares right sides together. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong of one square. Sew a ¼in from either…