When you flick through the news pages of the year just gone, it confirms the stories that dominated the headlines in 2024.

There have been times in my life when I have seriously doubted my own sanity, wondering why I chose to do the most stupid thing when the easier path was clearly better and way more sensible.

In the depths of that winter night, when even the stones seemed to hold their breath in anticipation, the ancient grotto stood as a humble sentinel on the outskirts of Bethlehem with its weathered walls, carved by centuries of wind and rain, bearing ...

When I think of St Stephen’s Day, I think of the Wrenboys. I think of that dark, often wet day just after Christmas when all the glamour of the festive season has just passed and you know that, for another year, that’s as good as it’s going to get.

Michelle Filan has come through the worst imaginable experience and is using that to assert a positive influence on others. Michelle owned her own gym in Swinford and was involved in the health and fitness industry for 25 years.

The kids’ Christmas wishes this year are an eclectic mix. There’s a request for a tablet (electronic, not medicinal I hasten to add), a bike and from our youngest, ‘lots of torches and Peppa Pig stuff’.

‘Tis the season to be jolly and we have much to be jolly about. There’s a lot of sadness and badness in the world but Santa has his bag full and will soon be on his way bringing delight, surprises and happiness to all and sundry.

Christmas is coming – in fact it’s almost here – and the big news is that Santa Claus has, if not now then in the new year, a gift for everyone in the country, a sparkling new government.

The winter wind swept across the Judean hills with a fierce determination, biting through clothing and carrying the acrid scent of wood smoke from distant campfires.

My favourite day of the year is Christmas Eve. As the song says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For many there is a lot of work to come, but with all provisions having hopefully been made, Christmas Eve itself is a day to savour.