Justin Newcombe admires the hardiness of New Zealand's Christmas tree, the beloved pohutukawa.

Up to 95 homes in Auckland's Franklin Rd now have their Xmas lights on at night, says the founder of the annual spectacle.

Christmas is a good excuse to stock the cellar - and splash out on something extra special.

Before you whip out that credit card, ask yourself if the gift you're about to buy for someone is expressing your true feelings - or will it just insult them?

Check out these photos from this week's Great New Zealand Santa Run at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland.

An amazing dessert - or array of desserts - is the perfect finale to Christmas dinner.

With Christmas nearly upon us, the Canvas book reviewing team takes the hassle out of gift-shopping with ideas for all ages and tastes.

If you fancy a bit of a break this Christmas but need to do it on the cheap, there are a few things you can do to help your money go further.

Create an easy festive menu - think succulent turkey, baked ham, or sirloin on the barbie.

This bizarre Finnish comedy horror doesn't live up to the appealing central concept, but has more than enough points of difference to warrant interest.

Among the many terrible and tragic headlines appearing in the newspapers of late, one that is not only terrible and tragic but also potentially rather disturbing leapt out at me: "Call for alcohol ban after Xmas concert ends in violence."

Mark Walton-Cook offers a series of simple and sometimes surprising hints to help keep you trim throughout the party season.

There are many events on offer, Auckland-wide, to have you feeling festive.

Kiwis spend up large at Christmas on partners and children, but not on their parents, siblings and friends.

X Factor Australia winner Altiyan Childs will perform at Auckland's Christmas in the Park event.

December is looming, which means the office Christmas party season, if it isn't already well underway, is about to land upon us with its full, traditional, liver-crushing force.

If you want to try something a little different for Christmas dinner this year, how about getting the family together for a gourmet picnic?

If you want Christmas Day to really be a holiday, book yourself into a restaurant and let the staff do all the work.