Discover why sweeping or washing on January 1st is seen as bad luck across cultures. From washing away loved ones to sweeping off good fortune, we explore the folklore and offer lucky alternatives for 2026.
Explore stunning images of New Year 2026 celebrations from Sydney to San Francisco. See how the world welcomed the new decade with fireworks and festivities.
From eating grapes in Spain to smashing plates in Denmark, discover 19 unusual and fascinating New Year's Eve customs from across the globe. Could you try one this year?
Discover seven of the best alcohol-free events in London for Dry January 2026, from CBD cocktails to sober comedy nights. Explore the capital's vibrant sober scene.
Discover the must-see London theatre opening in January 2026, from star-led West End premieres to avant-garde Shakespeare and hit Edinburgh transfers. Book your tickets now.
Storm Johannes has toppled Sweden's iconic straw Gävle Goat, adding to its long history of destruction by fire, birds, and vandals. Discover the quirky tradition's turbulent past.
Discover the traditional date for taking down your Christmas tree to avoid bad luck, plus why modern habits are changing. Find out the facts about Twelfth Night and Epiphany.
From icy swims in England to climate-affected harvests in Indonesia, The Guardian's photo editors capture poignant global moments on 26 December 2025. Explore the full gallery of images.
A family's first Christmas in Sweden sparked friendly negotiations over festive customs. Discover how they merged British roast dinners with Swedish Jansson's temptation for a unique 'Scots-Swedish' celebration.
Sheila Bond, born on 25 December 1953, reveals why she loves her Christmas birthday, from childhood presents to family traditions. Read her heartwarming story.
Explore the surprising Roman and Victorian origins of Christmas on December 25th. Discover the theories behind the date and how Charles Dickens shaped our modern festivities.
A woman reflects on 25 years of joint family Christmases with divorced parents and step-parents, recalling the surreal moment she found them all in bed together. Discover how this unique dynamic shaped her understanding of love and family.
From icy dips in the UK to a unique underground mass in the Philippines, explore the powerful and poignant images that defined Christmas Eve around the world. See the full gallery.
Explore how British diaspora communities use festive food and gatherings to preserve identity and create new traditions. Discover personal stories of connection and belonging.
Discover why countries across Europe and Latin America exchange presents on Christmas Eve, rooted in ancient Christian tradition. Explore the global festive customs.
As Australia faces a 'hot Christmas', explore how summer celebrations, from prawns to beach cricket, define the festive season down under. Discover the unique blend of tradition and climate.
Industry insiders from the BBC, ITV and Sky share the festive TV they return to every year, from classic films to unexpected soaps. Discover the shows that truly make their Christmas.
A Canadian expat shares her strangest Christmas in a London flat, bonding with a flatmate over a jarring film and an unconventional lunch. Discover the oddities of the festive season away from home.
Everything you need to know about London's famous Christmas Eve meat auction at Smithfield Market. Find times, tips, and how to bag a festive bargain.
Discover Montol, Cornwall's unique winter solstice festival in Penzance. From horse skull 'osses' and pagan rituals to sprout-throwing revelry, explore how this community event lights up the darkest day.
A journalist reflects on missing her annual festive hometown reunion for the first time, exploring the unique nostalgia and chaos of Christmas Eve back home. Share your story with us.
As Christmas 2025 approaches, Ukrainian refugees in the UK share how they preserve their festive traditions, from St Nicholas Day to Holy Supper, while mourning lives shattered by Russia's full-scale invasion.
Polly Hudson reveals how 15 years of festive squabbles over tinsel, turkey and Aled Jones led to a yuletide truce with her Christmas-obsessed husband. Discover their seasonal survival guide.
A mother explains how telling her children Santa only brings stocking fillers changed Christmas, reducing pressure and fostering gratitude. Discover her simple family rule.
The Duchess of Sussex reveals her family's sweet festive rituals in California, including leaving carrots for reindeer, as the Sussexes celebrate another Christmas away from UK royals.
A writer's scathing critique of the forced frivolity of White Elephant gift exchanges. Discover why this holiday ritual of disappointment and theft should be made extinct this festive season.
A new survey reveals millions of Brits are breaking Christmas dinner traditions with chips and baked beans, but Londoners cling to Yorkshire puddings. Discover the festive food revolution.
Explore the fascinating history of the Christmas tree, from Roman Saturnalia to Norwegian church floors. Discover how the Norway spruce became a festive staple and its surprising practical uses.
Discover four ingenious Elf on the Shelf pranks from a creative mum, plus a time-saving app that uses AI to create magical elf scenes for your children.
The Guardian wants to hear from UK readers about their 2025 Christmas plans. Are you embracing the festive season early or holding back? Share your story and thoughts on the holiday spirit.