From the cold and dark winter of Germany to the hot and bright summer of New Zealand.

Grandma moved to tears as 'Colin' the tree chopped in memory of her late husband.

Shoppers at Sylvia Park talk about the busy Christmas season. / Jason Oxenham

Some items requested include a light bulb, a wheelie bin, and a stick.

Comment: Christmas should be cheerful, not stressful

Twelve days of Xmas: people that come from a refugee background need a lot of support.

Recent New Zealand migrants the Bliss family provided an early Christmas gift.

Ian Lees-Galloway's grim warning did little to dampen Shane Jones' enthusiasm for trees.

Truck driver AJ Quinn is begging drivers to stop being stupid.

Furoshiki looks amazing and it's recyclable. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Struggling Aucklanders may not be able to get help if City Mission donations don't pick up

And other strange Christmas traditions explained.

New seek-and-find puzzle features a bear hidden among a herd of reindeer.

Despite modern technology, talking over a device just doesn't cut it for Christmas.

It is important to stay active, even as an elder. Communicare Auckland helps with that.

Retirees help with thousands of calls from children trying to reach Santa on 'Santaline'.

Individual environmental actions might be small, but collectively they add up.

Twins Luke and Ella Tibbotts said having their mum home for Christmas is the best present.

The odds are against you steering clear of Christmas purchases.

Taking a taxi home was a great idea. Insisting on giving directions, not so.

Young dad's family is hoping to bury him by Christmas.

While most children ask for toys, this little girl just wanted the necessities to survive.

MP's partner injured while placing decorations on Christmas tree.

Ahead of topping the turkey, she's described the "chalky, salty taste" as "comforting".

COMMENT: Accepting our fates might help us enjoy simple pleasures of being alive.

Here are a few ways you can save some coin and hold onto the Christmas cheer.

COMMENT: There are many ways we can give and share at this time of year.

OPINION: What Meghan Markle can expect during a Christmas with the Royal family.

Jacinda Ardern plans a classic Christmas in the sun.

The first weather predictions for Christmas Day show a mixed bag around the country.