2 h. ago Holy Land's top Catholic leader visits Gaza parish, greeted by children in Santa hats and keffiyeh

The top Catholic leader in the Holy Land has visited the Gaza Strip’s only Catholic church, sharing a message of Christmas hope and support as conditions in the war-torn territory slowly improve while the Israel-Hamas ceasefire holds into its third month

Politics

6 h. ago New Catholic leader says Church must be ‘authentic’ on societal issues

Archbishop-elect Richard Moth was asked about migration, assisted dying and safeguarding in his first public appearance in the new role.

Politics

7 h. ago Richard Moth appointed Roman Catholic archbishop of Westminster

Moth, 67, bishop of Arundel and Brighton, becomes leader of 6m Catholics in England and WalesThe new leader of the Roman Catholic church in England and Wales has been named as Bishop Richard Moth.Moth, 67, was appointed by Pope Leo to replace Cardinal Vincent Nichols as archbishop of Westminster and leader of about 6 million Catholics in England and Wales. Continue reading...

Politics

9 h. ago Bishop Richard Moth named new leader of Catholics in England and Wales

He is the 12th Archbishop of Westminster, replacing Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

Politics

31 h. ago An adopted polar bear cub and Christmas in the Holy Land: photos of the day – Thursday

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world Continue reading...

Culture

3 d. ago Premier League star goes undercover to surprise children as Santa

A certain Premier League footballer has been delivering the goods in more ways than one this Christmas, dressing up as Santa Claus to the delight of his club's young and adoring fans.

Politics

4 d. ago The real life Grinch who has stolen Christmas: Children in scenic village can't post letters to Santa after historic post box was taken by cruel thief

A whodunnit has been launched in a scenic Pennine hamlet after a crime which has left villagers shocked - and children with no way to reach Santa.

Politics

7 d. ago 120 children fly from Manchester Airport to 'North Pole' to find Father Christmas

The TUI plane set off from Manchester Airport and took 120 children on a journey to find Santa Claus

Society

8 d. ago Queen of Christmas cheer! Camilla surprises seriously ill children with a visit from Santa at Clarence House party

Camilla, 77, threw her 20th annual party for youngsters with life-limiting conditions at Clarence House and declared that 'Christmas has started' for her.

Society

8 d. ago Camilla joins youngsters in Queen Victoria’s former sled at Clarence House party

The children also helped decorate a tree and received presents from Santa.

Politics

9 d. ago ‘Santa’ Obama surprises Chicago elementary students with storytime visit

Barack Obama dressed in a Santa hat in a surprise visit to children at a Chicago library on Tuesday (9 December).

Politics

1 week ago Paedo 'Santa for hire' arrested after 'active engagement with young children'

64-year-old Mark Paulino, from Hamilton Township, was taken into custody and charged with possession and distribution of child sexual abuse materials

Events

1 week ago 'Santa puts Blu Tack in our children's stockings for vital reason'

Child psychotherapist Gee Eltringham has important advice to reduce the stress of Christmas

Politics

2 w. ago Melania Trump wishes strength and toys from Santa during visit with hospitalized children

Melania Trump has continued a decades-old first lady tradition of visiting with hospitalized children for the holidays

Politics

2 w. ago How to manage children’s expectations if you’re short of money this Christmas

A financial expert and a parenting guru explain how parents can minimise kids’ disappointment if they can’t spend much over the festive period.

Politics

2 w. ago Parents under pressure offer creative tips for moving Santa's spy Elf on the Shelf

Santa's spy known as Elf on the Shelf is turning 20 this year

Events

2 w. ago When is the best time to tell your child the truth about Father Christmas, according to psychologists?

It has been a magical childhood filled with grottos and letters to the North Pole, but suddenly your child is wondering about Santa and risks being teased at school and feeling lied to. Charlotte Cripps’s daughter is in the tricky transitional stage, so she asked the experts what to do

Politics

2 w. ago Pope Leo urges Lebanese leaders to make peace highest priority

Pontiff tells politicians and religious heads they must persevere with peace efforts despite facing ‘highly complex, conflictual’ situationPope Leo has urged political leaders in Lebanon to make peace their highest priority in a forceful appeal as he is visiting the country, which remains a target of Israeli airstrikes, on the second leg of his first overseas trip as Catholic leader.Leo, the first US pope, arrived in Beirut on Sunday from a four-day visit to Turkey where he warned that humanity’s future was at risk because of the world’s unusual number of bloody conflicts, and condemned violence in the name of religion. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago MoneySavingExpert shares how children can get letters from Santa for as little as 87p

Royal Mail's Santa letter service provides replies in British Sign Language and braille and can also be issued in Welsh

Economics

3 w. ago How to get bargain £8 panto tickets today – and help an amazing cause

FOR most of us, the thought of waking up on Christmas morning and finding nothing under the tree is horrifying. But for many youngsters in Scotland this is a tragic reality. Charity KidsOut has worked tirelessly for the last 35 years to make sure Santa reaches as many children as possible. Whether they are living...

Economics