Christmas

The 2023 Country Life Editor's Christmas Quiz: The Answers

All the answers to Country Life's 2023 Christmas Quiz.

‘The love we share at Christmas is a refuge. It replenishes our depleted batteries and allows us to go out again into the world’: The 2023 Country Life Christmas message, by Revd Colin Heber-Percy

A safe haven, a refuge for rest and relaxation, the place we feel we belong—the concept of ‘home’ differs for each of us. At Christmas, home is so much more than a physical location: it is all around, says the Revd Colin Heber-Percy.

The years when England cancelled Christmas

No feasting. No drinking. No celebrations. Ian Morton explores what the festive period was like when Oliver Cromwell’s Christmas clampdown gripped the nation.

The most wonderful time of the year: Country Life's A to Z of Christmas

Lights and turkeys and bells, oh my! Embrace the festive spirit with Amie Elizabeth White’s A to Z of Christmas

11 ways to do Christmas in right royal style, by A-list party planner Johnny Roxburgh

Johnny Roxburgh, one of Britain's top party planners, shares his tips on the best things to have at your own seasonal celebrations.

Not so jolly old St Nicholas? The dark side of Santa

Father Christmas may be the rosy-cheeked, jolly character who personifies the fun of the festive season, but he’s had to overcome a few setbacks on the way, notes Ian Morton.

Nine things you ought to know if you're having goose for Christmas

If you're looking for a change from turkey for Christmas dinner, goose is the obvious choice – but there are a few things to think about, as Kate Green explains.

Christmas gift ideas for ladies

From mothers and sisters to wives and girlfriends, these 12 gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of the special lady in your life.

Christmas gift ideas for men

From fathers to brothers to lovers, we run through some smart ideas for Christmas presents for the men in your life.

Christmas gift ideas for babies

From adorable booties and cardigans to toys that will keep tiny tots entertained for hours.

When did Stir-up Sunday first begin?

On the last weekend before Advent, families gather to make Christmas pudding on the day we know as Stir-up Sunday. But when did we start giving it that name? With Stir-up Sunday 2023 falling on November 26th, Neil Buttery takes a look.

How to build the perfect snowman

If we get lucky and the weather delivers a big fall of snow, Katy Birchall has the best recipe for building a splendid snowman that will be the envy of your village.

The 2022 Country Life Editor's Christmas Quiz: The Answers

The 2022 Country Life Editor's Christmas Quiz

Challenge yourself with our traditional test of knowledge, drawn from all things Country Life, as compiled by Kate Green.

The Country Life Christmas message, by the Revd Lucy Winkett

As many of us celebrate a simpler Christmas, the Reverend Lucy Winkett is moved by the generosity of those often dealing with their own difficult circumstances and stresses that giving someone your time can be a great gift, too.

Who wrote the Christmas Carols we know and love? 11 songs and their stories, from Silent Night to Good King Wenceslas

Many of our best-loved and most moving Christmas carols started life as poems in search of a tune. Andrew Green uncovers the writers whose works were nearly forgotten, yet are now imprinted on the memory.

The story of Midnight Mass — and why all are welcome with open arms, even those who've come straight from the pub

For the Revd Colin Heber-Percy, a candlelit Midnight Mass service at his parish church in Wiltshire promises packed pews and a child-like anticipation of Christmas.

How to fold a napkin rose at Christmas: A step-by-step guide

A beautifully-folded napkin is the ideal way to finish off your festive table setting. Here's how to fold a rose napkin.

The best Christmas food in Britain — including 'the Rolls-Royce of turkey' — as chosen by Tom Parker Bowles

Christmas offers a chance to celebrate all those great food producers who work so passionately to ensure that our feast is as ethical as it is delicious. Tom Parker Bowles applauds some of the very best.

Jason Goodwin's books of the year 2022

Our columnist Jason Goodwin shares the books that have entertained and enlightened him this year.