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Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, according to an official statement released by the Vatican press office. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, with underlying health conditions also contributing to his death. In a statement signed by Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a previous episode of acute respiratory failure, along with arterial hypertension and type II diabetes. Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief Easter blessing to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. Unable to finish reading his address, the ailing pope sat as an aide delivered the rest of the speech, which called for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. Following his death, the Vatican also made public the burial wishes outlined in the pope’s will. Francis requested a simple burial in the ground at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – marked only with the Latin inscription Franciscus. This will be the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican. According to the will, an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the costs of his burial. With the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church now enters a traditional period of mourning known as the Novendiales, lasting nine days. During this time, Pope Francis will lie in state as preparations for his funeral are made. The conclave – the sacred process to elect a new pope – is expected to begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following his death. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, progressive stances and a deep focus on global humanitarian issues. Images: Wikimedia Commons

Caring

Beloved Neighbours star reveals his dying wishes

Ian Smith has shared his final wishes after being told he has more time to live, despite battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Smith, 86, was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma and given a terminal prognosis in 2024. However, in a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, he revealed he had defied expectations and was still going strong. "I'm going to die soon, but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good. I'm not unhappy about that at all," Smith said. The veteran actor recalled the moment he received the unexpected news in December last year, jokingly expressing his gratitude: "The knowledge is saying, 'Ian, you are going to die in March.' I almost gave in, and then on Friday the 13th, I got this good news and, you know what? I just had to say, 'Well, thank you, someone.'" Rather than dwell on his diagnosis, Smith is determined to make the most of the time he has left. While he admits he is still unsure of how best to spend it, one thing on his bucket list is buying a new car – specifically, an electric one. "I'm now thinking of buying a new car. That's not what you do if you're going to die in March," he said with a laugh. "I'm determined to have an electric car before I die. And I was speaking to a salesman. I said, 'Now, what about the delivery? Can you get to me before I'm dead?' And he was so shocked! I said, 'Come on, let's have a giggle.'" Smith has had a long and celebrated career in television, most notably for his role as Harold Bishop on Neighbours. First joining the show in 1987, his character quickly became a fan favourite. Over the years, he made several departures and returns, with his most recent appearance in 2024 before stepping away due to ill health. Jason Herbison, Executive Producer of Neighbours, spoke highly of Smith’s contributions to the show, saying, "The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn't love him more than we do." Beyond Neighbours, Smith also appeared in the cult series Prisoner and worked extensively in theatre since the 1950s. Smith has faced significant personal challenges over the years. His wife, Gail, passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a marriage that spanned over 50 years. Additionally, Smith discovered later in life that he had been adopted. He was 54 when his adoptive mother, Connie, revealed the truth shortly before her passing. Smith eventually reunited with his biological mother, Peg Kline, who had been a victim of sexual assault at age 14. They maintained a relationship until her death in 2005, also from cancer. "Dying does change how you live," he said in a previous interview with The Guardian. "I feel like I have become more forgiving, more understanding." Despite his illness, Smith remains grateful for the life he has led. "I know I have cancer because doctors keep telling me I have it. I may get very sick again one day. But I have lived the most privileged life." Images: Supplied

Caring

Young man's dying wish takes flight in epic adventure

Jamie Clements, a 30-year-old from the south of Perth with a terminal illness, has had his final wish fulfilled just weeks before his passing – thanks to the generosity of friends and kind strangers who rallied to make his dream come true. Jamie was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in March of last year after experiencing months of difficulty keeping food down. He was given between nine and 24 months to live. Despite his diagnosis, Jamie remained hopeful and shared a lifelong dream: to experience the thrill of flying on an airplane. “I’d love to go to Sydney because I’ve never been on a plane, never been out of WA,” he told NewsWire last August. Jamie, who had an intellectual disability, worked in IT at Good Sammy, an organisation that helps people with disabilities secure employment in Western Australia. It was there he met his best friend and boss, Paul Bolton, who was determined to make Jamie’s dream a reality. Originally, Jamie had hoped to save money to visit the US, but his illness put paid those plans. That's when Paul stepped in, launching a GoFundMe campaign to fund a trip to Sydney, urging the community to help make Jamie’s wish come true. “I think it will make such a difference to him because Jamie has never, ever been in a plane anywhere, so I just want to do that one thing for him,” Paul said last year. Thanks to the kindness of donors, Jamie’s dream took flight on January 5. Accompanied by his family, Paul and Paul’s wife, he embarked on an unforgettable journey to Sydney. The adventure began with a special moment in the cockpit, just one of many bucket-list experiences he checked off during the trip. Among his many cherished memories, Jamie enjoyed a lighthearted escapade to the Sydney Opera House, zipping through the streets on mobility scooters borrowed from his group. “It was such a laugh and so much fun as we bombed down the streets!” Paul recalled. A self-proclaimed Apple enthusiast, Jamie also relished a visit to the Apple Store in Sydney. “He was a big Apple ‘nerd,’ so watching his face light up as he played in Apple’s virtual world was so good,” Paul shared. Jamie’s Sydney adventure also included stops at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Five Guys (a bucket-list item), and Luna Park. He even embarked on a ghost tour and drove across the iconic Harbour Bridge, documenting the entire epic trip on a Facebook page. Sadly, Jamie passed away on February 26, surrounded by his loving family – and Paul. Though his time was short, he left this world having lived out a cherished dream. Paul later expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, making Jamie’s wish a reality. “I am so happy that I was able to do this for Jamie and his family,” he said. Images: Facebook

Caring

Best hotels in Australia revealed

The <a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/award-winners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Forbes Travel Guide</a> has announced the winners of the Star Awards, with nine hotels and experiences in Australia being named in the list. Every property in the running for the awards is visited by highly trained inspectors who provide an evaluation based on up to 900 objective criteria. According to Forbes, the Star Rating system "emphasises service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks". Over 2000 hotels, experiences, restaurants and cruises were named on the global list, with nine Aussie winners featuring in the prestigious list. The only property in the country to receive a 5-star accommodation rating in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide was Crown Towers in Perth. Touted as "the pinnacle of Perth luxury", Forbes described the property as "Perth's most extravagant stay. Exuding understated glamour." In the spa category the Crown Spa Perth, which is tucked away in Crown Towers Perth, was awarded 4-stars for its "unbridled opulence". The Darling Sydney has once again received recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide for the ninth consecutive year, while The Darling's "world class" spa was also featured. Check out the list below. 9. The Langham - Sydney 8. Park Hyatt - Sydney 7. Park Hyatt - Melbourne 6. Capella - Sydney 5. Como The Treasury - Perth 4. The Darling Spa - Sydney 3. The Darling - Sydney 2. Crown Spa - Perth 1. Crown Towers - Perth Image credits: Crown Hotels <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333;">

Domestic Travel

Dave Hughes spills on worst A-list celeb interview

Dave Hughes has revealed the "rudest" A-list celebrity he's ever interviewed in the latest episode of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! The radio star was talking about all his celebrity interviews throughout the years with campmate Max Balegde, who then asked him: “I want you to be honest – who was the rudest?” “If we’re going to be honest … it hurts me to say it, but it’s … Ben Stiller. I was a big fan, and he was just a pain in the a**e," Hughes replied. Hughes then joked that he might've “ruined his Hollywood career” by calling out the A-list actor and director known for films like Zoolander and Meet the Parents. The radio broadcaster didn't reveal when he'd encountered Stiller or why the actor was a "pain in the a**e" . In the latest episode of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! former MAFS star Samantha Moitzi was the first of this season's contestants to be evicted from the jungle. Last week, Aussie TV legend Sigrid Thornton was the latest celeb to join the show in its 11th season. It's the first time the actress appeared in a reality show during her 40-year career, telling news.com.au: “I felt like if I was going to say yes to a challenge like this, then this was the time for me. I mean, I’ve never done reality television; I’ve never done anything remotely like this.” “But I don’t hold any particular judgement around it; I’ve removed all potential judgement because I don’t know what it’s going to be. All I know is that it will be extraordinary, exciting, unexpected, and I hope a little bit wonderful.” Image: I'm A Celeb/ 10

Sinead O’Connor’s final wish revealed

Almost two years after the Sinead O'Connor's tragic death, the legacy she left behind for her children has been revealed. According to Irish probate records obtained by The Sun, O'Connor left her £1.7 million (AUD 3.38 million) estate to her three surviving children, with ex-husband John Reynolds named executor of her estate. After debts, legal fees, and funeral costs, the estate was reduced to £1.4 million (AUD 2.78 million). The document also contained specific instructions for her children to ensure they get their money's worth out of any unreleased music that she has recorded. “I direct that after my death, and at the discretion of any of my children who are then over 18, my albums are to be released to ‘milk it for what it’s worth’,” she wrote. Signed in 2013 ahead of her conversion to Islam in 2018, the document also outlined her burial requests, where she noted her children may “dispense my ashes as they see fit” and to be buried in priest's robes with a copy of the Hebrew bible and her album, Theology. The singer's youngest son Yeshua was given her collection of guitars. O’Connor passed away in July 2023 at the age of 56, after she was found unresponsive at her London home by first responders. Her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/coroner-finally-reveals-sinead-o-connor-s-cause-of-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cause of death</a> was later confirmed to be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, after a a copy of her death certificate was obtained by the Irish Independent newspaper. Image: Co/ZUMA Press Wire/ Shutterstock Editorial

Money & Banking

Top 10 must-do activities around the world in 2025

Global travel brand Time Out has revealed their annual list of the best activities around the world. From a canoe trip in Australia to wildlife encounters in Singapore, here are the top 10 must-do activities and experiences around the world. 10. Take a micro cruise through the Arctic. This year, Micro-cruise specialist Secret Atlas will be taking 12 passengers at a time through the Arctic, for a more "intimate, once-in-a-lifetime, eco-conscious trip". The cruise will take guests on a wildlife-spotting journey through Svalbard's lesser-known northern reaches, while the other cruise will sail past the icebergs in Northeast Greenland, including a visit to one of the most remote towns on earth. These trips, however, aren't cheap with prices starting at £15,500 (around AUD $30,500) for two weeks. 9. Explore the cross-border towns of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia These three towns make up 2025's European Capital of Culture, with over 400 events to be held throughout the year, including a piano performance on a 200m-high bridge, as well as a food and wine event called Tastes Without Borders. 8. Go on a wildlife-spotting adventure in Singapore's new Rainforest Park The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is opening its fifth zoological park, Rainforest Wild Asia, this year, with 10 different zones, as well as 29 different species of animals, perfect for a family outing. 7. Discover Vietnam by a vintage steam train Time Out explained that two of the "beautifully restored vintage trains" date all the way back to the 60s, and will take passengers between "the central city of Da Nang and the former royal capital of Hue." 6. Visit the Musée Granet celebrating the father of post-impressionism Aix-en-Provence in France is celebrating the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown, with the exhibition displaying almost 100 of Cèzanne’s works, as well as tours around the artist’s childhood home, former estate and art studio. 5. Visit the long-awaited Harlem's Studio Museum, New York The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, was first opened 56 years ago, with an archive of almost 9,000 pieces from all kinds of creators. It was closed for construction almost seven years ago and will finally re-open in autumn. 4. Fly directly to Greenland The grand opening of their brand-new international airport will make this stunning location more accessible for travellers wanting to view the Northern Lights and all of the territory's natural wonders. 3. Visit the world's first museum telling stories of migration though art The Fenix museum in Katendrecht, Rotterdam will open on May 16 and is the first museum telling stories of migration through art. 2. Walk, ride or cycle along Murray River, Australia "The Murray River is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Echuca region," said Time Out’s Saffron Swire. With the opening of a new multisport adventure trail this year, cyclists, hikers and paddlers alike will get to enjoy the river in a new way. 1. Join a once-every-quarter-century spiritual celebration in Rome, Italy Italy's capital will celebrate its spiritual Jubilee this year, a Catholic festivity that's held every 25 years, with Italy expert Rebecca Ann Hughes recommending the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, "which began in the 16th century and involves a 25km walk through the city and countryside between the major basilicas." Check out the full list <a href="http://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Shutterstock

International Travel

New hope for prostate cancer patients this Christmas

For David Southward, Christmas is a time for family, gratitude, and hope. Diagnosed two years ago with advanced prostate cancer, he has been navigating his battle with hormone therapy and a determination to stay active. “I’ve found regular exercise helps me stay positive,” he says. “But at the end of the day, we need better treatments. Research gives men like me a chance to spend more time with our loved ones.” This year, the <a href="https://giving.pcfa.org.au/">Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia</a> (PCFA) is making that wish a reality through its Christmas Appeal, focused on advancing targeted nuclear medicines. These therapies offer new hope for men like David by addressing metastatic prostate cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease. Australia is leading the development of nuclear medicines that target cancer cells with precision. However, PCFA Chief Executive Anne Savage stresses the need for more research to understand why patients respond differently to these therapies. “For every 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, three will develop an aggressive form,” Savage says. “We’re working to help researchers predict which patients will become resistant to radioligand therapy, so they can win the battle and live longer.” One of PCFA's key projects is led by Dr. Kevin Koo, focusing on Alpha Therapy, an emerging treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. This innovative approach aims to shrink tumors and harness the immune system to eradicate cancer cells. “Targeted Alpha Therapy is a promising treatment for metastatic prostate cancer,” says Dr. Koo. “Our challenge is to identify men at risk of developing metastasis, sparing others from unnecessary treatments.” While Alpha Therapies show great potential, researchers still lack a full understanding of their mechanisms. “With most radioligand therapies, tumors shrink on scans, but we don’t fully understand the biological pathways driving this,” Dr. Koo notes. “This becomes problematic when patients develop resistance.” Dr. Koo’s team is collecting blood samples to identify biomarkers that predict resistance. “In three to five years, we could significantly improve how we tailor therapies to individual patients,” he says. The Christmas Appeal is part of PCFA’s broader mission to lift survival rates and improve quality of life for prostate cancer patients. Over the past 30 years, the organization has helped increase survival rates from 82% to nearly 96%, but more work is needed. “Despite progress, 10 men die every day from prostate cancer in Australia,” Savage says. “With an ageing population, research has never been more important.” For David Southward, new treatments represent a chance to keep celebrating Christmas with his family. “Research is hope,” he says. To support PCFA’s Christmas Appeal and help fund lifesaving research, visit: <a href="https://giving.pcfa.org.au/">https://giving.pcfa.org.au</a> Image credits: Shutterstock / Supplied

Caring

How to deal with narcissistic relatives over the holidays

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ava-green-1396648">Ava Green</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/city-st-georges-university-of-london-1047">City St George's, University of London</a> The holiday season is here, and streets are filled with festive sparkles, twinkling lights and cheerful Christmas songs. While many of us are looking forward to spending the holiday period with family and friends, Christmas is anything but jolly for others. Some people are dreading to spend the period without loved ones. Others are fearful of spending it in the company of their extended family and relatives. Will your cousin provoke heated arguments at the dinner table again, outright bullying others and refusing to consider their perspective? Will your dad bring extravagant gifts and criticise others for their presents that he deems are inadequate? Will your aunt steal the show and make it all about her? Such behaviour <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09637214211044109">is common in narcissism</a>, a personality trait which we all exhibit to various degrees. Narcissistic people have an <a href="https://theconversation.com/narcissism-why-its-less-obvious-in-women-than-in-men-but-can-be-just-as-dangerous-231392">insatiable need for attention</a> and validation. They feel entitled to special treatment, are unable to empathise with others, exploit people to boost their own self-esteem and display controlling and manipulative behaviour. It is not surprising, therefore, that many with narcissistic family members and relatives come to dread the holiday season. The good news, hopefully, is that this holiday season does not need to crash and burn into discord and frustration. Here’s how you can navigate these interactions while looking after yourself. <h2>Limit your exposure</h2> Not everyone has the ability to avoid difficult people, particularly if they are your own parents or siblings. If you can’t avoid your narcissistic relatives entirely, consider limiting the amount of time you spend with them. Imagine your sister ambushing you or creates a scene to draw attention to herself. Have a plan in place for gracefully exiting the conversation or the event itself if it becomes too emotionally draining. This could involve having a couple of emergency exits up your sleeve to avoid confrontation, such as “I am going to go and help mum and dad in the kitchen” or “I am going to go play with the kids”. Alternatively, you could be more straightforward, and comment that “I think I need some space, we can catch up later”. <h2>Set healthy boundaries</h2> A hallmark of narcissism is a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656622001428">lack of empathy</a>. Because of their inability to empathise with others, narcissistic people will push boundaries and put their needs before yours. Having realistic expectations and planning accordingly can help ease feelings of frustration and disappointment. For instance, if you engage with your cousin during arguments, he will probably disregard your needs, perspective and feelings. He might make a comment that crosses the line. In any situation, set healthy boundaries by redirecting the conversation to neutralise a potential conflict. You could speak to his interests by asking questions such as “by the way, did you watch the latest episode of (his favourite show)” or “are you going to the football game next week (his favourite team)”? If that fails, set your boundaries firmly and concisely by saying “I do not want to talk about this right now”. <h2>Focus on what you can control</h2> Another hallmark of narcissism is poor emotional regulation – in other words, people with narcissistic traits may feel indignant to respond with <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2014-57455-001">rage and aggression</a> if they feel mistreated or criticised. In these situations, they may <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11199-024-01477-y">manipulate, bully and undermine others</a> to elevate themselves. Resist defensiveness and try to focus on what you can control: how you respond. If someone belittles you for a “mundane present” or for not having reached the same success in life as they think have, use the tactic of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/aug/31/grey-rocking-how-to-bore-a-toxic-narcissist-out-of-your-life">“grey rocking”</a> – being non-reactive, dull and uninteresting. This will avoid fuelling their need for attention. Remind yourself that their attack is not personal – this isn’t about you, it’s about their need for control. <h2>Reframe empathy</h2> If all else fails, you could try to manipulate a narcissistic relative into showing a bit of empathy. Research suggests that it may be possible to reframe empathy in <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-92171-6_36">a way that makes it desirable</a> to narcissistic individuals. While this is more likely to work in the hands of a trained psychologist, and could backfire, it may be worth a try in a desperate situation. For example, you could quote facts or stories about how people who are good at taking the perspective of others are more successful as leaders than those who are not. Narcissistic people want to be seen to be good at everything, so if you make empathy look advantageous, they may be more likely to show it – or at least pretend to do so. <h2>Look after yourself</h2> While attempting all this, make sure you prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing. It is okay to retreat to a quiet room to get some headspace or stepping outside for a walk. Remind yourself that you do not need to engage, interact or stay for the whole duration for the sake of family togetherness. Take time to relax in a space where you feel safe and create the time for things you enjoy, be it baking cookies, watching your favourite Christmas movie or wrapping gifts. Try to minimise one-to-one time with people who drain you and instead surround yourself with family members who are more understanding, empathetic and supportive. Whatever the power dynamics in your life might be, you can maintain your authenticity with grace and not only survive, but thrive, this holiday season.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245877/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ava-green-1396648">Ava Green</a>, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/city-st-georges-university-of-london-1047">City St George's, University of London</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-deal-with-narcissistic-relatives-over-the-holidays-245877">original article</a>. </div>

Family & Pets

Prince William and Kate share poignant Christmas card

Prince William and Kate have released their annual Christmas card. After a difficult year for the royal family, Prince William and Kate shared the poignant card to social media on Friday morning. The royal couple shared a clip of the card sitting open on a table in front of a lit-up Christmas tree and surrounded by fake snow, with the message inside the card reading: "Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year." The image used in the Christmas card was taken earlier this year from a video that marked the end of Kate's chemotherapy treatment. It shows Prince Louis, Prince William, Kate, Princess Charlotte and Prince George all sitting arm-in-arm together in Norfolk last summer. The happy family are seen smiling broadly and the reason why they chose this photo was to highlight their family-first focus this year. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDwzZTct7Vw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDwzZTct7Vw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> Prince and William and Kate have already posted out their Christmas card to family, friends and the couple's charities. The release of the card comes after A Kensington Palace source told UK news outlets that the royal couple have skipped the Buckingham Palace Christmas luncheon for the first time, as they had travel plans and it was not a last-minute change. The royal couple are reportedly already in their Norfolk home with their three kids and are said to be looking forward to celebrating Christmas Day with their family in Sandringham. Image: Instagram/ Kensington Palace

Family & Pets

Entire block of flats forced to evict before Christmas

An entire block of flats have been subject of a mass eviction, just days before Christmas. More than 150 residents units are facing uncertainty in the new year after they were served notice to vacate their South London homes. According to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8ykm23lrko" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>, some tenants only signed their lease a few months ago. Aitch Group, which owns the building, said tenants were asked to leave to facilitate refurbishments, with all 83 flats in the building receiving their notices over December. Every resident has been given an individual notice with varying dates, they said, which has contributed to widespread confusion and stress, the BBC reported. The tenants were turfed out after being served a Section 21 notice, which means the landlord wants you to leave and does not need to provide a reason for eviction. These clauses have been outlawed in Victoria and New South Wales. <div id="paragraph-14"> <div> One resident of the building, Kamelia Yotava, said her hair has been falling out due to the stress of the eviction. </div> </div> <div id="paragraph-15"> <div> “It’s not humane what they are doing,” she told the BBC. “Instead of spending time with family and enjoying the holidays, people need to stress about moving." </div> </div> <div id="paragraph-16"> <div> “There’s not many houses available and now they’re going to put 150 people on the market looking for houses, it’s going to make it even harder.” Image credits: Google Maps </div> </div>

Legal

Queen Mary's special Aussie Christmas tribute

Queen Mary has revealed her special tribute to her Australia heritage on her family Christmas tree inside the Danish royal residence. The large tree is lavishly decorated with colourful baubles and upon closer inspection, several of them have an extra special connection to the King and Queen. One ornament that has pride of place on the tree is a glass kangaroo, representing Australia where Mary was born in 1972. The royal couple have been using the same ornament for years, as it was first seen on King Frederik and Queen Mary's Christmas tree in a video they shared in 2017. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuIvJ6s5hX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDuIvJ6s5hX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a> </div> </blockquote> Another personal ornament is that of British rockstar David Bowie as his iconic Ziggy Stardust character. King Frederik has long been a fan of the musician and in 1987, he and his brother Prince Joachim were photographed meeting Bowie backstage at a show in Hamburg. King Frederik and Queen Mary's Christmas display also included an Ib Laursen Christmas Goat decoration, made from straw. The inclusion of the Christmas goat is popular throughout Scandinavia and is believed to date back to the ancient Viking custom of sacrificing goats at the winter solstice to ensure a good year ahead. Image credits: The Danish Royal Family - Instagram

Family & Pets

Australians are embracing chatbots this Christmas, but what does it mean for retailers and consumers?

<div> By Richard Valente, Executive Vice President of Business Solutions at<a title="https://www.teleperformance.com/" href="https://www.teleperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="b381e4a3-fd96-44ea-ac4f-2162ce2e7cfe"> </a><a title="https://www.teleperformance.com/" href="https://www.teleperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-outlook-id="6a609d2f-3bfa-4e4d-b9b1-9936ebdc3ade">Teleperformance</a> (TP) </div> The festive season is upon us and Australians are turning to technology to make their Christmas shopping easier. A new study reveals that nearly one-third of Australian shoppers are more open to using AI chatbots this year than last, a significant shift in consumer behaviour. Surprisingly, it’s not just the younger generations leading the charge. Australians aged 55 and over are also showing a growing willingness to embrace chatbots for finding the best deals and simplifying their holiday shopping. But what does this mean for retailers, and how are consumers balancing convenience with the desire for personalised service? AI chatbots are revolutionising how we shop. From generating tailored gift recommendations to answering product questions in real-time, chatbots are no longer just a novelty, they’re a powerful tool in the modern retail landscape. Retail giants like Amazon have adopted these advancements, offering AI-powered buying guides that help consumers navigate complex purchasing decisions. Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gadget or the perfect pair of shoes, these tools streamline the shopping experience, saving time and effort during the busy Christmas rush. Older Australians are joining the AI revolution and the adoption of over 55s highlights a fascinating trend - older consumers are increasingly willing to experiment with technology. Their openness to chatbots suggests a broader acceptance of AI in everyday life, driven by its ability to simplify tasks and provide instant support. However, this rapid technological adoption doesn’t come without concerns. Many Australian consumers are apprehensive about the fast changing shopping experience. They fear losing the personal touch that has traditionally defined retail interactions. But the reality is that these advancements can enhance the shopping journey by freeing up staff to engage in more meaningful ways with customers. Here at TP, we feel the key to maintaining customer trust lies in using AI to complement human assistance, not replace it. Automating repetitive tasks, answering questions and providing tailored recommendations. For retailers the messaging is clear, innovation must go hand-in-hand with empathy. Businesses that invest in both AI technology and high quality customer service teams will be positioned to meet evolving customer expectations. AI isn’t just transforming the customer experience, it’s also delivering cost efficiency for retailers. Automated systems reduce the burden on support staff enabling faster responses to customer enquiries while lowering operational costs. This dual benefit is why brands are rushing to integrate AI-powered solutions like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, omnichannel tracking and loyalty programs. It’s important retailers find balance and use AI to enhance the customer journey and not overshadow it. Self-service options and chatbots are invaluable but they should be backed by a strong human support team for more complex queries. For customers, the rise of chatbots means faster service, better deals and smoother shopping journeys. But it also highlights the growing importance of choosing brands that value customer care. TP’s research shows that half of consumers now prioritise companies with excellent service, a trend likely to shape the future of retail. As Australians embrace AI this Christmas, the message is clear, technology is not the enemy of personalisation. Instead, it’s a tool that when used thoughtfully, can make holiday shopping less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. This holiday season, chatbots are proving to be the ultimate shopping assistant but only for brands willing to blend innovation with a human touch. As we look ahead, one thing is certain, the future of retail will be shaped by how well technology and empathy can co-exist. Image credits: Shutterstock

Technology

Christmas can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Here are 7 ways you can help

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-hickson-2280688">Louise Hickson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> For many people, Christmas can be the most social time of the year. The holiday period is often filled with parties, lunches, dinners and celebrations of all kinds with family, friends and colleagues. For adults with hearing loss, however, these social gatherings can bring unique challenges. Communicating with others can be difficult, particularly in group conversations. And the more <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2019.1670363">background noise</a> there is (for example, Christmas music or children playing), the harder it is. For age-related or acquired hearing loss, hearing ability typically starts to decline from <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0107720">age 50 onwards</a>. <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/hearing-health/resources/publications/one-in-six-australians-experience-hearing-loss-poster-0?language=en">One in six Australians</a> experience some hearing loss, so it’s possible someone around your Christmas dinner table will be struggling to hear. Unfortunately, many adults with hearing loss suffer these challenges in silence. Our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">research</a> shows adults with hearing loss often hide their hearing loss from others, even close family members and friends, because of feeling shame due to stigma. But there are some things you can do to ensure a loved one with hearing loss is included this Christmas. <h2>Stigma and stereotypes</h2> Stigma is when someone is treated differently by others due to a particular physical or social attribute. Across a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">series of studies</a>, we conducted surveys and interviews with adults with hearing loss, their families and hearing care professionals to explore experiences of stigma for adults with hearing loss. Our research also included video recordings of real-life conversations between adults with hearing loss and their families and friends. The <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2353862">results</a> suggested people often associate hearing loss with negative stereotypes of ageing, disability, reduced intelligence, having a problem or weakness, and difference. For example, one participant with hearing loss told us: <blockquote> Once they are aware that you can’t really comprehend or hear what they’re saying, they treat you different. And it’s not always positive, it’s quite often negative […] Even people who are familiar with you, my twin brother, he thinks that there’s something wrong with me because I can’t hear him properly. </blockquote> Old age was the most common stereotype associated with hearing loss. For example, one adult with hearing loss commented: <blockquote> I guess it’s just a sign of ageing. Like wearing glasses and grey hair. </blockquote> But as hearing can start declining from middle age, many adults experiencing hearing difficulties do not fit this stereotype. We see this stereotype appear in popular media as well. For example, in the TV show Bluey, the character Bingo dresses up as a “<a href="https://www.bluey.tv/characters/granny-rita/">Can’t-Hear-Anything granny</a>” in a number of episodes. In <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2418970">our research</a>, people with hearing loss reported feeling embarrassment, shame, frustration, sadness and fatigue from trying to manage their hearing difficulties during everyday conversations. In the results of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">a survey</a> currently under peer review, almost two-thirds felt other people laughed about or treated their hearing loss as a joke, often making them feel uncomfortable. An example <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2389189">of this teasing</a> can be seen in a real-life conversation we recorded with a grandfather with hearing loss and his extended family while having afternoon tea. After the older man has ongoing trouble hearing his granddaughters, his wife teases him with the question “You got your hearing aids in Grandpa?”, which receives laughter from his son and granddaughters. While this sort of teasing might seem light-hearted, it can cause someone with hearing loss to feel embarrassed when they have trouble hearing. A key finding from <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2024.2406885">our interview research</a> was that adults with hearing loss respond to experiences of stigma by not telling others about their hearing loss. Similarly, in an international <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2023.2293651">survey of 331 adults</a> with hearing loss, the results of which are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, one in four had not told anyone about their hearing loss. Others only told certain people in specific circumstances. There might, therefore, be family and friends at your Christmas gatherings facing the challenges of hearing loss without anyone knowing. <h2>Supporting loved ones with hearing loss this Christmas</h2> For adults with hearing loss, experiences of stigma can cause them to start to withdraw from social situations, participate less in conversations, and become more <a href="https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/abstract/2013/02000/social_isolation_and_loneliness__relationships.9.aspx">socially isolated and lonely</a>. But a greater awareness about hearing loss and inclusive communication can help tackle the stigma. Here are some simple ways you can be more inclusive of people with hearing loss this festive season: <ol> <li> Think about the location of your event – how noisy is it? When possible, choose restaurants and social settings that are quieter. Outdoor settings will generally be less noisy than indoor ones (apps such as <a href="https://theambientmenu.com.au/">The Ambient Menu</a> can help you choose). </li> <li> Turn down background noise if you can (for example, TV, radio, music). </li> <li> Speak face-to-face as much as possible. This allows for lip-reading so that people are not just reliant on their hearing. If you know someone has difficulty hearing, move closer to them and talk clearly and slightly more slowly. </li> <li> Arrange seating in a way that allows everyone to face each other. Round tables are best. </li> <li> Give people the opportunity to choose where they are seated around a table or in a restaurant. Adults with hearing loss may position themselves in the middle of a table or next to specific people they need to hear. </li> <li> If you are at an event with speeches, use a microphone when possible. </li> <li> If you notice a person not joining in the conversation you could ask them if they can hear OK and, if not, what you can do to help.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/245943/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> </li> </ol> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katie-ekberg-1534998">Katie Ekberg</a>, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/flinders-university-972">Flinders University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/louise-hickson-2280688">Louise Hickson</a>, Professor of Audiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/christmas-can-be-challenging-for-people-with-hearing-loss-here-are-7-ways-you-can-help-245943">original article</a>. </div>

Body

"Just leave Christmas": Barnaby Joyce fires up over gender-neutral cookies

Some stories are big: wars, elections, pandemics. Others are tiny – crispy, vaguely human-shaped and destined for dunking in tea. The humble Gingerbread Man – or rather, its gender-neutral successor, the Gingerbread Person – has sent shockwaves through Parliament House and left a trail of crumbs all the way to the nearest bakery. The biscuit's modern makeover has Barnaby Joyce and Nationals Senator Matt Canavan crying "Save Christmas!" faster than you can say, "Not my gumdrop buttons!" While many of us would struggle to find outrage over baked goods – especially baked goods with no opinion on pronouns – Joyce sees a far darker picture. For him, this is political correctness gone so far off the rails it could inspire an army of ginger-fuelled Trump supporters. “It’s just like, all this stuff has been forced on me, just leave it,” he declared, presumably staring down a gender-neutral cookie in his local parliamentary cafeteria. “Just leave Christmas. If you don’t want to buy Gingerbread men, you don’t have to.” Then, proving politicians aren’t immune to comedic flair, he added: “Can I have one for me and one for it on table 3?” Meanwhile, Senator Canavan was equally distraught at the development, lamenting the apparent death of whimsy. “Please tell me they haven’t done this to the muffin man as well?” he begged, as if imagining a bleak future where fairytale characters are stripped of gender and fun. If you thought Parliament was alone in this existential ginger-crisis, think again. Supermarket giant Woolworths has already abandoned the “man” for a more inclusive “Gingerbread People”, and even Women’s Weekly, that wholesome bastion of baking, has shared a recipe for the modern, genderless cookie. It was Woolworths' decision that drew particular ire from a radio caller named Harry, who tattled to Melbourne’s 3AW like a child narking on a sibling. “Woolies has decided to start selling – under their own brand – non-binary Gingerbread people,” he reported solemnly. This news rocked radio host Tom Elliott, who lamented that none of the gingerbread figures “resemble women”. (For clarity’s sake, it’s worth noting that Gingerbread Men have never been renowned for their realistic depiction of human anatomy.) Online, the social media masses weighed in with their usual measured, level-headed takes. One user proclaimed they were “too busy caring about my electricity bill doubling” to give a crumb about cookies. Another’s sarcastic sympathy dripped from the screen: “If you can’t handle a biscuit with ‘man’ in the name, simply grab a box of tissues and retreat to your safe space.” And in the darkest corner of the internet, one person’s exasperation boiled over: “Jesus Christ. It’s a biscuit vaguely shaped like a human. Do we need to make a biscuit gender neutral so we don’t offend people?” Let’s face it: the Gingerbread Man is not, and has never been, the hill anyone expected society to die on. It doesn’t vote, drive or go to Centrelink. It’s a biscuit. Yet, here we are, watching as Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan rise like knights to defend a sugary snack from the insidious forces of progress. Does the average person truly care if their Gingerbread Man identifies as a Gingerbread Person? Is anyone truly shaking with rage while browsing the supermarket biscuit aisle? Or are most of us too busy, well, eating them? In the end, we must ask ourselves the hard questions: Will the Muffin Man survive the purge? Is Santa’s reindeer team next? And most importantly: if they’re still delicious, does it even matter? For now, the only certainty is that political correctness has officially reached the snack table. Somewhere, a batch of gender-neutral gingerbread people is cooling, blissfully unaware that their mere existence has triggered a full-scale political bake-off. And so, in the spirit of the festive season – let’s agree to eat the biscuit and leave the outrage for another day. Images: Supplied

Food & Wine

Prince Harry and Meghan share rare glimpse of their kids in Christmas card

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released their annual Christmas card, featuring a collage of photos of their humanitarian work. Amidst the photos was a charming family photo, with royal fans delighted for their first glimpse of Archie and Lilibet in many months. The Christmas card has been sent to those who signed up to their subscription list, compiling moments of Prince Harry and Meghan at various appearances throughout the year. The photo with Archie, five, and Lilibet, two, seems to have been taken on the grounds of the couple's Montecito mansion. In the photo, we see Harry and Meghan standing on the driveway at their home with their arms outstretched as their children run into them. Archie is running towards his mum and Harry is crouched down as his Lilibet runs into his arms. Fans were quick to point out both the children's flaming red hair, reminiscent of Prince Harry's signature red locks. The family's three dogs are also in the shot, a black Labrador called Pula, and two Beagles called Guy and Mamma Mia. The message on the card read: "On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundations. We wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a joyful new year." Other photos on the card include images from the couple's trip to Nigeria as well as snaps from their trip to Colombia in August. Archie and Lilibet last featured on the Sussexes Christmas card in 2021, when Lililbet was just six months old. Image credits: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Family & Pets

Meet the grandparents giving a unique gift to their grandkids for Christmas

The Wallis family are one of many who are steering away from traditional Christmas presents for their grandchildren. Instead of standard presents, Grandpa John and Grandma Chris have found a way to invest in their grandchildren to make a difference in their future. "These days kids have got so much they don't really need a lot more stuff," John Wallis told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/the-grandparents-giving-investments-instead-of-presents-this-year/8c4307f7-0ee3-45d2-acfa-50814d18abde" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. Instead of buying gifts for their grandkids, the Wallis' give something to their offspring all year round. "We give a monthly donor a contribution, so $25 each to the six grandchildren each month, and then the fund gets topped up occasionally by uncles and aunts." This kind of unique investment is part of a growing trend for baby boomers to help them invest in their grandchildren's futures. "We are seeing a real rise in those over 60 years, about 25 per cent increase in Australians over 60 opening a kids account," a spokesperson for Vanguard Australia said. Vanguard isn't the only platform, with many banks offering trust accounts for minors, with other portfolios designed for children include online adviser Stockspot and micro-investing platform Raiz. "Even if it was $10 or $15 a month, putting money aside adds up," Chris Wallis said. Image credits: Nine

Money & Banking

Why the holiday season can be triggering - and what to do to protect yourself

The Christmas rush is on, with people buzzing around purchasing gifts, seeing family and friends, and planning a joy-filled annual catch up. But for many, this time of year can be difficult. Holiday traditions tend to revolve around family and sometimes those relationships can bring their own challenges. It may be tempting to want to hit the fast forward button and skip through Christmas altogether. The festive season can be isolating for some people, but if you are also navigating emotions like grief it can feel overwhelming and be a harsh reminder of what has been lost, whether in recent times or even years ago. There’s an expectation from society that Christmas should be about having fun and being happy, yet if you’re grieving you may be feeling the weight of heavy emotions. It’s also hard for friends and family who want to help, but who may feel awkward and be unsure of what to say. Planning ahead can help make this holiday season feel more bearable. Start by setting specific boundaries on what you are prepared to do (or not do) this holiday season. What you will attend or not attend, and what feels right for you, right now. Acknowledge your grief and make space for it. All emotions and feelings are valid at this time of the year. Practice gentle self-compassion and don’t be tempted to over-commit to activities and events. Instead, take pressure off by setting realistic expectations that allow you the time and space to ride the waves of emotion as they appear. It’s also okay to re-evaluate your holiday traditions. Maybe consider adapting existing traditions and adding new and comforting rituals that are meaningful at this time. This doesn’t have to represent permanent change, adapting this year’s plans for this year’s emotions makes perfect sense. If it feels right, take time to commemorate. Fondly remember loved ones through activities such as lighting a special candle, playing their favourite song, creating a memorial ornament, cooking a much-loved family recipe or creating a memory box of photos and stories. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Reach out for assistance whenever you need it by connecting regularly with trusted friends and family, and consider getting some professional grief support as you navigate the holidays. As the rest of us rush toward the end of the year, let’s pause for a moment to think of others who may have an empty seat at the Christmas table. If you know someone who might be grieving these holidays, reach out regularly and check in. A call or even a text message can help people feel more seen and can make all the difference as they navigate this holiday season. This article was written by Bare Counsellor Carolyn Ganzevoort, who is an experienced bereavement professional. Image credits: Shutterstock

Mind

Channel Nine exec dismissed after work Christmas party

A Channel Nine news executive has been sacked after an alleged incident of inappropriate conduct at a work Christmas party. David Richardson, executive producer of the network’s newsroom in Darwin, was let go on Monday, just hours after the company received a formal complaint about his behaviour. The complaint relates to remarks allegedly made at a party on Friday evening, with Richardson reportedly being escorted from the Nine building in Darwin on Monday. Richardson, known broadly in the industry as “Sluggo”, climbed through the ranks of commercial television as a reporter before moving behind the scenes. His last role was as a producer on Nine’s Under Investigation with Liz Hayes before the show was axed in August. Richardson then went on to become the newsroom executive, in a role he held for just two months before being sacked. The decision to fire Richardson comes after a damning review of the company’s workplace culture exposed a history of inappropriate conduct. An external investigation released in October found Nine had a “systemic issue” with bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and the abuse of power and authority. Image credits: news.com.au

Legal

Six ways to reduce loneliness this Christmas – from a psychologist

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nilufar-ahmed-377418">Nilufar Ahmed</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bristol-1211">University of Bristol</a> Snowmen, tables groaning with food and families having a wonderful time together – these are the images that probably pop into your head when you think of Christmas. In reality, feelings of loneliness are amplified for many over Christmas. The parties and socialising in the lead up to the big day are swiftly followed by a lingering emptiness as as offices, schools and shops close for the festive season. It can feel like the whole world is caught up in a universal experience of Christmas that we are excluded from. It doesn’t help that Christmas adverts <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S096969891530120X">tap in to our emotions</a> and create an expectation of what Christmas should look like. The build up seems to start earlier each year, with evidence suggesting that people begin to think about Christmas from as early as August, and with the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/ms-says-cash-strapped-customers-buying-christmas-gifts-early-2022-11-09">cost of living crisis</a> people have been planning their spending in advance. So by the time Christmas arrives, the festive messages will have been intensifying for weeks if not months. Christmas itself is hard if not possible to escape from entirely. But there are things you can do to manage your experience if you plan to spend time by yourself over advent. It can help to bear in mind that far fewer people are having a glossy family celebration straight out of a Coca-Cola advert than you’d expect. For some people this will be a busy period, but for others it will be a time of quiet reflection. Christmas is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35900883/">varied experience</a>. There is no one overriding version that applies to all, or even most, people. A lot of people work over Christmas, and students (<a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/blogs/staying-university-over-christmas-you-are-not-alone">especially international students</a>) may choose, or not be able to, return to their family homes. Research has found Christmas can be a time of <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11482-015-9441-8">decreased wellbeing</a> even for people surrounded by their loved ones. Reasons include <a href="https://www.nursingtimes.net/archive/how-christmas-festivities-and-pressures-can-damage-health-and-well-being-16-12-2008/">family tensions and financial worries</a>. This year the cost of living crisis and industrial disputes will throw many people’s plans into chaos. All this will disrupt that stereotype of a universal Christmas full of cheer that everyone else is experiencing without us. And while we often think of isolation as something that <a href="https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/policy-research/loneliness-research-and-resources/">impacts older older</a>, research confirms loneliness affects <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1745691615568999">all people of all ages</a>. Some studies have found actually younger people are more likely to report <a href="https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-020-02818-3">feeling lonely</a> than other age groups. There can be a huge temptation to scroll through social media feeds when we are alone to see what everyone else is doing. But high levels of social media consumption is associated with increased <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07448481.2019.1583236">negative mood</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245195882100018X">worsened loneliness</a>. Instead, if you are worried about spending Christmas alone why not try some of these tips. <h2>1. Connect with others</h2> Put yourself out there to friends, family, loved ones, or a group that you feel a connection to. For example, join a running group if you enjoy exercise. Being part of a group that you share a purpose and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X21001123">identity with</a> can raise your spirits. If you hesitate to talk to people you know because you worry they won’t have time, think about how you would respond if they reached out to you. If you would make time for them, the chances are they will too. Even if it’s just for a chat. <h2>2. Volunteer</h2> Consider volunteering with any range of age groups, communities, animal shelters or charities. Volunteering can <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/scs.12869">reduce loneliness</a> and increase your <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejsp.2706">sense of connectedness</a>. Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone. There can be many positive aspects of being alone that you can lean into over Christmas. <h2>3. Take time for gratitude</h2> When we feel alone we can end up in a <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00332747.2016.1256143">negative loop</a> where feelings of loneliness lead to negative thoughts which reinforce loneliness. Taking a moment to practice gratitude breaks this cycle. It can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886920302907">boost your wellbeing</a> by redirecting your thoughts to more uplifting aspects of life. Regular gratitude practice has been found to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2019.1673309">reduce loneliness</a> and even <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10608-016-9785-x">depression</a>. <h2>4. Catch up on books and box sets</h2> Allow yourself to get stuck in to a good book. Reading can <a href="https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/reading-good-mental-health/">brighten your mood</a>. If you are not confident in reading, you can always listen to an audiobook, or indulge in a box set that you wouldn’t have time for ordinarily. <h2>5. Exercise</h2> The <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40473-016-0089-y">physical and mental health benefits</a> of exercise are well known. Even the most gentle exercise can do wonders to cheer you up. Taking the time to focus <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-016-0550-8">mindfully on a walk</a> and lean into solitude can help lift you out of a downwards spiral. <h2>6. Enjoy the rituals</h2> Spending the season by yourself doesn’t mean that Christmas can’t be special. If Christmas is something that you love, then the rituals associated with Christmas can <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-celebrating-christmas-is-good-for-your-mental-health-151123">boost your mental health</a> and combat loneliness. Remind yourself that you can decide what Christmas means to you, and how you want to spend it, and that is a gift.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/196610/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nilufar-ahmed-377418">Nilufar Ahmed</a>, Senior Lecturer in Social Sciences, CPsychol, FHEA, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bristol-1211">University of Bristol</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/six-ways-to-reduce-loneliness-this-christmas-from-a-psychologist-196610">original article</a>. </div>

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