From cards to carols, celebrating the festive season when you’ve two lots of family traditions to bolt together isn’t easy…

LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Finding poignancy in the dread and dislocation of modern living, London four-piece DRY CLEANING have garnered admirers including Nick Cave, Grace Jones and Jeff Tweedy. As new album Secret Love refines their nervy post-punk sprechgesang, the band set their sights on new targets. “Art and humour are our main weapon,” they tell Stephen Troussé

Could it be all change at the charity shop?

The festive season is a time for families – but not for Mel…

The lives of Clara and Nancy are worlds apart – but is it time for them to finally live out their dream?