NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?

What are YOUR resolutions for 2016? Readers share their hopes, dreams and plans for the brand new year!

Carly says:
I am promising myself I will break my bad habit of eating lots of junk food, especially chocolate, sweets and fizzy drinks, because I don't think they are good for my skin or my health. I am going to eat lots more fruit and drink a lot of water, and I might try to do regular exercise as well, and I hope I see a big difference as a result of all that!

Daria says:
I am going to go veggie on January 1st. I have been mostly veggie for about six weeks, with just a bit of fish on special occasions like Christmas, so I am confident I can do this. I am doing it for me, for the animals and for the planet… bring it on!

Jessica says:
I am going to make a study plan and stick to it, because this year I have big exams. I am not looking forward to it exactly but it is something I have to do, because it is my future and I want as many options open to me as possible.

Liz says:
I will keep striving to get my novel published and to generally have a positive outlook on life. I'd like to travel more too, and do lots of blogging.

Esme says:
My resolutions are: Stop annoying the cat; get a hobby (possibly ukelele lessons); learn more about giraffes; be more socially active and get out of the house more!

Hazel says:
They're more goals than resolutions… I want to pass my Grade 8 flute and piano exams (preferably with a distinction) and to improve in my music aural. It'd be great to post and review on my book blog more and start some new activities. If 2016 is as great a year as 2015, then I will be happy!

Jo says:
There are lots of things I want to change about my life and the New Year is a great time to begin because it symbolises new beginnings. I have never bothered much with resolutions before but this time I will make these things happen because I am very motivated to make a better life. I have a list of ten resolutions and I am looking forward to taking control of my life!

Carina says:
I think New Year is a good time to change things that need changing because it is a fresh start, and every year I like to set myself a challenge. Most of the time I manage to meet the challenge! This year my plan is to learn Spanish and travel to Spain to stay with my Nan who has just moved out there. I am really looking forward to it!

Cathy says:
I love the ritual of letting go of the old year and welcoming the new... and yes, I have plenty of resolutions too! What are YOUR New Year's resolutions? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

MARI: SCARED OF WHAT 2016 WILL BRING

Reader Mari has had a nightmare Christmas; can Skye Tanberry offer any good advice in this week's problem page dilemma?

Mari says:
I have not had a good Christmas, actually I have had the worst time ever. Last year my mum and I went to live with Mum's boyfriend, Ben (not his real name). He seemed really nice and cared about us but this Christmas everything has fallen apart, there was a huge fight on Christmas night and it was not just shouting but hitting. I tried to stop them and Ben shoved me and I really hurt my arm. The next day Mum said it was just an accident and that the row didn't mean anything, but Ben has been so moody I am actually scared of him now. I do not want us to live with him any more and I am frightened of what 2016 will bring.

Skye says:
I understand your worry. It's only natural to be wary of someone who has hurt both you and your mum. We helped Lawrie and his family in a similar situation, but Lawrie's mum took a while to find the courage to leave her partner and actually accept help, and you may need to wait until your mum is feeling strong enough to make a break from Ben. If his mood has darkened, hopefully this will happen faster than you think. Let your mum know how anxious you are feeling. Meanwhile, tell a trusted teacher and get some support while things are difficult at home… and if anything like this happens again, stay out of the fight but instead make a quiet call for help from friends, family or the police. Good luck, and stay strong.

Cathy says:
Mari's situation is very upsetting, but help is out there… talking to a teacher to get some practical help should certainly help. Skye's advice is good, but what would YOU add to her suggestions? COMMENT BELOW to have your say.

WHO'S YOUR FESTIVE SOUL SISTER?

Which Chocolate Box Girl are YOU most like? Take our fun, festive quiz and see which sister you have the most in common with this holiday season!

1. My best Christmas prezzie this year was…
a/ A pink seashell necklace from a certain boy...
b/ It wasn't a prezzie, but I found a stray kitten in the snow on Christmas Eve...
c/ One of my sisters got me a vintage lace top with a really Victorian vibe. Love it!
d/ A blank notebook… I already have plans for things to write and draw!
e/ Having the coolest boy in the world to stay over Christmas…

2. If I could have one wish for 2016, it would be…
a/ To find the confidence I've lost over the last couple of years once more.
b/ An end to cruelty to animals and destruction of the earth's resources. Think Green!
c/ I would give anything to have a time machine… sigh!
d/ Peace on Earth. Cheesy, but I mean it… fighting solves nothing.
e/ To ace my exam results because then I can (hopefully) follow my dream.

3. My favourite way to celebrate Christmas and New Year is…
a/ Quietly, at home, with the people I love most around me.
b/ We sometimes have a beach bonfire on New Year's Day… anything outdoors suits me!
c/ A log fire roaring, old fashioned Christmas songs playing, fab food and my wonderful family. What could be better?
d/ At one of the awesome parties my family puts on… with half the village here!
e/ C'mon… this is the party season! You HAVE to get out there and have fun! Party hard… it's the festive season!

4. For our New Year's Eve party, I'll be wearing…
a/ The pink chiffony dress I got for Christmas...
b/ How do I know? Whatever comes to hand, probably jeans and a jumper!
c/ The vintage green velvet dress that once belonged to Clara Travers.
d/ Bright jeans, fringy boots and a cute tunic top with a quirky print.
e/ A cute mini dress, lacy tights and heels. You've got to dress up, right?

5. My New Year's Resolution will be...
a/ Be better, be stronger, reach for the stars...
b/ Save the world… it's the only one we've got!
c/ Believe in dreams… and trust to fate!
d/ Be thankful for my fab family and all the love and friendship in my life.
e/ You can turn the toughest situation around if you really want to… and you can achieve your dreams. And best of all… you don't have to do it alone. I'm grateful for so much, this year.

The results! Count up whether you are mostly A, B, C, D or E and read on…

Mostly A's… you're very like Summer Tanberry, a girly girl with big dreams. You're a hard worker and very organised, and you value friends and family above all things because they've stuck by you through some very difficult times.

Mostly B's… your festive soul sister is definitely Coco Tanberry, the youngest Chocolate Box Girl. Like Coco, you are animal crazy and determined to change the world. You have strong feelings about injustice and cruelty and big plans to make the world a better place. You're also a bit of a tomboy and love being outdoors!

Mostly C's… you're just like Skye Tanberry, quiet, kind, creative, dreamy... and vintage crazy! You're hooked on history and mystery and have at least one foot in the past, but everyone loves your gentle nature and dreamy outlook!

Mostly D's… you're very like Cherry Costello, the most imaginative of the sisters. You value family very highly as you haven't always had a close family unit and you know how much it matters. You've had your share of conflict, too, so you are a bit of a peace maker these days!

Mostly E's… you're like Honey Tanberry, the once-wild-child eldest sister who still has a streak of rebel running through her! Like Honey, you've learned the hard way that the only person who can turn things around is YOU. You're a strong person and you can achieve your dreams… stay focused and make 2016 the best year ever!

Illustrations by the awesome ERIN KEEN from the book CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS.

Cathy says:
Which sister are YOU most like? COMMENT BELOW to have your say and tell me if you'd like more quizzes in the future and read more about the Tanberry-Costello girls in THE CHOCOLATE BOX GIRLS series, or in CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS!

MAKE SOME COSY LEG WARMERS!

In France, where the Chocolate Box Girls series is super-popular, there is a French version of the UK's CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS but with totally different content and artwork… I thought I'd share one of the projects for you,  in English, of course!

Summer says:
When you dance a lot, as I do, leg warmers are brilliant for keeping the muscles warm and supple while you are working. They're also really cosy for winter days, and my thrifty sister Skye came up with a very cool way to make them using recycled or worn out jumpers… it's really easy!

Skye says:
So, the first thing you need is an old jumper that you don't want or wear anymore. Check with a parent that it's OK to use it, because once you start chopping it up there is no going back! If you don't have anything suitable, a jumble sale is a great source of unwanted jumpers… just take your pick of patterns and colours, all for pennies!

OK… once you have your jumper, take a pair of large, sharp scissors and chop the arms off. Lay the two arms out alongside each other and make sure they are even in length, and that the cut edge is straight - don't chop them on a slant! Next, you need to turn over the raw (cut) edge and roll it inwards, to the 'wrong' side of the fabric, to make a hem. Thread a needle with fine cord elastic (it looks just like thick cotton thread but is stretchy - needlework shops and haberdashers will stock it!). Stitch the hem neatly.

Thread a large-eyed needle with thin ribbon in a pretty colour, and run this around the cut end of the leg warmers just beneath the hem, in a large running stitch as seen in the pictures. You want to see the ribbon - and tie a bow on each leg warmer to complete. Easy, huh?

Summer says:
You can wear the leg warmers two ways… with the ribbed cuff at the bottom and the ribbon ties at the top, shown left; or the other way up, shown above, with the bows at your ankles. You could even have ribbons at top and bottom if you want! Leg warmers are so cosy at this time of year, and look great too… plus, if you love dance as much as I do, they're an essential. With this easy up-cycling project you can make some to go with every outfit… and get the most out of every pretty jumper you have. I like pretty, lacy knits but Aztec prints and patterns look just as cool… it's up to you!

Cathy says:
Wow… I love this project, and I love that it re-uses a garment you might otherwise throw away. Do YOU have a cool fashion fix or a crafting project we could use on DREAMCATCHER? Email me via the 'email Cathy' link on www.cathycassidy.com or COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

THE BIG CC CHRISTMAS QUIZ 2015!

Think you're a Cathy Cassidy superfan? Settle down with a hot chocolate and a mince pie and try our fun quiz to see if you make the grade!

1. Which vintage-loving sister is given an old fashioned gramophone for Christmas?
2. Which CC character did the gramophone belong to BEFORE it was given to one of the Tanberry sisters?
3. Which two characters chase a dog through the snowy woods in the early hours of New Year's Day and find themselves on an unexpected rescue mission? (clue: the story is in Snowflakes & Wishes AND Life is Sweet…)
4. What is the name of the boy who puts a snowball down the back of Jude's neck in the book Sundae Girl?
5. What is the name of the boy Anya makes snow angels with in the book Angel Cake?
6. Who does Honey meet unexpectedly on the beach on Christmas Day in the book Sweet Honey?

7. What Christmas treat does Honey make in the book Sweet Honey and what happens to it?
8. Which two characters go Christmas shopping with Honey in Sydney?
9. Name two CC characters who would never eat turkey at Christmas!
10. What is the name of the cafe where Summer and Jodie meet just before Christmas? (clue: the story is in Hopes & Dreams AND Life is Sweet!)
11. Who is the unexpected customer who admires the window display in the cafe on Christmas Eve in the book Angel Cake?
12. Which DVD do Jude and her family always watch on Christmas Day in Sundae Girl?
13. What part does Summer play in the Christmas ballet production in the book Summer's Dream?

14. What is the name of the cafe where Ash works over the Christmas holidays in Sweet Honey?
15. Which Chocolate Box Girls character shows you how to make a vintage papier mache tree fairy in the non-fiction book Chocolate Box Secrets?
16. Dizzy's mum always cooks her a fab family dinner at Christmas: true or false?
17. What do the Tanberry-Costello sisters do with their Christmas lists the week before Christmas?
18. Which Chocolate Box Girls sister shares her recipe for the best ever luxury hot chocolate in Chocolate Box Secrets?
19. Name three of the unexpected guests who visit Anya's family on Christmas Eve in the book Angel Cake….
20. Which two relatives do the sisters Skype on Christmas Day in the book Marshmallow Skye?

Cathy says:
Some very tough questions! Tot up YOUR scores and COMMENT BELOW to tell me how you've done! (You're allowed to check with the books!) 

CHRISTMAS PAST AND PRESENT...

Cathy Cassidy, her mum Nell and her daughter Cait look back on Christmas times gone by in this CC-family flavoured blast from the past…

Nell says:
The first Christmas's I remember were in the 1930s. Money was tight and you would be lucky to get an orange and a threepenny bit in your stocking. I remember just before the war I was living with my parents in a flat in Coventry above a shop that sold clothes. My mum sent me down on Christmas Eve with the rent money, and the shopkeeper opened a drawer and let me choose a new pair of woollen mitts - I've never forgotten that. During the war, food was on ration and air raids were a worry, but we still celebrated Christmas - perhaps it meant even more to us then. Later on, the fun was in making Christmas special for my children, although getting the Christmas dinner organised was always very stressful! I don't think the magic ever goes…

Cathy says:
One of my first memories of Christmas is being driven home from a Christmas Eve visit to my favourite auntie and uncle, aged three or four. I was looking out of the car window, very excited, and saw Father Christmas walking along the road with his sack. I was beside myself. I spotted him again, further along… and began to panic that perhaps he would get to our house before we did! When we got home I practically raced into bed! It took years for me to catch on that I'd seen two separate partygoers in fancy dress. (Or… maybe… who knows?) We always had a real tree and the lights would never work to start with, but Dad always fixed them. Sometimes we went to my nanna's house - she had real, tiny candles on her tree which I loved! My little brother and I would set out a pillow case at the end of the bed, and it always had an orange and chocolate coins in along with the bigger presents. By the time I was a teenager, a Jackie annual was the thing I loved most, but I remember getting brightly patterned socks with toes in one year and loved those, and  there was always a selection box of chocolate bars. We usually had chicken for Christmas dinner but by the time I was fourteen I was veggie, so it was just sprouts and spuds for me! I have my own family now, and we've made our own traditions… hanging stockings along the mantlepiece above the wood burner, for example, and yes, there is always an orange and some chocolate coins! My best Christmas prezzie ever? Well, my daughter was born just before Christmas and we were allowed out of hospital on Christmas Day in the middle of a blizzard… that was definitely my best Christmas ever!

Cait says:
My earliest Christmas memory is sitting on Dad's knee and listening to the Pogues song Fairytale of New York while my brother danced around the room and Mum looked on. We'd just hung our stockings up and left a carrot for the reindeer and a mince pie and a whisky for Santa! Mum used to make lots of Christmas crafts and sell them at craft fairs before she was an author, so another early memory is the smell of orange slices drying in the oven and strings and strings of papier mache tree fairies drying out above the wood burner! We lived in Scotland when I was growing up so in my memory it was always a white Christmas, and I remember seeing a deer at the side of the lane one year driving home from midnight mass, and Dad told me it was Rudolph! My best prezzie? Probably the year I was fourteen and got a second hand drum kit!

Cathy says:
What are YOUR best memories of childhood Christmasses? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

AMY: A GIFT AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a time for giving… but does that mean thinking just of our friends and family, or those who are really in need? Amy's cool idea has inspired me… it might just do the same to you!

Amy says:
I'm a working adult, not a teenager, but when financial problems hit earlier this year I moved back in with my parents, and I began to think about how lucky I was to have their unconditional support. I knew that when I asked them if I could come home they would say yes - they have always been there for me and, along with my amazing sister, we have always been a very close family. We always spend every Christmas together.

I began wondering what it might be like if I didn't have that support. I thought about the paths I would have chosen at different points in my life and what I'd have done without their guidance. And that got me thinking about the homeless people I see every day… people who may not have had that support or unconditional love. This may not have been their choice, but either way it doesn't matter - it is Christmastime and they're sleeping on the streets, alone.

That made me want to do something - just a token, so they know someone is thinking of them. I bought identical packages including a mini panettone, some sweets and thermal socks and wrapped them up, and this morning I gave them out. One girl who was sleeping rough was in the middle of being moved on by the police which was obviously upsetting, but I made sure she still got her present. I'm not sure what the police made of it, but the girl thanked me. I hope it made her feel less alone. Christmas is all about giving, isn't it, but sometimes we forget that, or forget to look beyond our family and friends. I am very glad I did this and glad I am lucky enough to have a loving, caring family; let's remember those who aren't so lucky this Christmas.

Cathy says:
I love Amy's inspiring idea… it's so simple, we could all do it, and there is still time before Christmas, too. Or, if you're reading this AFTER Christmas… do it anyway. For those living on the streets, every single day is a struggle. Your gift doesn't have to be much - just a chocolate bar would be welcome. Do check with family first and get them to come along with you if you're giving a present out - or, if you prefer, donate to your local food bank or children's charity. Do YOU do something for others at this time of year? Or perhaps all year round? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

CHRISTMAS ANIMAL ANTICS!

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas… but does YOUR pet get into the swing of things, or is he/she a festive nightmare? Readers share their pics and stories!

Sophie M says:
Actually, this para is from Peppy… he is two years old and has a younger rabbit sister, Poppy! Peppy is definitely my fluffy Christmas bunny, anyway!
Peppy says: 'Sophie came towards my cage with what looked like reindeer antlers… tartan ones! Maybe I can be the tartan reindeer and help guide Santa through the skies to deliver presents? I was still dreaming when Sophie took my photo. Well you never know… it might happen!'

Sophie F says:
I couldn't resist dressing my black labrador up a bit for Christmas. Not sure if he looks impressed! Santa's Little Yelper, right? #doggytryingtobefestive

Kellie says:
We tried to dress my dog Rusty up in antlers and tinsel…. let's just say it did not go well. He chewed the antlers when we weren't looking and broke them, and pulled the tinsel to bits and slobbered all over it! I think he is secretly a bit of a Christmas Scrooge!

Katie says:
Yikes… I don't need to get my dog Neo in the festive mood, he is doing it all by himself… shredding up his cushion to make 'snow'! Arghhh!

Jess says:
Our cats aren't the sort to tolerate being dressed up - in fact we have had to ban them from the living room as they seem determined to wreck the Christmas tree! We came home one day and the whole thing had fallen over, the tinsel and baubles everywhere. Oops! I have got them cat toys and treats for Christmas anyway, I don't hold a grudge!

Rebecca says:
This is my kitten Gerrard's first ever Christmas, so I had to make sure he enjoyed it in style! I think he likes his Christmas jumper, but he absolutely loved playing with all the tinsel!

Macie says: 
My pets are guinea pigs and I don't think they totally get what's happening… although the other day they seemed to be squeaking along in time to Slade's 'Here It Is Merry Christmas' on the radio! Who knows, maybe they have plans to decorate their cage and hang up guinea pig stockings? I have some Christmas treats for them on the big day anyway!


Cathy says:
My dogs aren't keen on being dressed up for Christmas, but it's hard to resist sometimes… do YOUR pets like Christmas? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!

CHRISTMAS MAGIC...

What do YOU love most about Christmas? Readers share their favourite things about the festive season!

Louise says:
On Christmas Eve we spend the day watching old Christmas movies and we have a special meal in the evening, because my Gran was German and it was a tradition for my mum when she was growing up too. We leave out mince pies and whisky for Santa and hang up our stockings and in the morning we are allowed to open our stocking gifts early, which is always exciting. My brother and sister are four and seven so it can be an early start to the day! Once we get up properly, we open the family presents and then people start to arrive… Gran and Grandad, my aunties, the cousins, and a neighbour who always comes to us. I think this year there will be eighteen of us. Mum does a traditional turkey dinner and the aunties bring puddings and side dishes so it's not just us having to cook. The afternoon is all about board games and eating too much Christmas chocolate and Grandad always falls asleep in front of the TV. I love Christmas… it's pure magic!

Kym says:
I like the build up to Christmas… the special markets and the events, and shopping for Christmas presents!

Sophie says:
Spending time with family and friends, buying presents and seeing how much love there is in the world!

Katie says:
I like how everyone gets to feel special, because you're giving presents and everyone is in the same room, having fun together. I love seeing the smiles on people's faces!

Kirsty says:
I love the build up to Christmas more than anything. Just this afternoon we were singing along to Mariah Carey 'All I want For Christmas' in the car at full volume! Brilliant… it's the best time of the year!

Deborah says:
The spirit of giving is the best thing about Christmas. I love the fact that everyone becomes so generous and there is all this happiness around you. It also feels good to see people who don't usually smile loosen up and laugh!

Jessica says:
Midnight mass and then having all day to curl up and read CC books!

Izzy says:
We don't go to church every week but we do go at Christmas. We wear our new Christmas clothes and join in with all the carols and when we come home we are all allowed to open one present each from under the tree. The next is the laziest day of the year but we love it… who doesn't love the magic of Christmas?

Today's awesome illustration is by reader Laura… thank you!

Cathy says:
I love Christmas too… and I agree, it's magical! What's YOUR fave part of Christmas? COMMENT BELOW to tell us!

A CHRISTMAS STAR!

Have you ever been the star of the Christmas play… or did you always get a bit-part? Readers share their Christmas memories!

Lynne says:
Even though this photo must have been taken about 51 years ago when I was about eight, I still remember some of that day. I was playing Mary in the school nativity play and I was so excited! I am wearing my nightie and a cloak made out of an old curtain. I remember having to knock on various doors trying to get a place to stay and having to stay in a stable, which was the school cloakroom! The boy playing Joseph was called Louis but he was only at our school for a wee while. I loved being in the nativity and still look back on this memory very fondly!

Emily says: 
I've played a star (had to wear a really stupid costume for that!), an angel (ridiculous oversized wings) and even Mrs Claus in past school plays...

Sophie says:
I once played the main role of Mary and had to sing two solos… I remember being really scared and practising in front of my parents and friends who loved it!  I didn't really get along with the boy who played Joseph, though. My school was small and there wasn't much cash for costumes so I had to wear a sort of princess dress… I'll never forget it!

Violet says:
I never had an acting part but one year I had to play the glockenspiel. I was glockenspiel player no. 21 or something! It didn't measure up to my brother's run as the innkeeper when he was in P7. Everyone told Mum how lovely her son's performance was, but nobody mentioned my talents on the glockenspiel. Woe is me!

Lorna says:
Our primary school Christmas plays were so elaborate because everyone in Key Stage Two was in it, every year. In Year 6 I had the main part… a librarian with two donkeys! That year all the scenes were from books and we raised money for a library pulled by donkeys in Africa!

Melissa says:

I was the angel… of course! That's me in the tinsel...

Grace says:
I was the donkey… I had one line to say, but when it came to my big moment I looked at the audience and burst into tears, and the teacher had to come on stage and comfort me! I was so embarrassed!

Charlotte says:
When I was seven or eight I played a shepherd in the nativity with two boys. I had to have a beard painted on my chin. I don't know why they wouldn't just let me be a female shepherd, but I enjoyed it all the same!

Katie says:
I remember my headpiece magically disappearing when we did our junior play. I was the narrator and the play was Babushka, where a little old lady gives everyone presents. There were all these beautiful Russian dancers in ornate headresses, but my headress was lost and my fellow narrator had to do without one too so we didn't look odd. Oh well!

Amber says:
My best friend and I wrote the Christmas play in Year 6, which was awesome. We also got first choice of who we wanted to be, so I gave myself the role of narrator. I dressed up as a woodland fairy and it was fantastic!

Boo says:
I was a singing donkey! Originally I was just a donkey… the teacher told the class to be silent while my friend sang a solo and I was daydreaming until I heard the music and then without thinking, I burst out singing, louder than the soloist. The class told me to shush and I realised what I'd done but the teacher said I had a great voice and suddenly I was a singing donkey and had my own unique role!

Cathy says:
Wow… what was YOUR best part in the school Christmas play? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

OH CHRISTMAS TREE...

Readers share their Christmas tree decorating traditions with us on DREAMCATCHER today…

Mathilde says:
We went to buy the decorations and every member of the family chose three decorations; then we went to choose the fir tree. The smell, the size and the colour all had to be right. Each year we have a different theme, and this year it's an English theme - I am one of Cathy's French readers, and we live in France. Dad starts decorating the tree with fairy lights, then my sisters and I put on the garlands, and finally the baubles. We finish by adding the star to the top of the tree. The ritual of decorating the tree is very important to us and we listen to Christmas carols as we decorate the tree. (Mathilde's tree, left)

Ruadhan says:
Our tree goes up two Fridays before Christmas. One year, my mum's, gran's and uncle's birthday were all on a Friday; Christmas was on a Friday too, so we decided we'd put the tree up on my uncle's birthday, two weeks before. We had baubles personalised with our names and put them on the tree. and it just stuck. And all of this happens at my gran's house in the Scottish islands…

Sophie says:
We decorated our tree on 7th December, after school and before my trampolining club. We put the orange lights and then the ultraviolet ones on to begin with, and then the cream ribbon. I got to put the first decoration on and from there we decorated the whole tree, finishing with the angel! (Sophie's tree, right)

Blue says:
We don't really have decorating traditions. Everything - the tree, the baubles, the lights, the tinsel and the star - were bought this year. Not sure what happened to the old tree, but we're not a family to fuss over tradition anyway. We always have a fake tree because Mum is allergic to pine - but the cats definitely aren't! They are OBSESSED with chewing the tree so we have to keep them out of the living room because we don't want them getting hurt. They've managed to run off with a few baubles but I've always retrieved them after distracting the kitty with a catnip treat. They're only kittens so this is their first Christmas and they're intrigued by the wrapping paper, the tinsel and the open fire. The colour scheme is blue, white and silver… I chose that!

Rebecca says:
Our tree goes up the first weekend of December. We decorate it together as a family and there are lots of Disney decorations on there as we spent an amazing family holiday there in 2011. We normally but a couple of new decorations each year to add to it… and it's a real tree, of course! It has white lights and hanging decorations, and it's beautiful! (Rebecca's tree, left)

Cheryl says:
I've never had a real tree and always wanted one, but I hate the idea of them dying and being thrown out after Christmas. We got a baby one last year, planted it in a pot on the patio and it grew all by itself with no care needed at all. We've brought it in for now, but the lights are outside ones so we can pop it outside every now and then to freshen. And by next year, it'll be even bigger!

Scarlett says:
My birthday is 4th December which is exactly three weeks until Christmas, but we never put the tree up until the weekend after my birthday. If we did it any sooner than this, it would feel as though Christmas was being celebrated before my birthday. Me and Dad put the tree up and Mum decorates it. We aways use lots of baubles and twinkly lights but never any tinsel, as we think it detracts from the simplicity of the baubles. (Scarlett's tree, right)

Koby says:
We always decorate the tree and the house on the first Friday of December, once me and my sister get home from school and my parents finish work. We usually have a real tree and this year is no exception. We decorate it all together and there is always a Christmas CD playing in the background. The tree always has a colour theme, and this year it is gold and red tinsel and ornaments.

Cathy says:
Our tree usually goes up about a fortnight before Christmas, and everyone joins in with the decorating. We don't really have themes… we use the same decorations every year, topped off with a hand made vintage papier mache fairy. Awww! What's YOUR tree like? COMMENT BELOW to tell us!