Take time out to read

Elizabeth Burton Phillips' tips for surviving Christmas

What is your favourite Christmas memory?

When my mother told me Father Christmas was up the road struggling to get through the snow to deliver my presents. We looked out the window together and it was snowing heavily and my mum told me to snuggle back in bed and close my eyes tight. I remember the magic of the belief he was really coming to my house...

What is the worst present you’ve ever given or received?

As a school teacher I always get lots of delightful gifts from the children who know how much I love chocolate – so it was different one year to get chocolate flavoured/smelling soap!!

The worst present I have ever received was a plastic picture frame which looked more like a menu holder!!!

What are your plans for this Christmas?

We are going to Jersey to take a break in a beautiful hotel but we will have a family get together the Sunday before Christmas.

Are you giving any books this Christmas?

Yes I will be giving several books from cookery books to fiction and non fiction.

What book would you most like to receive this Christmas?

A copy of my own updated paperback if it is back from production!!!!
I also like books by Anita Diamant, Jodi Picoult and Alice Sebold.0

Any tips for surviving the festive period?

If you are able to - go to a school Nativity Service – they are just so fantastic and set a wonderful atmosphere for the Christmas season. In my own school the children from 3-7 from all faiths are involved and it is just magical.

Take time out from all the mad panic of shopping to read – it's calming and therapeutic.

Enjoy the company of close friends and family, they are more important than presents and they are great gifts in themselves.

If the weather is good, get out and walk off the calories in the fresh air.

Enjoy giving as well as receiving.

Never ever drink and drive.

If you can, escape from the mayhem and take a holiday – my husband and I are off to Jersey!!!

Posted 07/12/2007 17:02:38 by Elizabeth Burton Phillips with 0 comments.