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The 12 party games of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas land you with 12 days of enforced revelry. That’s 12 sub-sets of step-relations, 12 afternoons and evenings, 12 tailbacks on the M25. Kit Hesketh-Harvey suggests 12 games to keep you sane.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The truth about Christmas carols
The composer and tenor Andrew Gant reveals the curious truth about some of our most beloved carols.
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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.
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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.
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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’
The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, delivers our Christmas message this year, on embracing the hopes and fears of all the years.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10 things you need to know about Operation Santa: How the Royal Mail helps Father Christmas reply to children across Britain
For over half a century, a secret room in a Belfast sorting office has housed a team of 'honorary elves' tasked with replying to the children who write Father Christmas to ask for everything from love to handlebar moustaches. Katy Birchall explains how it works.
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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.
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How to make perfect smoked salmon with potato pancakes
Nothing says Christmas like a side of smoked salmon. This year, try it on pancakes.
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10 gorgeous Christmas decorations
Amelia Thorpe selects finishing touches for tree and table.
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How to prepare your home for Christmas entertaining
Interior designer Nina Campbell shares her thoughts on preparing for the festive season.
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Christmas gifts for men, from beautiful boxers to a classic cocktail shaker
For the man in your life, we've all sorts of things – from simple gadgets to truly magnificent things.
