Boxing Day dips, climate change, and global moments
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.
Category : Search result: annual traditions
Family Blends British and Swedish Christmas Traditions in Malmö
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.
Christmas Day Baby Shares Joy of Festive Birthday
Sheila Bond, born on 25 December 1953, reveals why she loves her Christmas birthday, from childhood presents to family traditions. Read her heartwarming story.
The Real History of Why We Celebrate Christmas on Dec 25
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.
25 Years of Unconventional Family Christmases
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.
Christmas Eve Swims and Underground Mass in Photos
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.
How Diaspora Communities Redefine Christmas in Britain
Explore how British diaspora communities use festive food and gatherings to preserve identity and create new traditions. Discover personal stories of connection and belonging.
The Big Sports Quiz of 2025: Can You Score?
Think you've kept up with football, golf, F1 and more in 2025? Take our ultimate sports quiz covering 11 major disciplines and prove your fan credentials. Challenge yourself now!
Why Christmas is Celebrated on December 24
Discover why countries across Europe and Latin America exchange presents on Christmas Eve, rooted in ancient Christian tradition. Explore the global festive customs.
Australia's sweltering summer Christmas traditions
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.
TV Insiders Reveal Their Real Christmas Viewing Rituals
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 bizarre Christmas Day watching the film 'Tiptoes' in London
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.
Guide to Smithfield's Christmas Eve Meat Auction
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.
Penzance's Montol: Cornwall's Wild Winter Solstice Festival
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.
The Heartbreak of Missing a Hometown Christmas Night Out
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.
2025 set to be UK's warmest year on record
The Met Office confirms 2025 is likely to be the UK's hottest year, with an average temperature of 10.05°C. Scientists call the finding 'devastating' evidence of climate change. Read the full report.
Ukrainian refugees in UK uphold Christmas traditions
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.
Finding Christmas Compromise in a 'Grinch & Elf' Marriage
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.
Mum's Santa stocking rule stops kids asking for expensive gifts
A mother explains how telling her children Santa only brings stocking fillers changed Christmas, reducing pressure and fostering gratitude. Discover her simple family rule.
Meghan Markle's Christmas Traditions with Archie and Lilibet
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.
Ban the White Elephant: The Case Against a Christmas Tradition
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.
Yorkshire Puddings Defy New Christmas Dinner Trends in London
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.
The Ancient Origins and Uses of the Christmas Tree
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.
Christmas Leave: Should It Be Compulsory?
Two UK professionals debate forced festive shutdowns. Does mandatory leave boost productivity or infringe on personal choice? Discover the arguments for and against.
FCA overhaul could end mandatory annual reviews
The FCA's Consumer Duty overhaul may free wealth managers from rigid annual reviews, focusing on client needs. Discover the future of financial advice in the UK.
4 Genius Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Parents
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.
Guardian asks: Are you 'leaning in' to Christmas this year?
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.
UK Calls for UNESCO Heritage Submissions
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.
Victorian children's letters to Santa uncovered
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.
The hidden stress of refillable advent calendars for parents
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.
Page 1 of 2