Carol McGiffin
Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?
I loved it when I was little, being together as a family. Even though it was very ‘make do’ – always quantity over quality with presents. It was about being together and being happy.
What about as an adult?
Well, my family have their own families now. And we’ve also lost a few people along the way. My favourite recent Christmas memories are abroad. My first one with Mark in Thailand was very special to me. I hadn’t known him long – it was quite an adventure! We went to see my brother in Singapore – sat on the beach, drank beer and ate noodles.
What’s the plan this Christmas?
This year, we’re heading up north to spend it at Mark’s brother’s in Cheshire, which will be really nice as he has a new baby we can coo over! It will be very relaxed.
Would you say it’s been a good year?
In comparison to 2017, it’s been very good! That was horrific – the worst year ever [ her sister, Tracey, was very ill, and lost her cancer battle in January 2018, aged 53]. This year, I’ve loved being back on Loose Women – it came at the right time. Mark has a new job he’s happy with in London, everything’s fallen into place.
Will you be buying your fellow Loose Ladies any presents?
No, I give money to my seven nephews, that’s it! Mark and I never buy for each other – we just go away! We get our festive fix with weekends to places like Prague and Paris – this year, it’s Nice.
Is Christmas quite a relaxed affair?
Always. Mark will be going to a load of parties with work, but I’ve only got one big lunch with friends up north. Mark and I never really argue – or get overly drunk for that matter. We get drunk all year, so it’s a bit of a break, to be honest!