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IN MY EXPERIENCE…

The actor, 56, on her love of Christmas, why her marriage has stayed so strong, and beating Gordon Ramsay in a cooking competition by PAM FRANCIS
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Saga Magazine
December 2022
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Other Articles in this Issue


DECEMBER 2022
Welcome
Euan Sutherland
Wish you were here?
AWL IMAGES PALLAS-YLLÄSTUNTURI NATIONAL PARK Finland As temperatures
Jeremy Paxman
His final University Challenge in the can, our columnist knows what the future holds: choir and contentment
Jenni Murray
There’ll be no expensive gifts or turkey on Christmas Day for our columnist – just great food, fun and precious family time
Let’s talk… religion
Each month our insight team conducts an in-depth poll of Saga customers to find out what you’re thinking. This month: faith and belief
Editorial
Merry Christmas
There’s always more on the app Download from
This month’s CONTRIBUTORS
ANDREW HAYES-WATKINS, FRANCOIS BERTHIER, NILS JORGENSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY Stanley
Features
The town that cured loneliness
LESSONS FROM
GAME ON
While lots of children will be receiving computer games as presents this Christmas, a number of over-50s will be too. That’s because gaming is starting to become more and more popular with the Saga generation
A time to cherish
For many, The Queen’s message was as much of a tradition on 25 December as the tree, tinsel and turkey with all the trimmings. So, as the nation gets set for King Charles III’s first Christmas Day address, we reflect on royal Yuletide broadcasts of the past
Pub quiz of the year 2022
Do you know all about pantone colours and poorly named football stands? Remember who took charge of ‘Partygate’ and who wanted to be French president? Test your knowledge of the past 12 months with these 40 teasers
ALL THAT GLISTERS
The sharpest partywear this festive season can be found on the high street – from hot pinks to metallics and sparkly sequins
Christmas all wrapped up
Ballet and ballroom, The Nutcracker revisited, history and mystery, stars and bars… There’s a great book for everyone this Christmas – and who doesn’t love a great book?
The Mother of all roles
At 79, Marcia Warren is currently appearing in one of her most high-profile acting roles yet, playing The Queen Mother in The Crown. She tells us what went on behind the scenes of the Netflix drama – and why they didn’t need to make her look any older
Blind Date
Hunker down and enjoy this moving Christmas short story by the acclaimed author, whose novels include The Ex-Wives, Tulip Fever, and These Foolish Things, adapted into the BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Home & style
Natural Yule
Forage for seasonal foliage, flowers and even fruits, and create rustic festive displays that bring the outside in
Home & style
Object of desire
Cast a spell this Noel with a garland of ornamental witch balls
Garden clinic
ask DANNY CLARKE
Festive beauty steals
From chic male skincare treats to perfect nail polishes, our expert picks six super stocking fillers, each just £10 or less
Season’s eating
Entertaining this Christmas? These recipes from restaurateur and TV chef Rick Stein will help you serve up a fabulous festive feast
Christmas cheers!
Our expert on why his choice of festive tipples will bring a taste of tradition and nostalgia
Say hello to Vintage by Saga
Our new wine service exclusively for Saga customers is here, with a little help from our connoisseur friends at Virgin Wines
Shake it up
Actor Stanley Tucci shares his take on three classic cocktails to get you in the mood for the holiday season
Stone me!
With party season here, our vet warns of items that can poison our pets
Tech the halls
Give the gift of a gadget this Christmas! Our expert has top picks to suit all ages – and budgets
Saga Magazine
Give the gift that lasts all year Buy as a gift or treat yourself
saga.co.uk/gift scan to find out m ore…
Health & wellness
Ask Dr Mark
Our expert on Christmas loneliness, blood clots, and side-effects of heartburn medication
Healing time
Gone are the days of signing into a convalescent home after an operation or illness, but we still need some time and space to recover properly. Is it time we rediscovered a lost art?
Five a day? Try 30 a week...
Could you manage to eat 30 different plant-based foods a week? That’s the number now regarded as ideal for health – and it’s not as daunting as it sounds
ask ALAN JOHNSON
The former Home Secretary uses his wisdom, wit and experience to tackle the problems troubling you
Old age, young love
Our columnist wishes he still had someone special to share the magic of Christmas with, but he has a New Year’s resolution…
Money matters
Paul Lewis
PAUL LEWIS / MONEY NEWS
December 2022 Money news
Turn your unused tech into tax-free money, why older people are leaving the workplace, and how your boiler can save you cash
Travel
THRILLS AND CHILLS
With its dazzling light shows, magical winter ice rinks and unmissable window displays, if you can make it anywhere, make it to New York at Christmastime
The Rieu deal
‘King of the Waltz’ André Rieu describes his love of the Netherlands, performing in Amsterdam and relaxing at his home in Maastricht
Letter from America
SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY There is something I must confess.
What’s on
Let it glow
Twinkly light trails switch on the festive sparkle, plus there are a host of superb shows, must-see musicals and plenty of pantos to enjoy. Oh yes there are!
out and about
EVENT Christmas light trails Nationwide Castles, forests, and
staying in
PODCAST Serial Serial is the big daddy of
ON THE BOX
Animations, adaptations and a smattering of drama make for must-see festive viewing. Plus, look out for murder mysteries and a new dino documentary
Christmas TV crackers
’Tis the season for Yuletide specials! Here are a few of our favourites worth watching out for over the festive period
And finally...
letters
THANKS FOR WRITING TO US. WE LOVE HEARING WHAT YOU THINK
grey matters
More puzzles! There are loads more puzzles on the Saga Magazine app. Download from your app store today!
WORD WHEEL
See how many words of four letters or
Codebreaker
Each number in the grid represents a different
WORDSEARCH
Find all the words (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards
ADD UP
If the number in each circle is the
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS 6 Clumsy fool sullen losing lead male bovine
Saga pub quiz of the year answers (page 34)
More puzzles! There are many more puzzles on
Solutions
THIS MONTH’S ANSWERS Word wheel 4-letter words chip,
Hermione Norris
The world according to…
Word to the wise
Ever said you love a haircut when you hate it? Sworn when you’ve hurt yourself? Our columnist has the words for our emotions…