Star of wonder

The New Testament’s accounts of Jesus’ birth are fragmentary, contradictory and unlikely to bear much resemblance to what really happened, but if “magi” really did follow a star to the east, what were they observing?

Icing on the Christmas cake

We’re all familar with the Nativity scene, but the account of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 is only four lines long so it’s no wonder so many of the well-loved elements of the Christmas story are embellishments to an otherwise sparse text.

The story of Santa

We all know that Santa Claus comes from the North Pole every year to leave presents around the Christmas Tree, but his evolution from Christian myth to modern fairy tale is just as fascinating.

Who’s around the manger?

Whatever the historical reality of Jesus’ birth, the depiction of the nativity scene around the world offers an insight into ways different cultures have inculcated Christianity.

Party on, Santa

Even the most boisterous Christmas party today pales in comparison with the raucous celebrations of previous eras.

Miracles and magic: the dual stories at the heart of Christmas

Christmas brings together diverse myths and European traditions full of magic, mystery and miraculous activity.

Kris Kringles and yuletide jingles

Christmas is a time for giving new gifts, but also reminds us of the importance of dusting down old favourites – from decorations stowed in closets to understanding the archaic words and phrases repeated at this time of year.

Taking the stress out of Christmas

The run-up to Christmas can be stressful for a variety of reasons, but you can reduce your stress and make the most of the festive season by applying some of these helpful techniques.

How to (sleigh) ride your emotions this Christmas

Even though it’s been a tough year for many, Christmas can be a good time to be grateful for people or things that you love in life and a chance to look forward to a brighter year ahead.

How COVID-safe Santa can save Christmas

Given how depressing 2020 has been, Santa’s sleigh run needs to be classified as an essential service, so here is how Mr Claus (and his reindeer) can be a super spreader of goodwill and not COVID-19.

The weird world of Christmas traditions

Christmas is over for another year.  How did you celebrate it?  From wrapping presents to decorating a tree, some of the traditions many of us associate with Christmas get their own cultural spin in very different ways around the world.

A ghost story for Christmas

Our fascination with ghostly tales around Christmas time goes back thousands of years and is rooted in ancient celebrations of the winter solstice.