Secret Santa

THANK heavens you got here quickly!\" The store clerk's voice was strained.

I spent two weeks working with the Muppets!

Holly Crawford goes behind the scenes of the much-loved film The Muppet Christmas Carol”.

The "Friend" recommends

Every month the \"Friend\" teams up with publisher Pan Macmillan to bring you a great-value book offer. This issue, we chat to author Danielle Steel about her book \"Flying Angels\".

One Little Kitten

This tiny creature had popped up at just the right time!

A Breath Of Fresh Air

I needed a quick break before lost the last of my festive spirit!

Brilliant Brighton

Pat Coulter soaks up some festive spirit in Sussex and makes merry in the Georgians' favourite seaside getaway.

Bless Us All

Reverend Crabtree hoped his seasonal message would touch the parishioners' hearts . . .

The Zanzibar Chest

The old blanket box held generations of memories...

Festive Fever

Tilly's mum always took Christmas preparations too far. It was time to make a stand!

Something To Celebrate

All wanted for Christmas was for my husband's family to be reunited...

Notes from my garden

Alexandra Campbell searches out the best sustainable gifts for the Special gardeners in your life.

Can love weather any storm?

Cosy up this winter with a novel by beloved author, Katie Flynn!

Call To Action

Craig would get this special toy for his grandson even if he had to wait all day!

Somebody has made an effort and thought of you

Douglas McPherson talks to Dinah Johnson about the beauty of handwritten letters.

All Shook Up

Playing Elvis on stage was a dream come true for Julian’s grandson...

Making A List

What would her family say if Sonia gave Carol a gift this year?

Digging Deep Ezen

I WATCH the flurries of snow dancing in the glow of lanterns, frosting the ground with silver.

I wanted to avoid the classic route

Eighty-two-year-old Gina Harris made a remarkable journey, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Bill Gibb finds out more.

I love to see the joy Boo brings

Ann Evans talks to Yvette Colson about Therapony Boo, who brings joy to those who need it most.

Elf And Safety

I would have been all right, Louis thought, if his parents' farm had stayed the size it was.

Pets & Vets

Vet Linda Simon advises on how to keep our pets stress free during the Christmas period.

It's A Record

Douglas McPherson remembers Roy Castle, and the television show that catalogued remarkable feats.

How to cope with festive overindulgence

IT'S inevitable, we will eat more, drink more and socialise more over the coming weeks as we enjoy one of the most wonderful times of year, the festive season. But are you prepared?

Labour Of Love

MORNING! You must be counting down the days now!\" Grant gave Lou a cheery wave as she made her way around the corner of the building.

On Reflection

From the manse window

The Farmer & His Wife

Home-made delicacies are the order of the season, says John Taylor

Pets & Vets

Vet Linda Simon has tips to make trips to the vet easier on your pet.

Food Cravings

Don't feel guilty for enjoying treats. Our health writer, Jackie Mitchell, talks to dietitian Aisling Pigott.

Escape To Lynmouth

Richard Webber experiences the highs and lows of this beautiful seaside town in North Devon.

The Farmer & His Wife

They were lost without his lists, John Taylor recalls...