Everybody has their favourite variation on this chocolate 'cake that's not a cake'.

Spending on Australian Christmas workplace events is set to soar, but NZ employers are going the other way.

Festive bread and butter pudding

About a quarter of a million people lined the streets of downtown Auckland yesterday to welcome Santa.

Countless thousand spectators jammed Auckland's inner-city streets this afternoon for the 76th annual Santa Parade.

US retailer Neiman Marcus is famous for its annual list of extravagant Christmas gift suggestions - and this year is no exception.

After weeks of speculation, the wraps over Santa's face have come off to reveal a younger, motionless, jolly fat man.

Retailers hope to persuade shoppers to spend at least $250 million more than during last year's festive season.

As the Christmas season approaches, now is a good time to consider the glories of Champagne.

If you are, say, sitting at home alone, maybe doing your GST ... and you hear ... the sounds of people having a good time, you should be legally allowed to wander over and join in the fun.

A magnetic battle robot, an "individual" doll and a puzzle word game are expected to be top sellers this Christmas, a distributor says.

Briscoes Group, which owns Rebel Sport, Urban Loft and the Living and Giving chains, says sales are up and second half profits will be "well ahead" of last year.