Ward: Good News

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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.

310

Christmas Is Back in Bethlehem, but Peace and Joy Have Yet to Arrive

Palestinian Christians are reviving their seasonal public celebrations, hoping to bring light and holiday spirit at the end of a gloomy year in the West Bank.

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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.

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.

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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’

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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…

233

After three years of long-distance, my partner and I aren’t sure if we should stay together

These types of relationships can be challenging – you need to have an honest conversation about what you both wantMy partner and I are professionals in our early 30s. We’ve been together for five years, and long-distance for the last three, but have just moved back in together.While we were long-dis…

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

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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.

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‘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.

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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.

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‘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…

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An 11-year-old needed two new organs and doctors made history

In a rare and historic achievement, Children’s Hospital Colorado successfully completed its first dual heart and liver transplant in a pediatric patient. The life-saving surgery was performed on 11-year-old Gracie Greenlaw, whose congenital heart condition eventually led to liver failure. Dozens of …

220

No more kitchen martyrs – a guide to sharing the load at Christmas

From peeling sprouts to pouring drinks, there’s an art to being genuinely useful during festive cooking• Sign up here for our weekly food newsletter, Feast“Anything I can do to help?” If ever a line was guaranteed to incense the person in charge of cooking for a crowd, it is this one: uttered in see…

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The best slippers for men and women, from cosy sheepskin mules to chic ballet shoes

Whether you’re trying to stay warm at home or smarten up for guests, we’ve found the perfect slippers and bed socks for everyone – even if you don’t normally like them• The best women’s pyjamas• The best men’s pyjamasIf it’s true that you can judge a person by their shoes, then it’s perhaps even mor…