17 h. ago 10 Christmas books to try this December including an 'absolute must

Christmas books are the perfect thing to read at this time of the year, but it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, the 'best Christmas book hands down' has been named

Politics

38 h. ago Received an unwanted gift? Here is your failsafe guide to how to respond | Polly Hudson

Remember the protocol everyone must follow: look convincingly happy and never say what you actually think about a disappointing presentTo paraphrase George Michael, last Christmas my friend gave her sister-in-law a book. The sister-in-law opened it, immediately said, “Oh I’ve already got this,” and handed it back. If you just winced, you are correct.Common decency dictates that you gratefully receive a jumper, making multiple exclamations of how thrilled you are, even if you’re wearing an identical one as you open it. The very next day, you give it away. That’s how it works, and why charity shops are inundated in December and January. This is the season of goodwill, not honesty – white lies are so festively appropriate, they’re the colour of snow. Ho-ho-hope you kept the receipt, said no one ever. Continue reading...

Events

58 h. ago David Walliams makes sad Christmas confession in rare family insight

David Walliams has a new Christmas book out this year which is inspired by his son

Politics

62 h. ago Best days to book cheap Christmas holidays as experts say there's still time

Travel experts say it's not too late to book a Christmas getaway and save money as you can cut costs by up to 24% on flights

Science

3 d. ago Our picks for the best children's books to give this Christmas

Our expert children's books reviewer has selected the books your children will fall in love with this Christmas.

Politics

3 d. ago The Dead of Winter by Sarah Clegg audiobook review – haunting Christmas tales

An esoteric blend of folklore and festivity reveals the lesser known, dark side of Christmas, from horse skulls and Yule cats to Icelandic ogresChristmas nowadays tends to revolve around family, food and a furtive visit from a pot-bellied stranger down the chimney. But in The Dead of Winter, the historian and folklorist Sarah Clegg reveals a lesser known side to the festive season, unearthing unsettling midwinter traditions and stories that fell out of favour in the Victorian age.Subtitled The Demons, Witches and Ghosts of Christmas, the book opens with Clegg embarking on a pre-dawn walk to a graveyard on Christmas Eve. She is recreating an old Swedish tradition called årsgång, or “year walk”, which is said to offer glimpses into the walker’s future along with “shadowy enactments of the burials of anyone who will die in the village this coming year”.Available via WF Howes, 4hr 21min Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago The best gardening books to gift – and read – this Christmas

Whether gifting or looking for inspiration, here’s the best new titles for gardeners

Politics

4 d. ago Carole Middleton takes fashion inspiration from her daughter Kate at Christmas carol concert in a £345 version of the Princess's beloved Alexander McQueen coat

Carole Middleton took a leaf out of her daughter, the Princess of Wales' fashion book when attending her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, according to Hello.

Politics

5 d. ago Book lovers rush to buy Kindle with up to '12 week battery life' amid 35% cut

This refurbished e-reader could be an ideal Christmas present for a loved one who is always surrounded by books.

Politics

6 d. ago The best books to give as presents this Christmas, personally recommended

When it comes to gifts, you can’t go wrong with a good book. Here you’ll find standout titles across genres and styles, thoughtfully selected by The Independent’s culture staff to suit readers of every predilection

Politics

7 d. ago Edinburgh bookstore sells creative gifts that are ideal for book lovers this Christmas

If you want get to a gift for someone who regulary reads books, Rare Bird Books has a variety of fun ideas.

Economics

7 d. ago White Christmas odds as four UK locations listed as most likely to get snow

Bookmakers have released White Christmas odds as Brits prepare for the festive season

Events

9 d. ago Children’s literary giants join forces for new Christmas tale

New story will feature in next week’s edition of The Big Issue

Politics

1 week ago Phil Foden books out entire festive village for annual family Christmas party

After scoring two goals in Manchester City's 3-2 victory over Leeds on Saturday, the England star and his family hosted their annual festive celebrations at a festive craft village in Cheshire

Society

1 week ago Phil Foden books out entire festive village for 'perfect' Christmas party

Even the Grinch made an appearance as Man City star Phil Foden and his family hosted their annual Christmas party in Cheshire

Politics

1 week ago The 23 most mouthwatering cookbooks to tickle the tastebuds of your foodie friends and family

From Dame Mary to Jamie Oliver, Thomasina Miers to Diana Henry, Constance Craig Smith provides a list of the BEST cookery books to give this year.

Society

1 week ago Meghan Markle shares photo of Charlie Mackesy book to promote her As ever brand

The Duchess of Sussex shared a snap of the book as she promoted a honey and leather bookmark Christmas gift set from her lifestyle brand As Ever on Instagram.

Culture

2 w. ago Stacey Solomon shows off Christmas decorations at Pickle Cottage with huge flowers on tree and giant reindeer

Stacey Solomon has revealed some of her Christmas decorations at her Essex home, Pickle Cottage, where she lives with husband Joe Swash and their children

Politics

2 w. ago The tiny Scottish 'book town' that was named best for Christmas visit

It is home to the oldest second-hand bookstore in Scotland.

Politics

2 w. ago Revealed: The UK city where hotel rooms have dropped by more than half price ahead of Christmas

As Christmas fast approaches, many hotels will be booking up quickly. But in one UK city, the price of some hotel rooms have dropped by more than 50 per cent in the run up to festivities.

Politics