So, it’s Christmas Day and you’re flying solo. Maybe your plans fell through, maybe you’re far from family, or maybe—just maybe—you chose this for yourself. Whatever the reason, spending Christmas alone doesn’t have to feel lonely. In fact, it can be absolutely lovely.

The secret is to treat yourself with the same thoughtfulness you’d treat a cherished guest. Here’s how to make today genuinely special:

Create Your Own Christmas Morning Ritual

Start the day intentionally. Make your favourite breakfast, whether that’s pancakes, akara and pap, or a full English. Put on a playlist that makes you happy (Christmas songs are allowed, but so is Afrobeats). Light a candle. Wear something that makes you feel good, even if you’re not leaving the house. The vibe you create in the first hour sets the tone for the entire day.

Indulge Without Guilt

Today is not the day for “I shouldn’t.” Order that meal you’ve been craving. Open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving. Watch three films back-to-back if that’s what brings you joy. Binge that series everyone’s been talking about. The beauty of solo Christmas is that you’re not compromising with anyone’s preferences, it’s all about what you want.

Order In and Make It Special

If cooking feels like too much, absolutely order in. But here’s the thing—presentation matters. Set the table nicely. Use proper plates instead of eating from the container. Pour your drink into a glass. Light a candle. Make it feel like an occasion, because it is one.

Connect (But On Your Terms)

Being alone doesn’t mean being isolated. Video call your loved ones, even a 10-minute chat can lift your spirits. Join online Christmas gatherings or watch parties. Scroll through social media mindfully (enjoy the festive photos, skip the comparison trap). Send voice notes to friends. Connection doesn’t always require physical presence.

Do Something You Never Have Time For

When was the last time you had a whole day with zero obligations? Read that book gathering dust on your shelf. Start a puzzle. Try a new recipe. Reorganise your wardrobe. Learn something new on YouTube. Paint, write, dance in your living room. Solo time is precious, use it to do something that feeds your soul.

Remember: This Is Just One Day

If today feels hard, that’s completely valid. Christmas can amplify feelings of loneliness, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone. Be gentle with yourself.

But if you can find even small pockets of joy today, chase them. Because spending Christmas alone isn’t about pretending you’re not alone, it’s about discovering that your own company can actually be pretty wonderful.

You’ve got this. Merry Christmas, love.

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A Californian mother has described her baby’s birth as a “miracle” after he developed outside her womb, hidden by a basketball-sized ovarian cyst, a situation so rare that doctors plan to document the case for a medical journal.

Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse from Bakersfield, was unaware she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth to her son, Ryu.

Her pregnancy was an abdominal one, where the foetus grows in the abdomen rather than the uterus, a condition occurring in just 1 in 30,000 pregnancies. Those that reach full term are “essentially unheard of — far, far less than 1 in a million,” according to Dr John Ozimek, medical director of labour and delivery at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, where Ryu was born. “I mean, this is really insane,” he added.

For months, Lopez believed her growing belly was due to an enlarging ovarian cyst, which doctors had been monitoring since her twenties.

She experienced none of the typical pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness or foetal kicks, and her irregular menstrual cycle meant a missed period raised no alarms. She and her husband, Andrew Lopez, even traveled abroad during this time.

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Defying all odds, Lopez and her son survived. On August 8, a medical team delivered an 8-pound (3.6-kilogram) baby (AP)

However, as abdominal pain and pressure intensified, Lopez decided it was time to have the 22-pound (10-kilogram) cyst removed. A routine pregnancy test, required before a CT scan due to radiation exposure, delivered the astonishing news: she was pregnant.

Lopez shared the news with her husband at a baseball game in August, presenting him with a note and a baby onesie. He recalled seeing her face, “and she just looked like she wanted to weep and smile and cry at the same time.”

Shortly after, Lopez sought help at Cedars-Sinai due to dangerously high blood pressure. Scans revealed her uterus was empty, but a nearly full-term fetus in an amniotic sac was nestled in a small space in her abdomen, near her liver. Dr Ozimek noted it appeared “mostly implanted on the sidewall of the pelvis, which is also very dangerous but more manageable than being implanted in the liver.”

Dr Cara Heuser, a maternal-fetal specialist not involved in the case, explained that most ectopic pregnancies, which implant outside the uterus, rupture and haemorrhage if not removed. Fetal mortality in such cases can be as high as 90%, with birth defects seen in about 1 in 5 surviving babies.

Defying all odds, Lopez and her son survived. On August 8, a medical team delivered an 8-pound (3.6-kilogram) baby while Lopez was under full anaesthesia, removing the cyst during the same surgery. She lost nearly all her blood, but the team controlled the bleeding and administered transfusions.

Andrew Lopez described his terror during the ordeal: “The whole time, I might have seemed calm on the outside, but I was doing nothing but praying on the inside. It was just something that scared me half to death, knowing that at any point I could lose my wife or my child.”

Both mother and baby recovered well. Ryu, named after a baseball player and a video game character, is now healthy and thriving. As his first Christmas approaches, Lopez feels “blessed beyond measure.”

“I do believe in miracles,” she said, looking at her baby. “God gave us this gift — the best gift ever.”

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Photo Credot: Lagos Mag/Instagram

This Saturday, 27th December 2025, Lagos comes alive as its rich history is celebrated in one of the city’s most iconic events, the Eyo Festival. After eight years, the festival returns right in the middle of the festive season, turning Lagos Island into a sea of white. BellaNaija will be there, bringing you live updates from the heart of the action.

If you’ve never seen it in person, the Eyo Festival brings thousands of white-clad masquerades onto the streets of Lagos Island. Dressed head to toe in white, with flowing robes and distinctive Aga caps, the Eyos move through the city to the sound of chants and drums, carrying their Opambata staffs made from palm fronds. Roads are closed, movement slows, and for a few hours, Lagos follows a different rhythm.

It’s less spectacle for spectacle’s sake and more a living expression of Lagos history.

What Is the Eyo Festival All About?

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a traditional Yoruba celebration unique to Lagos Island. The masquerades represent ancestral spirits guiding departed souls to the afterlife, typically honouring deceased kings, chiefs, and prominent figures who’ve made significant contributions to Lagos.

The first recorded procession took place in 1854 for Oba Akitoye, and since then, the festival has only appeared when tradition calls for it. That rarity is part of what makes this return significant.

Five main Eyo groups take part, each recognised by the colour of their hats: Adimu in black, Laba in red, Oniko in yellow, Ologede in green and Agere in purple. Together, they form a procession that carries centuries of meaning.

This year’s festival is being staged in honour of four figures whose lives shaped Lagos in different ways. They include Abibatu Mogaji, the mother of President Bola Tinubu; Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos State’s first military governor; Lateef Jakande, the state’s first civilian governor; and Michael Otedola, a former governor during the Third Republic.

Quick Facts About the Eyo Festival

• It’s Rare and Unpredictable: Unlike annual festivals, the Eyo only happens when tradition dictates—sometimes not for years. There have been periods when Lagos went 21 years without hosting it. The last one was in 2017.
• The Mystical Week of Preparation: A full week before the festival, the senior Eyo group (Adimu, identified by black hats) goes public with their staff on a Sunday, signalling the event will take place the following Saturday. Throughout the week, each Eyo group takes turns appearing daily.
• It’s Not Just About Performance: Traditionally, the festival served to escort departed Obas to the afterlife and usher in new leadership. It’s deeply spiritual, not merely entertainment.
• This Is Its First December Outing: Saturday marks the first time in history the Eyo Festival will be held during the festive season, making it a unique yuletide cultural experience.

Things to Know If You’re Attending

Planning to witness this spectacle? Brilliant choice. But there are important rules you absolutely must follow. These aren’t suggestions, they’re sacred traditions, and the masquerades are known to enforce them with their Opambata staffs.

The Prohibited List:

• Footwear: Shoes, sandals, and slippers are completely forbidden. You’ll need to go barefoot or be prepared to remove your footwear.
• Headwear: No hats, caps, or head-ties for men or women. The Suku hairstyle (cornrows converging at the centre and shooting upward) is also banned.
• Smoking: Cigarettes, pipes, and any form of smoking are strictly prohibited.
• Umbrellas: Even if the sun is blazing, umbrellas aren’t allowed.
• Photography: Photographing the sacred Orishas is forbidden, though you can take pictures of the Eyo masquerades.

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A brand of gourmet milk chocolate bars has been urgently recalled due to an unlisted allergen.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration is warning customers that 112 units of Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based milk chocolate bars may contain hazelnuts that were not listed on the label.

The plant-based sweet was made by Fran’s Chocolates, Ltd. in Seattle and was sold in 1.1 oz packages at four stores in the area. It was sold online between October 9 and December 15.

The FDA announced the recall December 20, adding that one customer has already reported having an allergic reaction from the chocolate. No other illness or death has been noted. Fran’s did not immediately return The Independent’s request for comment.

The almond milk chocolate ingredient had been tested for trace amounts of hazelnuts and tested positive, leading manufacturers to discover it had been processed on the same equipment as other products, health officials said.

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Over 100 units of Fran’s Chocolate have been recalled ahead of Christmas. (AFP/Getty)

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Fran’s Chocolates is recalling Fran’s Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate 46% Madagascar Plant-Based because it has undeclared hazelnuts (US Food & Drug Administration)

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnut run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product,” the recall announcement said. The chocolate bar already included traces of milk, peanuts, and sesame, according to its label.

Customers who have the chocolates are urged not to consume the product and to contact the company. The bars can be returned to the store for a full refund.

Tree nuts, including hazelnuts, are some of the most common allergens. About 3.5 million people in the U.S. have a tree nut allergy.

The chocolate bars are not the only sweet treat facing a recall this festive season. Holiday bark sold at Aldi has also been recalled due to the presence of undeclared allergens in two flavors of the dessert.

Silvestri Sweets Inc. issued a voluntary recall that was expanded on December 23 after there was a packaging mix-up with the Choceur-branded Holiday Barks that switched the bags of the Cookie Butter Holiday Bark and the bags of the Pecan, Cranberry & Cinnamon Holiday Bark.

That means meant that cookie butter flavor might contain undeclared pecans, while the pecan, cranberry & cinnamon flavor might contain undeclared wheat.

Aldi also recently recalled its Perfect Christmas Mozzarella Sticks in Blankets and urged customers not to eat them due to another allergy risk. The affected batch, which has a use-by date of December 15 and a barcode of 4069365328743, contained egg without the ingredient being mentioned on the label.

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The sweetest bit of news to land on Christmas Eve is that the Kosokos are growing their family. And if you’re wondering which Kosokos, we mean Adekunle Gold and Simi, one of music’s most loved couples.

The announcement came quietly and beautifully through the music video for Adekunle Gold’s song “My Love Is the Same,” a track from his latest album “Fuji.” Released today, the video features Simi making a gentle appearance, her baby bump clearly visible, confirming that the couple are expecting another child.

As fans already know, “My Love Is the Same” is a reassurance song addressed to Adekunle Gold’s daughter, Adejare. It centres on staying emotionally present even when life feels heavy. The song speaks to long days, work pressures, and financial strain, while holding on to the promise that love remains steady. Lines like “I dey with you don’t you worry” and “Baby my love is the same” underline that sense of constancy, even in uncertain moments.

Adejare features prominently in the video alongside her dad. We see them laughing, singing, heading out on little adventures and sharing ice cream. Then, towards the end, she runs into her mum’s arms. Simi appears in a white cropped tee and jeans, her bump on full display, as Adejare hugs her tightly. It’s a simple moment that says everything.

Yes, you guessed right. Adejare is about to become a big sister.

Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Adekunle Gold wrote, “No matter where I go, my home is the same… my love is the same. I’m grateful for my blessings and I’m grateful to be able to capture these moments with my favourite people in the world.”

A lovely surprise, and a Christmas gift wrapped in music, family and love.

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From gingerbread houses to frosted sugar cookies, sweets are everywhere you turn with the holiday season in full swing. If you have a big sweet tooth, you may be looking at healthier options, like sugar-free cookies or low-carb treats. But the truth is that they might not be better for you after all.

Many Americans were worried about their sugar consumption this year and considered alternatives. The International Food Information Council’s 2025 Food & Health survey found that 75 percent of Americans were trying to reduce or avoid having sugar this year, with 22 percent opting for a “sugar-free” option when available. In addition, the global sugar-free confectionery market is estimated to grow from $42.5 billion in 2023 to $84.3 billion by 2032, according to Dataintelo, a market research and consulting firm.

Dietitians believe that the rise in sugar-free options is a result of fear-based messaging about actual sugar. “Myths like sugar being addictive or causing diseases like diabetes or cancer have been circulating in the wellness space for ages, and they just can’t seem to die. Sugar has a place in a well-balanced diet,” Alison Swiggard, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in Portland, Maine, told The Independent.

Health risks have also been linked to sugar substitutes. Researchers from the American Academy of Neurology recently found that people who, on average, ate more than 190 milligrams of sweeteners each day for a year had 62 percent faster declines in cognitive and memory skills than those who consumed 20 milligrams.

So, should you be calling sugar-free desserts the healthier option when compared to your usual sweet treats? Here’s what experts have to say.

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Sugar substitutes in sugar-free foods have been linked to faster cognitive decline (Getty/iStock)

Artificial sweeteners can hurt your gut

Having too much of one thing is never good — including sugar-free desserts. While they are aimed to fulfill sugar cravings without the extra calories, they often have artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, aspartame, or stevia, that can actually increase the desire for other foods.

According to Avery Zenker, a Registered Dietitian in Ontario, Canada, artificial sweeteners have been linked to an altered appetite, increased inflammation, and gut microbiome disruption, which is “an imbalance in the types of microorganisms in your body” that can make you more vulnerable to infections, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

“There’s decent evidence they alter the gut microbiome, and disrupt gut barrier function (i.e., contribute to ‘leaky gut’),” she told The Independent, referring to a condition where the intestinal lining is damaged, leading to bloating or food sensitivities. “Some people experience headaches or digestive symptoms from artificial sweeteners,” Zenker continued. “On their own, artificial sweeteners don’t have strong health benefits and may harm health.”

Sugar alcohols in sugar-free treats can cause digestive discomfort

Swiggard reiterated her concern about the ingredients in sugar-free drinks and foods. While sugar alcohols, like erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol, make these items taste sweet, they can also irritate the gut when consumed in large quantities.

“Sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed in the digestive tract, meaning they travel to the large intestine where bacteria ferment them, which can lead to more gas production, bloating, cramping, and loose stools,” she explained.

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Artificial sweeteners have been linked to digestive issues (Getty Images)

Sugar-free treats can be high in saturated fats

Sugar-free foods have butter and palm oil to maintain flavor, moisture, and structure. However, these ingredients are saturated fats, which have their own downsides.

“Excessive intakes of saturated fat are linked to increased health risks, including cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats significantly reduces mortality and cardiovascular events in research,” Zenker explained.

Sugar-free desserts use refined carbohydrates

Some sugar-free desserts have a significant amount of refined carbohydrates, like wheat flour and starches. Zenker warned that consuming too many refined carbs can result in weight gain and systemic inflammation, and worsen insulin sensitivity, which is what keeps blood sugar levels stable.

“The glucose from refined carbs is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels. Excessive intake of refined carbs can still worsen insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and type 2 diabetes risk,” she said.

“Replacing added sugar with refined carbohydrates in sugar-free desserts has minimal benefit and may worsen certain health risk markers, especially when the refined carbohydrates are high-glycemic index foods like rapidly digestible starches,” she added.

Should you be having sugar-free desserts at all?

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Dietitians say we should consider having our usual sweets in a more relaxed way this holiday (Getty Images)

Of course, there are benefits to replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners, like lessening the risk of tooth decay and cavities, according to the Mayo Clinic. For some people, artificial sweeteners can be a short-term way to help lose or manage weight and are consumed for medical reasons, like diabetes.

Still, Swiggard recommended reading the ingredients labels on sugar-free desserts. She also encouraged people to reflect on why they’re eating these foods to begin with.

“If sugar-free options feel genuinely satisfying and supportive, they can absolutely be part of holiday eating. If they feel like a rule that doesn’t actually satisfy, it may be more nourishing (physically and emotionally) to enjoy traditional desserts in a relaxed way,” she explained.

For those looking to make a dessert without added sugar or artificial sweeteners, Zenker recommended using natural sweeteners.

“Using whole food sweeteners like dates, bananas, and applesauce can be nutrient-dense alternatives to sugar,” she said. “They still contain sugar, but it’s not linked as strongly to the health risks of refined sugar.”

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Like every other year, Nigerian artists showed up in 2025. From stellar singles, EPs, to albums, the artists keep giving the world a reason to return to Afrobeats. From established superstars like Davido, Burna Boy and BNXN to rising stars like FOLA, Shallipopi, the Nigerian music scene has yet again delivered projects blending Afrobeats with R&B, hip-hop, amapiano and international influences, further exporting the Nigerian sound to global audiences.

In no particular order, these are albums released this year:

Auracle – Shallipopi

Every year since his breakout in 2023, Shallipopi has made it a tradition to release an album every year. In 2025, riding on the success of Laho, later supported by Burna Boy, Shallipopi released in third studio album, “Auracle.” He titles his albums distinctively, and they are obvious in the previous two: Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi.

Blue Disco – Young John

Young John is one of the few Afrobeats producers who became an artist. After previous successful albums, Young John came back with another spectacular album featuring Wizkid, Asake, Olamide and a host of others. Blue Disco is Lojay’s second full-length album.

No Signs of Weakness – Burna Boy

It may seem as though a year has never passed with a Burna Boy album. The African Giant, once again, came all out in 2025 to release No Signs of Weakness. It is Burna Boy’s eighth studio album.

FOLA – Catharsis

The breakout star of the year, arguably, is Fola. His brilliance was properly introduced in 2025, and he rode on the momentum to release an album. His debut album. The album was one of the most-streamed albums this year.

Davido – 5ive

In his fifth studio album, 5IVE, Davido flexed his amapiano muscles. Most of the tracks on the album are amapiano-infused but are also delectable to the ears. It is no surprise that a song off the album, With You, featuring Omah Lay, earned Davido another Grammy nomination.

Adekunle Gold – Fuji

Adekune Gold says Fuji is his best album yet, despite having five other songs in his catalogue. He taps into his roots in Fuji and delivers to the best of his ability.

Olamide – Olamide

Olamide said in 2022 that Unruly was going to be his last album, but he has since released two projects, Ikigai Vol. 1 and Olamide, an eponymous album. Olamide is Olamide’s 11th studio album. The album further explores his range of adapting to the demands of the ever-demanding industry.

Seyi Vibez – Fuji Moto

Sleep for a second, and Seyi Vibez has dropped another before you open your eyes. Even though he relaxed more this year, he couldn’t leave out the year without releasing an album. While the album includes all the songs from the EP, Child of Africa, which he previously released earlier in the year, he added songs that are even more melodic and the core Seyi Vibez sound.

Protect Sars At All Costs – Sarz

Sarz does not sing often, but he has the manpower to release an album featuring other artists. As a producer, his discography and impact are undeniable. Protect Sars At All Costs is his debut album, and the album shows why Sarz is one of the major stakeholders in the Nigerian music scene.

Captain – BNXN

As the album implies, BNXN is the captain of his own journey. It was argued that BNXN sounds the same on his songs, but he’s always been lyrically different. He sounds the same, he’s not saying the same. Captain is his second studio album, and it was a stellar body of work.

No Excuses – Blaqbonez

Who said rap is dead in Nigeria when Blaqbonez still exists? Without giving any further excuses, Blaqbonez released a critically acclaimed album, No Excuses, with ACL, a track off the album, which particularly gained momentum when it was released.

This One is Personal – Tiwa Savage

Tiwas Savage was emotionally personal on her fifth studio album, This One is Personal. Tiwa Savage’s pen game is brilliant, as evident in the album.

XOXO – Lojay

Lojay is a core lover boy. His gospel is love. In his debut album, XOXO, he explores this core. XOXO is going to be one of Lojay’s best albums in years to come.

Blown Boy Ru –  Ruger

Ruger presents as a typical playboy, and his previous projects exude that. However, the intentionality in Blown Boy Ru sounds different. Ruger allowed himself to make this album.

Magixx – I Dream in Color

Magixx’s debut album, I Dream in Color is a 13-track project that weaves Afrobeats with R&B and neo-soul, exploring love, resilience and personal growth through emotive songwriting and smooth vocal delivery, quickly making it one of the year’s standouts.

Unfinished Business – ID Cabasa

As the title implies, ID Cabasa’s Unfinished Business is a project about unfinished business. He reimagined some of his previously produced and released songs like Olufunmi, Photocopy, Eni Duro and others.

The Machine is Coming – Odumodublvck

Odumodublvck’s The Machine is Coming is a prequel album to The Machine is Here.

The Machine is Here – Odumodublvck

Odumodublvck’s The Machine is Here is the actual album released after the prequel, The Machine is Coming.

Are there other albums we might have missed? Go ahead and share them with us.

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Vegan beauty is arguably in its prime, having evolved from products with bland packaging and inconsistent formulas to now frequently outperforming their traditional counterparts.

Karen Spinner, head of sales and marketing at the Vegan Trademark, clarifies the definition: “a product has no animal ingredients and no animal-derived products, [which is] also cruelty free – so no animal testing.”

However, Spinner notes that a cruelty-free label does not automatically signify a vegan product.

The beauty industry frequently incorporates animal derivatives, with common ingredients that can mislead consumers including “squalene, that’s an extract of shark’s liver, you’ll often find in deodorants, lip balms and moisturisers.”

“Ambergris, which comes from fat of the intestine of the sperm whale – that’s used in the perfume industry,” Spinner explains.

“And something doing the rounds on TikTok [are] vanilla perfumes. It’s very trendy at the moment, and lots of vanilla perfumes have a have an animal by product called castoreum, which is secreted from the castor sacs of beavers.

“Then obviously you’ve got cochineal, which is for pigment, created by crushing insects – you find that in lots of lipsticks, blushes and nail polishes.”

If you’re planning on dipping your toe into veganism this Veganuary, the best vegan products are those you wouldn’t even realise are fully plant-based and cruelty-free.

So, here are the vegan beauty staples worth making room for in 2026.

Best vegan skincare

Good skin underpins beauty today, with some of the biggest trends like ‘glass skin’ and ‘hazy cheeks’ relying on the health and vibrance of bare skin.

And luckily, some of the most effective formulas on the market are entirely vegan.

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(Aesop/PA)

Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, £30

Aesop is often associated with luxurious self-care, but many consumers don’t realise that its also vegan, Leaping Bunny-approved and certified B Corp.

The Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser is one of the brand’s most enduring formulas, designed with urban living in mind.

The gel-based cleanser removes makeup, SPF and daily pollution without stripping the skin barrier – something that’s particularly important for combination or city-stressed complexions.

Rich in antioxidant botanicals, it leaves skin feeling balanced – not tight – making it a reliable everyday option for those who want effective plant-based cleansing without overcomplicating their routine.

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(Medik8/PA)

Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £48

Medik8 is a science-led skincare brand trusted by beauty lovers and dermatologists alike – and many users may not even realise its formulas are vegan.

Certified vegan by the Vegan Society, Medik8 is a science-based skincare brand, and one of its bestsellers is the daily moisturiser.

It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, and is suitable for both dry and oily skin types thanks to its perfected combination of prebiotic peptides, ceramides and lipids for ultimate hydration without excess grease.

Best vegan bases

Base make-up has historically been the hardest category for vegan beauty to get right. But more recently, vegan formulas are being perfected due to consumer demand.

“The vegan society’s own research carried out in 2021 found that 40% of the women in the UK who always buy vegan beauty aren’t actually vegan,” Spinner says, showing the growth in conscious consumerism.

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(Ultrasun/PA)

Ultrasun Face Fluid Tinted SPF50+, £28

Not all Ultrasun products are vegan, as many of their lip products contain beeswax, however this tinted fluid is vegan and the perfect base all year round.

A rare hybrid that delivers broad-spectrum sun protection alongside sheer, skin-evening coverage. Lightweight and non-greasy, it works well for everyday wear and is especially useful if you prefer minimal makeup with maximum protection.

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(Merit Beauty/PA)

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, £34

Merit has built its reputation around pared-back, skin-first make-up that prioritises ease and wearability. The Minimalist Complexion Stick reflects that ethos perfectly, sitting somewhere between a concealer and a foundation.

The creamy vegan formula blends effortlessly with fingers or a brush, offering buildable coverage that still looks like skin. Ideal for evening out redness, dark circles or blemishes, it still has a natural pay-off looking light and unfussy.

Best vegan eye make-up

Vegan formulas no longer compromise on pigment or longevity, and some of 2025’s best eye products were in fact vegan.

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(Vieve/PA)

Vieve Icon Mascara, £26

Certified as vegan and cruelty-free by PETA, the influencer-slash-YouTuber founded beauty brand, Vieve has made waves this year.

Launched in 2020 by Jamie Genevieve, Vieve has created viral products including its balmy foundation hybrid and its eye products.

The Vieve mascara is a standout, it delivers volume and definition without flaking or stiffness. The formula builds well, making it suitable for both natural daytime looks and fuller evening lashes, without drying out over time.

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(E.l.f Cosmetics/PA)

E.l.f. Cosmetics No Budge Shadow Stick, £7

E.l.f Cosmetics is an old-school vegan brand, which is double-certified cruelty free by both PETA and Leaping Bunny.

It’s cream eyeshadow is a practical, long-wearing shadow that delivers colour in one swipe. It sets quickly without creasing, making it reliable for fast routines or long days when you don’t want to think about touch-ups.

Best vegan body care

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(Grove England/PA)

Grove England Anemone Body Wash, £45

Made and manufactured in the south of England, Grove England is a hidden gem for luxury vegan body care. However, it’s important to note that while they claim vegan status, they don’t prominently display a third-party certification logo (like Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny), so it is still important to check the ingredients list and manufacturing information of their products.

This neroli and cedarwood scented body wash however is vegan according to its ingredients, and contains antioxidants, vitamin B5 and amino acids which leaves skin nourished and radiant.

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(PureSeoul/PA)

Aromatica Embrace Body Lotion Neroli and Patchouli, £27, PureSeoul

Aromatica is a K-beauty brand that has boomed in popularity this year. All their ingredients are all ECOCERT certified, vegan-friendly and are not tested on animals.

This body lotion is one of their hero products, it leaves the body hydrated thanks to its pure shea butter, while the vegan formula means it absorbs well – even on damp skin – without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.

Why vegan beauty feels different now

Recent years has seen a rise in demand for vegan beauty products, mainly due to rising ethical concerns, health consciousness (as people are becoming more aware of how processed animal products react with the skin) and environmental awareness.

“Over 52% of [the Vegan Society’s] market is cosmetics and beauty,” says Spinner, “people always think food when they think vegan, but actually cosmetics, beauty and personal care is the biggest market for us.”

It seems that now is as better time than any to test out some vegan beauty products, starting with easy swaps such as a beeswax lip balm with a candelilla wax balm.

Swaps don’t have to be a compromise, and in many cases, they can actually be an upgrade.

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The festive season has a reputation for undoing good habits such as eating well and exercising. Normal routines disappear, days become less structured and exercise habits can fade. The solution to staying active is not more willpower, but smarter planning. Research shows that simple, practical strategies can help people stay active through Christmas and into the new year.

At this time of year, articles often focus on the calorie content of festive foods and drinks, alongside advice on how to “burn off” festive indulgence. However, guilt-based motivation is ineffective in the long term.

You are more likely to stick with exercise when it feels rewarding rather than forced. This is known as intrinsic motivation, which comes from enjoying the activity itself, rather than exercising due to pressure, guilt or external rewards. Behaviour change research shows that physical activity habits are more likely to last when they are easy to start and driven by intrinsic motivation.

For example, someone is more likely to maintain a running habit because it improves their mood or helps them decompress, rather than because they are trying to burn a specific number of calories.

To support intrinsic motivation, it helps to choose activities you enjoy or are curious about and avoid rigid rules. Exercises should match your current ability and offer a sense of progress, such as improvements in strength, technique or stamina. Clear, achievable progress increases enjoyment and commitment. Training with others, joining group classes or sharing progress can also help sustain motivation.

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The solution to staying active is not more willpower, but smarter planning (Getty)

Most people do not stop exercising over Christmas because they lose motivation. Instead, their routines change. Late nights, travel, disrupted schedules, limited gym access or exercising in unfamiliar places create practical barriers. In many cases, exercise habits fade because of logistics, not a lack of desire.

In behavioural science, anything that makes a behaviour harder to start than it needs to be is described as friction. Even small obstacles can increase the effort, time or mental energy required to begin, making people more likely to delay or abandon the behaviour.

Friction is often subtle. Forgetting login details for a fitness app, not knowing what workout to do, or wondering whether there is enough time for a session to be “worth it” can be enough to derail exercise plans. Each small obstacle adds hesitation and increases the chance of giving up.

Reducing friction makes it far easier to maintain fitness over Christmas. This can be done by preparing in advance, simplifying choices and making the first step as easy as possible.

Prepare and plan ahead

Preparing ahead of time reduces delays and procrastination. Keep a gym bag packed or lay out workout clothes the night before. If you train with music or podcasts, have them ready. Create a default route for outdoor activities such as running or cycling so you don’t have to decide where to go.

When routines change, the type of exercise often needs to change too. Many people turn to social media or YouTube for ideas, but the sheer number of options can lead to decision fatigue, where repeated choices drain mental energy and make it more likely that exercise is postponed altogether.

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When routines change, the type of exercise often needs to change too (Getty/iStock)

To avoid this, bookmark a small number of go-to workouts on your phone and label them by duration and location. For example:

15 minutes | Bodyweight cardio | Home – Star jumps x 20 Mountain climbers x 20 Step-ups x 20 High skips x 20 Rest 1 minute Repeat for five rounds

Choose workouts for the week in advance where possible. Use a fixed rotation of three or four sessions, such as full-body strength, a 30-minute run, then full-body strength again. Limiting options reduces decision fatigue and makes starting easier.

Simplify

When time is limited or the gym is busy, effective workouts can still be completed in under 30 minutes using time-efficient training methods.

1. Circuits

In the gym, instead of resting between sets on one machine, move between exercises that target different muscle groups. For example, rotate between chest press, seated row, leg press, shoulder press, lat pulldown and a core exercise. If equipment is unavailable, substitute with a similar movement using dumbbells or bodyweight.

2. Supersets

Pair exercises that work different muscle groups and perform them back to back, such as a dumbbell chest press followed by a chest-supported row.

3. Drop sets

After completing a set, reduce the weight by 20% to 30% and continue until fatigue. Repeat for two to four drops.

4. Myo reps

Choose a weight you can lift for 12 to 15 repetitions. After the first set, rest briefly, then perform mini sets of three to five repetitions, rest for 20 seconds. Keep going until until you can’t complete 3 reps.

Drop sets and myo reps are effective for muscle growth. For maximum strength goals, traditional or cluster sets are more appropriate.

About the author

Paul Hough is a Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Physiology at the University of Westminster.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Metabolic conditioning

Metabolic conditioning involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise that challenge both muscles and the cardiovascular system. It is particularly useful when time is limited.

1. Circuit training

Plan a circuit of several exercises. Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds then move to the next exercise. Rest for one to two minutes after completing all the exercises and repeat for multiple rounds.

2. Every minute on the minute circuits

At the start of each minute, complete a set number of repetitions and rest for the remainder of the minute before starting the next exercise.

3. Tabata intervals

Alternate 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise with ten seconds of rest. Complete eight intervals (one block), then rest for two to three minutes. Repeat this for two to three blocks.

4. As many reps as possible

Select four or five exercises with target reps for each exercise. Set a timer for 12 to 20 minutes and cycle through the exercises continuously, aiming to complete as many rounds as possible.

Even during the disruption of the festive season, it is possible to stay active. Skipping exercise entirely until January risks losing fitness and breaking momentum. Evidence-based strategies that reduce friction and make exercise easy to start are far more effective than relying on willpower. By keeping workouts simple and accessible, you can maintain fitness through Christmas without having to start again in the new year.

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Let me paint a picture we all know too well.
You and your guy are chilling after a long week. Music is playing, vibes are right, and someone opens the fridge to bring out the Guinness. It’s cold. It’s calling your name. But then – you both freeze.
Only one can.
You look at him. He looks at you. Suddenly, everybody wants to be “generous” by saying, “You can have it.” But deep down? You both know one can is not enough to go around. And sharing sip-by-sip? Abeg, we’ve seen enough shege this year.

Well, Guinness must have been watching this struggle because they just dropped a game-changer: the new Guinness FES 440ml can, and honestly, it couldn’t have landed at a better time.
Now There’s More to Share. More to Enjoy. More Guinness.
This new 440ml can is literally the answer to that awkward “who will drink it?” moment. With more Guinness in one can, nobody has to act like a hero and sacrifice their enjoyment again. There’s now enough to share, enough to go around, and enough to keep the vibe flowing. And the timing? PERFECT. Because if there’s any season when we all need more to enjoy and more to share, it’s this festive period.

A Bigger Can for the Biggest Season

The launch is rolling out right in time for all the iconic December experiences we’ve been waiting for:

• Guinness Matchday – where football meets stout-powered energy.
• Calabar Carnival – the biggest street party in Africa.
• Johnny’s Room Live – intimate, emotional, and always unforgettable.
• Seyi Vibes Concert – where every beat hits differently.
• Abacha Festival – good food, good music, and now…more Guinness.

Imagine showing up to any of these events with a bigger can of Guinness; trust me, you’ll instantly become the friend everybody wants to stand beside.

Don’t Miss Out on All the Fun
There’s a lot lined up this season, and Guinness is clearly in the mood to spoil us. If you want to keep up with all the festivities, surprises, and premium December groove coming your way, make sure you’re following @guinness_africa.

Because December is now upon us … There’s more to enjoy. More to share. More Guinness.

Sponsored Content

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovaries, periods and fertility in about one in 10 Canadian women.

Different from ovarian cysts, PCOS is associated with infertility, pregnancy complications, heart disease and a general decreased quality of life, and yet fewer than half of those affected even know they have it.

This under-recognition and under-diagnosis is a significant problem, because a recent Canadian study suggests these women are 20 to 40 per cent more likely to experience negative health outcomes during their lifetime than the general population, including hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease, eating disorders, depression and anxiety.

Heart disease risk

The Canadian researchers also found obesity, dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of fat in your blood) and Type 2 diabetes to be two to three times more common for women with PCOS. And most importantly, cardiovascular disease, which causes heart failure and stroke, was not only 30 to 50 per cent more likely, but also occurred three to four years earlier than average in women with PCOS.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, so when PCOS symptoms are missed and untreated, women’s health is at risk.

High cost

There is undoubtedly a personal cost to individual women, both physically and mentally, and living with PCOS can be a significant financial, health-care and work-life burden for many women, too, which may disproportionately affect those in lower socioeconomic groups.

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An international survey reported that it can take several months, and even several years, before women are diagnosed (Getty Images)

These experiences are further compounded by a system failure to properly diagnose and manage their symptoms. Women report doctors ignoring or dismissing their concerns, not believing them and struggling to make a diagnosis. In fact, a large international survey reported it can take several months, and even several years, before women are diagnosed.

Common PCOS symptoms

PCOS symptoms can vary between different women, but it is important to discuss the possibility of PCOS with your doctor, because careful management and/or treatment can help protect against developing more serious related health issues. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Excess body hair, called hirsutism (usually darker hair on the face, arms, chest or abdomen)
• Thinning or loss of hair (like excess body hair caused by high levels of male hormones, or androgens)
• Acne and/or oily skin
• Weight gain

Managing and treating PCOS

Despite PCOS first being diagnosed almost a century ago, there is no single test to confirm whether a woman has it, and there is no cure. If your doctor suspects you may have PCOS, they may order blood work to check your hormone levels and an ultrasound to check your ovaries.

Unlike ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary and can be painful, polycystic ovaries are enlarged, with multiple follicles that can be seen on ultrasound.

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If your doctor suspects you may have PCOS, they may order blood work (Getty/iStock)

If PCOS is diagnosed, further testing for cholesterol and glucose levels is likely in order to manage heart disease and diabetes risk.

Researchers also suggest ways women with PCOS can help manage their condition, which include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly (including strength training with weights)
• Sleeping for at least seven hours each night
• Reducing stress (work-life balance; deep breathing exercises)
• Relaxing in your favourite way (such as yoga, mindfulness and meditation, hobbies)

PCOS research underway

Despite the current problems, improvement is possible, and there have been sustained efforts in recent years — all over the world — to advocate for women with this condition and invest in PCOS research.

About the authors

Jamie Benham is an Endocrinologist & Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Pauline McDonagh Hull is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Robyn Vettese is a Research Assistant (Community Scholar) in the Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

In 2023, an International PCOS Guideline, led from Australia, was published. It recommends an individualized approach to PCOS treatment, including lifestyle modifications (for example, healthy eating and exercising), medical management to treat symptoms and regular checkups to provide support and screen for related complications.

In Canada, the province of Alberta recently launched a much-needed clinical pathway to recognize, treat and advocate for PCOS that could be adopted more widely.

At the University of Calgary, Dr. Jamie Benham, one of the authors of this story, leads EMBRACE (Endocrine, Metabolic and Reproductive Advancements), a new women’s health research lab where a team of clinical researchers is focusing on reproductive disorders across the whole of a woman’s life system, including PCOS and gestational diabetes.

This work, supporting patients’ PCOS care, includes a current online needs-assessment survey, and focus groups beginning later this year, to inform the development of a co-designed patient tool to support PCOS management.

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Researchers can suggest ways women with PCOS can help manage their condition (Getty Images)

Patient engagement

With such a huge demand for answers, the EMBRACE team works closely with a PCOS Patient Advisory Council, chaired by Robyn Vettese, another author of this story, to uncover complex connections between hormones and health, promote screening, find solutions and provide answers. Importantly, the lab’s research questions come directly from clinic patients, and the answers the lab finds go back to those patients and are then shared more widely.

Other recent PCOS advocacy events include Dr. Benham’s presentation at the inaugural Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub’s Women’s Health Symposium event in Calgary, and her interview with the Libin Cardiovascular Institute.

PCOS awareness

Another exciting research program in Alberta is PCOS Together. Researchers with this group are working to establish methods that will detect early disease risk in all women with PCOS, as well as clinical interventions that will help prevent disease in high-risk women.

Similar organizations exist in the United Kingdom and Australia, including Verity PCOS, a volunteer-based charity, and Ask PCOS, a researcher- and clinician-led organization. Both organizations provide a wealth of information online.

This is a critical (albeit often overlooked) area of women’s health that needs greater awareness and attention so that we can improve and save women’s lives.

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Weddings evoke all the right feelings of love, and simply being in that heartwarming environment, celebrating another love story, can also beautifully trigger yours to light.

That contagious effect absolutely swept over Adesua and Banky W at Ife and Frank’s just concluded Yoruba-Edo traditional wedding, leaving us blushing hard. The lovebirds were a true delight in their radiant attire, glowing with pure love. As the festivities went on, the MC asked them to kiss, and without hesitation, Adesua immediately hopped on Banky’s lap and planted a soft, romantic kiss on his lips. The room erupted in happy cheers and excitement. Even as we watch the beautiful video over and over, we can’t help but smile at this sweet display of affection. Love looks so good on them, and it truly warms our hearts to see their bond continue to age like fine wine. 😍

Enjoy the video below:

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When true love finds you, everything clicks in the snap of a finger: the chemistry, the bond, the connection, all of it. Toyosi and Bolu share something this phenomenal, and it has led them all the way to their beautiful Yoruba traditional wedding.

The lovebirds are absolutely glowing in love as well as in their radiant traditional attire. From the way they look at each other to their undiluted elegance and grace, we can tell that what they have is truly amazing. They complete themselves, and it’s only right that their sweet bond has brought them to this adventure of a lifetime, and they definitely transitioned in grand style, celebrating their roots proudly. Toyosi was a truly radiant bride in her stunning dresses, while Bolu looked incredibly regal in his magnificent agbadas. Combined, they make a lovely couple, and their sweet love and electric chemistry shine so bright in their breathtaking wedding photos. Each frame is an ode to their timeless connection, and we simply can’t get enough of it. 😍

Enjoy their wedding photos and love story below:

How we met
By the bride, Toyosi:

If love were a melody, My Prince Charming and I would be the sweetest harmony. In our traditional attire, we don’t just wear culture; we embody elegance, grace, and a timeless bond. Together, we shine like twin stars, destined to orbit one another. Every time our eyes met, it’s not just a spark, it’s a wildfire of affection, the kind that makes hearts skip and souls believe in forever. We’re not just perfect together, we’re poetry in motion.✨❤️

Credit

Planner: @ardorbyaccession
Photography: @ijalanaoke

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I started scrolling for “dog Christmas outfits” a few weeks ago – and I wasn’t quite sure why. Up until now, I’ve always resisted the temptation to dress my 11-year-old golden retriever, Muggles, in silly festive outfits like a pull-on elf hat.

I admit, I’ve always secretly wanted to get him a Gucci reversible corduroy pet coat costing £570, but I didn’t want to make him the laughing stock of the neighbourhood by putting him in a humorous reindeer pet costume, a Santa hat with an elasticated chin strap, or in matchy-matchy Christmas PJs for the family. It just seemed so naff.

Until now. As I dropped Muggles off for his biannual groom at the luxury pet store, Love My Human in London’s King’s Road, a regular haunt of James Middleton’s and where he sells his freeze-dried raw dog food, I had a change of heart.

It was the sight of all the soft alpaca dog Christmas jumpers – and Santa bandanas – that did it. As I was sitting a few doors down in their dog café waiting for Muggles, staring aimlessly at a dog menu with “loaded” puppuccinos, beef wellington, and dog ice cream, I thought to myself, “Go on, it’s Christmas. Why not?”

The question was whether I could dress him up for Christmas day – but do it tastefully?

I wandered back into the shop and picked him out a fabulously soft alpaca knit with a snowman design (£52.50), a great crocheted Christmas tree hat (from £35), and a traditional large red velvet festive Christmas bow (£18.50).

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I’d always resisted the temptation to dress Muggles in silly festive outfits – until now (Charlotte Cripps)

I threw in a fresh seafood shrimp toy to complement his Christmas-themed outfit. I wanted him to look subtle and refined, not gimmicky.

As Muggles returned upstairs from the grooming parlour looking like a fluffy white teddy bear rather than his usual matted, dirty sheep look, I got him dressed for Christmas. From that point on, everywhere I went, people stopped us in the street, saying, “Oh, he’s adorable,” and “Look at him, so cute!”

Then I took him to meet my children, Lola, nine, and Liberty, seven. Their whole school swooned over his Christmas outfit. He lapped up the attention and seemed happily comfortable. I took off his jumper once we got home, so he didn’t overheat, and even snipped a few stitches around the neck so it was a looser fit for him.

But according to Peta, this isn’t okay. The animal rights charity recently criticised Channel 4’s show Game Of Wool: Britain’s Best Knitter, presented by former Olympic diver Tom Daley, for putting knitted clothes on dogs at the risk of causing them “discomfort and stress”.

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Muggles in the reindeer outfit I bought on Amazon for £13 (Charlotte Cripps)

In the hit show’s episode – “The Dog Apparel Challenge”, contestants had to create “iconic” but “practical” two-piece doggie outfits in 12 hours for two Italian greyhounds, who then modelled their new knitwear. The outfits included a neon orange coat and matching pom-pom hat, a rainbow sparkly coat and gold unicorn hat, a tailored red coat with a yellow and black beret, and a pink and white stripy number with a regal crown.

Disapproving viewers online expressed their “disappointment” at Daley for being involved in such a degrading project. “As if any self-respecting, animal-caring dog owner would subject their canine to wearing these totally impractical outfits,” said one viewer.

Elisa Allen, Peta’s vice president of programmes and operations, told Channel 4: “The only animals who should wear wool are sheep.” The campaigners also made it clear there should be a switch from using real wool to “natural, biodegradable plant wools” because the production of any animal-derived material, including wool, involves animal suffering and exploitation

“Dogs aren’t dolls, they are whole, intelligent individuals who should be respected for who they are,” Allen then told The Mail on Sunday. “Putting clothes on them for our entertainment reduces them to laughable, lesser humans.”

Putting a garment on a dog is acceptable only when it’s truly in their best interest, to “keep them warm or dry”. She added: “Garments can bother dogs, and cause them discomfort, stress and confusion”.

But surely it’s harmless fun as long as the dog doesn’t mind it, and they don’t overheat? Of course I wouldn’t stick my dog in a ridiculous personalised pet cape with pom poms which meant that he could hardly walk, but a fun festive coats? Why not? I’m not alone in wanting to my dog to joing in the Christmas fun either. The pet fashion industry is booming, and is driven by consumers who increasingly view their pets as family members, just like I do.

The global pet clothing market was valued at around £4.12bn in 2024 and is expected to reach over £5.52bn by 2030. King Charles has launched his own range of tweed jackets for dogs made exclusively at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk and crafted from Sandringham Royal Tweed with a brown collar and belt.

I’m not alone in wanting to dress my dog in festive clobber, either. The pet fashion industry is booming, and is driven by consumers who increasingly view their pets as family members, just like I do.”

The current M&S x Bella Freud collaboration, which also includes a lambswool blend dog jumper with the “Best Friend” slogan across the back, is a nod to the designer’s trademark “1970” jumper and brings a new cool-dog level to canine fashion.

And these days, twinning with your dog is as fun as doing it with your mini-me child at Trotters. That’s why Next sells matching chocolate brown Fair Isle knitted Christmas dog jumpers (£18) so that you can coordinate with them.

Dogs are so much more than loyal companions. We give them blueberry facials, feed them special diets, and a recent study revealed that 54 per cent of dog owners regard their dog as a pseudo-child.

On many levels, that has always been the case for me. Muggles was like a surrogate child; when I got him, I was desperate for a baby and in the midst of IVF. I sang lullabies to him and carried him around in a bag when he was a puppy.

And like many other dog parents, I also suffer “dog guilt” just as strongly as “mum guilt” when I feel I’m not giving him the attention he deserves. A degree of anthropomorphism isn’t a bad thing. But the changing landscape of the dog-owner relationship means that we often attribute things to our dogs that are merely projections of ourselves – not how the dog really feels.

While Muggles seems to be happy to be wearing a Christmas jumper, I also know that he hasn’t got a clue about why so much fuss is being made of it either. And he looks especially cute in he reindeer outfit I bought him. The brown cotton special made dog hoodie with cute antlers felt slightly less restrictive than the jumper – and easier to wash.

In his reindeer form, I can’t walk down the road without people wanting to take selfies with him. Muggles looks adorable in his new festive outfits. But once Christmas is over, he’s going back to plain old Muggles and I’ll love him just the same.

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Photo Credit: Serena Williams/Instagram

If there’s one thing Serena Williams will always do, it’s show up for her sister — and she did so with love, pride and the softest words as Venus Williams got married.

The tennis legend shared how it felt watching her older sister and “built-in best friend” marry actor Andrea Preti during a five-day wedding celebration in Palm Beach, Florida. Posting photos from the festivities on Instagram, Serena reflected on their shared journey and the moment Venus stepped into this new chapter of her life.

“My sister’s keeper. Venus, where do I even begin?” Serena wrote. “From the backyard courts to the biggest stages in the world, you’ve always led with grace, strength, and a heart bigger than any trophy. Watching you step into this next chapter surrounded by love felt like watching the sun rise…steady, powerful, and full of promise.”

She went on to speak about the bond they’ve shared for years. “You’ve been my built-in best friend, my protector, my teacher, and my reminder to always walk in purpose. Seeing you this happy, this loved, this radiant… it means everything to me.”

Serena ended her message with a toast to Venus and Andrea, adding, “To love, to partnership, to laughter, and to a lifetime of choosing each other every single day. I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside you, not just today, but always.”

And she truly stood beside her sister throughout the celebrations. Serena was present as Venus exchanged vows with Andrea and also hosted a yacht gathering for close family and friends as part of the wedding week.

“Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything,” Venus shared with Vogue. “We had 10 to 12 of our closest family and friends who were in town on the boat, and we were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other.”

Serena also gave fans a peek into her wedding-week looks. She wore a white strapless mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline and flowing cape, paired with pearl jewellery and pointed-toe heels. The all-white theme continued at the rehearsal dinner, where she opted for a tailored white suit worn over a lace bra. Other outfits included a maxi skirt and crop-top set for a pre-wedding dinner, a custom bodysuit inspired by Beyoncé’s 2016 “Sorry” music video for a night of lip-sync battles, and a light turquoise dress for the after-party.

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