Cologne so civilised after Munich mayhem but not long before Tartan Army bring the noise – Ryan Carroll

Brits are once again facing the last-minute Christmas shopping rush, with ailing high streets struggling to attract shoppers who now prefer online shopping. Iconic stores like Woolworths and Debenhams have closed, leaving town centers deserted and full of boarded-up shops. Despite nostalgic photos from the 1980s and 1990s showing bustling crowds, recent images reveal a stark contrast with deserted shopping centers like Evesham, prompting concerns about the future of traditional retail spaces in the UK....

Shy Charles, a non-binary musician, has released a Celtic harp cover of Spice Girls' 2 Become 1, arguing that it is an overlooked Christmas song. The cover features a mix of harp, organ, nature sounds, and layered vocals, creating a ghostly, nostalgic feel. Accompanied by a Wuthering Heights-inspired video starring Shon Faye and Otamere Guobadia, the cover aims to evoke a warm, nostalgic feeling or the chills of a Christmas ghost story.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jFEsX9u3jc Full Article

There’s magic in children's joy at Christmas, with lights, songs, and stories creating a festive atmosphere. Laura House offers tips to help children settle before Santa arrives, including sticking to routines, planning family visits strategically, taking a torch-lit stroll, swapping screentime for storytime, and keeping a quiet spot free for children to relax and reset amidst the holiday chaos. These suggestions aim to create a peaceful environment for children to enjoy the excitement of the...

Redditors shared their disdain for Christmas traditions like Elf on the Shelf, Christmas Eve boxes, and Christmas jumpers, citing them as commercialized, wasteful, and unnecessary. Some expressed frustration with the pressure to participate in these trends and the need to share them on social media, highlighting the performative nature of these traditions. Overall, the sentiment was that these traditions detract from the true meaning of the holiday season. Full Article

Police in Greater Manchester are seeking information regarding a newborn baby, known as 'Baby Ava', found abandoned in a field wrapped in pink fabric a month ago. Scientists are hopeful DNA on the fabric may lead to the child's family members. The investigation involves collaboration with botanists, anthropologists, and psychologists to determine the circumstances surrounding Baby Ava's abandonment, with a focus on local communities and extensive outreach efforts. Full Article

Kemi Badenoch became Tory leader after defeating Robert Jenrick, succeeding Rishi Sunak. Despite concerns over her performance, Badenoch remains optimistic, citing a focus on unity within the party and a strategic approach to policy announcements. She assures the public that policies will be revealed in due time, emphasizing the need to earn trust and promising a forthcoming narrative. Full Article