< PreviousCHRISTMAS INSPIRATION joy Spreading Christmas is a time to share love and make memories, but surprising your family and friends with a couple of presents to show your appreciation is also sure to spread joy! Whether you only have a few stocking fillers left to find, or are completely out of ideas, Lincolnshire Today is ready to help with this merry gift guide! This hot water bottle from Sophie Allport is an adorable way to ensure your family and friends are cosy during the festive season, featuring a cute cockapoo wearing a green Christmas hat on a navy blue ground. © Sophie Allport The Little Dutch Wooden Balance Bike Scooter from Cuckooland is a spectacular toy to unwrap on Christmas morning. In a retro style, little ones can scoot themselves around with the support of rubber wheels and the sturdy wooden frame, getting them set for that big pedal bike. This dreamy, gold moon brooch from Thomas Sabo could be the perfect luxurious present for those who like to accessorise, easily attached to scarves, hats, jackets, and coats. © Thomas Sabo © cuckooland.com 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:33 Page 1CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION © stock.adobe.com/timonko © Zesty Lemons Creative Limited Many will receive candles galore for Christmas, so why not try a festive diffuser instead? This star reed diffuser from Zesty Lemons Creative offers a lovely decoration for the home and comes with a choice of beautiful fragrances. No Christmas would be complete without a jumper for the special day, such as this toasty piece from Threadbare. © Threadbare Robins are closely connected to the festive season, so this bangle makes the perfect Christmas present. Gift it to be worn alone or stacked with other woodland creatures from Fable England’s collection. © Fable England A fun, joke gift for those who constantly hit snooze in the morning, Clocky, from the Design Gift Shop, is a wheeled alarm clock that runs away and beeps with an R2D2-like robot sound to get you out of bed. © The Design Gift Shop 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 2CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION While jewellery and accessories are a common present, why not wrap up a place to store them? This suede jewellery box from Bloom Boutique is ideal when on the go, or on the dressing table, and offers a chance for personalisation with a stunning foiled name across its centre. © Bloom Boutique This stag engraved decanter and pair of glasses from Annabel James is a wonderful gift for a whisky drinker. With the ruby gemstone symbolising love and the colour red synonymous with Christmas, these stud earrings from Lily Blanche are a wonderful gift idea. A hat and scarf are a classic Christmas gift, such as this soft set for someone special from Barbour with a wintery fairisle pattern. © Barbour © Annabel James © Lily Blanche A hands-on gift from Ella James, children will have lots of fun painting this large wooden Nutcracker ornament and applying their own personal style. © Ella James 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 3CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION © stock.adobe.com/timonko These unique glasses from Wayfair with a stunning Peacock inspired design will make Christmas cocktails all the more classy – perfect for those who love a Martini and making a statement at dinner parties. © Wayfair For children who love exploring the outdoors, bring them closer to nature with The Bug Spotter Kit from The Den Kit Company. This little kit contains a bug-pot with magnifier-lid, allowing a closer inspection of mini-beasts, a set of illustrated British bug-spotter cards offering fascinating facts, and a pocket sized guide on how to identify your bug. Contained within a reusable jute bag, this gift is ready to join mini-beast adventures in the garden, at the park, or the beach. © The Den Kit Company A great gift for the creative people in your life, Pott’d’s Home Air-Dry Clay Pottery Kit provides everything needed to create clay creations at home, from mugs to plant pots, trinket dishes, vases, candle holders, incense burners, and more. © Pott’d A great stocking stuffer from M&Co. sure to bring joy and laughter. Christmas day is not complete without fun and games after all! © M&Co 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 454 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CHRISTMAS F amily, food, bright lights, getting cosy or venturing out in the frosty air - all of these things take on a new closeness at this time of year. We seek these comforts and little thrills out, because the Christmas period gives us a time to take note of all they mean to us. The holiday season itself is something to celebrate the existence of more than ever, especially after a difficult couple of years for events and family gatherings. We’re all itching to throw ourselves back into the party spirit of this special time of year, and likely rushing around searching for the gifts that will mark it out as even more special when shared. Unless of course you’re a hyper-organised shopper with presents ready wrapped and stacked. In which case, we salute you too. Whatever you’re looking for in the run-up to the 25th, Lincolnshire has your back with a sparkling roster of activities. Lincoln might be the jewel in the crown with its Christmas Market, and orbiting festivities like Doddington Hall’s ‘Christmas on the Riverbank’ and twilight tours. But it’s far from the only magically transformed place to visit for putting the advent in adventure. That adventure begins with prepping in bespoke style. Plenty of places across the county have their own decoration-making workshops, and wreath making is in at Burghley House, Stamford this year. The workshop on 1st December will send you off foraging your own material’s from the house gardens, nature’s very own storeroom, before you bring them all together in Burghley’s Great Hall by a warming blaze in the grand fireplace. There will even be mince pies and hot drinks available for extra cosy festive spirit, or a seat at The Orangery open for lunch or afternoon tea. Half the fun of Christmas is in the weeks before, feeling the buzz of getting every component perfect for the day itself. However, present shopping is a love it or loathe it affair, and either way it can wind up in last-minute panic buying for that one tricky recipient. Gift fairs are the ultimate destination for anyone seeking handmade or quirky gifts, as independent stores and sellers across the county gather here to show off their finest goods. Foodies, fashion enthusiasts, collectors of oddities and more can be provided for at these events, which transform venues into meandering wonderlands packed full of treats for every unique loved one. Gainsborough Old Hall is bringing back its Victorian festive market fair this year, providing a refreshing break from high street monotony with specialist crafts and handmade pieces of giftable art. From felt to stained glass and candles to cupcakes, there’s a bounty of lovely things to peruse, and De Mowbrays Musicke will be providing live Christmas songs while you shop. The county and Christmas Christmas means something slightly different to everyone. But while we all have our own treasured memories and family traditions, one thing that can be agreed on is that it’s a time for enjoyment of everything that brings us happiness. Christmas means something slightly different to everyone. But while we all have our own treasured memories and family traditions, one thing that can be agreed on is that it’s a time for enjoyment of everything that brings us happiness. The county and Christmas 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 CHRISTMAS Open 7 days a week £1 for 4 hours parking www.marshallsyard.co.uk YOUR CHRISTMAS, WRAPPED UP Normanby Hall’s market in Scunthorpe combines the new and handmade with the traditional too, selling snacks such as roasted chestnuts alongside high quality arts and crafts from the locality. And just a little further down the road in Brigg, after the town’s Christmas lights switch-on ceremony becomes a full-blown street party, the season comes to stay at market stalls from then until the big day. Louth and Horncastle also lend their picturesque Wolds town charm to the last big push for Christmas shopping well into December. When you’ve got most people on your shopping list ticked off, it’s high time to let loose outdoors and make the most of that invigorating winter air. Lincolnshire provides that open space in spades, and many family destinations decorate, dress up and make games for the occasion. Then, of course, there’s Santa Claus himself to meet and greet. The jolly fellow in the big red coat goes on a garden centre tour across the county as his season heats up. Baytree’s Winter Wonderland in Spalding leads you through a trail of snowy trees, where you’ll find Ivan the Elf, hear singing reindeer and ride Santa’s sleigh before you meet the man himself at Santa’s Lodge. When you’re there, take a look at the fireplace. A special gift might appear there, including a 56 Á © stock.adobe.com/shintartanya 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 656 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CHRISTMAS Christmas tree to take home. For a special Christmas by the coast, the Cleethorpes Light Railway becomes the Christmas Express, stopping to let families on board every 30 minutes on weekends. After your journey from the Humberside coast to Lapland Central, follow the elves to the Grotto for another chance to meet Saint Nick. That’s not the only railway experience to be had either. The Wolds Railway runs from Ludborough near Grimsby to North Thoresby, and not only is Santa known to use the line himself, but he also takes pictures with fans he meets on board. If you’re a family of animal lovers wanting to celebrate a little differently, Stickney’s Ark Wildlife Park has over 200 animals excited to give their season’s greetings, and receive the presents kids can make on bookable dates in late November through December. The Pink Pig Farm in Scunthorpe grabs celebrations by the antlers too, with an enchanted woodland walk, gingerbread decorating, reindeer food making, and even a chance to build a customised teddy friend with the North Star experience. With on-site award-winning cafe The Greedy Pig offering delicious food from their own farm, this is a full day out covered in one. After all that fun, you might want an opportunity to wind down. Belton House in Grantham has the perfect outdoor event, dressing up its trees with a floating river of colour and building tunnels of light. The fire garden provides the ideal spot to stop and reflect on everything to be thankful for, and all the excitement still to come. Those last days before Christmas Day are the perfect time to chill, treat the family or friends to a day out, and reflect on how lucky we are to share the holidays with those we love. © stock.adobe.com/Syda Productions © stock.adobe.com/sonyachny 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 7 MJPSupplies mjpsupplies For the purpose of importing and selling Algifol™ biostimulant products to farmers and growers of specialist crops Watch your profits grow Special offer on 1 litre bottles bought direct from our website Suppliers of a range of liquid storage tanks for: • Oil • adblue • Water • Fertiliser LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 57 Keeping Your Business Moving Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby T: 01469 574239 M: 07711 496138 E: glcommercials@btinternet.com W: www.glcommercials.com We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas KEVIN JOHNSON 4 Church Road | Wittering | Peterborough | PE8 6AG Tel: 01780 782924 | Mobile: 07860 608825 enquiries@kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk www.kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk • Fertiliser Spreading 12m to 36m • Grass Mowing with Triple Mowers • Lime Spreading • Maize Drilling For those times when you need a helping hand on farm or on land Oil in South Lincolnshire is available at a fair price and with a reliable service from family run J and J Fuels. We are here to ensure you receive the very best service and at a time that suits you. As member of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers you can be sure of a safe service every time with quality of product also assured. We pride ourselves on our prompt delivery services as well as our competitive prices. Offering domestic heating oil and farm diesel within a 30 mile radius of Boston. 01205 760 638 Bakers Lane, Freiston, Boston www.jandjfuels.com J & J FUELS BOSTON We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas At our West Street carpet shop, we carry a large range of carpet samples, vinyl flooring and tiles as well as laminate flooring for both domestic and commercial clients including many local businesses, offices, schools, colleges, local authority agencies and builders. Tel: 01205 365350 • Mobile: 07557434775 24 West Street, Boston PE21 8QH info@grahamgillcarpets.com • www.grahamgillcarpets.com Boston’s Premier Shop for Carpets, Vinyl and Laminates PEACOCK&BINNINGTON HaveyourselfamerrylittleChristmas Please note our opening hours over the Winter period: MON-FRI:8:00AM-4:30PM SAT:8:00AM-12:00PM SUN:CLOSED BRIGG-CORRINGHAM-HALSHAM-KIRBYMISPERTON-LOUTH-SELBY Wewillbeclosedoverthe Christmasperiodfrom 3:30pmonFriday23rd Decemberandwillre-open onTuesday3rdJanuary come & explore christmas this year at ESTABLISHED IN 1780 Cleethorpes Lincoln Sleaford For more information visit wWw.penNelLs.co.uk 50-57.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:34 Page 858 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING We’ve talked a lot about caring in recent months, but it’s time to talk about carers as well – be they professional carers, or family left to look after loved ones. A dvances in health care have resulted in many of us living longer. As a result, the number of older people in the County is growing significantly and this rate of growth is projected to increase as healthcare continues to make more advances. This is great news but, sadly, it creates a challenge for our families as - according to research - 75% of 75 year olds in the UK are likely to have more than one long term condition, and this rises to a staggering 82% with 85 year olds. It’s easy to see therefore how this affects not just those in their golden years but everyone who has, or is likely to have, an elderly family member or loved one in their lives. People are being pushed into caring positions at times when they may not be ready for it and have had to adapt to completely changed lifestyles. Ask your GP about health checks, immunisation and screening programmes that are available to carers and older people. They can help you protect and improve your health. Sharing experiences and getting advice from other carers can be a lifeline. Local carers support groups or online forums can help. It is also vital to create a safe environment for your elderly relatives if they are to live at home and one which encourages their independence and autonomy and protects them as much as possible against risk of serious injury or harm. This is especially important if their mind is not what it once was or if the onset of Dementia/Alzheimer’s is prevalent. Creating a safe home environment without making it feel impersonal is not too difficult. Just walk around and look objectively at things like how/where medicines are stored. Ditto with matches, sharp objects or tools. Fit carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and regularly check batteries in them. Also consider fitting or placing fire extinguishers and have them inspected regularly. Look for trip hazards such as extension cords and any other clutter, and watch out for any worn carpets/rugs etc. Similarly, you might want to discreetly secure any bookshelves, or large wall cabinets to prevent them tipping, or being accidentally pulled over. In the kitchen, make sure appliances have an automatic shut-off feature, and keep an eye on your loved ones lint screens and dryer ducts to ensure laundry equipment works safely, when you’re not there. Likewise, in the bathroom, be sure to check that the bath and shower is fitted with grab rails and Caring for carers Caring for carers 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 CARING Remembering loved ones ...by having your free personalised tag put on our funeral home memorial tree during December this Christmas... To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder that there are no slip hazards such as worn rugs. This is by no means an exhaustive list of safety checks, but should help to get your mind in gear, looking out for things that we may take for granted on a day to day basis. Last but by no means least, one of the more difficult things to address with a loved one, is of course end of life care, but as that time approaches you will need to prepare yourself to talk with your loved one about the kind of treatment they would like to receive in such a scenario and where they would like to receive it. It may be that your loved one is no longer able to look after themselves, even with further support from you in which case residential or nursing care may well be a timely, sensible and realistic option. It’s also important to get good advice about how to choose a care home, what to look for and, importantly, how much it might cost. You can speak to social services or Age UK. Age UK has guides and information that can help you. Care homes welcome residents’ spouses, partners, relatives and friends and encourage them to continue to enjoy activities together. Tougher still is the reality that your caring role is coming to an end because the person you care for is at the end of their life. Many people want to die at home. Your GP can © stock.adobe.com/Khunatorn 60 Á © stock.adobe.com/pikselstock 58-61.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:35 Page 2Next >