The school holidays are nearly here and with it being so cold outside, it can be a challenge entertaining kids every day for two weeks.

There’s no need to join the elf on the shelf this Christmas, says Deirdre Reynolds, who talks to dating experts about finding a mate during the festive season.

In a major boost to Cork’s reputation as home to industry, Santa Claus has relocated his workshop from the North Pole to the banks of the Lee for the month of December.

Fancy a night or two away but not sure where to head? Here are a few of Esther N McCarthy’s top choices for a festive break.

Forget about the Christmas movies – these days it’s the big budget ads we want to see, writes Suzanne Harrington

With the festive season in full swing, many singletons are on the lookout for love, writes Deirdre Reynolds

You’ve all seen the John Lewis Christmas ad my now, right?

Why does Santa live in the North Pole – and how come adults never get to see him? These and other mysteries – such as just how fast his reindeer can fly, and how Mrs Claus feels about being home alone on Christmas Eve - are explained by the pint-sized Santa experts of Kilcrohane National School on West Cork’s remote Sheep’s Head Peninsula. Ailin Quinlan reports.

As the season warms up, Faith Ryan starts the hunt for that perfect gift.   

Emoji are sometimes the best way to communicate; they can be a lot more fun than typing out sentences at the very least. The good news for emoji fans is that 38 new icons are being considered.

No flies on kids these days: An app for tracking Santa, a dram of Smithwick’s to send him on his merry way but BETTER WATCH OUT — thanks to relentless public health messaging, even 8-year-olds now know drink driving is a no-no.

There are many things you don’t expect to do in your 20’s, and becoming Santa’s not-so-little helper would have topped my list, had I even considered it a possibility.

Take one sumptuous regency mansion, stuff it full of magical Christmas cheer, add in more than a sprinkle of goodwill and, hey presto — you have the perfect festive recipe for kids who deserve nothing less.

Seasons greetings from everybody here in the North Pole to all you Irish Examiner readers.

Ho ho ho — trips to Lapland to see Santa Claus have taken off again.

This community went above and beyond to show their support for little Ethan and his family.

As children queue to meet Santa, I surprise them by turning up and asking them what presents they want for Christmas, writes Mrs Claus.

Some people take just a few hours putting up their Christmas decorations.

From pantos to festive markets, Ed Power has the best Christmas events for kids and grown ups.

Astronomers are alerting sky watchers to be on the lookout for evidence of what appears to be meteor showers.

As festive stories go, the tale of the Priest who Stole Christmas was not one the locals of Lixnaw wanted broadcast, for reasons every parent understands.

You don’t have to spend a sleigh-load of money to visit a Christmas market. Continental-style chalets are popping up all over Ireland. Pól Ó Conghaile picks some of the best

You can have apps, ipps, opps, and maybe even oops this Christmas but when it comes to getting Santa’s attention, there’s nothing like getting out the pen or pencil, writing a letter, licking a stamp, and sending it off to the North Pole.

Lindsay Lohan is “not in a good place”.

It’s Mammy DNA to want a perfect Christmas, but when others are selfish you must delegate, says Áilín Quinlan

Dear Santa,

SO far life has taught me that you really do reap what you sow.

THE McMahon family from Clare had already received their best Christmas present ever when Santa called to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin yesterday.

Fred and Beryl Overty are a Christmas institution in Killarney.

WHILE visiting Santa’s grotto with my two children just before Christmas I found Mr Claus quite unsettled. Upon enquiry, it seemed Mr Claus’s distress was caused by Oliver Moore’s letter to him (December 23).

I HAVE always thought Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer needs someone to plant a corrective foot in his furry nether parts.

DANCE creator Michael Flatley will drive his Rolls Royce to Fota House next week during a two-day event aimed at putting broad smiles on the faces of 240 sick and vulnerable children.

Heiress Martha “Sunny” von Bulow has died after almost three decades in a coma that prosecutors tried to blame on her husband. She was 76.

AT this time of year, youngsters might be thinking about making that list and sending it off to Santa.