Whether you call it Christmas, Winterval or just ‘the holidays’, the period between late December and early January is cocoon time: a cessation of work and routine activities. It begins with tradition

From blow-up snowmen to silly family games – these familiar faces have their rituals, just like the rest of us

Every year since 1988, the royals have decamped to Sandringham in Norfolk to celebrate the festive period. Complete with its very own ballroom, there’s enough space for all the family and staff. The c

There are many small pleasures to be enjoyed when there are just one, two or a few of you celebrating the festive season, writes author India Knight

1 SALUTING MAGPIES This centuries-old practice is still common across the British isles in rural and urban communities alike. The magpie is commonly associated with death – perhaps because, legend say

DO YOU TAKE ON THE LION’S SHARE OF FESTIVE TASKS? I am very lucky – my husband is a thoroughly modern man. He cooks, takes out the bins and dotes on our kids. He even buys a lot of the presents. But I