Ward: Good News

412

My weirdest Christmas: I insisted, through gritted teeth, that it would be fun to eat outside

It was 2020, and I hired a gazebo and heaters so we could have a festive feast with my mum in the garden. What could possibly go wrong?We called it “diffmas”, because it was going to be a different kind of Christmas. Our son was five, so we were trying to package it appealingly for him. But we might…

329

King's Christmas speech to come from Westminster Abbey

The King is expected to talk about the "pilgrimage" of life, and the lessons it can teach.

331

Treat your pup with 50% off your first box from The Farmers Dog

Treat your pup to human-grade, fresh food. Get your first order for half off.

222

Thousands attend Christmas Eve events in Bethlehem, the first since Gaza war

Thousands of people traveled from nearby towns and villages to attend Bethlehem's annual Christmas Eve tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled the last two years.

223

Rail journeys to supermarket opening times: Your complete guide to Christmas

Practical advice to help you get organised and cope this festive period.

231

What's open on Christmas Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.

Many businesses adjust their hours on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan ahead if you need to do any last-minute shopping.

210

How to track Santa Claus this Christmas Eve using AI

If you’re a parent with young children, then you’ll probably hear this a lot on Christmas Eve: “Where’s Santa right now?” With tracking tools like the NORAD Santa Tracker and Google’s Santa Tracker, everyone can know when Father Christmas will arrive. Plus, there are now some new AI tools to bring t…

209

Tell us: do you have unusual living arrangements?

Perhaps you have been living with friends for many years, or live in a communeDo you have what could be described as unusual living arrangements?Perhaps you live in communal housing, or a commune or with extended family. Continue reading...

221

Syrian church marks Christmas and reaffirms faith months after deadly attack

Hundreds of worshippers have gathered at Mar Elias Church in Syria to remember those lost in a suicide attack

218

'Miracle' cat comes home after five years missing

Bindi's owners feared the worst after she disappeared in August 2020 - but she is now back home.

220

A master sushi chef’s guide to finding balance in Miami

At his omakase restaurant, Shingo Akikuni brings depth and discipline to a spontaneous city. His Miami exists in the sweet spot between ‘loud and quiet, fast and slow’

240

A Christmas Fair review – site-specific heartwarmer is bathed in goodwill-to-all sentiment

Chadderton Town Hall, OldhamSet over the course of local village hall fundraiser, Jim Cartwright’s play is charmingly performed and has a built-in sense of communityYesterday it was the salsa class. Coming up is the panto. On other days, it may be anything from language lessons to arts and crafts. T…

219

A Trade Subscription Is a Great Last-Minute Gift for Coffee Lovers, and It’s 25% Off Right Now

It's probably too late to buy a physical gift online and have it arrive by Christmas, which is why a gift subscription makes a great last-minute gift

201

France Recognizes Electronic Music as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’

Electronic music is added to the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledgement that the artform is shaping France’s artistic identity.

219

‘It just went insane’: why the Christmas garland is making a comeback

The homemade velvet ribbon chain garland is one of the most popular home accessories this festive seasonChristmas is always the busiest time of year for Josie Rossington, 52, the owner of the Follie gift store on the edge of Lincoln town centre. Christmas cards and ornaments are ordinarily her best …

220

Reliquary of the Holy Crib: Remains of Jesus' manger from Bethlehem

Five pieces of wood in a silver-and-gold container at a basilica in Rome may be the remains of the manger Jesus was laid on when he was born.

220

Taylor Swift Makes $1 Million Donation to American Heart Association in Honor of Her Dad

“Taylor Swift’s remarkable generosity will create lasting change far beyond its financial value," AHA CEO Nancy Brown said.

210

Meet the Eureka Floorshine 880: The self-cleaning, deodourising hero every house needs

Say goodbye to lingering smells and back-breaking work with this hybrid vacuum that tackles spills and pet hair with ease.

210

I took my kids to Lapland on the Santa Claus Express – but would the big man deliver?

If meeting Santa is on your family wishlist, this trip on a festive sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with reindeer and huskies thrown in, is Christmas with jingle bells onChristmas was only a few days away and the Finnish capital of Helsinki was ringing with festive cheer as we explored the…

123

Man sings Christmas songs for 42 hours straight, attempts world record

“I know, I’m bonkers,” said David Purchase of Gloucester, England.