Kirsten Riddle: Magic and spells

Dear Kirsten

My mother-in-law doesn’t like me, and she’s coming to stay this Christmas! Is there anything I can do to make her stay enjoyable for both of us? Alex, 43, Oxford

Dear Alex

Smooth things over and melt her heart with a little ice magic. Write her name on a piece of paper, then draw a heart shape around it. Place in a dish, then pop an ice cube on top. Leave the dish by the fire or near a radiator until all the ice has melted. To finish remove the paper, hold in both hands and say, ‘Soft and open is your heart, let us make a fresh start.’