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

13 hours ago More than 10,000 British soldiers on festive standby to spend Christmas away from families

Our brave military men and women are in 44 countries from the Middle East to the Falklands, forced to spend Christmas away from their families this year

Events

15 hours ago José Pizarro’s recipe for crisp roast brussels sprouts with a manchego crust

Honey, smoky pimentón and cheese add a golden, crisp twist to the familiar Christmas side These crisp roast sprouts with a manchego crust bring a creative twist to a classic side dish. Tossed in olive oil, smoked pimenton and honey, the brussels are roasted until caramelised and crisp, which helps to balance the smoky and sweet flavours. Fresh oregano and grated garlic add an extra dimension, while a good scattering of manchego gives them a golden, savoury crust. This simple yet flavourful dish is perfect for sharing and makes a fantastic addition to any meal, festive or otherwise. It’s also a fresh and easy way to enjoy brussels sprouts. Continue reading...

Politics

15 hours ago Christmas ruined for family after heartless thieves steal everything from under tree

The family woke up on Sunday, December 15 to discover the items were missing

Events

17 hours ago London black cab drivers take poorly children out from Great Ormond Street Hospital to see the capitals' festive lights

The cars arrived donned with tinsel and Christmas lights to take eight lucky children and their families to the light displays, among them was three-year-old Alfie, from south-east London.

Politics

21 hours ago Dark secrets of It's A Wonderful Life from chemical snow to actors left bleeding

It's A Wonderful Life is a timeless Christmas movie beloved by families for generations, and those weeping at the emotional climax will likely never guess at the blood and fury that went into creating a festive masterpiece

Politics

24 hours ago Why the line between the living and the dead is at its thinnest on Christmas Day

For many families across the country, this will be the first Christmas without a loved one

Events