Family Mix-Up Sends Boy to Christmas Nativity Show as Elvis Instead of Elf 🤣

When 9-year-old Oscar Wilkins landed a role in his school’s nativity play, he was excited to tell his family he’d be playing “Elvis.” What he didn’t quite get across was that the full role was actually Elvis the Elf. So, naturally, the Wilkins family assumed their son would be impersonating the King of Rock and Roll. His older sister, Jade Smith, said the school’s letter simply mentioned a “sparkly Elvis costume,” and with no mention of elves, the family went straight online to find a pint-sized Graceland outfit. “We asked him if he was sure he meant Elvis and he said yes, ‘with a sparkly costume,’” Jade told Southwest News Service. “He did not mention anything about an elf.” Oscar showed up to Penrhiwpeier Primary School in Wales in full Presley gear—complete with flared pants and rhinestones. No one corrected him. In fact, no one said anything at all. It wasn’t until showtime, when Oscar stepped on stage for the first of two performances, that the mix-up was finally revealed. “We only found out the mistake when we were watching the show and they all walked out—out of 12 kids, they were all dressed as elves except for Oscar,” said Jade. “It was so funny.” Rather than shy away, Oscar leaned into the role. The crowd burst out laughing, and he soaked up every second of it. “There was no drama,” Jade said. “Oscar embraced it all and loved that people were all laughing at him. He really enjoyed all the attention.” His parents, Stephen and Sarah Wilkins, were in the audience for both shows and found the whole thing hilarious. Even the school seemed to enjoy the surprise. “We sent him to school in the wrong costume and they all saw the funny side,” said Jade. “But did not say it was wrong.” Despite being the odd one out, Oscar owned the stage. “You never want your child to feel awkward, but Oscar totally embraced it, and that helped us all see the funny side of it,” said Jade. “He’s still got the outfit and has now been introduced to Elvis’ music. He loves older music anyway so we can see him becoming a bit of a fan.” Elvis the Elf may have been a misunderstanding—but for one 9-year-old, it became an unforgettable spotlight moment. Thank you, thank you very much for reading.

Read More

UK Sees Record-Breaking Sunshine in 2025, and it Even Boosted Solar Power

Britain has officially had its sunniest year on record, according to the Met Office, with more than 1,600 hours of sunshine logged so far—despite the current gloom of December. As of December 15, the UK had recorded 1,622 hours of sunshine, surpassing the previous high set in 2003. It’s the most sunshine ever recorded in a calendar year since records began in 1910. Most of the record was driven by a remarkable spring and a string of high-pressure systems that cleared skies across the country. England saw its sunniest year ever, while Scotland recorded its second sunniest and Wales its sixth. Northern Ireland didn’t make the top 10 overall, but still had a historic moment: Magilligan in County Derry recorded 301.3 hours of sunshine in May, the highest monthly total ever recorded in any month for Northern Ireland. “Spring was exceptional,” said Mike Kendon, senior scientist at the Met Office. “Many will remember the long spells of days with largely unbroken sunshine.” March was the third sunniest on record, followed by a record-breaking April and the second sunniest May. That stretch made spring 2025 not only the sunniest spring on record but the fourth sunniest season overall—trailing only the summers of 1911, 1976 and 1995. All three summer months this year also saw above-average sunshine, contributing to what Kendon called “a notably sunnier than average” year overall. January brought a bright start, though February was duller. Autumn also underperformed on sunshine, with October joining February as the only months so far to register below-average sunshine totals. While this year’s high-pressure systems played a major role in reducing cloud cover, the Met Office says the UK has generally become sunnier since the 1980s. Scientists suspect falling levels of aerosols in the atmosphere may be part of the explanation, but say there’s currently no clear link to climate change in terms of long-term sunshine trends. That said, the extra sun has had some tangible effects. Solar power surged in 2025, with solar farms meeting more than 6% of the UK’s energy needs—up more than 50% compared to recent years. It was also the hottest summer on record in the UK, and the Met Office says it expects to release more details soon about what has been, overall, a very warm year. Rainfall was lower than usual across much of the country, with some regions recording their driest year on record. While December has been cloudier, the year’s earlier extremes have already secured its place in the books. For a country known for grey skies and drizzle, 2025 will be remembered as the year the sun came out—and stayed.

Read More

Top Philanthropists Donate $5 Billion in 2025, Led by Nike's Phil Knight

The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual list of the year’s biggest individual charitable donations reached a total of $5 billion in 2025, with contributions supporting everything from cancer research to children’s nutrition and university sports. At the top of the list: Phil and Penny Knight, who gave a $2 billion donation to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in August. The gift—representing nearly 40% of the list’s total—will support cancer research and expand services for patients and families at the Knight Cancer Institute. “Every patient deserves access to the best care and the best science,” the couple said in a statement when the gift was announced. Their donation is the latest in a long relationship with the university; the Knights have now given at least $2.7 billion to OHSU since 2008. Second on the list is Warren Buffett, who donated 1.5 million shares of Berkshire Hathaway stock worth $746.7 million to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, the grantmaker named for his late wife. The foundation supports reproductive health programs and scholarships in Nebraska. Buffett’s gift is part of a special set of donations announced in November, separate from his ongoing multi-billion-dollar giving commitments first pledged in 2006. In third place: a $500 million pledge from the late Jackie Bezos and her husband, Mike Bezos, to UNICEF USA. The gift will fund the organization’s Child Nutrition Fund, aimed at improving access to nutritious food for women and children globally. The couple made the pledge just months before Jackie Bezos died in August at age 78. While Jackie and Mike Bezos are not household names, their early investment in Amazon—$245,000 in 1995—has grown into an enormous fortune. The couple previously launched the Bezos Family Foundation and created several education initiatives, including the Bezos Scholars Program and Students Rebuild. Other major gifts in 2025 included: • $600 million across two donations to university athletic programs. • $300 million to build a hospital and expand the healthcare workforce in South Dakota. • About $200 million to a U.S. art museum for an expansion project. Five of the donors on this year’s list are multibillionaires with a comZbined net worth of approximately $190 billion, according to Forbes. Michael and Susan Dell’s announced pledge of $6.25 billion to fund investment accounts for 25 million American children was not included in the list, as it hasn’t yet been directed through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Dell Foundation said the funds will be handled by the U.S. Treasury, but details are still being finalized. The Chronicle’s list only includes publicly announced cash gifts made to nonprofit organizations. It excludes gifts of art or donations from anonymous sources. A broader ranking of donors based on total giving throughout 2025, the Philanthropy 50, is scheduled for release in March. For more information or to explore other million-dollar gifts, visit philanthropy.com or browse the Chronicle’s real-time database of large charitable donations.

Read More

This Australian Athlete Just Became the First Female Winner Of the Antarctic Ice Marathon

History was made at the bottom of the world, as Australia’s Catherine Drysdale became the first woman ever to win the Antarctic Ice Marathon outright—beating every runner, male and female, in the grueling 42.2K race. Braving brutal conditions of –8°C with wind chills plunging to –18°C, Drysdale crossed the finish line in 3:48:43, more than six minutes ahead of Russia’s Denis Nazarov, who took the men’s title and overall runner-up spot (3:54:49). Poland’s Joanna Drewnicka-Ogrodnik placed third overall in 4:18:05, marking a rare podium dominated by women. This year marked the 20th edition of the Guinness World Record–recognized “Southernmost Marathon on Earth,” held on Union Glacier in Antarctica. The event saw 53 participants—23 women and 30 men—navigate deep snow and icy winds in one of the most extreme races on the planet. Other notable finishes included Canada’s Victoria Grahn (B.C.), who placed fifth overall and was the third woman to finish (4:25:22). Portugal’s Domitilia Dos Santos, at age 70, also set a milestone by becoming the oldest woman ever to complete the race, finishing in 7:43:14. While Drysdale’s time didn’t surpass the women's course record (3:29:16, set by Liesl Muehlhauser in 2023), her overall win cements her place in Antarctic marathon history—and in a landscape defined by extremes, it was a performance that rose above them all.

Read More

Nine-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Stuns Competitors at UK Open Blitz Championship

Nine-year-old Tara from Leicester is used to turning heads at the chessboard—but not just because of her size. At 4ft 2in (130cm), the quietly confident primary schooler is now one of the top young chess talents in the UK, regularly facing off against seasoned players many times her age. “I play much older people—they get a bit nervous,” she says. “In big tournaments, when we play very fast, they ask, ‘how can this girl play like this?’ And I just keep playing my game and don’t worry about others.” That mindset is working. Tara recently competed in the 2025 UK Open Blitz Championship qualifier, finishing as the top-performing girl in the tournament. She earned a spot in the Women's Final, where she held her own against some of the country’s strongest female players. “People are a bit annoyed when I beat them,” she says, “and maybe a bit sad because they lost to a child.” Tara’s interest in chess started when she was just four, playing casual games with her parents, who are both software engineers. “When I was playing them I was jumping up and down because I was getting excited about what they will do,” she recalls. “I saw a piece—a knight—which can go in an L shape, and I thought they all could go like they’re in an army.” She started attending chess clubs by Year 2 and now trains with a private coach. At home, she frequently discusses tactics and strategies with her dad. “She would sit with her dad and talk about tricks and tactics,” says her mother, Shalini Sathiyaseelan. “She is very quiet and calm. Whenever she goes to tournaments, she prepares for them because every game is different.” While her rise in the chess world may seem meteoric, her family didn’t see it coming at first. “We thought we could support her, get her a coach, and get her to the next level,” says Sathiyaseelan. “But as she kept playing, we could see something grow inside her.” That “something” has already taken her a long way. Tara trains constantly, plays online matches, and has even competed against Masters. “When I played online games against a Master I was getting nervous,” she admits. “But then I started playing and I stopped being nervous.” “Sometimes emotion comes into it,” she adds. “Especially when you make a big move, it can feel emotional. Or when you miscalculate something, it can feel a bit sad. But if you keep playing confidently, you can win. Chess is like a mind game.” Her school, Fairfield Prep in Loughborough, is closely following her journey. Headteacher Andrew Earnshaw called her progress “truly amazing.” “To qualify for the Women’s Final at such a young age is extraordinary,” he said. “To hold her own against some of the strongest female players in the country speaks volumes about her talent, determination and composure.” Despite her success, Tara still has big goals ahead. She’s aiming to be the best chess player in the world for her age—and then some. But her dreams aren’t limited to the board. “I want to be a psychiatrist,” she says, with a grin. “I want to be able to read people’s minds so I can find out my opponent’s next move.” Until then, she’s keeping her moves sharp and her focus steady. And she’s not slowing down.

Read More

Two Girls Named Hollie Had Lung Transplants the Same Week — Now They’re Best Friends for Life

Two girls named Hollie, both recovering from double lung transplants performed in the same hospital during the same week, have formed a rare and powerful friendship rooted in shared experience—and the same first name. Hollie M, 13, from Daventry, Northamptonshire, had been waiting three years for a transplant. Hollie B, 12, from Bangor in County Down, had been on the urgent list for just 24 hours. They met in 2023 at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, where both underwent life-saving surgeries within days of each other. Today, the two message every day, attend clinic appointments together, and meet up socially whenever they can. Their families even celebrate the anniversary of their transplants together. “She wrote me a note. It said, ‘PS wanna be friends,’” said Hollie M, smiling at the memory. Hollie B recalled being nervous about a procedure and how her new friend helped calm her down. “She was worried about a procedure and I was telling her she didn't need to be worried about it,” she said. Both girls had been living with serious health conditions that affected their day-to-day lives. Hollie B was the first to receive a double lung transplant. Shortly after, Hollie M received a double lung transplant and a heart transplant at the same time. For them, the connection runs deeper than just shared circumstances. “They get everything the other has been through,” said Andrea, Hollie M’s mum. “The stars aligned… we’ll be friends for life.” Marion, Hollie B’s mother, agreed. “There’s something really special about having friends that have been through those same things.” The friendship has helped both families as well. “In the same way that Hollie B gets Hollie, Marion and Gary completely understand what Bazz and I have been through. We all just click,” Andrea said. Dr Rossa Brugha, a consultant respiratory paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said the friendship was “quite rare,” explaining that only about six paediatric lung transplants are performed at the hospital each year. “I think it's fantastic that both these girls have made such a good recovery and that they appear to be really good friends for life,” he said.

Read More

Two Christmas World Records Set for Snow Globes and Sky-High Tree in 2025

Two festive Guinness World Records have been officially smashed just in time for the holidays—one in Germany, the other in the UK—bringing seasonal cheer on a global scale. In Nuremberg, Josef Kardinal secured his place in the record books with a staggering collection of 11,017 snow globes, making it the largest in the world. His obsession began back in 1984 with a single gift. By 2002, his collection had reached 6,100 globes. Now, it’s nearly doubled. “Snow globes capture memories, places and feelings,” Josef said. “Every one of them tells a story. I never expected that a small gift in 1984 would grow into something recognized around the world.” Kardinal stores and displays his record-breaking collection in a multi-room basement, showcasing an enormous range of styles—from classic European landmarks to rare Disney-themed globes and global city editions. Each globe is carefully maintained so that, decades later, they still “snow” as intended. Meanwhile, up in Northumberland, England, a Giant Redwood Wellingtonia on the Cragside estate has earned the title of the tallest bedded Christmas tree in the world. Planted in the 19th century, the living tree stands at a jaw-dropping 44.7 meters (146 feet 7 inches). To celebrate, Cragside adorned the towering evergreen with 1,000 multicolored lights and oversized bows, creating a spectacular display that draws festive visitors from across the region. “It’s been quite the year of planning,” said Steve Howard, Visitor Operations Manager at Cragside. “Last year we presented the UK’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, and we kept wondering if we could go one giant leap further and secure a Guinness World Records title… and we made it!” Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records, praised both achievements as standout moments in a season known for joyful creativity. “This time of year often brings some of the most memorable and imaginative record attempts, and these two titles are no exception,” he said. “From a towering living Christmas tree to an extraordinary snow globe collection, both achievements show the passion and creativity behind record-breaking. It’s a pleasure to recognize them as part of this year’s record-breaking highlights — and to mark them, as ever, as officially amazing.”

Read More

A Girl Who Spent Christmas Waiting for a Heart Transplant Returns to Hospital With 1,000 Gifts

Two years ago, Amelia spent Christmas in a hospital bed, waiting for a new heart. This year, the 10-year-old from Kingswinford is back on the wards—but now she’s delivering gifts, not receiving treatment. Amelia, who underwent a life-saving heart transplant in April 2023, has returned to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where she once stayed as a patient. This time, she’s leading what she calls a “Santa drop off,” handing out hundreds of toys, chocolates, and festive treats to children who will spend the holidays in hospital. “The reason why I wanted to do the Christmas Santa drop off is to put a smile on all the children who are in at the moment,” Amelia said. “As we all know, Christmas is a special time and it’s hard for everyone who is in there.” Amelia was born with a congenital heart defect and spent Christmas 2023 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital before being airlifted by helicopter to Newcastle for surgery. Now recovered, she’s made it her mission to give back. Along with her family, she’s dropped off presents at several sites across the West Midlands and Tyneside, including Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton. The final stop is Russell’s Hall Hospital in Dudley, where the family plans to deliver the last batch of gifts on Wednesday. By then, the total number of presents will surpass 1,000. Some of the gifts are being delivered early to children too sick to leave their beds. Others will be held back for Santa to hand out on Christmas Day. Nurses have also received chocolates and festive socks, and Amelia surprised her own surgeon with a box of chocolates during an emotional reunion. Messages from proud family and friends have poured in, according to her dad, Justin. “They’re coming in left, right and centre,” he said. “Some nurses have even been left in tears.” “I’m so proud of her,” he added. “We just know how hard it is. You adjust when you’re in there, but no time is easy—especially Christmas. You’re supposed to be around your family. It’s just nice to do something to put a smile on their face and help them get through it.”

Read More

This Polar Bear Adopted an Orphaned Cub in a Rare Act of Compassion

Scientists tracking polar bears near Churchill, Manitoba, got an unexpected surprise this fall: a polar bear mother, previously seen with one cub, had adopted a second. The sighting, which occurred in mid-November in the western Hudson Bay region, marks only the 13th recorded case of cub adoption in more than four decades of research in the area. “When we got confirmation that this was an adoption, I had a lot of mixed feelings, but mostly good,” said Alysa McCall, staff scientist and director of conservation outreach with Polar Bears International. “It gives you a lot of hope when you realize that polar bears may be looking out for each other out there.” Dr. Evan Richardson, a polar bear research scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, first saw the mother in March as she emerged from a denning area in Wapusk National Park with a single cub. Both were fitted with GPS-tracking collars. When he spotted the same bear again in November, she had two cubs by her side. Only one of them wore a collar — the other, a new addition, did not. With over 4,600 individual bears documented and hundreds of litters tracked over the past 45 years, cub adoptions like this are rare. “It’s not that frequent,” Richardson said. “We really think it’s just because [polar bears are] so maternally charged and such good mothers, and they just can’t leave a cub crying on the tundra.” Researchers estimate the mother is around five years old, and both cubs are approximately 10 to 11 months. Richardson said they’re not sure what happened to the adopted cub’s biological mother, but his team collected a genetic sample that may help answer that question. The adoption is more than just a touching moment — it could be life-saving. Polar bear cubs typically stay with their mothers for two to two-and-a-half years and depend on that time to learn the skills necessary for survival. Without a mother, their odds of reaching adulthood are almost zero. “It’s not a lot of time to learn how to be a polar bear,” McCall said. “But they do soak up a lot of lessons during that time.” She noted that only about half of cubs survive to adulthood. With a new adoptive mother, this cub now has a real chance. Scientists say GPS collars, deployed in collaboration with Polar Bears International and the University of Alberta, have made it possible to track polar bear movements in detail. Each year, about 10 females are collared in the western Hudson Bay area. While rare, cases like this show just how much remains to be discovered about polar bear behaviour. “The bears need all the help they can get these days with climate change,” Richardson said. “Females have the opportunity to pick up another cub and care for it, and successfully wean it. That’s a good thing for bears in Churchill.”

Read More

UK Family’s Grinch-Themed Christmas Lights Are Raising Thousands for a Children’s Cancer Charity

For one family in the UK, decorating for Christmas isn’t just about tinsel and fairy lights — it’s about giving back. Lavinia Hedges and her mum Nicola have turned their home on Wigmore Road into a festive landmark, drawing in crowds each December with elaborate themed displays, all while raising money for My Shining Star, a local charity supporting children with cancer. Over the past five years, their efforts have brought in more than £35,000 for the cause. This year, the theme is The Grinch, complete with a Dr Seuss-inspired grotto, sleigh, and even a replica of the Whoville post office. The family spent two weeks setting up the display, but planning started back in August. “We love to spread joy in our community through decorations,” said Lavinia. “It’s a lot of planning and a lot of things going on behind the scenes too.” Not everything is store-bought, either. The family has turned to second-hand shops and even their own 3D printer to bring Whoville to life. “We 3D print a lot of things, like the Cindy Lou and the Max the dog,” Lavinia said. Previous themes have included The Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually, and even a Disney-inspired display in 2024. Despite the scale of the setup, Lavinia says the lights don’t cost a fortune to run. “Surprisingly our electricity bills while running the displays are quite low as all the lights are low-powered LED bulbs, plus we have solar panels and battery storage.” The family doesn’t limit their efforts to Christmas, either. Their home becomes a seasonal attraction at Easter and Halloween too, with visitors travelling from as far as Essex to see it. The charity they support, My Shining Star, is based nearby in Rainham and works directly with families affected by childhood cancer. It operates without government grants and is entirely self-funded. “We love that we can see what they’re doing and the good work that they actually do,” Lavinia said. “They’re self-funded so all the volunteers and staff work very, very hard to support families at a difficult time.” For the Hedges family, the lights are about more than festive cheer — they’re a way to rally a community and brighten lives, both inside and outside of Whoville. This year’s theme is inspired by "The Grinch" and features a Dr Seuss-inspired grotto and sledge along with a replica of Whoville's post office. "We love to spread joy in our community through decorations," Lavinia said. "It takes probably two weeks to set up for Christmas fully and we started planning back in August." Past displays have included themes from "The Polar Express," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "Love Actually." Lavinia mentioned that assembling the decorations involves sourcing items from second-hand retailers and crafting some pieces themselves. They even use 3D printing to create characters like Cindy Lou and Max the dog. In 2024, the display drew inspiration from Disney. Despite what one might expect, their electricity bills remain low thanks to energy-efficient LED bulbs and the installation of solar panels with battery storage. The family also puts on light shows for Easter and Halloween, drawing visitors from as far away as Essex. The decision to support My Shining Star is close to their hearts since the charity operates nearby in Rainham. "We love that we can see what they're doing and the good work that they actually do as they haven't got any grants from the government," Lavinia explained. The charity relies entirely on self-funding, with dedicated volunteers working diligently to assist families during challenging times. As people gather to enjoy this year’s Grinch-themed spectacle, they contribute not only to spreading holiday cheer but also support a meaningful cause right within their community.

Read More

Every Night, Strangers Gather Outside a Michigan Hospital to Say “Sweet Dreams” to the Kids Inside

At exactly 8 p.m. each night in December, the same quiet ritual begins outside Corewell Health Children’s Hospital in Royal Oak, just north of Detroit. Volunteers bundled in coats raise their flashlights high into the cold winter sky, aiming beams of light toward the windows above. Inside, young patients and their families — some in pajamas, some holding IV poles — shine their own flashlights back in response. Then, in unison, the crowd below calls out two simple words: “Sweet dreams.” This nightly exchange, known as Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams, has become a cherished tradition since it first began in 2017. For 10 minutes every evening, it turns a hospital stay into something just a little more magical. “It’s just a big group of people that they don’t know, but they see the love being sent by the lights,” said Tim Schuele, who stood with his 4-year-old granddaughter, Zoe, as she held her flashlight to the window. Zoe is undergoing chemotherapy and has spent days confined to her hospital room. On these nights, though, the children are far from alone. The idea behind Moonbeams is simple but powerful: let hospitalized kids know the world hasn’t forgotten them. "To be stuck in the hospital and feel like the world is moving on without you outside feels a little bit isolating," said Amanda Lefkof, a child life specialist at the hospital. “This is a wonderful way… to really offer them a lot of love when they’re going through a hard time.” The tradition runs nightly from December 9 through December 23, covering Hanukkah and much of the holiday season. Anyone is welcome to join — and they do. Some nights see a few dozen people. On others, especially weekends, the crowd can swell to hundreds. There are scout troops, high school clubs, sororities, and sports teams. One youth hockey team even came with flashlights strapped to their sticks. Stephanie McMillan, holding her 3-month-old daughter Wren in one arm and a flashlight in the other, said the event “helps the people inside here not feel so alone and the community members being able to be a part of bringing that Christmas joy to the people that are in here.” Kevin Barringer knows the feeling well. In 2020, his son Connor spent two months at the hospital recovering from a spinal injury. Back then, they were the ones on the receiving end of the flashlights. “It gets pretty dark up there for the kids and for parents as well,” he said. “Having people down here letting them up there know that there are people with them and sending all their light up that way, it means a lot.” Inside the hospital, the pediatric floor buzzes with more than just medical routines. Volunteers read stories, make blankets with families, and throw holiday parties. There’s even a Santa — played by a volunteer — who visits children in their rooms and joins the celebrations. But it’s Moonbeams that seems to leave the deepest impression. “It gives them something to look forward to,” Lefkof said. For families living in a haze of long days and longer nights, the nightly event breaks up the monotony. “The days and the nights kind of blend together,” she said, describing the hospital environment as feeling a little like Las Vegas. “But this gives them something special.” Lisa Muma, a registered nurse and one of the event’s organizers, said it’s grown into something the entire hospital anticipates each year. "We really wanted to come up with a way where we could remind the families and the kids and the patients in the hospital that we’re still thinking of them, that we’re here for them, that we’re standing with them." It’s not about elaborate decorations or big productions. It’s just light. And a few quiet minutes shared between strangers. And that’s more than enough.

Read More