Christmas

Brits are already planning ahead for the festive season

And other stories from the stranger side of life

Now a day of sports and sales, the public holiday has medieval roots

Letters reveal how the guns fell silent across the Western Front during the short-lived peace of 1914

How trying to phone Father Christmas led US military to launch its festive tracker

Six-year old’s discovery of a note from prisoners in a Chinese gulag puts spotlight on retailer’s relationship with suppliers

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for footy fans in the UK

From festive classics to a few new faces, these are the perfect holiday reads for kids

From comedians and documentarians to a slave-turned-orator

From naan mince pies to Christmas ramen, here are this year’s tastiest festive treats

The best holiday season presents for the gentleman in your life

The spy service is sending festive greetings with hidden messages

Supermarket data shows slump in demand for festive food

Perfect gifts to please any jewellery lover this holiday season

The festive season passes unmarked in fewer than 20 of the world’s nations

Environmental charity says festive sweaters are ‘one of worst examples of fast fashion’

Francoise Peretti, director of the UK’s Champagne Bureau shares her tips on choosing the right champagne styles for your festive occasions

Online retail giant sparks outrage by selling festive products depicting the Nazi death camp

Make the countdown to Christmas Day even more exciting this year

Don't miss the deadlines for sending your cards and parcels

The retailer’s latest festive offering features an accident-prone dragon

With many public buildings already booked up, election officers are struggling to find alternative polling station venues

From festive family fun to an unholy lustful nun

May Day bank holiday to be moved by four days in 2020

Literary giants mingled with new talent and former presidents and first ladies in last year’s hottest releases

Festive favourites Love Actually, Elf and Home Alone all miss out on the top spot in online survey of 7,000 people

Over 40% of the population will forgo opening doors to carol singers or hanging lights for fear of burglars

Ideas to help kick off your festive celebrations on the night before Christmas

From Branston Picklebread Men to Christmas dinner pizza, here are the craziest and most delectable festive treats available this year

Knits from these luxury brands will take your Christmas party up a notch

German pet rescue centres take a stand over pets as presents