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.

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.

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.

What will the weather be doing on Sunday for Christmas?

Islamic State has reportedly claimed responsibility for the Berlin truck attack that left at least 12 people dead.

The Porirua community is rallying around their local Santa after his sack was stolen just weeks before Christmas.

Anthony Hill-Tamihana, who has been struggling to find a job, needs City Mission's help this year to give his sons and wife a "nice" Christmas.

COMMENT: We're entering that time of year when I remind people to be kind to atheists. Remember, Christmas capitalism has room for all of us.

New Zealand Christmas dinner is not just about ham and turkey, but kimchi, lechon and tequila too, a Massey University sociologist says.

At Christmas, Korean families eat kimchi and drink rice cake soup, chef Alex Kim says.

COMMENT: No matter how young your child is, there are lots of ways you can stay connected. And it's very important you do stay in your child's life.

A mother is livid after Santa promised her son a toy that would blow the Christmas budget.

Yuletide traditions are not only passed down from generation to generation, but from country to country, often in places that don't have a Christian tradition.

A third of Kiwi shoppers stress about finding their partner the perfect present at Christmas, according to a recent survey.

While you might be raiding your local stores for Hatchimals, millionaire parents are spending up to $35k on presents for each of their kids.

Trisha, a mother-of-three has come to the Auckland City Mission to help ease the stress of Christmas this year.

Weeds can be a challenge to get under control in the smallest of backyards, let alone on a 136ha reserve.

Tristram Clayton talks to families as they reunite at the Auckland Airport this Christmas.

Organisers of a Christmas fireworks show in Taranaki say anyone who thinks they were hit by debris should contact them.

Edible gifts need not be sweet - try savoury sauerkraut too.

A boy dubbed "The Kindergarten Bomber" is accused of planting a nail bomb near a Christmas market in Germany.

If variety is the spice of life, this week is set to be a lively one.

Brothers and sisters of disabled children often do it tough - they may feel they have less attention or are bullied at school.

COMMENT: Christmas is an official holiday pass to do what you want.