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.

The perception that sparkling wine, bubbles, champagne ... call it what you will, is for use as seasonal or celebratory drink only must drive producers crazy.

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.

New Zealand is moving towards its own style of festive feast - and seafood's at the fore.

It's a grand day for kids of all ages - downtown Auckland's annual Santa parade is underway.

An estimated 300,000 people gathered to watch the Santa parade on Queen Street in central Auckland on Sunday.

Bronwyn Sell goes behind the scenes of the biggest public event on Auckland's calendar, the Farmers' Santa Parade.

Christmas hamper provider Chrisco is facing a likely court appearance for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.