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...

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.

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

Pregnant woman who was told to leave the pool because she was not wearing the correct swimwear has been given a pre-Christmas surprise.

Rotorua's Redwoods Treewalk will now be lit up at night by 30 bespoke David Trubridge lights. The partnership between New Zealand Tourism and Mr Trubridge's design allows the country to be marketed in innovative new ways.

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.

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.

Why does Santa wear red and why do we kiss under mistletoe? The mysteries of Christmas unwrapped.

COMMENT: In New Zealand this summer, perspective is the universal gift.

A popular Kiwi campsite was closed for three weeks after an ant infestation.

From Hawai'i to Dipton - the new Prime Minister is quickly proving to be from a different mould than the man he succeeded.

For now, we wish you good reading, fine weather, safe driving and a happy Christmas.