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Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I love Christmas so much I've already finished my preparations for this year'
Despite it only being July and we're still experiencing hot weather - one mum's thoughts are already on Christmas as she reveals she's bought and wrapped her gifts five months early A woman who says she loves Christmas so much has already started her preparations for the big day five months in advance. Mum Char Chandler has already done her festive food shop, present buying and has stocked up on drinks and snacks already to be ahead of time and get herself ready for the celebrations. The mum-of-three who can't wait for Santa Clause to visit shared a video to her TikTok under the name @ of her "Christmas cupboard" jam packed with wrapped presents and sweet treats, however has since been trolled by others online for being so early and starting in the summer. READ MORE: 'My boyfriend whisked me away to Italy and to say thanks I took him to Barry Island' While many people don't even start thinking about their Christmas shopping until December 1, Char was hit with a wave of criticism slamming her for her eagerness. In response to a rude remark someone sent her about her preparations which said: "F**k. Right. Off. It's. Only. F*****g. July" the festive lover responded: "I really don't get it, why can't you just be happy for someone, show it love, or scroll past?" She defended her Christmas shopping and added: "I'm happy, I'm organised and I don't have that Christmas rush and the hassle." Char then told people to "be nice" and said "you never know what people are going through." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Char has managed to buy and wrap her gifts for her children, as well as stocking up on beloved Christmas snacks such as Pringles, Mini Cheddars, Twiglets, nuts, tins of biscuits and a variety of crackers. The mum has also made sure she won't be short of drinks too, as she's also purchased three bottles of fizzy drinks, dessert condiments and other sweet treats including popcorn, pretzels and marshmallows. Further noting her children are 14, 13 and six, she said her youngest doesn't know the magic cupboard exists and manages to keep to keep it hidden from him. Addressing the backlash, one person asked why so early, to which Char replied: "Because I am a single parent and I want the best for my children so I spread the cost to make it the best I can." While she likes to be prepared, Char also allows herself the time to make sure she's getting the best bargains. She buys her paper from Amazon, and wraps each child's gifts in different patterns to avoid buying gift tags. She also makes sure she buys food with long expiry dates and said she will "stock up more as the months go on." TikTokers were quick to share their thoughts on her early preparations, as one person said: "This is proof that there's no excuses for your kids or family to go without over Xmas. Buy a little each week/month and it builds up, I'm doing the same, well done to you." While another chimed: "I'm starting soon so then haters can hate!!! But I want my kids to have an amazing Xmas!!!" However others weren't sure, as one said: "No way… This just takes all the fun and festive feeling away…. Can't beat December nights, heating on, tree lit and pressie's getting wrapped." Another asked: "how do you enjoy summer when all you think about is Christmas?"
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm trolled for having Christmas done in July with the food shop & gifts wrapped – but us single mums must be organised
DESPITE December 25th being five months away, a single mother has revealed that she has already bought and wrapped her children's gifts. Not only this, but Char Chandler has also done her food shopping and stocked up on drinks and snacks for the festive season. Advertisement 2 A single mother has revealed that Christmas may be five months away, but that hasn't stopped her getting prepared Credit: / TikTok 2 Char Chandler has not only bought and wrapped gifts, but she's even done her food shopping too Credit: / TikTok But this mum-of-three, who 'loves Christmas' and can't get enough of shopping, has been trolled for being so prepared. Posting on social media, the brunette beauty proudly showed off her epic 'Christmas cupboard,' which despite it being only July, is already full with wrapped gifts and sweet treats. The short clip left many totally stunned, so much so that shortly after, Char uploaded a follow-up video in response to a rude remark from a troll. The comment read: 'F**k. Right. Off. It's. Only. F*****g. July' and to this, Char clapped back and said: 'I really don't get it, why can't you just be happy for someone, show it love, or scroll past? Advertisement Read more Fabulous stories 'I'm happy, I'm organised and I don't have that Christmas rush and the hassle.' Char then urged people to 'be nice' and confirmed that "you never know what people are going through.' Not only has she purchased a variety of gifts for her little darlings, but she's also stocked up on Pringles, Mini Cheddars, Twiglets, nuts, tins of biscuits and a variety of crackers. As well as this, she's also purchased three bottles of fizzy drinks and dessert sauces, as well as popcorn, pretzels and marshmallows. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Char later confirmed: 'My kids are 14, 13 and 6 - my eldest two know [the gifts] are there. It's just the youngest we hide them from and he doesn't know the cupboard exists.' Not only this, but Char confirmed that she likes to be organised and 'spread the cost.' I feel like a failure for only getting my 9-year-old cheap bits off TikTok for Christmas, but trolls slam my 'sob story' As well as having Christmas gifts to buy, she also has the cost of the summer holidays, her eldest son's birthday and two holidays coming up. So when asked 'why so early?', Char set the record straight and explained: 'Because I am a Advertisement I will stock up more as the months go on Char Chandler The bargain hunter later revealed that she got her And for those wondering if Char's food shopping would go out of date before the special day, the savvy mum clarified that she checked the dates on her items and apart from a bottle of Coca-Cola, which goes out of date on 31st December 2025, everything else expires 2026 and onwards. Despite having a hefty stash already, the content creator later shared: 'I will stock up more as the months go on.' Why do shops start selling Christmas stock so early? Charlotte Harrington, the manager at Summerhill's garden centre in Basildon, Essex, explained: 'For many, many years now, we've opened our Christmas department on the August bank holiday. "The stock comes in early and we gradually start putting it out on the shop floor. This is just a small fraction of what we have. 'But our 'It may seem a little odd putting them out now — especially with the hot weather. 'But we have to plan so far in advance.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Advertisement Not only this, but it's also amassed 10,800 likes, 2,298 comments and 900 shares. But social media users were left totally divided by Char's organisation - whilst some thought it was 'a great idea', others weren't as complimentary. One person said: 'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! This is organisation at its finest.' By the time Christmas comes, they might not like it. That'll be my worry TikTok user Another added: 'That's why there's so many kids go without because parents don't do this! Why not buy all year so you know your children have the best Christmas!!' Advertisement A third commented: 'That's actually a great idea. Don't have to spend a mint all at once and save money by getting stuff each week.' Meanwhile, someone else beamed: 'You are an amazing mum and very organised. I hope you have a magical Christmas 2025.' But at the same time, one user questioned: 'How do you know what to get them? By the time Christmas comes, they might not like it. That'll be my worry.' And another wrote: 'I would just forget what I had brought.' Advertisement Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm trolled for having Christmas done in July with the food shop & gifts wrapped – but us single mums must be organised
Plus, scroll down for more on why supermarkets start selling Christmas stock so early FEELING FESTIVE I'm trolled for having Christmas done in July with the food shop & gifts wrapped – but us single mums must be organised Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESPITE December 25th being five months away, a single mother has revealed that she has already bought and wrapped her children's gifts. Not only this, but Char Chandler has also done her food shopping and stocked up on drinks and snacks for the festive season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A single mother has revealed that Christmas may be five months away, but that hasn't stopped her getting prepared Credit: / TikTok 2 Char Chandler has not only bought and wrapped gifts, but she's even done her food shopping too Credit: / TikTok But this mum-of-three, who 'loves Christmas' and can't get enough of shopping, has been trolled for being so prepared. Posting on social media, the brunette beauty proudly showed off her epic 'Christmas cupboard,' which despite it being only July, is already full with wrapped gifts and sweet treats. The short clip left many totally stunned, so much so that shortly after, Char uploaded a follow-up video in response to a rude remark from a troll. The comment read: 'F**k. Right. Off. It's. Only. F*****g. July' and to this, Char clapped back and said: 'I really don't get it, why can't you just be happy for someone, show it love, or scroll past? 'I'm happy, I'm organised and I don't have that Christmas rush and the hassle.' Char then urged people to 'be nice' and confirmed that "you never know what people are going through.' Not only has she purchased a variety of gifts for her little darlings, but she's also stocked up on Pringles, Mini Cheddars, Twiglets, nuts, tins of biscuits and a variety of crackers. As well as this, she's also purchased three bottles of fizzy drinks and dessert sauces, as well as popcorn, pretzels and marshmallows. Char later confirmed: 'My kids are 14, 13 and 6 - my eldest two know [the gifts] are there. It's just the youngest we hide them from and he doesn't know the cupboard exists.' Not only this, but Char confirmed that she likes to be organised and 'spread the cost.' I feel like a failure for only getting my 9-year-old cheap bits off TikTok for Christmas, but trolls slam my 'sob story' As well as having Christmas gifts to buy, she also has the cost of the summer holidays, her eldest son's birthday and two holidays coming up. So when asked 'why so early?', Char set the record straight and explained: 'Because I am a single parent and I want the best for my children so I spread the cost to make it the best I can.' I will stock up more as the months go on Char Chandler The bargain hunter later revealed that she got her wrapping paper from Amazon and acknowledged that she wraps each of her children's presents in different wrapping paper, rather than using gift tags. And for those wondering if Char's food shopping would go out of date before the special day, the savvy mum clarified that she checked the dates on her items and apart from a bottle of Coca-Cola, which goes out of date on 31st December 2025, everything else expires 2026 and onwards. Despite having a hefty stash already, the content creator later shared: 'I will stock up more as the months go on.' Why do shops start selling Christmas stock so early? Charlotte Harrington, the manager at Summerhill's garden centre in Basildon, Essex, explained: 'For many, many years now, we've opened our Christmas department on the August bank holiday. "The stock comes in early and we gradually start putting it out on the shop floor. This is just a small fraction of what we have. 'But our Christmas displays are so spectacular it takes time to get everything set up, so we have to start early. 'It may seem a little odd putting them out now — especially with the hot weather. 'But we have to plan so far in advance.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 239,900 views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 10,800 likes, 2,298 comments and 900 shares. But social media users were left totally divided by Char's organisation - whilst some thought it was 'a great idea', others weren't as complimentary. One person said: 'Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! This is organisation at its finest.' By the time Christmas comes, they might not like it. That'll be my worry TikTok user Another added: 'That's why there's so many kids go without because parents don't do this! Why not buy all year so you know your children have the best Christmas!!' A third commented: 'That's actually a great idea. Don't have to spend a mint all at once and save money by getting stuff each week.' Meanwhile, someone else beamed: 'You are an amazing mum and very organised. I hope you have a magical Christmas 2025.' But at the same time, one user questioned: 'How do you know what to get them? By the time Christmas comes, they might not like it. That'll be my worry.' And another wrote: 'I would just forget what I had brought.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Telegraph
15-04-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The ultimate store cupboard essentials, according to Telegraph readers
Not only are we facing soaring prices on supermarket shelves, but brands we once trusted are beginning to let us down. Take Twiglets, for example. A recent recipe tweak to reduce their salt content has left fans mourning the loss of the snack's signature tang. If it wasn't bad enough that Quality Street ditched its sparkly plastic wrappers and introduced paper tubs, the final nail in the coffin for many has been the decision to change the size and shape of the Purple One and Orange Crunch. Heinz has quietly discontinued its popular Tomato and Lentil Ragù sauce, while Cadbury has been called out for shrinkflation. In January, eagle-eyed shoppers noticed that multipacks of Twirls now contain only three bars instead of four, yet the price remains unchanged. Meanwhile, Nestlé was forced to abandon its new Nesquik milkshake formula after receiving backlash from loyal customers, who likened the new taste to 'vile sludge'. Thankfully, chef and food writer Xanthe Clay has been putting everyday supermarket staples to the test for the past few years, holding brands to account. Each week, she blind tastes a specific household essential to unearth the best value for money. While some of you agree with Xanthe's verdicts, many of you have firm favourites of your own. So we've rounded up your most-loved products, the ones you believe are still worth every penny. From nostalgic favourites to unexpected gems, here's your definitive list of essential must-haves on (nearly) all of your shopping lists. Your store cupboard staples: At a glance Earl Grey Your favourite: Williamson Tea Twinings was once a staple in many Telegraph readers' kitchens, but a subtle recipe change over a decade ago caused many loyal drinkers to look elsewhere. Reader Frances Sutton, 68, a painter from Argyll in Scotland, and a fan for over 50 years, said, 'after they altered something absolutely vital, it was never the same again.' David and Melody Forrest 'have ditched Twinings forever' after drinking it for 40 years too, while Sarah Heywood cannot bear to drink it, describing it as 'tasting of thin, metallic dishwater'. Williamson Tea, on the other hand, seems to be winning over more cups by the day. Andrew Ve, 62, lives in Edinburgh, and his family can't get enough of the stuff, and it seems his local community can't either: 'My wife has been buying Williamson's Earl Grey for years, but our local Waitrose keeps running out of it. Everyone who drinks tea in our house comments on how good it is.' Joy Christopher writes: 'I've had Williamson Earl Grey for years. The others I've tried just have no flavour in comparison.' For Lance Cole, who knows a thing or two about tea after growing long-leafed varieties in Zimbabwe, it's clear: 'I've been consistently disappointed with Twinings tea and tea bags. But Williamson's Earl Grey? That's the real deal with actual bergamot rather than artificial flavourings.' While Gavin Thomas sums why this brand of Earl Grey is so popular perfectly: 'It's easy to imagine yourself in the late afternoon, sitting on an upholstered steamer chair on the upper deck of a paddle steamer cruising gently down the Nile with a bone china cup of Williamson's Earl Grey, with a slice of lemon and a shortcrust biscuit, watching the river bank glide by…' Tinned Tomatoes Your favourite: Mutti Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes When Xanthe Clay conducted her blind tasting of chopped tomatoes, many readers were outraged at the omission of Mutti Polpa. Food editor Amber Dalton explained that they weren't included this time around because the focus was on chopped tomatoes, not finely chopped 'polpa' or whole plum tomatoes. 'Mutti will get a look-in then,' she assured us. However, when it came to enhancing your tomato-based dishes, you insisted that you weren't fussed over whether your tomatoes were chopped, plum or polpa, so long as they came with the Mutti label. Several of you wrote in to say how you buy Mutti in bulk, such as reader Luke McCairns, who shared: 'I buy Mutti, they're delicious and make a fantastic pasta sauce of any kind. 'When they're on a deal at Morrisons, I buy tons of them. I always have over 20 cans and bottles of the various varieties stocked up.' David Cain also buys them in 24 packs because 'there just is no competition, especially when it comes to a pizza topping.' Although Mutti might be on the more expensive side in comparison to supermarkets' own-brand varieties, Mark Newman, 64, from Worthing, Sussex, suggests: 'If you buy the tins online, you can get them at 95p a can. I've tried cheaper options, but why spoil a dish for 50p, especially when it comes to pasta dishes.' Mustard Telegraph readers are infatuated with Colman's Mustard, but attest that it must be in the 'sinus opening' powder form and not the 'watered-down' jar. Reader Oliver Tattersall, 44, from Broadstairs in Kent, recalls his first encounter with it: 'I remember being six or seven and mesmerised with the Colman's mustard tin. There was something about the bright yellow tin and lettering that I found pleasing to the eye. 'One day, armed with a tablespoon, and before my Mum could stop me, I managed to take a huge heap of the powder and put it in my mouth. I have always since given the utmost respect to the strength of Colman's.' Many of you share how you use this punchy staple. Don Murray, 60, a gardener who lives in Bishops Stortford, swears by 'a pinch or two in a cheese sauce', while Mr Click prefers the powder form because 'it is more versatile as it can be dusted onto roast potatoes or a beef joint as well as used to make fiery Piccalilli.' Further afield, the loyalty remains strong. Arthur Pewty, 67, a former RAF officer, writes: 'Living in France, it is easy to just accept Moutarde de Dijon as the norm. I do. But for French food. 'However, when roasting beef and eating a 'Brit' meal, Colman's Mustard Powder is unbeatable. Adding the power powder to the outer layer of a rib of beef for a roast is unbeatable. Bon appetit!' Across the med, Andrew Cowles, 47, who works in IT, says: 'We're living in Greece now and mustard is surprisingly popular, but it's pretty mild, somewhere between American and Dijon. 'I ask my family to bring the Coleman's powder over because it's great for making a cheese sauce, baking cheesy breads or doing dry rubs to marinade beef.' Mayonnaise If one is short on time, or eggs, which seem to fly off the shelves these days, many readers shop for the most established brand of mayonnaise: Hellmann's. As one reader puts it, it's popular for a reason. Quite right too. But you won't go near the squeezy bottles. Kay Polak loves mayonnaise and has tried many varieties, but 'the only one I go back to is Hellmann's original – in a jar – for it's eggy, fresh and fluffy consistency'. She continues: 'Squeezy bottles are useless and make it runnier, you lose a good tablespoon at least.' Meanwhile, an anonymous reader questions our taste tester's ranking. 'I struggle to see how Hellmann's only scored a three [out of five]. It's popular for a reason.' However, the reader remains open-minded: 'Or am I missing out? Only a trip to Aldi will tell.' For some readers, it's homemade mayo or no mayo. Gary Nuttall says: 'It takes about five minutes with a mason jar and a stick blender. Just ensure the egg is fresh.' He too abhors the squeezy bottles of mayo, which 'taste poorer to screw tops.' Here, Mr Nuttall shares his own recipe: Sardines Your favourite: Waitrose Sardine All'Olio Sardines tend to divide a table – people either love them or hate them. For most of you, they're an absolute favourite. James Walker, 43, from Manchester, writes: 'The only good thing David Cameron did for us was leave us with a decent sardine recipe. 'I like mine with a squeeze of tomato paste, some mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcester sauce and Tabasco on toast.' Many of you expressed your disagreement with Xanthe's one-star rating of Waitrose's Sardine All'Olio, including Jackie Lowe, who said: 'Our family live off Waitrose's Sardine All'Olio, we love them and they never taste metallic.' Allistair Yoxall agrees: 'They're delicious. I buy them whenever I see them and use them to make a puttanesca pasta or just pop them on toast.' Sam Oliver 'love[s] these sardines and I have them everyday for lunch on toasted Gail's olive bread', while Caroline Minto likes to 'tart them up with half a lemon, some mint and finely cut onion.' But it's not just Telegraph readers fighting the war on sardines – your dogs are in on it too. Lady Penelope, 63, who lives in east Anglia, says: 'The dog gets a sardine, whatever vegetables we're having and kibble for his evening dinner. He can count to five and understands a great deal, which we attribute to the sardine suppers as well as his great coat.' When it comes to sardines, Patrick Kirby's dog 'puts a new twist on 'gone in sixty seconds' as he never gets anywhere near the minute mark.' Honey Readers agree with Xanthe's verdict that M&S Collection Apiary Pure British Honey is a humdinger of a honey. However, it is of prime importance to readers to buy locally-sourced honey, whatever the cost, when possible to avoid unnecessary additives and secure the best flavour. Reader David Stainer, 71, a retired professional technical officer for the Defence Equipment and Technology Agency, opts for the M&S honey if English honey from local producers at a farmers' shop is unavailable. Mr Stainer, who resides in Maidstone, Kent, admits, 'Local honey costs a lot more, but I would rather pay the extra than buy some concoction coming out of a Chinese factory.' Likewise, Lynda Benson, 68, believes 'M&S single apiary honey is good if you can't find a local beekeeper.' She appreciates that the M&S honey names the apiarist and location on the label and wishes 'if only people would read labels and apply some thought to what they're buying, instead of just looking at the price'. Meanwhile, Andy Jack, 70, drives from Thrapston to Oundle a few times a month. Coming back towards Thrapston on the A605, the retired nurse sometimes sees a car and an awning, which belongs to 'Basil the Apiarist'. 'Basil is from Romania, and he sells his own honey and mead. The honey is very, very good. It is ten quid a pot, not runny, cloudy and spreadable. It's gorgeous. It's from rapeseed flowers. My neighbour does honey too, but it's not a patch on Basil's,' Mr Jack says. Butter Readers also back our taste tester's top choice of butter. Xanthe described Morrison's Spreadable with Real Butter as having 'a gently unfolding flavour rather than the wallop of cheap butteriness'. Reader E. Hatfield uses ''real' butter for baking and putting in jacket potatoes, but 'spreadable butter' – Morrisons – for bread and toast in winter.' To him, this 'seems an ideal compromise'. John Mulvany keeps his preferences to the point: 'Lurpak is a rip-off, these days. I'll try the Morrison's stuff.' Similarly, Steve Mitchell prefers 'a good butter dish (ceramic) and a bar of unsalted Morrison's at room temperature.' Besides Morrison's, readers argue that any British butter that was 'real', or in other words, a dairy spread that wasn't awash with additional vegetable oils or fats, suits them just fine. Ian Woodier, 79, who lives on the outskirts of Manchester, shares his love of 'real butter': 'Since eggs, full-fat real milk and real butter were admitted back into the fold and declared not to cause instant death, we have gone the whole hog and are enjoying it.' The retired ex-seafarer adds: 'If you want spreadable butter, just leave it out of the fridge.'
