57 m. ago Don’t hold back, swearing can boost performance by lowering inhibitions, study finds

Study finds dropping an expletive can raise confidence and help people push harder during physically demanding tasksIt may not be in keeping with the festive spirit, but if you find yourself dropping the F-word while wrestling a Christmas tree up a flight of stairs, scientists say you could be on to something. A study has found that swearing can enhance physical performance by lowering inhibitions and pushing the brain into a “flow state”.“In many situations, people hold themselves back – consciously or unconsciously – from using their full strength,” said Dr Richard Stephens, a psychologist at Keele University who led the research. “Swearing is an easily available way to help yourself feel focused, confident and less distracted, and go for it a little more.” Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Grinch bursts into school and terrorises students before destroying Christmas tree

A festive prank left students completely baffled as the Grinch rocked up and caused mayhem. The cheeky culprit pushed over the Christmas tree and even terrorised staff

Events

4 h. ago How to eat, drink and be merry – while pregnant – at Christmas

Some traditional treats may be off the menu, but there are plenty of alternatives for a festive feastFor a festival with childbirth at its religious heart, it is perverse how much of our traditional Christmas spread isn’t recommended for pregnant women. Pre-pregnancy, this was not something I’d clocked. I was the soft cheese supremo, canape queen – at my happiest with a smoked trout blini in one hand and a champagne flute in the other. Then one day in October, two blue lines appeared on a test result and everything started to change: my body, my future and most pressingly my Christmas.Don’t get me wrong: no present under the tree can match the gift I’ve got in store. But as a food writer who loves this season, I can’t think of a worse time to be nauseated, exhausted and forbidden by the NHS to eat, drink or do my favourite things to eat, drink or do in winter. I have no alternatives for saunas, skiing and hot baths. I do, however, know enough chefs, bartenders, retailers and produce...

Politics

5 h. ago ‘Criminally below the radar’: readers on their best underrated Christmas films

After Guardian writers picked their favourite lesser-known festive movies, readers shoutout Klaus, The Ref and moreI thought a real modern hidden gem is All Is Bright starring Paul Rudd and Paul Giamatti as two down-on-their-luck Christmas tree sellers. It’s perfectly played by both, with Rudd putting in, not his usual “puppy dog everyone wants to be your mate” role but a sarcastic turn, complementing Giamatti’s Christmas grinch. More a black comedy (by Hollywood standards), it’s an excellent film. Andyouwillknowme Continue reading...

Events

8 h. ago Everyone says same thing as owner asks what to do when it's too cold for walks

'They already have baskets full of toys which they love, but toys don't always fix the zoomies, and with the Christmas tree up they can't play super rough like they normally do.'

Politics

18 h. ago Town's Christmas tree that was chopped down just hours after its lights were switched on is restored by residents

The tree had stood proudly behind an £1,800 ornamental fence in the centre of Shotton Colliery, County Durham, for ten years before a vandal took a chainsaw to its trunk on Wednesday December 10.

Politics

21 h. ago The fabulous world of nature's own 'Christmas tree decorations'

From old men’s beards and string-of-sausages lichens to redwings, fieldfares and even ‘fairies’, Scotland’s trees play host to a wealth of natural decorations

Politics

54 h. ago Throw out your Christmas tree immediately if you find walnut

A viral warning has urged people with real Christmas trees to look out for a brown, walnut-sized hard clump that resembles a pine cone, as it could actually be a praying mantis egg sac containing hundreds of eggs

Politics

54 h. ago Bin your Christmas tree now if you spot unusual lump looking like a pine cone

These brown, walnut-sized clumps on real Christmas trees could contain hundreds of praying mantis eggs that may hatch indoors

Politics

58 h. ago Americans like artificial Christmas trees even though few are made in US and prices are up

A trade association says new U.S. tariffs increased artificial Christmas tree prices by 10% to 15% this year as tree companies reduced their orders and raised prices to cover the higher import taxes

Politics

68 h. ago What to know about the search for the Brown University shooting suspect

Police renewed their search for the gunman who killed two Brown University students and wounded nine others after they released a person of interest they had detained

Events

69 h. ago Vatican unveils Nativity scene, lights Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square

The Vatican has unveiled its Nativity scene and lit the towering Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square

Politics

3 d. ago Add an extra festive flourish to your Christmas dinner with this top

This highly-rated 12-piece tableware set features a festive Christmas Tree design and there's still time to get it delivered before the 25th

Politics

3 d. ago Britain's best pyjamas revealed: Our fashion editor has picked the very best to wear whatever the occasion

While the outside world sparkles with glitz and glam at this time of year, 'tis also the season for staying warm and snug indoors.

Politics

3 d. ago Expert tips on how to keep your Christmas tree fresh for longer

Frequent watering and a well-timed trim are essential for keeping your tree at its best

Politics

4 d. ago Twas the drought before Christmas! Tree growers say dry conditions over the summer mean they could drop their needles and be bare by the big day

Severe drought conditions are said to have caused 'stress' to the festive firs, with buyers advised to only pick out the freshest from the batch.

Politics

4 d. ago Next's 'beautiful' £12 Christmas decorations shoppers 'can't wait to put on the tree'

The Decoris Set of 4 Santa Bows brings a touch of classic Christmas and is bang on trend for 2025

Economics

4 d. ago 'Oldest' Christmas tree almost destroyed in Blitz back for another year

The tree was bought from Woolworths for sixpence

Politics

4 d. ago Two men arrested for chopping down Christmas tree hours after being lit

Residents were horrified after the living Christmas tree was horrendously felled just hours after the lights were turned on — but now two men are under investigation

Events

5 d. ago Two arrested as village Christmas tree cut down hours after lights switch

'This was a disgusting act of mindless vandalism, which has caused huge upset throughout the village'

Events