Features

<p>‘What I realise now, however, is that having a C-section is just as brave as opting for a natural birth. It’s not the easy way out’: Charlotte with her newborn, Liberty</p>

first person

I was branded ‘too posh to push’ – but my caesarean section was hell

A growing number of expectant mothers are opting for C-sections rather than a natural birth, but judgement about the procedure remains, writes Charlotte Cripps

<p>Mills’ very own romcom-esque abode in West Oxfordshire </p>

Why living in a cosy Cotswolds cottage is nothing like the movies

<p>Sydney Sweeney has been accused of ‘catfishing’ by men who don’t understand how makeup works </p>

in focus

What the Sydney Sweeney photos really prove about women

<p>‘Eclectic, cool and creative people have always appreciated Guinness’ </p>

in focus

How Guinness became the drink of the year – and the pubs ran dry

<p>‘Hugging a fluffy croissant or smooshing a smiling cauliflower is an instant serotonin boost,’ says psychologist Veronica West. ‘It’s like an emotional support animal’ </p>

let’s unpack that

Are you obsessed with cuddly toys? There’s a simple reason for that

<p>Santa’s grottos and crying children go hand in hand</p>

We need to accept that Christmas ‘experiences’ are hell on earth

<p>Parents are finding their stolen buggies on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, where they’ve been put up for sale by buggy burglars</p>

Mums are being robbed of their pricey buggies in a mini crimewave

Latest news

More features

<p>Festive food expectations can be triggering for those with eating disorders </p>

In Focus

The relentless struggle of Christmas with an eating disorder

<p>Ninety-two per cent of new mums have reported breastfeeding problems three days after giving birth</p>

In Focus

I’m unable to breastfeed my baby – and the guilt is overwhelming

<p>Ninety-five per cent of imprisoned fathers who take part in Patton’s Date with Dad programme never return to jail once they are freed</p>

In FOCUS

How dance brought girls and their imprisoned fathers back together

<p>Not so festive: Christmas cards have embraced crudeness </p>

let’s unpack that

The unstoppable rise of the rude Christmas card

Recipes

<p>Venison, cauliflower and poached pears elevate Christmas dinner to restaurant-worthy heights</p>

Step aside, turkey: This venison fillet is the ultimate festive feast

<p>Bananas, blueberries and honey are a match made in heaven</p>

Bananas with benefits: This healthy dessert supports reduces stress

<p>Serve these fishcakes with a side of broccoli for the ultimate midweek meal</p>

Stress relief on a plate: Try omega-3-rich trout and dill fishcake

Life Stories

<p>Could your presence be present enough this Christmas?</p>

comment

I’m not buying Christmas presents this year, and you shouldn’t either

<p>Me, myself and I: in practical terms, life is very much set up to be navigated as a pair </p>

in focus

I’ve lived alone for a year – here’s what I wish I knew earlier

<p>Reporter Ellie Muir trying the ‘Bold Glamour’ and ‘Baby Face’ filters on TikTok and Instagram</p>

Let’s Unpack That

I’m glad TikTok is banning filters for teens – they ruined my youth

<p>Let’s get digital: sales of digital cameras are up 50 per cent this year </p>

in focus

How 20-year-old digital cameras became a night-out necessity

Independent TV

Max George covered in hospital wires as he awaits heart surgery

Martin Lewis’ foolproof way to win Monopoly this Christmas

<p>YE-Top Photos-Sports-Photo Gallery</p>

NFL pays tribute to Taylor Swift leaves fans ‘sobbing’

The Travel Smart guide to southeast Asia

Design

Create a cosy ambiance with a woodland theme (Sophie Allport/PA)

10 ways to weave woodland decor into your scheme

Creative ideas to bring the festive party spirit into your home (Meri Meri/PA)

10 ways to wow and put the shimmer into end-of-year soirées

Impress your dinner guests with these stylish design ideas (Garden Trading/PA)

Christmas tablescaping tips for entertaining in style

Royal Family

<p>Andrew walks with his brother Charles at the head of the royal family on the way to Church on Christmas Day 2017 (Joe Giddens/PA)</p>

How Fergie urged Prince Andrew to skip Christmas at Sandringham

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sent Christmas greetings with their 2024 ‘happy holidays’ card</p>

Harry and Meghan’s ‘happy holidays’ card features Archie and Lilibet

<p>The Duke and Duchess of York were married for 10 years </p>

Sarah Ferguson says she’d marry Prince Andrew ‘all over again’

Women

Expert panel discuss vital role of women’s refuges

Fertility is two-tier system, and single women are paying the price

<p>Fatigue is a symptom of menopause (Alamy/PA)</p>

Fitness and wellbeing

There is an HRT scandal – but it’s not the one Panorama thinks it is

Dating and Relationships

<p>Some divorces can be painful and ugly – ours was one of mutual respect </p>

How I left the man I loved but could no longer live with

Jilly Cooper’s Rivals has brought bonking back – we should be happy

<p>Choose from new sex position cards to bondage games for beginners </p>

Fitness and wellbeing

6 best sex games that bring some extra fun to the bedroom

indy100

showbiz

Marv from Home Alone is a TikTok star - and people can't believe what he's up to now

Marv from Home Alone is a TikTok star - and people can't believe what he's up to now

celebrities

Beast Games: Everything we know about MrBeast's Amazon Prime gameshow amid controversy and $14 million build

news

MrBeast rented out the Egyptian pyramids for new video

gaming

GTA 6 LIVE: Trailer 2 release date wait passes huge Rockstar Games milestone

science-tech

Scientists baffled by discovery of '2000-year-old computer'

science-tech

Scientists baffled by discovery of '2000-year-old computer'

news

How to avoid being a Scrooge and ruining Christmas for others, according to an etiquette expert

news

Evicted tenant takes entire garden with her – leaving landlord furious