So I spend those in-between days in a total panic trying to figure out what to get this woman for her birthday. She is looking forward to a relaxing Twixmas, enjoying lots of good food and good company. Photograph: Moya Nolan“I love Christmas leftovers, and of course, there’s the Ferrero Rocher and boxes of crisps and cheeseboards to enjoy. Then I’ll be back filming on Fair City from January 3 — I’m looking forward to that too.”John CreedonBroadcaster and author John Creedon will be busy but enjoys the season. “Other than that, it won’t be a hugely eventful time, but I am looking forward to it nonetheless.”

It’s why health experts often recommend starting with small lifestyle changes that can cumulatively make a big difference to physical and mental wellbeing. Evidence shows it’s really good for your heart and your mental health. And, if you notice changes in discharge, or pelvic pain, bleeding, itching, rashes, ulcers, lumps or bumps, get yourself checked. Missing out on breakfast can trigger constipation.”Dr Tony Bates, clinical psychologist and authorCheck in with yourself dailyPsychologist Dr Tony BatesTo improve mental health, Bates recommends asking ourselves three daily questions. “The essence of good mental health is not about feeling good or bad.

Turmeric could be as effective as medicine for reducing excess stomach acid. Still, simple over-the-counter medications such as Rennie and Maalox are worth keeping in your cabinet as they neutralise stomach acid, reducing its strength. “One of the staple strategies for all my clients during party season is for them to practice self-massage of the abdominal area,” Davies says. Refreshingly, even experts say this is OK. “Staying active over the festive season for me is about feeling good, not making up for indulgence,” says McCormack. “I give myself permission to rest, and my advice to anyone is the same: keep moving in ways that feel good, stay flexible, and don’t worry about perfection.”Keep moving in ways that feel good, stay flexible, and don’t worry about perfection.

Sir, – There are ongoing and unacceptable failures of Dublin Bus Route 80, which serves Chapelizod and surrounding areas. The service never runs to schedule and is plagued by frequent cancellations and persistent lateness, particularly during peak commuting times. While BusConnects was meant to improve public transport, for many areas it has done the opposite. Public transport should be a dependable service, not a daily gamble. Reliable, punctual and accessible public transport is not a luxury; it is essential for employment, education, social inclusion and quality of life.

Humanitarian crisis in SudanSir, – As 2025 ends, the people of Sudan are heading into a third year of what has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education and protection. Despite the growing and urgent humanitarian needs, the crisis in Sudan has not received sufficient attention from the international community. The humanitarian response remains severely underfunded, exacerbated by recent cuts in global humanitarian aid. Just 35.4 per cent of the funding the UN estimated was needed for the humanitarian response in 2025 was provided. Finally, it is imperative that the humanitarian response for Sudan is fully funded in 2026.

Jonathan LaPaglia has reportedly returned to Australia, but it seems the former Australian Survivor host has more on his mind than Christmas crackers and New Year's Eve celebrations. Despite his high profile, LaPaglia has avoided public appearances since returning, opting for family barbecues and beach time over industry events. 'There's genuine interest,' an industry insider told Daily Mail. As LaPaglia spends Christmas in Queensland with family, those close to him say the message is clear: this isn't just a holiday. Following his departure from Survivor, LaPaglia was reportedly hopeful new work would materialise in the US, where he has long split his time.

No longer is the threat posed by nuclear weapons even tenuously contained by mutually agreed rules and accepted norms. The Npt requires all parties to renounce nuclear weapons and to subject their nuclear activities to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection. But four of the five exceptions — India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea — are nuclear-weapon states (the fifth is South Sudan). The first three refused to join before developing nuclear weapons; North Korea initially joined but later withdrew amid accusations that it had violated the treaty — and now openly proclaims its growing nuclear ambitions. And in Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously stated an openness to talks with France and the UK about “sharing” nuclear weapons in Europe to boost “the US shield”.

The sartorial space that hangs between Stephen’s Day and New Year's Eve can be a challenge. Too subdued for sequins yet alight with yuletide expectations, even the humblest social occasion begs the question: what do I wear? Luckily this season’s rich and full-bodied burgundy is having a glow-up. Sophisticated and deep yet always party-ready, this riff on red can hold its own, whatever and wherever it goes. Not only does it complement fun and quirky colour combinations like rose and sapphire but a host of low-key neutrals too.

It seems certain his utterances and actions will continue to cast a shadow over global economics and global politics for the foreseeable future. The bond market is arguably the most important market of all. Important electionsThere are some important elections coming up over the coming year. The US mid-term elections on November 3 will attract most attention, but important elections are also being held in Sweden, Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, and local elections in the UK. For Ireland, these global issues will matter enormously.

About 40% of visa applications from Palestinian nationals have been rejected by Ireland since October 2023. Earlier this year, Dibis was preparing for the Lajee Cultural Tour to Ireland in July 2025. She was one of 40 Palestinian youth who were to perform music and the traditional Palestinian dabkeh dance in Dublin, Galway and Cork. Earlier this year, Worod Al Dibis was preparing for a Lajee Cultural Tour to Ireland in July 2025 as a part of a group of 40 Palestinian youth who would be performing music and the traditional Palestinian dabkeh dance. The Irish Examiner asked Mr Alazza whether he thought members of the group may apply for international protection in Ireland.

Poor oul Marco Rubio. Calibri is a typeface developed for Microsoft Word in 2007 and it replaced Times New Roman as the default. ‘Feck those kids,’ Marco Rubio may as well have said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used to be a real politician. Futura was the typeface used on a plaque left on the moon by Apollo 11 crew.

It follows the plight thereafter of the boy and his family, as they come to grips with what has occurred. Ms Brown was born in England to Irish parents, who moved the family the USA when she was 11. On May 27, the minister for justice Jim O’Callaghan issued a public apology to the family of Shane O’Farrell. File photo: O'Farrell family handout/PAThe family wanted a public inquiry but a scoping exercise found that one wasn’t warranted. Usage on X dropped 13.3% from 148.5 million daily active users to 128.8 million in the year to October 2025.

Christine McGuinness has revealed her daughter Penelope was rushed to hospital on Christmas Eve. The model, 37, shares Penelope as well as twin Leo, 12, and seven-year-old Felicity with her ex-husband Paddy McGuinness, 52. While assuring Penelope, 12, is now okay and returned home in time for Christmas, Christine shared the scary ordeal in an Instagram post on Thursday. Paddy revealed that he and his ex-wife Christine were spending Christmas together for the sake of their three children. When asked if they would spend Christmas Day together, he replied: 'Of course, because both of our families are our children’s relatives.

The Royal Family's young Princes and Princess were left grinning from ear to ear today as well-wishers showered them with gifts on their annual Sandringham Christmas walkabout. Adorable photos captured the future King George clutching a soft toy alongside his younger brother Louis, while Charlotte could be seen reaching over to collect a present. Meanwhile the Princess of Wales delighted well-wishers with a tender smile for her daughter while Queen Camilla and other senior royals waved to doting crowds. The Princess could be seen walking around the estate with a bouquet of bright red flowers clutched in her hand. Other photos had captured the moment Charlotte and Louis took it upon themselves to say hello to the well-wishers - with their big brother George just a few steps behind.

What makes this scandal all the more piercing is the way it runs counter to the joy of shared experience, a common theme in many cherished Irish traditions which feature at this time of year. One of the oldest Irish Christmas traditions is the Wren Boys’ hunt through towns and villages for the eponymous bird, a custom which survives still in some parts of the country. Even as the particular holiday of Christmas itself begins to fade from view we stay in groups and celebrate together. Thank you to our hardy annuals Another Christmas tradition which is now a mainstay of the festive season — and one which proves the point made above — is the Christmas Day swim. Mark, Sophie, Richard, and Ruth Sullivan at the Christmas swim at Myrtleville, Co Cork.