Christmas

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.

The ultimate Boxing Day bacon sandwich – with a surprise ingredient

SImon Hopkinson shares his recipe for a bacon sandwich with a perfect Christmassy twist.

A day for drinking: The hour-by-hour guide to festive tipples this Christmas

Whether you're looking for some expert advice or just trying to get through a whole day with the relatives, Harry Eyres advises on the best bottles for festive feasting.

How to make mini Christmas cake canapés

How to make mini Christmas cake canapés, a perfect seasonal mouthful.

The step-by-step, stress-free plan for cooking Christmas lunch, by Tom Aikens

Tom Aikens shares his recipes and advice for the perfect Christmas lunch: turkey, cranberry, roast potatoes and all the trimmings

With love from Father Christmas: J.R.R. Tolkien's enchanting Christmas letters to his children

For nearly a quarter of a century, J. R. R. Tolkien sent his children elaborate letters and pictures from the North Pole. Ben Lerwill explores the penmanship, kindness and magic that went into Letters From Father Christmas.

11 of the best gins to buy this Christmas

Our Christmas gin special includes some of our favourites available right now.

10 perfect Christmas gifts for gadget lovers, from £25 to £3,694.99

Whether it's your eccentric uncle, your half-sibling with an exotic lifestyle or the person you've been married to for 23 years, it's not always easy picking presents for overgrown schoolboys. Lucky for you that Hetty Lintell and Toby Keel are here to help.

Christmas gifts for nature and garden lovers

Growing your own Christmas tree: Alan Titchmarsh on what to plant and where to plant it

Why buy your Christmas tree when you can grow your own and enjoy these handsome, statuesque trees all year round? Alan Titchmarsh offers his tips.

Best Christmas gifts for outdoorsy people, from £12 to £9,900

If you're looking for a present for someone who loves getting out and about and finding new adventures, Toby Keel, Hetty Lintell and Alexandra Fraser have picked out some great Christmas gifts for lovers of the great outdoors.