61 minutes ago The Christmas that went wrong: The day was saved by the new friend I’d made on a drunken night out

I was alone in New York during the pandemic, in the aftermath of a breakup and unable to go home. A Korean family taught me to believe in the kindness of strangersLike many Jewish families, the Wolfsons take Christmas extremely seriously. Latkes and smoked salmon are served before homemade cranberry sauce and brussels sprouts. My dad’s hand-painted menorah, which he made during the ceramics cafe boom of the early 2000s, sits proudly underneath the Christmas tree.As such, I had never missed a Christmas with the family – although there had been some near misses. In 2019, we spent Christmas by my dad’s hospital bed after his stroke – us sipping on hospital canteen gingerbread lattes, him having Christmas dinner in the guise of vanilla-scented protein, fed through a tube. In 2020, I saw my family only from six feet away, double-masked and on the doorstep. I delivered presents, but they were not opened for a few days, to let any stray virus dissipate. Continue reading...

Politics

11 hours ago I’m one of millions working in retail. This Christmas, don’t ask how we are – or we may tell you | Andrew Herrick

So far today I have dealt with 200 customers. I have smiled 200 times, but that’s getting harder. Consider me a checkout robotGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastYou decided to do it differently this year. You usually buy online, with high-minded principle, from a company owned by the least-loathsome billionaire you can find. Instead, this Christmas you gritted your teeth and drove in a hot car to a local business where you (finally) found a park. Then you steadfastly hunted down the gifts that your family members simply must have, worked your way up the cattle race to the counter, upon which you triumphantly spread your purchases. With luck you’ll be out of here and home before the roads get too busy. That man behind the counter doesn’t look happy; who cares: as long as he’s efficient.That’d be me. I’ve been standing in one spot for the last six hours (OK, one toilet break) and have another three to go. I’ve worked in retail for 14 years, and so far today I’v...

Economics

11 hours ago BBC Casualty set for major disruption as Christmas special tackles realistic crisis

The 2024 Christmas special episode of the BBC's Casualty includes a storyline that explores a blood shortage in the fictional hospital - but touches on real life events

Events

12 hours ago James Corden and Ruth Jones had big disagreement over Gavin and Stacey ending

Much-loved sitcom Gavin and Stacey returns for one last time this Christmas with fans eagerly awaiting the final instalment - but James Corden and Ruth Jones revealed they clashed over the end

Politics

13 hours ago Cardiff's St David's shopping centre has been given a Gavin & Stacey makeover

Cardiff is giving a tidy nod to the beloved series with a day full of fun and nostalgia

Economics

13 hours ago Ruth Jones reveals one of her favourite Gavin & Stacey filming moments and it's not part of any episode

Ruth's favourite memory of filming the beloved sitcom involves a Welsh music legend

Politics

15 hours ago Germany Christmas market attack: Scholz condemns ‘terrible, insane’ act as five killed and hundreds injured – latest

Toddler among five dead while 40 people remain in critical conditionBild, German public-service broadcaster ARD and other media are reporting that four people were killed and 41 were seriously injured in the attack.In addition, 86 people were treated with significant injuries in hospital, while 78 people suffered light injuries. Continue reading...

Events

16 hours ago James Corden forced to correct fellow Graham Norton Show guest in awkward exchange

Wonka actor, Timothee Chalamet was confused about how long Gavin and Stacey had been on UK television for

Events

16 hours ago Elderly activist to spend Christmas in prison because tag does not fit

Woman jailed for M25 protest not allowed to continue home detention because electronic tags are too bigA 77-year-old environmental activist will spend Christmas in prison despite having been released on an electronic tag, because the authorities cannot find an electronic device small enough to fit her wrists.Gaie Delap, a retired teacher and a Quaker from Bristol, was jailed in August, along with four co-defendants, for her part in a campaign of disruptive Just Stop Oil protests on the M25 in November 2022. Continue reading...

Events

17 hours ago Gavin and Stacey's future after Christmas special sealed as star lets slip secret message

As anticipation builds for what will be the final episode of Gavin and Stacey, one of the BBC show's stars has shared what was left for the cast at the end of the script

Politics