It’s always worth wondering what big retail companies, and their image-makers, are trying to tell us about ourselves when the latest crop of Christmas advertisements reaches our screens. This year we are receiving very mixed messages.

Celebrated wedding planner's online auction is about to turn 'ho ho ho' into 'going, going, gone', writes CATHERINE SHANAHAN 

Ten questions from an interesting year in the worlds of film and television 

If you haven't yet seen the likes of Bad Sisters or the Sean Quinn documentary, they are available to stream over the holidays 

Easy ways to weave mindfulness through your Christmas

Blow off the cobwebs and strap on your hiking boots with Orla Neligan's pick of Munster's best walks, from coast to countryside

"There will of course be the down-to-earth checky-shirt-wearing Local Ride who teaches the High-Flying-Impatient Lawyer woman about what’s really important in life: Planning Permission."

On the second day of Christmas, every family in Ireland replaces the elf on the shelf with the slouch on the couch

"Still processing that one."

If you fancy traditional flavours without the large price tag, there are some options 

"Four o’clock on a Thursday, 10 days to Christmas, and the overhead lights are already burning small pale fire, ropes of yellow-white bulbs strung across building fronts and lampposts, grim rather than seasonal against the early dusk..."

It’s a hectic time of year for most, and the pressure can lead to arguments among couples with different priorities. Leading US relationship experts say focusing on small acts of kindness can help to diffuse the tension

From, ‘Why are you still single?’ to, ‘When are you having a baby?’ – here are some handy replies to have up your sleeve.

From new dramas to classic films, here are some of highlights of the TV and streaming networks' holiday schedules 

If you fancy taking a dip in arctic conditions this Sunday, we’ve rounded up a couple of spots where you can take the plunge

"Talk to your husband - be clear about the toll this takes on you and come up with a strategy together - have a code word you can use when you need him to step in on your behalf."

Ten questions to test your knowledge of popular music in 2022 

"Chocolate is the first one: if a pet eats more than one square of plain, or two squares of milk chocolate per 5kg body weight, they’re at serious risk of heart arrhythmias that can be fatal."

Eve Kelliher discovers how the celebrity favourite interior designer spends the festive season and gives it extra sparkle 

From Bono to Alan Rickman, Minnie Driver to Matthew Perry, it’s been another year of memoirs. So how did Pat Fitzpatrick fare when we asked him to read them all?

‘Tis the season when professional Santas go to school. Suzanne Harrington joined them to see what it takes to represent the man in red

The internationally renowned Marvel graphic artist talks comics, a new kind of career highlight, the second series of his much-loved RTÉ show and a real Cork Christmas with Maeve Lee

Ruth O'Connor's guide to inspiring ideas and beautiful things

This Much I Know: "If I set my mind to a task, I wouldn’t stop until I get that done. I can be determined and yet not be mean to someone."

Tom Breathnach heads to East Cork to sample the hospitality on offer at Ballymaloe House

People have been travelling from Australia, the US, the Middle East, as well as the UK and Europe, to get back to festivities in Cork

"If things go awry today and you forget a present, consider a voucher or subscription for one of the Irish-run wine websites or your local off-licence."

We call it the most wonderful time of the year, and it's easy to see why as Christmas gives us the opportunity to connect with family and friends. But you can do plenty to increase your happiness levels all year round through practising mindfulness, kindness and self-compassion

Plus: how to help the little ones handle Christmas Eve excitement!

Always have loads of leftovers? Lauren Taylor speaks to Kenny Tutt about preparing better and using everything up in clever ways.

Take the time to enjoy food with family and friends but don't forget to get outdoors for fresh air and exercise, says performance nutritionist Daniel Davey

Keep an eye out for bargains to stock a freezer

Should ‘old acquaintance be forgot’ unexpectedly drop by, take solace in knowing their visit won’t involve a sympathetic head tilt or worse - a group photo.

"Sometimes we can really question our levels of merriment: ‘I don’t have the Christmas feeling this year’ or ‘it doesn’t feel like Christmas at all’."

I had an abstract idea that Christmas existed beyond the county bounds, but how would it measure up?

The twinkling lights may just be for Christmas but it’s a year-long operation to create that festive magic. Eoin English went behind the scenes to meet the team that lights up Cork for Christmas

To help the young people in your life make the most of the days between December 25 and the return to school, we ask experts, parents and a grandparent for their top tips 

I’ve flown through world wars, uprisings, and pandemics. Why do I have this sense of foreboding that things are getting worse, especially for children?

The ultimate gift guide if you're conscious of your budget this Christmas

The worst thing for an Irish person to be thought of is mean. The English don’t seem to mind it too much, but we would rather die than have someone call us tight.

Nicole Glennon recently travelled Stateside where she saw another side to the Big Apple at Christmas time

The lead-up to December 25 often brings a kaleidoscope of memories spanning the years, but some stand out because they signify significant life changes. We ask four writers to recall an unforgettable season of goodwill 

Books help children understand the world around them, so all the more reason to give a young person in your life the gift of a book for Christmas. Trish Hennessy selects ten of her favourite Irish picture books for under fives

Supermarkets are very clever at getting us to part with our hard-earned cash and a lot of research goes into how stores are laid out and where items are placed. You have to shop smart to overcome the tricks they play.