KirihimeteChristmas

Christmas is a rare day to be born in New Zealand. Let alone to be having twins, as was the case for Lee Scanlon in Westport.

For families with a tradition of leaving out food and drink for Santa and his reindeer tonight, a scientist says it is the time for treats – like carrots.

By now, for many of us, the presents will be wrapped and the groceries bought. But for those who need a last-minute gift or a dash to the supermarket, you may be in luck.

From yachts to deserts, these families are celebrating Christmas without a fixed address - proving that home, and the holiday spirit, can be found anywhere.

There's nothing like tearing into a few presents… and then that out-of-line family member.

The grief that follows a tragedy can make any situation unpredictable, and that includes Christmas.

What would the festive season of giving be like if children weren't waiting desperately to see if “he’s been” on Christmas morning?

Maybe you want to take the kids to a movie or perhaps it's the air-conditioned cinema luring you in, here are the flicks worth your popcorn money over Christmas and the New Year.

What goes best with onion dip? Is there a perfect drink match for fish and chips? What should you sip while scoffing scorched almonds? The experts weigh in.

Here's a low-stress, high impact festive pudding you can make in advance with easily sourced ingredients.

Festive entertaining doesn’t have to mean chaos in the kitchen - a bit of planning can save you a lot of time and stress.

Santa is usually tricky to spot, but this week there were hundreds running through Hobsonville.

What happens when the penny drops?

Bookseller Jenna Todd shares her literary picks of the year.

Buying kids the right Christmas presents can feel like a minefield, and "pinkification" looms large.

A festive vegetarian side dish that is rich and earthy.

Stuck for inspiration about what to bring to a summer get-together? We ask chefs around the country for their favourite ideas.

These scrumptious burgers are perfect for outdoor feasting and the recipe is easily doubled.

Leaving a party or social event without saying a proper farewell is something most of us have probably done at some point.

There was a time when New Zealand companies spent big on rewarding their employees with raucous Christmas parties that often encouraged bad behaviour.

Here's how to turn golden, glossy, sausage-rolly goodness into a Christmas centrepiece.

It doesn't have to be fir, spruce, pine - or even plastic. Kiwis around the country are finding new, more appropriate, ways to find the perfect Christmas tree.

Prime Video’s most recent foray into the festive season genre has Michelle Pfeiffer as a frazzled woman attempting to plan the perfect Christmas.

As Christmas nears, towns and cities across Aotearoa are hoisting their giant trees into place — symbols of the season that, for many, now come with a hefty price-tag.

Some simple, evidence-based strategies will help you navigate the Christmas party season without relying on will power alone.

A classic, fruity shrub that's sweet, tart, and beautifully deep in colour. Perfect for summer gatherings or Christmas celebrations.

Warm spices combined with sweet apples create a cozy, festive shrub that's perfect for Christmas mocktails or winter entertaining

The Shands Rd Christmas Experience in Christchurch has been attracting thousands visitors for the past 19 years.

There’s nothing quite like a festive market to bring out the Christmas spirit in people.

This is a lovely moist cake with a golden crumb that keeps for literally ages if well wrapped.