Christmas shoppers are being tempted with offers of "interest-free" cash loans before an interest rate in excess of 500 per cent kicks in.

I’m a big fan of Christmas pudding with custard and cream followed by a dish of trifle after Christmas dinner. However, the stomach has its limits! I can almost feel mine groaning at the thought of it.

Toast slices of day old bread, one side only. The bread needs to be reasonably rustic, eg, a country style loaf. Slice strawberries and pile these on to the untoasted side of the bread. Sift a good amount of icing sugar over the fruit.

Man's best friend has long been a solid companion for many people around the world. But one Kiwi charity is working hard to raise special pups that will act not only as a companion but, in some cases, a lifesaver for dozens of Kiwis with disabilities.

It can be stressful sending your child to school and not knowing if they will be able to avoid the food they are allergic to or if staff know what to do in an emergency.

It's that time of year again. So much to do. Here's how to keep your cool during the silly season.

Isaac Sinclair, Ecoya's New Zealand-raised, French-trained, Brazilian-resident perfumer, answers Viva's questions about home fragrance.

The interplay between fragrance and memory prompts powerful emotions. Every season leaves a scent trail, but perhaps none more so than at Christmas.

Eating may be cheating a lot of the time during the year, but not at Christmas when it's open season on treats. And let's pretend New Year's Day, with its pesky resolutions, isn't just around the corner.

Retailers are in a Christmas sale free-for-all with only 15 days left to the 25th.

Auckland police were last night investigating the kidnapping and abduction of a woman at the ever-popular Christmas in the Park.

Six-year-old Elise Paki hopes her cat-and-dog inspired Christmas tree impresses Santa more than his usual milk and cookies.

About 2500 appreciative Kiwis will tuck into a free Christmas lunch, courtesy of your Sunday newspaper and airline Jetstar.

Thinking of putting a Tablet in the kids' Christmas stockings? Who better to test these gadgets than those who have them on their wish list.

Timelapse footage of the building of Te Papa's festive Gingerbread House. Video courtesy of Te Papa.

Grease stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John debut the music video for their new Christmas song, I Think You Might Like It.