#Christmas Features

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#Christmas Features

From gift ideas to surviving the Christmas season unscathed this is your one stop shop for festive features which will guide you through this holiday period.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Is it wrong to be already looking forward to next February? (Don't even mention January as that's full of all the meetings and catch-ups that we won't be able to fit in before Christmas)</p>

people

Dear Dáithí: I'll need to clone myself to cope with Christmas 'fun' without burning out

The house is full of gift sets, and boxes of chocolates squirrelled away for unexpected guests, and there are boxes of biscuits and festive drinks in the most random places

<p>Small changes now mean you don’t spend January trying to undo December. This year, November-Bernard is finally doing some groundwork. Not dramatic. Not glamorous. Not Instagrammable. Just enough to make January feel human again.</p>

people

Bernard O'Shea: 5 things to do in November for a head start on your New Year’s weight loss

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Darina Allen: How to make a light Christmas cake and a chocolate Yule log

The Brehon Hotel & Spa: The ultimate luxury gift experience

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The Brehon Hotel & Spa: The ultimate luxury gift experience

Cillian Murphy

spotlight

Mick Clifford's A to Z of 2024: A look back at the people who shaped the passing year

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Julie Jay: I’ve a niggling suspicion that Mrs Claus does more than bake cookies

Champagne or sparkling wine with tangerines for Christmas. Festive concept. Mimosa cocktail

How to make a zingy Christmas morning Mimosa cocktail for breakfast or brunch

Freshly squeezed juice is key

Wed, 25 Dec, 2024

A Christmas spent lighting up the lives of others — one good deed at a time

A Christmas spent lighting up the lives of others — one good deed at a time

Arlene Harris talks to people who will spend their Christmas helping others in need, providing delicious meals, being on standby in case of emergencies, and even delivering gifts

Wed, 25 Dec, 2024

Secret Santas: Meet two very different men suiting up to bring magic and joy this festive season

Secret Santas: Meet two very different men suiting up to bring magic and joy this festive season

For around a month every year, these two secret Santas are the centre of attention at Christmas festivals and grottoes. They tell Ellie O'Byrne about the emotions and joy it brings, which makes it worth the year-round work it takes

Wed, 25 Dec, 2024

Flat-lay of Christmas table setting with chicken, wine and decorations

Darina Allen's go-to Christmas recipes, including her tried-and-tested classic turkey

Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with this trusted turkey recipe and the tastiest of festive trimmings, writes Darina Allen

Tue, 24 Dec, 2024

Limerick boy's Christmas wish? A phone to ring his hurling heroes

Limerick boy's Christmas wish? A phone to ring his hurling heroes

Noah Twomey, aged eight, was diagnosed with leukaemia just before Christmas 2023

Tue, 24 Dec, 2024

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, keep dreaming

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, keep dreaming

There's always next year...

Tue, 24 Dec, 2024

The Toy Collectors: Model citizen relives ancient battles in miniature and through re-enactments

The Toy Collectors: Model citizen relives ancient battles in miniature and through re-enactments

Shane Kent's home is besieged by hundreds of soldiers all fully armed and ready for battle. But fear not, the armies are in fact tiny models of ancient warriors that Shane paints and customises in exquisite detail

Mon, 23 Dec, 2024

The Toy Collectors: 'My daughter loved her dolls, so they remind me of her'

The Toy Collectors: 'My daughter loved her dolls, so they remind me of her'

Carol Flanagan, 60, is now the owner of 70 dolls, a modest figure when compared to her earlier collection, which she estimates was in the hundreds

Mon, 23 Dec, 2024

HEATHER NASH

The Toy Collectors: 'You're never too old for dolls — or too young for models'

Sarah Horgan meets two very different toy collectors whose pastimes, while providing lots of joy, also spark their ambitions for the future

Mon, 23 Dec, 2024

Magic moments: What's made Christmas Day special for Irish people over the years

Magic moments: What's made Christmas Day special for Irish people over the years

Ahead of the Christmas holidays, Deirdre McArdle asked 43 Irish people what makes the day special for them.

Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

SANTA HAT ON BEACH

The Christmas swims taking place around Ireland and how you can take part

The countdown to Christmas is definitely on — so if you're planning a seasonal dunk then check out this list which includes couple of handy pre-Christmas swims too

Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

Grey haired mature man and a little girl in Christmas sweater having fun and celebrating Christmas at home

What it's like to navigate Christmas as a grandparent

It’s a delicate balance: wanting everyone at their house while respecting that adult children may not get along or may have new obligations

Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

What hours are Dunnes, Tesco, and M&S open over Christmas?

What hours are Dunnes, Tesco, and M&S open over Christmas?

For all those last-minute jobs and shop runs, here’s what you need to know about supermarket hours this Christmas

Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

Christmas Trifle

Michelle Darmody: How to make this zabaglione trifle — and the mistakes to avoid

"Zabaglione adds a very tasty layer in place of a more typical custard. In fact the zabaglione can be served on its own if you do not have the time or energy to create a trifle."

Sat, 21 Dec, 2024

'I don’t get any pain when I’m playing': Dancer and camogie player is a scoliosis success story

'I don’t get any pain when I’m playing': Dancer and camogie player is a scoliosis success story

11-year-old Helen Gleeson's parents are delighted with her progress — but they also offer support for parents who face delays getting scoliosis treatment

Fri, 20 Dec, 2024

White wine for Christmas Holidays celebration

Wine with Leslie: Last-minute bottles for gift-giving, and what to have with the big dinner

"...red is preferable, juicier reds such as Brunello, Southern Rhône or elegant Burgundy or Pinot Noir work better than Bordeaux — but if you want Bordeaux that’s fine too; it is a day of celebration..."

Fri, 20 Dec, 2024

Plastic or pine: Which Christmas tree is the greenest choice?

Plastic or pine: Which Christmas tree is the greenest choice?

Real trees sequester carbon while they're growing, and they can be chipped and composted afterwards. You need to reuse artificial trees for at least 10 to 20 years to offset their production emissions

Fri, 20 Dec, 2024

Last-minute beauty gifts under €40 — from your local pharmacy or supermarket

Last-minute beauty gifts under €40 — from your local pharmacy or supermarket

At this stage in the game, you might feel nervous about online delivery times. Fear not, as there are lots of exceptional beauty gifts to be found in your local supermarket and pharmacy. Here are some of our top picks.

Thu, 19 Dec, 2024

Silent Nights In: Nine ways to wear Christmas pyjamas

Silent Nights In: Nine ways to wear Christmas pyjamas

"After burning the Christmas candle at both ends, now’s the time to pour a glass of mulled wine, grab the Selection Box, and engage prone position on the sofa before the festive hijinks recommence in, oh, a few hours."

Wed, 18 Dec, 2024

TV's Rob Rinder: January is the worst time of year to be making resolutions

Rob Rinder: January is the worst time of the year to be making resolutions

The broadcaster, barrister and author talks about his love of cold swimming, hot runs, and what he thinks is the ultimate 'key' to wellbeing

Wed, 18 Dec, 2024

Tots to Teens: From North Pole magic to decorating cookies - Stocking fillers for the little ones

Tots to Teens: From North Pole magic to decorating cookies - Stocking fillers for the little ones

Here are some ideas for stocking fillers for the little ones

Tue, 17 Dec, 2024

Caitríona Redmond: My Christmas feast shopping list for a family of four for under €100

Caitríona Redmond: My Christmas feast shopping list for a family of four for under €100

We sent our thrifty food writer to Dunnes Stores, Supervalu, Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl, tasking her with finding a delicious feast to feed a family of four for less than €100. Here’s her shopping list...

Sun, 15 Dec, 2024

Christmas Log, Buche de Noel

Michelle Darmody: How to bake Yule log for Christmas

Eating the trimmings off the sponge has always been one of my favourite parts of baking

Sat, 14 Dec, 2024

KRB 05-12-2024 XX Irene Feighan: AADI Therapy dogs

'They become like your other child': What it's like to foster a therapy dog

Therapy dogs provide priceless assistance to children with autism. Meet two foster families who help them on their way

Fri, 13 Dec, 2024

flat lay with broken christmas ball on green background

How to use the word 'no' and let go of festive stress

The best gift you can give yourself is the word ‘no’ if you’re being asked to host too many people or being invited to visit people you don’t like, or have to buy too many gifts or cook too much food

Fri, 13 Dec, 2024

Christmas cake or pudding in festive decoration.

Top 8 alternatives to Christmas pudding to try this festive season

Delectable alternatives to traditional Christmas pudding

Fri, 13 Dec, 2024

Woman spent all her money during Christmas shopping

Caitríona Redmond: How to avoid 'stuffocation' and cut back on buying unnecessary things

Plus a recipe for limoncello, the perfect handmade Christmas gift

Thu, 12 Dec, 2024

Richard Hogan: Help! I'm worried my kids will prefer Christmas with my ex

Richard Hogan: Help! I'm worried my kids will prefer Christmas with my ex

Richard Hogan shares his advice on how to navigate Christmas with the kids after separating from your partner

Thu, 12 Dec, 2024

Traditional christmas and new year pastry on black wooden board. Flat lay. Copy space.

How to bake a modern Christmas cake if you find traditional cakes too rich

Michelle Darmody shares her recipe for a lighter version of a classic Christmas cake

Wed, 11 Dec, 2024

Try this recipe for Mark Moriarty's comforting roast ham for Christmas Day dinner

Try this recipe for Mark Moriarty's comforting roast ham for Christmas Day dinner

From Mark’s roast ham to two gorgeous gratins, let the oven do all the hard work this Christmas Day

Tue, 10 Dec, 2024

Panto review: Into the woods with Red Riding Hood at the Everyman

Panto review: Into the woods with Red Riding Hood at the Everyman

This is a panto made for the TikTok generation and it impressively holds little ones' attentions for over two hours

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

Thriftmas: How to make the best of Christmas with the whole family on a budget

Thriftmas: How to make the best of Christmas with the whole family on a budget

All it takes is a little imagination and planning to keep the costs of the festival season under control.

Sun, 08 Dec, 2024

Breakfast of champions: Five delicious recipes to start Christmas Day indulgently

Breakfast of champions: Five delicious recipes to start Christmas Day indulgently

Tuck in to these flavour-packed breakfast treats from Graham Herterich's new book, Cook

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Close up of an arrangement of Mince Pies against a plain pink background.

From Advent calendars to zesty cocktails, here's the A-Z of Christmas food

Bring on the seasonal nostalgia with luxury eats and festive treats, writes Ali Dunworth

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Starters orders: Soup and brown bread recipes from The Old Spot for your Christmas feast

Starters orders: Soup and brown bread recipes from The Old Spot for your Christmas feast

Chef Mark Ahessy of gastropub The Old Spot shares some of his popular recipes from The Old Spot Cookbook

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Family Christmas dinner for a celebration with red wine and cheers.

Say cheers: Leslie Williams shares the ultimate Christmas drinks guide

Choosing the perfect wines this Christmas need not be complicated, says Leslie Williams

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

woman in santa hat with champagne and sparklers in red room with gold canfeti.

Surviving party season: Have fun, and keep the consequences in check

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but festive celebrations can take a toll on our wellbeing. Check out our tips (including a hangover preventative) to help you enjoy the fun while keeping the negative effects in check

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Take five: Festive food swaps to cater for all tastes

Take five: Festive food swaps to cater for all tastes

Think outside the box for local, healthier, and dietary-specific festive food options

Fri, 06 Dec, 2024

Sparkle, sparkle: Nine ways to wear sequins this Christmas

Sparkle, sparkle: Nine ways to wear sequins this Christmas

"Prepare for dancing, prancing and mistletoe romancing, but mostly, prepare to look the part. That can only mean one thing—seasonally endorsed sequins."

Thu, 05 Dec, 2024

Richard Hogan: You are more than your Leaving Cert results

Richard Hogan: Think about Christmases of old — your presence is your present

"Even though I do love this season, it should come with a little warning for parents: We don’t have to buy our children everything for them to have a memorable Christmas."

Wed, 04 Dec, 2024

Christmas gift guide: What to get Gen Z? Great gift ideas for teenagers

Christmas gift guide: What to get Gen Z? Great gift ideas for teenagers

Mini fridges, Wooliee jumpers and Hydro Flasks are among the big-ticket bits for teens this Christmas

Tue, 03 Dec, 2024

Image of icing sugar being sifted onto batch homemade, mince pies, star shaped pastry lids, festive Christmas dessert of crispy

Mince pie, anyone? The history of a seasonal favourite

We're officially into Advent so it's time for some Christmas fare. Some say the mince pie was invented in Ireland. Whether that's true or not, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if we couldn’t devour at least one. Robert Hume delves into the evolution of today’s spicy tart

Mon, 02 Dec, 2024

Christmas gift guide: Food and drink gift inspiration from our food writer

Christmas gift guide: Food and drink gift inspiration from our food writer

Tasty tours, wine expertise, Irish-made cookbooks and the soft winter's apple

Mon, 02 Dec, 2024

Christmas gift guide: I'm a style editor and here are the fashion gifts I'd love to get

Christmas gift guide: I'm a style editor and here are the fashion gifts I'd love to get

Worldwide design influence, with Irish roots and heart

Mon, 02 Dec, 2024