Like many Kiwi kids, 6-year-old Arian Truter loves Christmas. But this December 25 will be extra special because it's a miracle he's here to celebrate it.

"The volunteers are just amazing people, but the ones that are really at the top are the people we visit," says an Age Concern volunteer.

Dog fanatic had to give up her job and sell her designer handbags and jewellery in order to care for her 30 pugs.

The myth surrounding Santa Claus is doing children more harm than good according to an expert.

Creamy pav and delayed health care could help explain increased heart death rate

Mexicans have delighted us with dishes like burritos, quesadillas, tacos and guacamole. But no Christmas celebration is complete without a drink called ponche con piquette.

A little boy who loves his rubbish truck driver got to give his hero an early Christmas gift.

A little girl has been reunited with her favourite teddy after she accidentally left him behind in Auckland Airport when her family moved to Germany.

Do you know someone who seems to have everything? Here are some perfect last minute ideas for an outside-the-box Christmas gift.

While many around the country enjoy a day off on Christmas Day; many others are toiling to ensure those less fortunate csan enjoy the annual festivities.

Jo-Anne Ireland, from Alexandra, is not keen on the small garden-dwellers - but every year she gets a present from 'Santa'.

WATCH: Unitec preschool kids bring donations and some much-needed cheer to the Auckland City Mission.

Father and daughter bears Sean and Sasa tucked into their usual meal at Wellington Zoo today, but with a Christmas twist. The sun

Traffic has already slowed to a crawl in parts of the country as holidaymakers head out of town for Christmas.

A man has died from a heart attack while in Christmas traffic near Wellington.

What would you do if you found $10,000 in a bag on the side of the road?

Photos of Hipster Santa are starting to pop up across the globe - here's a selection of the finest.

Have you ever dreamed of living in a scene from your favourite Christmas movie?

Truck driver did not give up the keys easily to terror suspect who then rammed vehicle into crowded Christmas market.

With so many people need this Christmas more volunteers than ever before are needed to make sure people get what they need. Bernadine Oliver-Kerby talks to some of the volunteers that return year on year.

COMMENT: With the pure evil of Trump's corporate take-over of the White House, it's hard to feel Christmassy, writes Raybon Kan.

Auckland Airport is giving $120,000 to 12 charities as part of its annual 12 days of Christmas. The Herald is profiling each initiative.

Filipinos can do without turkey for Christmas, but never without lechon, says restaurateur Marjorie Delco.

This week, the Herald and Herald Focus are profiling struggling families who have lined up for parcels or food at Auckland's City Mission.

COMMENT: Although 2016 offered up more than its fair share of clangers, it has in no way diminished Dominic Corry's excitement for what 2017 has on offer.

Burglars snuck into the destroyed two-story house and stole the only salvageable items including a TV, a cabinet and food.

Aucklanders are being urged to plan ahead to avoid delays if they are getting away for the Christmas break.

All Blacks great Richie McCaw flies with Santa into earthquake-battered Kaikoura today.

Sarah Gandy takes us through her top five Christmas songs of all time in the lead up to the big day.

Trickier than finding a Secret Santa present for someone you don't like...