A DIY approach to gift baskets will save you money this Christmas, writes Susan Edmunds.

Christmas spirits remained high at the Big Man in Red's party last evening - even without the traditional beers and wines.

Parks, beaches and swimming pools were packed as sunseekers made the most of balmy temperatures across the North Island yesterday.

Stocked up with Santa hats, blankets and hot chocolates, we brave the wet weather for a Christmas Lights tour of Auckland.

Tens of thousands of eyes will be on 6-year-old Hannah Underwood tonight - but she isn't nervous.

A decision to ban alcohol from this year's Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park has been applauded by alcohol watchdogs and received strong public support.

12 ways to stop going over the top at Christmas.

Aucklanders are queuing for up to seven hours for food parcels from the City Mission, as donations run thin.

Self proclaimed "talented" and "handsome" bartender, Guy Jacobson, will be chatting online on Friday, December 13 at noon.

A present may be present in the movement of the moment but it entails a lot of future and a heap of past.

"Another Ef-Finn Christmas Party?" That's one suggestion that comes up as Liam and Neil Finn discuss their forthcoming charity show.

When a school netball coach had kids turning up to trials in bare feet, she knew she had to do something.

One of the best bartenders in the country, Guy Jacobson, reveals to Live & Style Editor Nicky Park the best drinks to mix during various silly season festivities.

Such were the worrying levels of goodwill to all men and women evident in Parliament yesterday that National's Anne Tolley felt obliged to remark upon it, writes John Armstrong.

Baaa-humbug. A fall in lamb numbers because of the worst drought in 70 years may result in higher prices for this year's Christmas roast.

Christmas for many people is about spending at shopping malls and giving presents. But for other families it can be the hardest time of the year.

Shoppers descended on malls all over the country yesterday as the Christmas rush began.

Music, dancers and the jolly man in red attracted thousands of families into Wellington's inner city streets for the city's Santa Parade this afternoon.

According to Toyworld, the top 10 toys for Christmas include back-to-the-future Cabbage Patch Kids, Furby toys, LeapPad Ultras, and Robo Fish.

Dozens of online subscription businesses have popped up offering to ship boxes of different goodies within a given niche or theme.

Chris Schulz casts his eye over some of the silly season's Christmas releases.

What are the top toys for Christmas? 6-year-old Maya Satake can tell you - she's one of four official toy testers for The Warehouse.

An empty holiday season can hold painful memories of partners lost and families gone, writes Russell Hoban.

Reindeer suppliers are turning down requests for the exotic meat for fear of depleting the forests.