For columnist Christmas is meant to celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus, not commercialism. A simple jar of homemade jam ...

Tip the jam into a wide-necked jug with a good pouring lip, then fill four sterilised jars to the brim. Seal immediately with the lids and store in a cool, dark place. The jam is best eaten within ...

If you would like to keep a manual diary, print this Jam Jar tracking sheet and keep notes. Sometimes being able to help yourself can give you the confidence to be a little more independent.