Donald Trump reportedly wants to buy Greenland, the world’s biggest island.

Next week, to celebrate her 70th birthday, Maura Ward and her son, Johnny, will climb Mount Fuji, in Japan. It’s not their first big trip, says Ailin Quinlan

From a distance, the standout feature on this lacustrine island in Lady’s Island Lake, Co Wexford, is of a solitary Monterey pine tree which dominates the character of the island.

Erling Kagge has trekked to both poles, including solo to the South, and through New York’s sewers, from the Bronx to the Atlantic. Who better to write a book on the virtues of walking, says Aileen C O’Reilly

Known as the aurora borealis, the phenomenon is usually best viewed in the north of Norway.

“Where are you going Mum?” enquired my son as I followed behind, giddily clearing two steps at a time with an ease which belied my dotage.

Santa, his reindeer and "a very, very large sleigh" have been given permission to enter Irish airspace at any point after 5pm this evening, the Government has announced.

Why does Santa live at the North Pole? How does he fit all those presents onto his sleigh? And how on earth does he get the reindeer to fly? These and many other Christmas mysteries are solved today by the Junior Infants of Gaelscoil Charraig Uí Leighin in Carrigaline, Co Cork. Áilín Quinlan reports

"Last year I heard Santa fall down the chimney, he landed on his butt. I saw him, and I heard him, because I was peeking"

Each year, there is one particular aspect of the festive season which gathers particular momentum. Normally, they are of the consumable variety and quickly become oversaturated. Beauty advent calendars anyone?

It’s time to plan ‘Twixmas’, your sneaky short break between Christmas and New Year.

Season’s Greetings to everyone from the enchanted North Pole!

An Irishman is planning a 1,400km trek between two Siberian towns, both of which claim to be the coldest on Earth. Temperatures can drop to minus 60C.

We need a smaller beef herd and an emphasis in dairy on premium products like cheese and ice-cream, writes Victoria White

Despite some challenges, we’re in better economic shape than the last time a big freeze hit, says Jim Power.

The ‘Beast from the East’ Siberian snow storm set to grip Ireland from tonight could cause as much havoc as the historic 1982 freeze that brought the country to a standstill.

Last Thursday theMinister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney announced on Twitter that he is “looking forward to finalising” a proposal “allowing Irish citizens all over the world have the option to vote in presidential elections — it will change and broaden the nature of the presidency for the better...”

Once upon a time, Santa was a quick visit in a department store, at the end of a day of shopping. How times have changed. From Beyond to Winterval, Ciara McDonnell and Vickie Maye round up the best festive experiences. 

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 was a sense of Christmases past, present, and future coming into focus as Manchester City played Leicester City in the League Cup this week, says Liam Mackey.

How do Santa’s reindeer fly? And what does Mrs Claus do on Christmas Eve, while Santa’s flying around the world? These and other mysteries are kindly explained to Áilín Quinlan by the junior infants of Kilgarriffe National School in Clonakilty, Co Cork.

It’S not quite predestination, but let’s be honest. You can pretty much tell the kind of adults children are going to be from very early on. Like, if you look at them closely in the cradle, writes Terry Prone. 

Lindsay Woods remembers a Christmas that stood out in her childhood

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.

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.

Tired of shopping for presents? Don’t feel like writing another card? Fear not. Suzanne Harrington has found the professionals who will look after Christmas for you

The PGA Championship is the final major of the year. Those 10 words will be bouncing around Rory McIlroy’s head in stereo. It has not been the year Rory expected but you have to play the ball as it lies, and despite a disappointing 2017, there is now cause for optimism.

By March this year, the Arctic had shrunk to the smallest size ever recorded but we have an opportunity to reverse these trends when the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization meets this week, says Ranulph Fiennes.

Ever wondered when spring has actually sprung? Dr Naomi Lavelle may have the answers as she takes us through the Spring equiox.

STEF PENNEY’s atmospheric The Tenderness of Wolves won the Costa Book of the Year award in 2006 for a murder mystery set in the Canadian tundra. 

A good festive deed has not gone unrewarded as donations have flooded in to help the daughter of a security guard who went above and beyond the call of duty at Christmas.

Santa may need a few more reindeer to get his sleigh around the world this Christmas as the animals are shrinking in, what scientists believe, is a side effect of climate change.

The boy then uttered his final words while Santa hugged him, and they were, “Santa, can you help me?”

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

As you can imagine it’s a busy time of year for Santa and his Elves in the North Pole.

More than 60,000 people visit Fota’s Christmas attraction each year. Marjorie Brennan checks out the preparations for Santa’s arrival

1. Neven Maguire’s Complete Family Cookbook