Businesses are getting into the Christmas spirit, offering giveaways, discounts and donations to charity in the lead-up to Christmas.

Facts about the christmas road toll such as the highest and lowest amount of deaths and the factors involved.

HELPING HAND: Haeata Charitable Trust founder and friend Teisha Reihana is supporting the Filo family, who had all their Christmas

With play stations and computers hogging playtime, the importance of reading and the social and academic benefits that come with it are often forgotten.

COMMENT: Based on the consistent comedic joy of the viewing experience, and how well they embody something resembling the spirit of Christmas.

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.

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.

The latest predictions indicate the rain may stay away on the festive holiday.

What will prisoners be eating for Christmas dinner in New Zealand this year? Corrections have released the annual menu for its 10,000 inmates.

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?

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.

The roar of motorcycles echoed through Woodville's streets as the 24th annual Lions Ride to Survive Coast 2 Coast once again joined the town's Christmas parade. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

COMMENT: So this Christmas, I will savour every last morsel of my whitebait fritter - because it may well be my last for a while.

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.

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

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.

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.