Gillian Harvey

Environmental concerns are prompting calls to reduce festive waste, but handwritten Christmas cards remain important for their emotional impact. Gillian Harvey argues that despite efforts to make Christmas more eco-friendly, meaningful cards provide connection and comfort, particularly during difficult times. Research showing stronger emotional responses to handwritten messages supports keeping the tradition, distinguishing heartfelt cards from obligatory or impersonal exchanges.

A mother of five reflects on her reaction to learning she was unexpectedly pregnant with her fifth child and relates her experience to Tana Ramsay’s announcement of a fifth pregnancy. She recounts the physical, emotional and logistical challenges of raising multiple young children, the unpredictability of each child’s personality and development, and the realities of ageing while parenting a newborn. Despite the exhaustion, pressure and moments of embarrassment, she concludes that the joy and completeness brought by the fifth child outweigh the difficulties.

A mother of five reflects on the joys and difficulties of raising a large family, describing the loneliness, exhaustion and constant demands that come with caring for several young children. Expert insights highlight both the social benefits and academic challenges for children in large families, while the author acknowledges her own gratitude after past infertility and emphasizes the need for strong partnership between parents. Despite the chaos and personal sacrifices, she encourages others who feel broody to consider having a larger family, finding fulfillment in her children's relationships and happiness.

An expatriate mother compares her family’s life in rural France with the UK, highlighting better access to affordable housing, high‑quality healthcare, strong community interactions and slower childhood social pressures. She argues that French children enjoy more outdoor activity, less material pressure and a longer period of innocence, contrasting this with UK trends toward early self‑consciousness and adult‑like behavior.

A British expatriate in France reflects on the cultural traits that make Britons easily recognisable abroad, from clothing habits and reactions to weather to politeness and indirect communication. Contrasts with French customs highlight differences in etiquette, attitudes toward warmth, and levels of directness, with humorous examples illustrating misunderstandings and cultural adjustments.

A new internet-based English-language station, Expat Radio, launched to serve British expatriates in France with chat, music and community-focused programming while avoiding French-language broadcast requirements. The project, led by former DJ Dave Hailwood, aims to provide relevant discussion and reduce loneliness among English speakers. Existing English-language options such as Riviera Radio, Expats Radio and some Radio France content are noted, alongside listener preferences and expert advice that tuning in to French radio remains valuable for language acquisition.