Christmas is here again to cheer us with love, joy, good health and peace. With hustle and bustle of Christmas, let us take some time to think about celebrating

The European holiday traditions that predate - and became an inseparable part of - Christmas have been explored by Maria Kennedy, an instructor of folklore

Christmas is the synonym for cheer, festivities, gifts, food, family, friends, and a whole lot of fun. We tend to indulge in our favorite food over the festive season.

From hellebores to roses, our gardening expert selects the best for warmer winters

This year’s carol was specially commissioned by the FT with the help of Nicola Clase, Sweden’s ambassador to the UK. Jane Owen talks to Clase about the piece, which was composed by Johan Hugosson and features lyrics adapted from medieval Scandinavian rune poems. It is sung by the choir of Stockholms Musikgymnasium conducted by Bengt Ollen.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Greg Lake died this week, and this track remains an enduring Christmas classic. Credit: Syco Music, Universal, Decca, Symphonia  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What makes a good Christmas song? Should it be cheesy or serious? And why do millennials love them? 

FT pop writers discuss festive classics old and new - from carols to Mariah Carey, Greg Lake to Phil Spector, Sufjan Stevens to Run-DMC. Plus, which 2017's best Christmas song: Gwen Stefani's 'You Make it Feel Like Christmas' or Sia's 'Santa's Coming for Us'?

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From Muscat to Madeira, the best — and best-value — tipples for the festive season

Misjudged commercial is an example of an especially troublesome type of marketing mistake

From social mobility to how tax policy has shaped our history — and future

Get ready for Christmas with these recipes from a new book by Lady Carnarvon, chatelaine of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey. Pictured, Christmas cake.

Get ready for Christmas with these recipes from a new book by Lady Carnarvon, chatelaine of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey. Pictured, Christmas pudding.

The annual 20ft Norwegian Spruce has been hoisted at Downton Abbey's Highclere Castle. It is the same traditional tree as Trafalgar Square and the job requires a structured plan.

During an interview at Tuesday's NTAs on Tuesday, the screen star, 41, insisted singing the rendition of The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's tune  'felt appropriate'.

Elizabeth Hurley was at it again on Tuesday, when the English actress took to Instagram to post a picture of herself sans bra beneath a sparkly blazer.

The former TOWIE star, 32, shared a picture of his wife, 32, mother, 59, sisters Jess, 34, with her beau William, and Natalya, 19, brother Josh, 30, and his wife Hollie posing in front of a Christmas tree.

The Wright family - including Mark, 32, and his wife Michelle Keegan, also 32 - provided fans with an inside peek into their wild Christmas in a series of Instagram snaps on Wednesday.

Amir Khan has hit back at trolls who criticised him after he shared a photo of him and his family enjoying the festive period in front of a Christmas tree.

The Magic Mike actor, 29, popped the question on Christmas Eve, marking the third time he has been engaged, with the happy couple announcing the news on New Year's Eve.

The singer, 27, who recently settled the details of her divorce from husband Liam Hemsowrth, 29, posted three photos of her family to Instagram on Christmas Eve.

He's been through a tough year, after splitting with wife Miley Cyrus following just 10 months of marriage.

Sports stars around the world are celebrating Christmas in style as they enjoy a break from their hectic training and playing schedules. Most then took to Instagram to post their pictures.

While the topless photographs are sure to please his admirers, the Olympic medallist took some persuading to pose for the four-hour shoot - despite his impressive physique.

Liz Hurley and Louis Smith have joined Coleen Rooney, Nigella Lawson and legions of other stars in posting pictures of their festive celebrations on Twitter.

This year's Strictly Come Dancing special sees Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Louis Smith and Rachel Stevens returns alongside Lisa Riley and Russel Grant. Bruce Forsyth will be back to present the show.

Speaking on his Heart Radio show, the presenter said that he had to grovel to his spouse, both 32, after he decided forego her tradition of watching films with a buffet of snacks to head to the pub.

Miley Cyrus was sharing the holiday love nice and early on Tuesday with a series of throwback Christmas videos for her 101 million followers.

MasterChef judge, George Calombaris has vowed to shed 6.4kg by Christmas in his 'eyesore' home gym.

Starbucks, Costa, Pret, Starbucks and Greggs have unveiled Christmas menus, but while prices appear more expensive, it's cheaper than buying a regular coffee and adding flavours and creams.

Aileen Shah, Sarah Phillips and Becky Evans already have their Christmas trees up and say 'it's time' after Guy Fawkes night. They say the 'Christmas spirit can't start soon enough'.

Online beauty retailer Escentual has analysed sales figures to reveal the top ten male scents for Christmas 2019, and retro fragrances released in the '90s and noughties dominate the list.

The Edward Scissorhands actor, 56, and Vanessa, 47, split in 2012 following a 14-year relationship.

Travel Online have released a number of last minute deals ahead of the Christmas season, with flights and accommodation to Bali, Fiji, Queensland and Thailand up to 50 per cent off.

The 44-year-old Oscar winner's father Jon Voight was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Donald Trump on Thursday

Jolie has arranged for the kids to spend the holidays with ex Brad Pitt: 'They will share time with the kids equally over Christmas, that is how they did it last year and this year will be no different.'

She will stay in LA for the holidays, so the kids can see their dad: 'They will share time with the kids equally over Christmas, that is how they did it last year and this year will be no different.'

Actor Joel McIlroy, 46, allegedly repeatedly punched a 29-year-old policewoman during a scuffle in the inner-city of Sydney, putting the senior constable in hospital.

She has had a tough few months after police took out an AVO against her husband-of-nine-years, former NRL star Stuart Webb.

Christmas is said to be the most wonderful time of the year. 

With Christmas just around the corner, the Home and Away cast have opened up about what they have planned for the silly season.

She portrayed Cassie Turner on Home and Away before moving to Los Angeles over a decade ago.

Bec Hewitt starred on Home and Away, and her husband Lleyton is an international tennis champion. 

Now that the holidays are over, Adam Levine is getting back to his workout routine in Los Angeles.

The latest creation, which was spotted on Roberto Cavallim Temperley and Dolce & Gabbana's catwalks this season, is the perfect accessory for Christmas parties and the must-have stocking filler.

Binky has started her Christmas shopping early this year to avoid the rush. Here she shares what the stars of MIC can expect to receive under the tree, whether scented candles or sexy lingerie.

Actor Joel McIlroy, 46, allegedly repeatedly punched a 29-year-old policewoman during a scuffle in the inner-city of Sydney, putting the senior constable in hospital.

DOMINIC LAWSON: Florence Widdicombe opened a pack of Tesco charity Christmas cards and found on one a note from a prisoner in China declaring that he had been forced to do this work.

Princess Charlotte has asked for a pony for Christmas, according to new reports.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2019 Christmas card featuring their children Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis has been shared online.

Floyd Mayweather revealed he gifted his oldest daughter, Iyanna, a $152,500 car for Christmas. Instagram photos show the car as a 2020 AMG G 63 SUV built by Mercedes-Benz.