Gifts, trees & feasting

Whether you call it Christmas, Winterval or just ‘the holidays’, the period between late December and early January is cocoon time: a cessation of work and routine activities. It begins with tradition

Securing a Christmas Number One and performing on Top of the Pops was an achievement for any musician. With old Christmas favourites battling out newer hits, the British public have a history of choos

The kindness of a saint has given us a Christmas tradition we’ve cherished for centuries. History loves a good story, and the genesis for this one comes from the extraordinary life of 4th-century Sain

From blow-up snowmen to silly family games – these familiar faces have their rituals, just like the rest of us

Every year since 1988, the royals have decamped to Sandringham in Norfolk to celebrate the festive period. Complete with its very own ballroom, there’s enough space for all the family and staff. The c

Though the cheerful chest of a robin can be seen throughout the year, this friendly bird has become synonymous with the festive season. This largely dates back to Victorian Christmas cards depicting p