It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
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How the best brands tap into the spirit of the season.
A postcard depicts Adolf Hitler posing with a child and a Christmas tree.
Through the Nazification of Christmas, the regime was able to gain the support of ordinary Germans.
A gift of cash may be just the right thing.
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Still don’t know what to get your loved one? Here are four gift-giving taboos meant to be broken.
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Sorry, but Christmas has a dark side, too.
In the Netherlands, the tradition goes that Sinterklaas lives in Madrid, wears a red clerical robe and a bishop’s mitre, and has servants called ‘Zwarte Pieten’ (Black Peters).
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The celebration of Christmas has distinct variations around the world, with many of these local traditions arising from particular historical circumstances.
Buddy is a sucker for the silly season.
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Christmas is here again, and we’re excited for decorating, parties, and summer getaways. But before we dive into the silly season, let’s first make sure our pets are properly taken care of.
H2 O H2 O H2 O!
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The science behind the sensory feast of Christmas explained.
‘What difference would it make to human life if a celestial event were unequivocally linked to the very night of Jesus’ birth?’
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What difference would it make to human life if a celestial event were unequivocally linked to the very night of Jesus’ birth?
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Is it really all Ho, Ho, Ho? Or could believing in Santa harm your child’s development?
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The Prisoner’s Dilemma suggests that in the long run it’s a better strategy to give generously.
A Christmas service in Manhattan.
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How should we celebrate Christmas during a time when religious extremism inspires terrorist attacks and young people are abandoning the church?
Why do we tell stories?
PROsean dreilinger
Want to build resilience in children? Tell them family stories of courage.
The virgin birth at the heart of Christianity has many corresponding versions in other ancient traditions.
Detail from a panel by Conrad von Soest, 1403. Wikimedia Commons
Biblical scholars and theologians have long discussed, debated and disputed the virgin birth of Jesus, with some arguing that there is no imperative to link it to the doctrine of the Incarnation.
That big pile of presents under the Christmas tree just seems right.
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Don’t feel bad if you can’t resist buying up at Christmas.
The title page from the first edition of A Christmas Carol.
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In attempting to capture a new spirit of Christmas, Dickens reminds us of the power of the past and the future to change the way we see the present.
It’s often sold as the ‘happiest time of year’ – but not in classic Christmas tales.
Alice Popkorn
Most modern Christmas films angle for comedy with a touch of schmaltz, but literary Christmases frequently tap into the anxiety and sadness that can accompany the “happiest time of year”.
From schmaltzy to savagery, we dissect the classic Christmas flick.
Love Actually, Universal Pictures.
From Hallmark to Hulk Hogan, we round up classic Christmas cinema. If you’re looking for sweet, schmaltzy or satirical December viewing, start here.
Easy-peasy?
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Have you got the keen eye and quizzical mind of a professional spy? Let’s find out …
He’s tweeted, Instagrammed and Facebooked, but will he get what he wants?
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Social media can amplify the fear of missing out, or FoMO, but it can also be a platform for emotional support during the festive season.
Food, food, everywhere.
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Between work Christmas parties, Christmas lunch or dinner, edible presents and New Year’s Eve, it can be an effort not to gain weight.