Hear from the men and women from the New Zealand Defence forces serving around the world as they 'shout out' to their families and friends back home.

'Twas the end of the day before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was txting, not even a mouse.

The queues start about 3am each day, but the Auckland City Mission says just a third of the donations it needs this Christmas have been raised.

A Canadian woman has fulfilled her Christmas wish after reconnecting with her long-lost childhood friend who moved to New Zealand.

Wriggling toddlers will meet their match when Kidz First Clendon Community Clinic nurses get the best seat in the house.

iPhones, barbecues, outdoor furniture and costumes from Disney's Frozen movie will be filling stockings next week if Trade Me search patterns are anything to go by.

The first Christmas Day weather forecast has been released - and it's not looking so good.

Selfie sticks and remote-controlled helicopters are among some of the more popular items among Kiwis buying Christmas gifts this month.

A few years ago I had a family Christmas where our tree toppled over because of the number of presents stuffed into it.

The dangers of the office party are real. If you're lucky enough to wake up still holding the respect of workmates, you've done well, writes Matt Heath.

We went into winter late, and we're exiting winter late, the MetService said - as many Kiwis were left pondering where on Earth summer disappeared to this weekend.

The weather meant previous turnouts weren't challenged - but organisers say they are thrilled with the crowd at the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park.

Some well known Kiwis — and one adopted Aussie — tell us their Christmas rituals.

Bedecked with images of Santas, reindeer, snowflakes and happy-looking snowmen, all crafted in the finest polyester, the Christmas suit is the latest item to challenge received ideas about what looks good for the festive season.

Soldiers will make sure there is no Christmas cheer in Sierra Leone this year as the Ebola virus continues to spread through west Africa.

Christmas crackers around the dinner table and Champagne corks popping are sounds of festivity and fun for most people.

As if it wasn't enough to live in the same house as a superstar, Lorde's mum, Sonja Yelich, is threatening to take it one step further.

Looking for some weekend activities in Auckland this weekend? These are the places to be.

I woke up feeling very charitable this morning, New Zealand's answer to Bob Geldof and Band Aid and all that kind of thing.

There are fisticuffs over ornamental garden features. There is eye gouging over ferret-patterned coasters. There is battering to death of underpaid shop girls with relaxation candles.

Consumers are feeling more cheerful going into the peak Christmas trading period, the ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence survey has found.

For most of us, the worst thing about Christmas and New Year feasts is the excessive amount of food we gorge over the festive season.

For many athletes at the Special Olympics Howick-Pakuranga club, playing sport with their mates each week is the highlight of their lives.

These guys have paid as much attention to decorating their beard as they would their Christmas tree, attaching anything from robin's nests to candy canes.

Just what do you get our top movers and shakers for Christmas? Helpfully, Toby Manhire has compiled a list of ideal options (so you don't have to).