Christmas

Perfect roast goose recipe from Mark Hix

Cooking the perfect Christmas goose, with delicious gravy, is a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas. Mark Hix explains how it's done.

Christmas drinks gift guide: Best gin, best whisky, beer and more for the festive season

Whether you're keen to pour your own draft beer, drink Cotswolds whisky or enjoy a raft of different gins, we've got you covered.

15 delightful ideas for a beautiful Christmas table setting

Inspirational ideas for setting the table this season, selected by Amelia Thorpe.

The traditional British toy makers still crafting wooden tops, rocking-horses and teddy bears

From automata to wooden dogs with jointed legs, members of the British Toymakers Guild have crafted a cornucopia of intriguing playthings that are not only for children, says Claire Jackson.

Christmas gifts for children that don't need screens or take batteries

Don't just pick up the latest plastic toys with lights and noises – take a look at these gifts which kids will love just as much as you do.

Jason Goodwin: I bought a 4lb cheese wrapped in goat skin that looked like a Moomin and brought it 2,500 miles back home. What could go wrong?

Our intrepid columnist goes the extra mile to bring a cave-aged Turkish delicacy back to England — only to run in to a group of guests who give him the distinct impression that they'd rather he hadn't bothered.

Christmas gifts for ladies to inspire, delight and entertain

From £50 to £1,280, we've selected some lovely items to help you find the perfect present.

Curious Questions: Why are Christmas cracker jokes so corny?

With the dust having settled on Christmas, there is only one question left to ponder: why are the jokes in crackers so intentionally bad? Martin Fone explains all.

Curious Questions: Why do we take Christmas decorations down on January 6th? (And why it should really be the 5th)

Our houses never look better than they do throughout the festive period, so why do we take down Christmas decorations on January 6? After all we could simply leave them up for a few more weeks, couldn't we? Martin Fone investigates.

In Focus: T.S. Eliot's Journey of the Magi, the masterpiece that was dashed off in 45 minutes

Far from a celebration, the poem is a metaphor for the voyage Eliot believed the human spirit must make to experience Christ.

A stunning mews house for sale on the row where Love Actually's most poignant and romantic scene was filmed

Love actually is... a Notting Hill Mews house.

Boxing Day: What it is, why we celebrate it, and how 'Good King Wenceslas' earned his name on the Feast of Stephen

Better known as Boxing Day, the origins of St Stephen’s Day are sinister and macabre, especially for poor wrens, as Aeneas Dennison discovers.

The Country Life Christmas message by Revd Daniel French, the brilliant and quirky vicar with a penchant for dressing in Dalek costumes at village fêtes

We have a tendency to exhaust ourselves trying to create the perfect Christmas, but we should return to the charitable heart of the season and be mindful of those who are struggling, advocates the Revd Daniel A. French.

Curious Questions: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

Peaking at Christmas, regard for mistletoe is deeply rooted in myth and legend, finds Ian Morton – not to mention the age-old tradition of kissing underneath it.

Curious Questions: Why do we send Christmas cards?

From the first Christmas card, born out of a lack of time, to today’s, adorned with crystals or wildflower seeds, the soft thud of festive post on the mat continues to spread good cheer, says Ben Lerwill.

Curious Questions: Why do we have Advent calendars?

This week's Country Life Christmas special is an annual treat, with our special Advent calendar cover. But how did the Advent calendar phenomenon start? Martin Fone investigates.

The wonderful tales of Christmas don’t change the difficulties we face, but they do serve to make the world a better place

Christmas is a time for comforting and uplifting stories, with their hope and unwavering faith in human nature.

Christmas gift ideas for children

A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.

Best Christmas light trails to see in 2021

We know December is nearly upon us, as the season’s light festivals begin up and down the country — here's our pick of some of the best.

Sumptuous Christmas gifts for foodies, from a chocolate library to a £6,000 hamper

After something special for a person who really appreciates their food? Our suggestions are certain to have something that's just right.