It’s quite normal to see the phrase “Xmas” on signs and cards around the festive season. In fact, it’s become so common that some people are using it instead of the full word, Christmas. But despite ...

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon is one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time. It came out of a cultural context that a lot of younger people probably don’t know. During an interview ...

Linguist and lexicographer Ben Zimmer analyzes the origins of words in the news. Read previous columns here. The holiday shopping season has been, as usual, full of online exhortations: “Xmas sale!” ...

Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work covers anything from archaeology and the environment to technology and culture. Tom has a Master's degree in Journalism. His editorial work ...

Kylie Minogue has landed her first-ever UK Christmas No. 1 and her eighth chart-topping single overall with the festive track Xmas. The song beat Wham!’s Last Christmas, which had topped the chart for ...

"I’m so thankful to everyone who’s been listening and sharing the love and I’m wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!” Speaking about ‘XMAS’ hitting the top spot, Kylie has said: “It’s hard to put ...