46 minutes ago How an unlikely Bavarian village became the Christmas capital of Washington state

Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state

Politics

51 minutes ago The Christmas that went wrong: I had a massive abscess and spent my first ever night in hospital

The year already ranked among my very worst – then I wound up on a tinsel-draped drip, while my family texted fun photos from the pubIt hadn’t been a vintage year. I was in the middle of a divorce and had turned 30 believing my life was over in the way only a 29-year-old could. Christmas was set to be a nice reprieve from the misery, spending a week with my family and eagerly awaiting the promise of a new year. I felt tentatively hopeful.Ten days before the holiday, my throat began to hurt. “Tonsilitis!” the doctor said, giving me a prescription for antibiotics. The pain didn’t abate, even after a week, so I dutifully went back for another dose. The pain got worse. On Christmas Eve, with no GP surgeries open, my mum drove me to the local walk-in clinic. A doctor took one look in my mouth and said I had a quinsy (don’t Google this, for the love of God, but it’s basically a throat abscess) and told me to get to the nearest A&E as soon as possible. Continue reading...

Politics

51 minutes ago Woman's delicious and easy puff pastry recipe will be huge hit at Christmas table

A woman shared a recipe for her delicious Biscoff puff pastry Christmas trees – and it's ideal for a "bring a board night" or as an addition to the festive table

Events

51 minutes ago Gavin And Stacey star hit by train after night at the pub at Christmas

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne, who plays one of the beloved titled roles, suffered a frightful accident one Christmas when he was hit by a train after a night out

Events

51 minutes ago Best Christmas films to watch this festive season chosen by our TV expert

From iconic classics to little-known gems, we've rounded up the best festive films available to stream now on Disney+, Netflix, Sky and Amazon Prime Video

Culture

81 minutes ago John Swinney says tackling child poverty is his 'utmost priority' in Christmas message to Scots

The First Minister is raising money for the Children First charity with a signed copy of his personalised Christmas card.

Politics

81 minutes ago Scots Childline volunteer 'privileged to help kids in need' on Christmas Eve

"There’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.”

Politics

81 minutes ago Homeless charity to dish out Christmas Day meals and presents to Scots in need

Homeless Project Scotland is predicted to help around 100 people at its new facility on Glassford Street in Glasgow's city centre on Christmas Day.

Politics

81 minutes ago Scots mum leaves kids Christmas presents from beyond the grave after tragic cancer death

Morgan, 19, and Lyla, 16, will have something to open from their mum on Christmas morning.

Events

87 minutes ago Christmas travel LIVE: Traffic chaos on motorways while getaways hit by cancelled flights

National Highways reports severe congestion on motorways across UK as millions take to roads during festive period

Events