ON THE COVER Are You Ready For Christmas? Our fun quiz
Are you a queen of diplomacy, or on an emotional rollercoaster when it comes to Christmas entertaining? Take our fun quiz!
1
CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF CELEBRATION AND GOODWILL, BUT SOMETIMES YOU FEEL REALLY ANGRY ABOUT ALL THE INJUSTICES IN THE WORLD. DO YOU: A. Rant and rage at the Christmas dinner table, putting the world to rights?
B. Give money to charity, but still feel furious that world governments don’t fund solutions to all these problems?
C. Volunteer with a charity, so you’re doing something practical? Having a hands-on role makes you feel less angry, and more able to effect change.
2
CHRISTMAS CAN BE
FRAUGHT WITH TENSION, SO TO KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP YOU’RE SELECTING MOODBOOSTING FOODS. WHICH OF THESE IS THE BEST MOOD ENHANCER?
A. Wine, because it makes you forget the bad stuff.
B. Yule log, because the sugar spike gives you a buzz. C. Walnuts because they’re a source of brain-healthy omega 3.
3
YOUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW HAS GONE VEGAN, WORRIED ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE. YOU’RE CONCERNED TOO, BUT UNSURE IF IT’S FOR YOU. SHE’S TRYING TO PERSUADE THE FAMILY TO HAVE A MEAT-FREE CHRISTMAS. DO YOU: A. Give her a dollop of cranberry sauce with her vegetables, and flash a sympathetic smile? B. Offer a vegan alternative to everyone, but then dive into the roastt hamham, chicken or beef? C. Cook a vegan nut roast for all and find it surprisingly tasty? You get a warm glow and think you might try more plant-based foods next year!
4
YOU FEEL FLAT AND NEED A MOOD BOOSTER. WHICH SEASONAL ACTIVITY OFFERS THE MOST BENEFITS TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?
A. Drinking heavily, because it helps you relax.
B. Partying until late, because dancing creates a natural high... but you’re exhausted in the morning! C. Carol singing, because it releases endorphins, oxygenates the blood, and reduces stress.
5
YOU’VE PLANNED THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS DINNER, BUT NOW THERE’S A SHORTAGE OF TURKEYS AND EVERYONE’S BLAMING BREXIT. DO YOU:
A. Get angry with anyone who voted Leave, because it’s their fault?
B. Serve up chicken and hope no one notices?
C. Explain the problem and provide lashings of delicious sauces, stuffing, and other accompaniments?
6
YOU’RE FEELING ANXIOUS ABOUT A FAMILY GATHERING. IT SHOULD BE LOVELY, BUT OFTEN THESE EVENTS ARE BREEDING GROUNDS FOR DISAGREEMENTS. HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY?
A. Bring up politics at the start, to get it out of the way. B. Try to avoid getting drawn into conversation.
C. Take the family for a walk in the countryside, talking about pet antics and the weather.
7
YOU’RE KEEN TO FIT INTO YOUR NEW CHRISTMAS DRESS, SO YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT EATING TOO MUCH. WHEN YOU GO OUT WITH COLLEAGUES AND THERE’S A BUFFET – DO YOU:
A. Stuff yourself full of sausage rolls? The diet begins tomorrow. B. Eat something healthy at home, then fill up on pastries? C. Choose the salad buffet, indulge in some nibbles, but go easy on the treats?
8
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS AT CHRISTMAS?
A. Drink more wine. It’s good for your sensitive disposition.
B. Meet with friends. Social time is good for your health.
C. Go for a walk. Getting outside, especially in the countr yside, lifts your mood and helps keep the stresses of the season at bay.
9
THE CHAOS OF CHRISTMAS BREAKS OUT AROUND YOU, WITH PEOPLE SHOPPING, FOOD BUYING, AND WORRYING ABOUT PRESENTS. IT’S EASY TO GET SUCKED INTO THE STRESS AND ANXIETY OF THE SEASON. HOW DO YOU TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF? A. I don’t have time for myself! Life’sL hectic, there’s too much to do! B. Keeping lists and ticking off jobs gives me a sense of achievement. It’s great when it all goes to plan. A quiet coffee while listening to The Archers provides a welcome break too. C. I practise yoga, meditate, meet with friends, and enjoy gentle walks.