Christmas

The most wonderful time of the year: Country Life's A to Z of Christmas

Lights and turkeys and bells, oh my! Embrace the festive spirit with Amie Elizabeth White’s A to Z of Christmas

11 ways to do Christmas in right royal style, by A-list party planner Johnny Roxburgh

Johnny Roxburgh, one of Britain's top party planners, shares his tips on the best things to have at your own seasonal celebrations.

Not so jolly old St Nicholas? The dark side of Santa

Father Christmas may be the rosy-cheeked, jolly character who personifies the fun of the festive season, but he’s had to overcome a few setbacks on the way, notes Ian Morton.

Nine things you ought to know if you're having goose for Christmas

If you're looking for a change from turkey for Christmas dinner, goose is the obvious choice – but there are a few things to think about, as Kate Green explains.

When did Stir-up Sunday first begin?

On the last weekend before Advent, families gather to make Christmas pudding on the day we know as Stir-up Sunday. But when did we start giving it that name? With Stir-up Sunday 2023 falling on November 26th, Neil Buttery takes a look.

How to build the perfect snowman

If we get lucky and the weather delivers a big fall of snow, Katy Birchall has the best recipe for building a splendid snowman that will be the envy of your village.

The 2022 Country Life Editor's Christmas Quiz: The Answers

The 2022 Country Life Editor's Christmas Quiz

Challenge yourself with our traditional test of knowledge, drawn from all things Country Life, as compiled by Kate Green.

The Country Life Christmas message, by the Revd Lucy Winkett

As many of us celebrate a simpler Christmas, the Reverend Lucy Winkett is moved by the generosity of those often dealing with their own difficult circumstances and stresses that giving someone your time can be a great gift, too.

Who wrote the Christmas Carols we know and love? 11 songs and their stories, from Silent Night to Good King Wenceslas

Many of our best-loved and most moving Christmas carols started life as poems in search of a tune. Andrew Green uncovers the writers whose works were nearly forgotten, yet are now imprinted on the memory.

The story of Midnight Mass — and why all are welcome with open arms, even those who've come straight from the pub

For the Revd Colin Heber-Percy, a candlelit Midnight Mass service at his parish church in Wiltshire promises packed pews and a child-like anticipation of Christmas.

How to fold a napkin rose at Christmas: A step-by-step guide

A beautifully-folded napkin is the ideal way to finish off your festive table setting. Here's how to fold a rose napkin.

The best Christmas food in Britain — including 'the Rolls-Royce of turkey' — as chosen by Tom Parker Bowles

Christmas offers a chance to celebrate all those great food producers who work so passionately to ensure that our feast is as ethical as it is delicious. Tom Parker Bowles applauds some of the very best.

Jason Goodwin's books of the year 2022

Our columnist Jason Goodwin shares the books that have entertained and enlightened him this year.

Perfect roast goose recipe from Mark Hix

Cooking the perfect Christmas goose, with delicious gravy, is a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas. Mark Hix explains how it's done.

Christmas drinks gift guide: Best gin, best whisky, beer and more for the festive season

Whether you're keen to pour your own draft beer, drink Cotswolds whisky or enjoy a raft of different gins, we've got you covered.

15 delightful ideas for a beautiful Christmas table setting

Inspirational ideas for setting the table this season, selected by Amelia Thorpe.

The traditional British toy makers still crafting wooden tops, rocking-horses and teddy bears

From automata to wooden dogs with jointed legs, members of the British Toymakers Guild have crafted a cornucopia of intriguing playthings that are not only for children, says Claire Jackson.

Christmas gifts for children that don't need screens or take batteries

Don't just pick up the latest plastic toys with lights and noises – take a look at these gifts which kids will love just as much as you do.

Jason Goodwin: I bought a 4lb cheese wrapped in goat skin that looked like a Moomin and brought it 2,500 miles back home. What could go wrong?

Our intrepid columnist goes the extra mile to bring a cave-aged Turkish delicacy back to England — only to run in to a group of guests who give him the distinct impression that they'd rather he hadn't bothered.