Turkey was my best present...

(That’s a Turkish holiday, not a turkey)

CHRISTMAS is full of turkeys — and that’s just the presents. From novelty socks and bath smellies to domestic appliances (particularly for women) and terrible jumpers, Chronicle reporter KAREN DOHERTY asked shoppers what’s the worst — and best — gift they have had for Christmas
“A proper black, pot doll, when I was about six or seven, I loved it,” said Linda Ingram (60) from New Moston recalling her best Christmas present.

“I had never seen a black doll before, they did not have them then. Then I dropped it and smashed it and it had to go to the dolls’ hospital.”

And the worst? “I do not like receiving underwear, I would rather buy my own knickers!” she added.

Beryl and Alan McQuay, from Springhead, struggled to think of a bad present and said: “We normally tell people what we want, which is usually the best thing.

“We have just had a cruise from our daughter for our birthday — we are both 70 — that was one of the best presents we have ever had. We flew to Barbados and then went to quite a few Caribbean islands for two weeks.”

Linda Qayoom (41), from Clarksfield, added: “The best Christmas present I have ever had was a holiday to Turkey last year from my husband.

“The worst is some ghastly socks. They weren’t from my husband, he usually gives me the money and I get my own presents”

Sully the chihuahua, named after the character in the film “Monsters Inc”, is 17-year-old Charlotte Wilson’s best present.

“He is amazing, my little puppy. My mum and dad got me that. Without sounding ungrateful, the worst is a Christmas hairband with baubles on it.”

Friends Tom Shaw and Adam Kenny, both 16 and from Royton, rate PS3 games consoles among their best presents.

“Socks, that’s the worst,” said Tom. Adam added: “Clothes when they have been chosen by your mum and jeans that look like they have been bleached!”

Pam Williams (66), from Moorside, said her husband knew better than to get her something like an iron or a vacuum cleaner.

“I have had a few odd presents, but they have come from people who have cared enough to choose them. One of the best — I am not sure what they were saying — was Brain Training. I started off with a brain age of 80 on Christmas Day, which did not please me, and by Boxing Day I was down to 52.”