The annual trauma of the family Christmas photo, explained
A writer reflects on the childhood ordeal of the festive family photo and how becoming a parent revealed its true, poignant purpose. Discover why this tradition matters.
Category : Search result: festive shopping stress
How Your Diet Can Combat December Stress
Feeling overwhelmed this December? Discover the five key foods, from oats to oily fish, that experts say can help regulate your stress hormones and boost resilience. Learn how to eat your way to a calmer Christmas.
Avoid 'Holiday Heart Syndrome' This Festive Season
Learn how festive stress and overindulgence can trigger dangerous heart conditions like 'holiday heart syndrome', and discover expert tips to protect your health this season.
How Online Shopping Ended My Christmas Panic
A veteran shopper's journey from high street frenzy to festive calm, exploring the guilt and liberation of modern Christmas shopping. Discover the hacks that saved December.
Cartoonist Samuel Ojo on the Perils of Christmas Shopping
Cartoonist Samuel Ojo captures the modern chaos of Christmas shopping in a new Guardian piece. Discover the hidden stresses of festive consumerism and why it resonates so deeply.
How to Have a Stress-Free Christmas: 18 Expert Tips
Ditch the festive pressure with writer Ellen Manning's practical guide. From family politics to perfect roasties, learn how to enjoy a calmer, happier Christmas with minimal effort.
Expert's Guide to Christmas Dinner Shopping Timings
An expert reveals the optimal timeline for buying your Christmas dinner ingredients, from what to buy now to what to purchase last minute. Plan ahead to save money and reduce festive stress.
Calais Booze Cruise: Festive Savings Guide Post-Brexit
With festive costs soaring, we investigate if a day-trip to Calais for Christmas shopping is still worth it post-Brexit. Compare prices on wine, food, and gifts.
Expert's 25-track 'happiest' Christmas car playlist
A music psychologist has created a scientifically-backed playlist of 25 festive songs guaranteed to boost your mood on stressful holiday journeys. Discover the formula and the top tracks.
2025's Most Popular Christmas Gifts Revealed
Discover the 20 most-loved Christmas presents for 2025, based on reader purchases. From party-starting games to self-care essentials, find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
UK Supermarkets Set Christmas Turkey Order Deadlines
Tesco, Aldi, Asda and others issue 'final warning' deadlines for festive food orders. Key dates are Dec 14-16. Act now to secure your Christmas dinner.
Selfish Christmas Gifting: Revenge Presents Take Off
New research reveals most Brits give gifts to boost their own mood, with 'revenge gifting' on the rise. Discover the surprising festive psychology and a new retail promotion.
UK's First Drive-Through Christmas Wrapping Service Launches
Struggling to wrap presents? A new UK drive-through service, backed by expert Jane Means, tackles festive frustration, saving an average of 56 minutes per person. Discover the top tips for perfect gift presentation.
Top 14 UK Christmas Light Trails for 2025
Discover the UK's most spectacular festive light trails for 2025, from Kew Gardens to Edinburgh. Find dates, prices, and booking details for magical family outings.
Shoppers flock to B&M for 'gorgeous' £7 Christmas decoration
Shoppers are rushing to B&M for a 'gorgeous' £7 wooden bell ornament that is going viral on social media. The 'traditional' festive accessory is praised for making homes look 'elegant'. Discover the must-have item.
Christmas shopping in 60 minutes: A frantic £455 spree
A journalist attempts to buy 27 Christmas presents in just one hour on a tight budget. Discover the frantic reality of last-minute online shopping and the final surprising total.
Home Bargains' 2kg Christmas Cracker Sells Out Fast
Home Bargains' huge £20 Christmas cracker, packed with 2kg of chocolates, is selling out fast. Shoppers must check in-store as online orders are unavailable. See the festive favourite causing a stir.
Chef's simple advice to avoid Christmas dinner stress
A new survey reveals 77% of Christmas cooks prep for 1hr 43min on Christmas Eve. Chef Sam Holland shares expert tips for a stress-free festive feast. Read his advice now.
Christmas stress peaks at 12:27pm, reveals new survey
New research pinpoints 12:27pm as the peak stress moment on Christmas Day. Discover five expert wellness tips to reclaim your calm and enjoy the festive season.
Record Christmas Travel Chaos Warning for UK Airports
UK airports face the busiest Christmas on record with over 22 million passengers. Experts warn of a 'perfect storm of stress' with delays and bad weather. Plan ahead for festive travel.
The hidden stress of refillable advent calendars for parents
Guardian columnist Zoe Williams reveals the decade-long challenge of filling reusable advent calendars for her children, striving for parity, festivity, and usefulness. Discover her July planning strategy and the year she forgot.
Christmas markets sell 'overpriced tat' found cheaper online
An investigation reveals UK Christmas markets are selling generic gifts at huge markups, with identical items available on Amazon, Temu and Etsy for a fraction of the price. Discover the shocking price differences.
Best and Worst Days for Your Christmas Food Shop
A UK grocery expert names the optimal dates for your festive food shop to avoid crowds and empty shelves. Plan ahead for a stress-free Christmas dinner.
How to Have a Stress-Free Christmas Dinner
After bursting into tears from Christmas kitchen stress, Suzanne Mulholland shares her make-ahead recipes and freezing tips for the perfect relaxed festive meal.
Christmas declutter plan: 4 weeks to organised home
Declutter Hub experts reveal their week-by-week plan to prepare your home for Christmas stress-free. Create space, organise gifts and enjoy the festive season.
Discover Your Christmas Shopping Personality Type
Take a fun new quiz to find your festive shopping style. New research reveals Brits spend nearly £500 on gifts and face hour-long queues.
20 Best UK Christmas Markets for 2025
Discover Britain's top Christmas markets for 2025, featuring festive fairs in Bath, Edinburgh, Birmingham and more. Plan your perfect seasonal getaway.
Guardian's 2025 Christmas Gift Guide: 158 Expert Picks
Struggling with Christmas shopping? The Guardian's expert columnists reveal their top 158 gift picks for 2025, from Yotam Ottolenghi's kitchen essentials to Sali Hughes' beauty must-haves. Find perfect presents for everyone on your list.
12 Best US Christmas Markets for Festive Spirit
Discover America's most enchanting Christmas markets from Chicago to New York. Find artisan gifts, mulled wine and festive cheer across 12 magical locations.
Christmas Food Prep Tips for a Stress-Free Day
Discover Suzanne Mulholland's batch cooking secrets to reclaim your Christmas Day. Start prepping in November to save money and reduce festive stress. Get your guide now!
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