It's supposed to unite the office in festive spirit. But not when you receive gifts like these.

More than 200 schools took part in this year's Wattie's Cans for Good Campaign.

As many divorced parents will agree, Christmas is a minefield of potential loneliness, writes Raffaella Barker.

These are ten of the most common consumer problems that shoppers should be aware of around Christmas.

Best Buy employees in Long Island noticed a boy who came every day to play on the store's WiiU - and decided to buy him his own console.

Aarti Prasad works for Shine answering calls from victims of family harm or those concerned about it. She said some of the stories are heartbreaking.

Family violence doesn't take a break for the holidays - refuges and crisisline staff are already dealing with a spike in calls for help.

When you're buying gifts for people this holiday season, you might be thinking about how your loved one will react the moment they open it.

Some dread it, some live for dressing up in costume for it and others use it as an excuse to let off steam.

Watch: The emotional moment Jimmy Fallon and The Rock gave one family their Christmas miracle.

Real or artificial? Colour co-ordinated or freestyle? The way you decorate your Christmas tree can reveal a lot about your personality.

The first time some 10 to 12-year-olds ever set foot on the beach is when they arrive on a school trip to help clean up the beach.

What drives family violence over Christmas, and how will new police initiatives curb the dire harm rates in New Zealand?

They leave their own families safe at home at step in to the most volatile and violent of Kiwi homes over holidays to help and protect vulnerable victims.

Circle_see_more_DP.epsVOLUNTEER: Reporter Kyra Dawson spends time helping out at the Salvation Army Foodbank. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Tauranga's Christmas in the Park event, which was postponed yesterday, has now been cancelled due to strong winds.

How often can you spot the letter "b"? This puzzle's creator claims only those with a high IQ will get every answer right.

A new site allowing women to secretly access the Women's Refuge website without alerting offenders has been launched.

One of the keys to curing New Zealand's family violence epidemic is everyone playing their part. Here's how one woman's quick thinking saved her neighbour from another violent assault.

A free service has been set up to ease the Christmas shopping horror.

COMMENT: I think we overlook the fact that it is possible to be both healthy and indulgent at Christmas.

Otis Frizzell's striking artworks adorn numerous canvases and walls around the country.

A series of cartoons by a legendary Herald cartoonist depicting a distinguished Holyoake-era politician will go under the hammer on Monday.

American diners should look away now - but Kiwis should feel proud.

How much effort should you put into finding the perfect gift? Greg Bruce investigates.

Auckland's biggest outdoor festive celebration Christmas in the Park will go ahead tonight, despite downpours this afternoon.

20+ gifts to please the kids -from babies to young teens, we have them covered.

'Twas the month before Christmas when photographer Jason Oxenham got an all-access pass to the making of the Smith & Caughey's Santa rooms. Story by Kim Knight.

We've chosen 15 effortlessly stylish gifts that the lady in your life can take to the beach this summer and some that are, a little more extravagant.

From posh shorts to a beer book, these gifts should top his wish list.