Intentar ORO - Gratis

Special branch

The Chronicle

|

December 26, 2025

The history behind our festive firs is fascinating and reminds us of brighter times soon to come

- DIARMUID GAVIN

THERE are many festive traditions that are plant related. Whether it's holly and ivy decking the halls or kissing under the mistletoe, decorating our indoor space with greenery is a longstanding custom. It's likely to date back to pagan times, as a celebration of the winter solstice, which was on December 21.

It's the shortest day of the year but from this week, the days begin to lengthen, very gradually. It makes sense that our ancestors would bring in evergreen material to symbolise spring was on the way and hope is eternal.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE The Chronicle

The Chronicle

The Chronicle

Grand days out... with a garden crawl

ON A THREE-DAY TOUR OF COUNTY DOWN IN NORTHERN IRELAND, DANIEL BIRD DISCOVERS STATELY HOMES AND SPRAWLING GROUNDS THAT ARE FIT FOR OUR KING

time to read

4 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

PRIME SUSPECT

SHOCK AS RAY'S BODY IS FOUND IN VAN... AND THE FINGER IS POINTED AT JAI

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

TV doc tells of tears over her cancer diagnosis

FORMER

time to read

1 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

The Chronicle

'Assisted dying should be up to judge' - leading barrister

COURTS should make the decision on whether to grant an assisted death, a top barrister has told Parliament, as peers continue their line-by-line scrutiny of the controversial legislation.

time to read

1 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

Breakthrough sees doctors' strike called off

PLANNED strike action by resident doctors next week has been cancelled to allow BMA Scotland to ballot members on a new £133 million offer from the Scottish government.

time to read

1 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

We want the contestants to do well... If we could we'd whisper the answers

Presenting duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly discuss the success of their popular ITV1 quiz Limitless Win. By YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI

time to read

3 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

Safety first, and then plan is Yorke’s message

FORMER

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

BOX OF DELIGHTS

PICK THE BEST FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE TO SMARTEN UP YOUR OUTSIDE AS WINTER TAKES HOLD

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

Sexual health clinic to go back to NHS control

NEWCASTLE'S sexual health service is being put back into NHS hands, after being slated by inspectors.

time to read

2 mins

January 10, 2026

The Chronicle

Furniture among items thrown from tower block in city centre

FURNITURE and other items were hurled from a balcony at a city centre tower block.

time to read

1 min

January 10, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size