Decorating a Christmas tree for the first time? From history and family traditions to interior trends and home-made baubles, Caomhan Keane has all you need to know

It was once the biggest shopping day of the year, the day when entire families were “rigged out” for Christmas. Now it’s just like any other shopping day in the run-up to Christmas, say retailers.

THE Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray’s expected resignation from his post could be announced today, as attention turns to who will succeed him in the short term.

Pope John Paul II drove in his Popemobile yesterday to the heart of Rome to appear before several thousand worshippers and pray for peace and for victims of wars and violence.