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…

423

‘An unsung alternative to the Cotswolds‘: exploring Leicestershire’s Welland valley

This hidden gem has country inns, canalside walks, a stunning viaduct, the historic town of Market Harborough – and not a tour bus in sightIt was a chilly Sunday in November 2000 when the gods chose to smile on Ken Wallace. The retired teacher was sweeping his metal detector across a hillside in Lei…

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.

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’

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.

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.

218

‘Miracle’ of Zealandia: chick is born to rare takahē pair thought to be infertile

Unexpected arrival is a boon for birdlife in New Zealand, where there are only 500 takahē leftA pair of rare native New Zealand takahē birds who were believed infertile have stunned staff at the world’s largest urban eco-sanctuary, after hatching a “miracle” chick.The roughly seven-week old chick wa…

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.

118

Help! My Girlfriend Just Broke Our No-Gift Rule in the Meanest Way. I’d Like to Return the Favor.

Merry Christmas!