Why you should eat your Christmas tree

And other stories from the stranger side of life

A Christmas tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Food experts are urging the public to eat their Christmas tree instead of throwing it away, reported the Daily Star. Leading chefs said people can “eat pretty much the whole thing” as long as it’s an organic tree. Fir trees can be used to pickle eggs or vegetables and be used in drinks, infusions and ice creams. René Redzepi, of three-Michelin-starred restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, said: “Think of it as rosemary - you can use it in just about anything.”

University bans ‘Goat’

A university in the US has banned the use of “irregardless” and “gaslighting”, reported Sky News. Each year since 1976, Lake Superior State University has announced words and terms that are to be banned for the entire incoming year. This year’s list includes “inflection point”, “amazing” and “it is what it is”. Another term banned is “Goat” – or greatest of all time, with the establishment objecting to the “technical vagueness of this wannabe superlative”.

Walrus shows up in Northumberland

A walrus who thrilled locals in Scarborough on New Year’s Eve has now appeared 100 miles further up the North Sea coast. Crowds quickly gathered in the Northumberland town of Blyth yesterday lunchtime after a walrus was spotted resting on a wooden pontoon at the yacht club, reported The Telegraph. The appearance of Thor, a juvenile male, had convinced local authorities in Scarborough to cancel a New Year’s Eve fireworks display to stop him from becoming upset or being harmed.

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