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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.
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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.
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Christmas gift ideas for children
A collection of adorable gifts, perfect for that special toddler or precocious young person.
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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.
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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.
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The ultimate Boxing Day bacon sandwich – with a surprise ingredient
SImon Hopkinson shares his recipe for a bacon sandwich with a perfect Christmassy twist.
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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.
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How to make mini Christmas cake canapés
How to make mini Christmas cake canapés, a perfect seasonal mouthful.
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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.
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11 of the best gins to buy this Christmas
Our Christmas gin special includes some of our favourites available right now.
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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.
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Christmas gifts for nature and garden lovers
If you're after a gift for somebody who loves the great outdoors – whether in their back garden or out in the wilderness – we've got an idea for you.
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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.
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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.
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How to make Christmas jewellery shopping fun, with the wisdom and tips of Cassandra Goad
Choosing the perfect present needn’t be a chore — in fact, it should be fun. Choosing jewellery from Cassandra Goad is a good place to start, and Country Life's Luxury Editor Hetty Lintell picks out some of her favourites.
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14 perfect Christmas gift ideas for the man or woman who has everything
From beautiful books and artistic accessories to a weekend away in one of the country's most famous castles, these gifts from our carefully-selected partners offer options for everyone — no matter how tricky to buy for.
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Country Life's Christmas message, from The Bishop of Leeds: 'I wish everyone – the faithful and the faithless – a happy and earthy Christmas'
The Bishop of Leeds, The Rt Revd Nicholas Baines, talks of the relevance of the Christmas story to all and why everyone is welcome at church.
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The nativity camels: Unbelievably clever, a tad greedy and undeniably festive
‘They know we’d never take them anywhere dangerous. They trust us so much.'
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Bubbly tips for the festive season: Drink British, ignore the silver spoon and abandon the coupe
Charlie Holland, head winemaker and CEO of Gusbourne, talks to Hetty Lintell about how and what to drink this Christmas.
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Gift ideas for those who love experiences
Experiences are the new kid on the block when it comes to Christmas presents, but their growing popularity is well-founded.
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The best mince pies in Britain 2019: Country Life's ultimate taste test
Mince pies maketh Christmas, but where will you find the very best? To save you the trouble, we’ve tried them all in the great Country Life mince-pie taste off.
