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.
Will it snow on Christmas Day 2025? We examine the UK forecast, the Met Office's definition, and look back at historic white Christmases, including the last widespread one in 2010.
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.
Two battle-weary Ukrainian soldiers return from 130 days in Donetsk. Their silent stares tell the story of gruelling combat as their brigade defends Kostyantynivka against relentless Russian assaults.
Mstyslav Chernov's harrowing documentary, following Ukrainian soldiers' brutal advance, is named one of the best films of 2025 in the UK. Discover this vital piece of frontline reporting.
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.
Anna Bilonozhenko, who fled Ukraine, describes being seriously injured when Paul Doyle drove into a Liverpool FC crowd. Read her harrowing story and the 21-year sentence.
Tilgate Park's Magical Christmas event near London expands its festive market this year. Enjoy free entry, Santa visits, craft stalls & zoo access. Open select dates in December.
As the war grinds into 2025, Ukraine faces a brutal strategic dilemma. Explore the painful choices between negotiation and continued conflict, and what it means for Europe's future. Read the full analysis.
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.
Discover B Bakery, a family-run Ukrainian food truck in Canary Wharf serving massive savoury croissants, traditional desserts, and community spirit, all with prices starting under £10.
Discover expert tips on buying the perfect real Christmas tree in the UK. Learn how prices vary by size, type, and region, and where to find the best deals from supermarkets to local growers.
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.
A 21-year-old Ukrainian student was tortured and set alight in his father's car in Vienna after being forced to hand over cryptocurrency. Two suspects have been arrested. Read the full investigation.
The UK government is asking the public to nominate traditions like cheese rolling and Burns Night for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Submit your ideas by February.
Viewers have expressed widespread disappointment with the 2025 festive TV line-up from major UK channels, criticising repeats and uninspiring shows. Discover the one programme getting praise.
A six-year-old's 1883 letter to Santa, found in newspaper archives, shows children's festive wishes haven't changed in 140 years. Discover the origins of this UK tradition.
A decade-long struggle with reusable advent calendars reveals the impossible quest for fairness, festivity, and usefulness. Discover why one parent now starts planning in July.
Discover the quirky festive rituals of Guardian writers, from ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace to 'intermittent wrapping' and bizarre mermaid ornaments. Find your new Christmas tradition.
A Hertfordshire mum reveals her 18-year method of preparing the festive feast in advance, saving three hours and £65.55. Discover her time-saving hacks for a stress-free Christmas.
From wassailing to green Santas, Guardian readers reveal the ancient Yuletide customs they'd love to bring back for a more authentic British Christmas experience.
Ukrainian naval drones attacked two Russian oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea. The strike aims to pressure Russia's oil industry. Read the latest developments.
Ukrainian naval drones attacked two Russian oil tankers near Crimea, marking a significant escalation in Black Sea operations. Discover how this impacts regional security.
See the first photos of the 2025 Downing Street Christmas tree, decorated by Jane Ingram and her daughter. Discover the festive details and what's next for London.
Discover why serving Thanksgiving dinner at 3pm creates family tension in British households and how to navigate this American tradition on UK soil. Read more.
Explore how Thanksgiving resonates in the UK, balancing commercial cynicism with genuine connection through food and tradition. Discover why this American holiday matters.