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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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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.
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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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‘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.
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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.
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How to make gingerbread vodka
Nutmeg is the taste of Christmas, but it’s always had a wild side. Emma Hughes delves into its past and reveals her favourite recipe that infuses this festive spice into vodka.
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The Christmas crackers you need on your table this year
Don't end up disappointed with toe-curling jokes and miniature screwdrivers – here's what you could get instead...
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Pol Roger's 'Christmas' advert completely ignores everything to do with Christmas
Watch the John Lewis Christmas advert, plus the best of the rest, in one place.
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Early bird Christmas tips – the things you need to think about now
As Christmas creeps closer, Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Wine Club Manager Katie Rolph offers essential advice on hosting the perfect festive feast.
