Sport, music, Scouts … it’s time to end the relentless treadmill of kids’ extracurricular activities and re-embrace civilisation

There are no uniforms to remember, no bags to pack, no mad dashes across suburbs at this time of year. Even dinner can be eaten while seated

How to eat, drink and be merry – while pregnant – at Christmas

Some traditional treats may be off the menu, but there are plenty of alternatives for a festive feast

Worried about winter? 10 ways to thrive – from socialising to Sad lamps to celebrating the new year in April

The temptation is to sit at home and hibernate, but beating the winter blues can be done. Here’s how to embrace the coldest and arguably most beautiful season

The 175 best holiday gift ideas for 2025, vetted by the Guardian US staff

Unique, tested gift ideas for every budget – from stocking stuffers to splurges – to cover every recipient and scenario

Endings are hard, but facing them helps us to heal

I understand the temptation to run away – I have felt it too. Try to stay in the room, and in the moment. You’ll be glad you did

‘Oysters are a risk, as is raw meat’: why you get food poisoning – and how to avoid it

Several kinds of bacteria can give you an upset stomach. Here is how to steer clear of the worst offenders, and what to do if they do make it through

The one change that worked: sharing ‘accountability’ notes has made life better for both of us

Would telling a buddy my to-do list was done – before I’d done it – really make it more likely to happen? But leaving her a voice note every day has increased my productivity, and deepened our friendship

‘I feel shrink-wrapped’: the reluctant rise of shapewear for men

For years it’s been predicted that the market for male ‘support garments’ will take off … but it hasn’t quite happened. Now M&S is trying again

Friday briefing: How the Free Birth Society’s ​philosophy ​contributed to a ​preventable ​death

In today’s newsletter: The Guardian’s new podcast, The Birth Keepers, explores how a global network promoting unassisted childbirth has shaped women’s decisions​ around childbirth. One mother’s story stands as a stark warning

One in five women in England say their concerns were ignored during childbirth, survey finds

Women say fears were dismissed and help was unavailable at crucial moments during labour

The best experience gifts in the UK for Christmas, tried and tested, from life-drawing to wizard tea

Forget novelty mugs and aftershave – give them something they’ll actually remember

Is it a good idea to have a hot toddy when you’re sick?

Experts weigh in on if the traditional remedy of whisky, honey, lemon and hot water can actually help your cold

Parasite cleanses: why are so many people obsessed with intestinal worms?

Probably the most disgusting online trend of 2025, this has led to pictures of people’s excrement all over the internet. Please make it stop ...

Could a drug for narcolepsy change the world?

There are apparently breakthroughs on the way for those with sleep disorders – which sent me down a rabbit hole of research, writes Zoe Williams

Is it true that… you should take vitamin C when you’ve got a cold?

The vitamin has many benefits, but research shows that people who take it are just as likely to get the sniffles as those who don’t