Seeking inspiration? The 50 Best Christmas gifts for him

From moisturisers and shaving kits to soaps and shower gels, stylist Lee Holmes has all you need to look and feel great this winter

The authors of ‘The Art of Being Middle Class’ present their essential guide to surviving yuletide, from what gifts really mean to which guilty pleasures are socially acceptable (...and which most certainly aren’t)

23 December

Take the stress out of Christmas Day by keeping the cooking to a minimum – you really don’t need any more than a nice joint, a couple of veggies and one of these fantastic recipes, says Bill Granger.

The night before Christmas can be a great time to get a few friends around for a gentle knees-up, before or after midnight mass (if you go, that is). I always think that a really good Christmas Eve sort of rolls into Christmas Day, in the sense that the festive spirit is well and truly upon us by then.

Some routes are just made for walking when crisp, cold weather sets in. From the highest peaks to tree-lined lanes, Mark Rowe finds festive perambulations for all the family to enjoy

Will this year’s festivities survive the economic party-pooping?

From last-minute stocking fillers to weighty tomes to curl up by the fire with, Sophie Morris has great gift ideas for the literature lovers in your life

Striving to produce the perfect festive meal is a recipe for frayed tempers in the kitchen. Gillian Orr gets advice on cutting a few corners on the big day.

Looking for bargain bubbly, full-bodied reds, aromatic whites or the stickiest dessert wine? Terry Kirby has all you need to kickstart the festive season

From the choicest cuts of meat to the finest wines and sweetest treats, we’ve got all you need for a festive feast

The traditional Christmas bird may not be cheap, says Anthea Gerrie, but with its uniquely delicious fat and crispy crackling, it’s a festive feast that keeps on giving

The best pictures celebrating the festive season

Get the shed, garage, office and even the living room nice and toasty with these portable fans, fires and radiators

From pantomimes to family fun, discerning theatre to slapstick silliness, we've got the pick of the shows this festive season - even for the bah humbugs among you