To ask about Christmas magazines

[5foot5]

I know I am being U really, because:
a. it is only October so weeks yet until Christmas, and
b. those glossy Christmas magazines are always a load of rubbish and a total waste of money.

However, the same thing happens every year. I see the magazines towards the end of September and I sternly tell myself it is far too early and they are really not worth it anyway. Then as Autumn creeps on they keep grabbing my attention from the magazine stands until finally I weaken and buy one. And it turns out to be the glossy pile of crap I knew it would be really but couldn't resist.

So, given IABU to even contemplate frittering money away on one of these, but knowing I probably will at some point, can I ask anyone who has already indulged which one might be the least worst this year?

I am not in the least interested in fashion tips to sparkle at the Christmas party, but I do like making things and cooking and baking and any interesting or novel ideas for decorations.

Surely you just pick a large supermarket and stand at the magazine rack and leaf through until you’ve either chosen one - or gleaned all you need to without buying it?

I nearly brought myself a Christmas craft box last night before remembering I haven't finished any of the projects I've half arsed in previous years, I have no time and no crafty skills.

I find Pinterest a good source for random ideas. And it's free.

YABU because if you download readly on a free trial (I think it's 3 months) you get pretty much every magazine at your finger tips like BBC good good Christmas etc

GOOD FOOD*

Pinterest is your friend. It's cheaper, and way more ideas then just one or two magazines will give you.
You can make up boards of all your favourite bits, its brilliant

If you are a member of your local library, you might be able to get access to magazines online for free. It might not be specific Christmas ones but probably Christmas editions of things like BBC Goodfood, women's magazine etc.

I often buy the Good Housekeeping Christmas one. I haven't indulged this year yet so I can't vouch for it. Like you, I know it's overpriced frippery but it makes me happy.

Readly app it’s £10 a month and you get to read all of them, I’m currently going through back years of good food

I get soooo excited by Christmas Good Housekeeping and Woman & Home. It's officially the time I start getting excited by Christmas. I love them and keep all the Christmas editions in a box (along with Christmas BBC Good Food) that I get out every year.

Although you do notice when they start re-using recipes that way.

And I NEED paper editions to stroke. Apps wouldn't cut it.

Personally I HATE any Christmas mag (apart from telly listings, obvs!) Totally agree with @PickleSarnie though - mags & books HAVE to be touched. It's the law.

This year's GH Christmas magazine is brilliant!

Sorry if that's too tempting ...

If you have a library ticket there are apps that allow you to read magazines online for free. I use PressReader. No it’s not the same as an actual glossy mag but at least you’re not left feeling like you’ve wasted a fiver.

Depends what you want from a Christmas mag I suppose. I have looked at the Country Living one on my library app, VERY pretty pictures which I will probably go back and look at again, and maybe one recipe I might use but that's all. If I'd spent £7 on it I might feel a bit swindled.

Is Christmas GH out yet? In my local shop they’re still selling November. Or is it the food special?

Don’t buy the Christmas Magazine 3 for 1 (all wrapped up so you can’t look inside). The main magazine is very poor and the 2 free one are more like leaflets.

I think there is something about it. I'm the same. I've never made a fabric wreath of whipped up a cranberry sauce early for Christmas Dinner in my life but,the magazines, they call to me, like a supermarket mermaid. I think it's something to do about marking time...Buy the magazine and you set off the marking fun for getting ready, get the Christmas Radio Times (who even needs this now?) and you are on the final stretch.

Fun= gun

I also use an app for free through the library. It means I can flick through all the different magazines rather than having to choose one and not worry if they're no good as they haven't cost anything.

They are always such a disappointment. Look for ideas on Pinterest and then online tutorials on you tube for the things you want to make.

Today I learned there is such a thing as Christmas magazines.

YADNBU but it’s much too early for many on the main boards - ask MNHQ to move your thread to the 🎄Christmas Topic🎄 and you’ll find lots of friendly conversation and no one will get on your case about it ‘only being October’.

(Also this year’s Poncetastic thread is up and running - in the 🎄Christmas Topic 🎄and it’s better than magazines as a) it’s free and b) there are lots of lovely ideas, project photos and plenty of inspiration, and you get to have an actual conversation about it all along the way instead of just reading an article! 😊)

Sorry if it’s already been mentioned but if you get the BorrowBox app ( you just need to be a member of your local library) there is a magazine section so you can indulge in festive reading for free. 😊

I always bought loads of these magazines but eventually found the idyllic picture perfect houses aspirational rather than inspirational and ultimately very depressing.
I realised they were contributing to my stress levels so I stopped buying them a few years ago (with the exception of GH which I get by subscription).
My stress levels around Xmas reduced and I’ve even stopped having my annual nightmare where it’s 4pm on Xmas eve and I have no food and no presents! 😱 If anyone else similarly afflicted? You have my sympathy!
I don’t watch Kirsty Alsopp for exactly the same reason but can watch reruns of Delia Smith’s Xmas cookery every year!! She’s so reassuring!

This.

Thank you everyone recommending various apps but much of the pleasure is so I can touch and smell its glossiness