I’m a Grinch and my husband is like Buddy the Elf – here is how we found a Christmas compromise
Over our marriage, seasonal rows have focussed on cheese, tinsel, turkey, Aled Jones and even pyjamas. Still, I’m convinced that I am the true spirit of the festive season, writes Polly Hudson
Spain’s ruling party faces crunch regional poll amid corruption and harassment claims
Results of Sunday’s snap election in Extremadura are seen as key test of Pedro Sánchez and his PSOE party
10 of the best Australian sparkling wines for every budget
From a $25 Victorian prosecco to a top-shelf Tasmanian sparkling rosé, these are the best local bottles to buy this festive season
Ukraine war briefing: Russian oil rig hit in Caspian Sea over 700km from Ukraine
Kyiv continues campaign of attacks on Russia-linked maritime targets; latest US idea is three-way peace talks. What we know on day 1,397
Bondi beach’s golden light can never be extinguished. It has always returned from its darkest days
Bondi has long been a stage for some of Australia’s best – and worst – moments. As it continues to reel from the Hanukah mass shooting, it’ll always be a place for everyone
Reform-run Kent council accused of blocking scrutiny of claim it saved £40m
Exclusive: Labour MP made FoI request more than five months ago seeking information on how savings were calculated
Trump news at a glance: Anger grows about redactions, apparent removal of Epstein files from DoJ website
Justice department hit with legal threats after authorities release limited, heavily redacted trove of files in apparent violation of Epstein Transparency Act. Key US politics stories from 20 December 2025
Snails on a plane: Australia flies rescue mission to Norfolk Island for a tiny, critically endangered species
The Campbell’s keeled glass-snail is officially extinct, but researchers have ‘high hopes’ that translocation will allow the population to thrive
The moment I knew: ‘Sheltering under his lavender umbrella felt like pure stardust’
After meeting while hiking the Inca trail, Jenny and Jarod’s chemistry was extraordinary – even when neither had showered for three days
‘Very deep introspection’: unanswered questions for intelligence agencies on actions in lead-up to Bondi attack
Experts say inquiry should look into actions of Asio after it cleared one alleged shooter following 2019 assessment
From Dr Seuss to All Quiet on the Western Front: 19 books to help you find hope, sense and resistance in difficult times
Writers, activists and politicians on the books they turn to for wisdom and perspective – and to restore their faith in human nature