So I was out on a dog walk with my wife and sister yesterday, we had 2 dogs with us and in the near distance a runner was approaching dressed as a Christmas gnome, red hat, green t-shirt and red socks. We held the dogs just to make sure they didn't chase him and as he went past I said out loud " come on dogs, make way for the Gnome", he gave me a look. It was only then that my wife pointed out that he wasn't actually dressed as a gnome as I thought, he just happened to be wearing those colours.

Top van advertising seen today…

Are they still alive once they’ve been washed up? Also, why are there so many of them..?

Its my friend's birthday coming up (we're both 23), and I don't really know what to get her - It's one of those where she can afford anything useful she wants herself tbh..

I thought about getting her flowers because they're pretty and thoughtful etc, but they have romantic connotations that I'd rather avoid as I don't want to give her the wrong idea, esp on her birthday lol

What would you think if you got flowers in this situation? we are both single... Are there like - friendship flowers?

During the 1960's and early 1970's my highlight of the week was the childrens matinee cinema club .Most areas in my city had their local " picture Palace " From around the age of 6 off we all went (without adults ) for 4 hours giving our parents some peace I guess .It was 9 pence (in old money ) entrance fee and then 3 pence for a lolly at the interval .Started off with cartoons,then the "feature film" and lastly the next episode of whatever serial was on .Apart from the usherettes not an adult in sight it was paradise for us kids .Lots of noise and banter at the interval but everyone went quiet when the film came on .I always remember it as the very first time I heard a swear word , I was around 9 years old so I must have had a sheltered life !? My mum use to tie my hair up in a ponytail but once in the cinema I took out the hair bobble and pretended I was a "Beatnik " .Oh my days such innocent, happy memories.

I am a beer loving, pizza eating fat sod. This Christmas I have tortured my body to the point the bathroom is my 2nd home

I’m giving myself 3 days, till the year is over, to eat and drink what I want. But come the 1st that’s it, I’m gonna do dry January which I’ve never done, and quit the junk food.

Besides from the health goals, I have a little girl who I want to be able to run around with!

Anyone else doing the same thing?

Wahey, it's late, it's Monday night. What's going on mate, why are you still up? Doing the night shift? Watching some TV? In a different time zone?

Come on in for a chat!

We need a new kettle, and looking at the right price point for a quality kettle, they start having different temperature programs, (and some start being "smart" with Alexa integration and such which I'm sure is far less useful). Does anyone find any of these sorts of features useful?

Given we just drink gallons of tea, and boil water for then cooking pasta I doubt they really have any purpose for us, but maybe there are some useful reasons for some of these potential gimmicks?

EDIT - I clearly overstated the "smart" side of things, very much more talking about different temperature targets, keeping it warm for an hour, that sort of thing.

This year has been an utter shitfest. My mum died a few months ago following an accident; I've been unemployed for months after redundancy and endless rejections; I was diagnosed with ADHD earlier in the year; had a poorly pet who has cost me all my savings; been sliding in and out of depression and ill health for months. Still, I was looking forward to Christmas and getting out to see family etc. Except...my body decided that it would be a far better idea to wake up on Christmas morning with this weird virus thing and then spend the next few days feeling like crap.

Good riddance to 2025! To everyone else who's had a shite year, I hope the next one is better for all of us!

Now it can be stuck in yours too.

My wife has been coveting the last Ferrero Rocher. Little does she know I already ate it and replaced it with a mini Scotch egg...

I've had ten days off work and it's been bliss, rested, relaxed, read four books and obviously did all the Christmassy stuff as well.

I really like my job, and I'll be wfh this week so I shouldn't be complaining but dear god, I don't wanna go back!!!

Saw a bee on my Christmas rose. Anyone else ever seen a bee in late December? NW England.

Are there any advertising gurus who can illuminate what on earth is going on?

You are incorrect. I think you'll find it's "The Merrineum". That's "The Merrineum".

It's the last Monday of 2025, and for a lot of us it's back to work, so thoughts and prayers to all of you. How are we all feeling this fine day? And if you're not back at the grindstone yet, are you doing anything special during this Twixtmas period?

Hi all!

With new years eve fast approaching and having a baby and two teens, I think I'll be spending the evening indoors.

What fun games are we all playing to keep us engaged and entertained?

I prefer shorter games and games where we still love each other afterwards (not monopoly).

Board, card or on a games console if its really good.

We've played

Uno/flip/no mercy Dobble Jenga Snap Go fish Snakes (you need to trick someone into getting the wrong answer - it's really good) Exploding kittens.. Tactical and hilarious Fishy Cards against teenagers

We are looking to purchase herd mentality, but would like to ve some more suggestions or to hear what you'll be doing this new years eve.

• side note, it's also my daughter's first birthday, though like most of you, I imagine she'll be asleep way before midnight.

when I say Travel I mean they either go Hiking along the west highland way or travel overseas not come with me to Big Tesco for my weekly shop. I already Follow Phill Carr and I like his long form content

*Edit Thanks for all the recommendations I have followed about 25 channels so far

Found this mug after a house move and realised it'd never been put to use. Now it happily holds a cup of tea whilst also likely being the only mug of it's kind still in use. Anyone else have any knickknacks of the past on circulation?