Latest from Christmas

Shelley Bridgeman: The worst Christmas gifts

Shelley Bridgeman has indentified some key types of presents almost guaranteed to aggravate the recipient.

Lost ted's big Twitter journey

A young girl in the UK is set to be reunited with her favourite teddy bear following a remarkable social media appeal launched by the woman who found it.

1.36 tonne gingerbread village

Made of kilograms of gingerbread, litres of icing and entire sacks of lollies, this edible gingerbread village is the largest ever made.

Spending surges in build-up to Christmas

New Zealanders have spent more than $2.2 billion on their Eftpos cards in the first two weeks of December.

How to avoid work these holidays

Planning on checking your emails from the beach or bach this summer? You're not alone. New research finds Kiwis are among the most hooked on work during holidays.

Diner puts some joy on bottom of his bills

The US$111.05 ($134) New York restaurant receipt includes a US$1000 tip and the words "god bless!" scrawled across it.

Xmas weather: A 'mixed bag'

Don't bank on firing up the barbie on Christmas Day - rain is possible around the country, according to MetService.

Deborah Hill Cone: 16 important things I learned this year

Here are 16 important things I learned this year. Actually they are not all important or even new, but I'm a slow learner, writes Deborah Hill Cone.

Tills ring with Xmas cheer

Businesses are smiling, frazzled customers are queuing and there are still nine more days of shopping to go.

Gift it like a grinch

A DIY approach to gift baskets will save you money this Christmas, writes Susan Edmunds.

Christmas spirit high despite booze ban

Christmas spirits remained high at the Big Man in Red's party last evening - even without the traditional beers and wines.

Paul Little: 'Tis the season for jolly junk mail

Lights, Santa, Action!

Stocked up with Santa hats, blankets and hot chocolates, we brave the wet weather for a Christmas Lights tour of Auckland.

Hannah's big Christmas job

Tens of thousands of eyes will be on 6-year-old Hannah Underwood tonight - but she isn't nervous.

Strong support for alcohol ban

A decision to ban alcohol from this year's Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park has been applauded by alcohol watchdogs and received strong public support.

Food queues already huge: Mission

Aucklanders are queuing for up to seven hours for food parcels from the City Mission, as donations run thin.

Diana Clement: How to spend less while enjoying Christmas more

12 ways to stop going over the top at Christmas.

All sorts of sugar in rainbow sweet treats

It's Christmas and that means our supermarkets fill up with lots of lollies. And we buy them to ensure our homes are havens of sweet treats for our visitors over the holiday season.