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The truth about Christmas carolsThe 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 twistYou 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 ChristmasBobbles 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, FranceA 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 yearTessa 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 BritainFor 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 scenesEach 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 pancakesNothing says Christmas like a side of smoked salmon. This year, try it on pancakes.
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10 gorgeous Christmas decorationsAmelia Thorpe selects finishing touches for tree and table.
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How to prepare your home for Christmas entertainingInterior 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 shakerFor 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 vodkaNutmeg 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 yearDon'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 ChristmasWatch 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 nowAs Christmas creeps closer, Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Wine Club Manager Katie Rolph offers essential advice on hosting the perfect festive feast.
