Everything you ever wanted to know about hangovers (but were too queasy to ask)
The Romans treated hangovers with raw owls’ eggs; the Assyrians went for powdered birds’ beaks. Do any of the ‘miracle cures’ really work?
Should I do more to avoid toy injuries this Christmas?
Luisa Dillner: No one wants to be an elf and safety bore, but shouldn’t we try to be responsible Santas?
Oliver Burkeman: family mind games at Christmas
‘Family fights and failing marriages aren’t our own unique tribulations. They’re just variations on “games” we all unwittingly play,’ Oliver Burkeman says. ‘This week, why not try to catch yourself in the act?’
Seven ways to end loneliness
Laura Ferguson: As Christmas approaches, not everyone will be among loved ones but individuals and authorities can all do their bit to help
Out with chocs, in with quinoa as Christmas hampers get all healthy
Eco-friendly shoppers are demanding raw vegetable muesli instead of bacchanalian feasts, rich cheese and indulgent tipples
If you’re going to diet, fail quietly
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett: Self-improvement schemes generally don't last, and always get people's backs up. The phrase 'cold turkey' really is best left by Boxing Day morning
How much weight will I gain at Christmas and how long will it take to lose it?
Each year, a journalist will site a 'new' study telling you that you will eat 6,000 calories on Christmas day. We sift through them all to get the useful facts on just how roly poly you'll be and for how long
Seven days, seven diets
Eaten too much over Christmas? Thinking of going on a diet, but not sure which to plump for? Stuart Heritage spent a week testing out weight-loss plans to find out which you can stick with
Social isolation: ’tis the season to be lonely
Editorial: Researchers have shown that day-in, day-out, chronic isolation does real, physical damage
This column will change your life: the perfect Christmas
You, too, can celebrate like a self-help guru