Christmas

Alan Titchmarsh: The best hyacinths and narcissi to bring flowers indoors at Christmas

Gardening writer and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh shares his tips on growing indoor bulbs to bring heavenly scents indoors at Christmas.

Curious Questions: Why do we say 'Merry Christmas' instead of 'Happy Christmas'?

Have you ever stopped to wonder why we say 'Merry Christmas' when for every other occasion we use the word 'happy' instead'? Probably not, but now we've pointed it out the reason will bug you until you've read the answer.

The utterly inessential shopping list: 16 last-minute Christmas presents

What's that? You haven't done your Christmas shopping yet? Alexandra Fraser will help you put that right.

How ham can be the real show-stopper of the Christmas table and where to find your one this year

At once sumptuous yet simple, a ham is an age-old tradition that for many is the real highlight of the Christmas feasting. Flora Watkins digs in.

Curious Questions: Why on earth do we have Christmas trees?

In the middle of winter, we cut down fir trees, bring them inside and decorate them – then let them shed small, spiky needles throughout our homes. Why would we do such a thing? Toby Keel investigates.

The utterly inessential shopping list: Christmas jumpers for two, and a rare chance to witness the £210 pencil sharpener

Forget about the big things. You can keep the necessities. Don't tell us about the must-haves. Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few little luxuries which, in a world too full of strife and woe, will help ease your way through life with a smile on your face.

The truth about Christmas carols

The composer and tenor Andrew Gant reveals the curious truth about some of our most beloved carols.

How to make cranberry scones for a cream tea with a Christmas twist

You might think of scones as something for sunny summer afternoons – this recipe will change that.

Christmas gift ideas for around the house and garden

For the newly married couple, decor enthusiast or the person who has just about everything else, here is a collection of wonderful gifts for the whole household to enjoy.

Christmas gifts for dogs and their owners

Looking for a present for a four-legged friend? Or someone somewhat obsessed with theirs? Take a look at our suggestions for Christmas gifts for dogs.

The utterly inessential shopping list: Cheese, chocolate, champs and chutney…it’s Christmas hamper time

Forget about the big things. You can keep the necessities. Don't tell us about the must-haves. Alexandra Fraser takes a look at a few little luxuries which, in a world too full of strife and woe, will help ease your way through life with a smile on your face.

The Country Life Christmas message, by the Bishop of Gloucester: ‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness of the present can never put it out’

Why we still love pantomime ('Oh no we don't'...'Oh yes we do'...)

Corny, hammed-up, ritualistic – and yet Pantomime is still a hugely lovely theatrical format. Perennial pantomime villain Kit Hesketh-Harvey explains why.

Why bobble fringes are the new tinsel this Christmas

Bobbles offer an opportunity to create a discreetly decorative look which is bang on trend this Christmas.

Christmas at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France

A forest of star-spangled Christmas trees lines the carriageway to the swagged and beribboned entrance of 17th-century Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte which hosts an annual festive extravaganza, finds Jacky Hobbs.

The Yorkshire institution that sells 200,000 mince pies and 26,000 Christmas cakes each year

Tessa Waugh explains why Bettys, a Yorkshire institution founded in 1919, is the finest baker and confectioner in Britain.

10 things you need to know about Operation Santa: How the Royal Mail helps Father Christmas reply to children across Britain

Six audiobooks for Christmas, from Dickens to the latest Booker Prize winner

For book lovers who never get the time to read, audiobooks can make a great present. We've picked out five fine options.

‘It’s all about wonder and to look, to be able to ponder’ – the story behind spectacular nativity scenes

Each December, a newborn baby takes centre stage in Nativity scenes throughout the land. Julie Harding meets those responsible for bringing the Christmas story to life.

How to make perfect smoked salmon with potato pancakes

Nothing says Christmas like a side of smoked salmon. This year, try it on pancakes.