WISHING you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas from all of us at the Herald Sun.
WANT to send your stuff toys on a tour of Tokyo? Ever thought about stealing the COUCH from a hotel?
IT'S not hard to warm to what the new Disney animated fantasy Frozen has in store for all ages.
Read MoreWE'VE toured the country for the brightest displays. Are Victoria's the best? Vote now. | Melbourne map
Read MoreSusie O'Brien Santa symbol of children's innocence
![Santa symbol of children's i...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/094255-b5e15e0e-6b79-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
SUSIE O'BRIEN FOR all its commercialism, Christmas is a magical time, especially for children - and Santa is central to that whether the killjoys like it or not.
Baz Blakeney Life's a beach when you're coasting
![Life's a beach when yo...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/170872-1b1608c8-6b53-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
BAZ BLAKENEY OUR coastline defines Australia in many ways, both in our eyes and the eyes of the world. Being creatures of the ocean is just our natural state.
Paul Ronalds Do help those who live in need
![Do help those who live in need](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/140907-743d2b34-6b99-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
PAUL RONALDS AUSTRALIANS have a reputation for generosity and this year, from Syria and Jordan to the Philippines, children and their families need help.
Nuclear threat No tolerance for Iran's monkey tricks
![No tolerance for Iran's monke...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/22/1226788/416570-00b6c9cc-6914-11e3-b1c2-12026a975936.jpg)
ALAN HOWE IRAN may have sent a monkey into space but that doesn't alter the fact that it is a backward nation ruled by dangerous extremists.
Wendy Tuohy Wendy Tuohy at The Perch
![Wendy Tuohy](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://media.heraldsun.com.au/fe/unify/images/blog-feed-wendy.jpg)
Wendy Tuohy Read Wendy’s latest blog post and have your say on the topics that matter.
From around the site
My 'orgy' with Leonardo DiCaprio
![My 'orgy' with Leon...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/489568-1f030fb6-6c4e-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
FROM extras hitting on Leo to the 'intimidating' audition process, here's what really happened on The Wolf of Wall Street.
Stir over Bingle's latest topless pic
![Stir over Bingle's latest top...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/331082-bb59710c-6c21-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
SAM Worthington is one lucky man and he wants the world to know. The actor took a picture of his new girlfriend in bed wearing nothing but a G-string.
Is it time for 'Fat Barbie'?
![Is it time for 'Fat Bar...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/456624-4fce265a-6c24-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
A PLUS-SIZE Barbie doll has sparked a heated debate about the doll's impact on body image.
CelebCon: Christmas is here!
![CelebCon: Christmas is here!](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226788/836870-b2507fd6-6b6a-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
Christmas is here and we take a look at how your favourite celebs are celebrating the holiday season. Featuring Beyonce, Rihanna and Miley C...
Nat Geo's best travel photos of 2013
![Nat Geo's best travel photos...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/20/1226787/442067-1b1a5b3c-6859-11e3-b1c2-12026a975936.jpg)
TAKE a look at 10 amazing images from National Geographic Travel's daily photo feature, Travel 365.
Victoria
Bad drivers nabbed for 15,000 offences
![Bad drivers nabbed for 15,000 offences](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/536486-164b68e0-6c72-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
Alex White POLICE have nabbed hundreds of dodgy drivers committing more than 15,000 offences during the summer crackdown on Victorian roads.
Car vandals break Christmas cheer
![Car vandals break Christmas cheer](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/526657-6f277526-6c54-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
POLICE have warned of a wave of car break-ins after vandals broke into eight vehicles in Melbourne's north east overnight.
Victoria
We're shopping until we drop
![We're shopping until w...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/532193-fbd78eca-6c72-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
EXPECT a lot of presents and lots of food over Christmas as we've spent a staggering $29.6 billion, with another $13.1 billion to go on the sales.
Villawood Asylum seeker gets Christmas reprieve
![Asylum seeker gets Christmas reprieve](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/462525-386aff02-6c4b-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
A 21-YEAR-OLD asylum seeker who was to be deported to Iraq where he says he could face a firing squad has won a temporary reprieve.
Fatal car bomb at Egypt police HQ
![Fatal car bomb at Egypt police HQ](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/545111-d325fc50-6c7c-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
A CAR bomb tore through an Egyptian police headquarters, killing at least 14 people, in another attack on the military-installed authorities.
Banned for flying flag upside down
![Banned for flying flag upside down](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/538082-afc774f4-6c78-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
SRI Lanka has barred the Australian owner of an exclusive hotel from returning to his adopted homeland after he flew the national flag upside down.
Amelia back on a high note
![Amelia back on a high note](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/373107-6249fad2-6b77-11e3-aebf-9ee093994d98.jpg)
Laura Jolly FOR the first time in three years, Amelia Ahlstroem is able to sing Christmas carols after life-changing surgery fixed her throat.
Baa-d Christmas present for Ho
![Baa-d Christmas present for Ho](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/418022-04b8c00c-6c34-11e3-aa3c-e3f5e2bbedfd.jpg)
Julian Kennedy SPRINGVALE'S Vu Ho is prepared to go to jail after his appeal to save his beloved pet sheep Baa was rejected by the High Court.
Dog rescued after falling through ice
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://content5.video.news.com.au/NDM_-_news.com.au/267/154/2426562028_MGngRNnbuHoiqTJH4xMDoxOjBtO_wVGe_152x86_2426562186-hero-thumb.jpg)
Police officers don cold water survival suits to rescue a dog that fell through ice in Massachusetts. Courtesy: Wellesley Police
1:59Don't suck at new year's resolutions
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://content5.video.news.com.au/NDM_-_news.com.au/267/180/2426588382_promo212127819_152x86_2426589408-hero-thumb.jpg)
Learn five simple ways to be the best next year and stay on track with your life goals.
3:15Worst Christmas gifts
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://content5.video.news.com.au/NDM_CP_-_Fox_Sports/267/178/FSD_241213_2013_XMAS_GIFT_WORST_152x86_2426586284-hero-thumb.jpg)
Sports personalities from across Australia have recalled some of the worst christmas gifts they have every been given.
0:52Phonecrashing at the airport
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://content5.video.news.com.au/NDM_-_news.com.au/267/82/2426488758_E-HI8y-Omg85H4KX4xMDoxOjBtO_wVGe_152x86_2426487148-hero-thumb.jpg)
Greg Benson takes revenge on people talking loudly on their mobile phones at the airport.Courtesy: Greg Benson
3:10Most Viewed
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Staff payouts cost Dees, Saints
MELBOURNE'S purge of senior staff cost the club more than $1.8 million, with the Dees racking up $3.1 million in losses.
Police slam silly Billie over car selfie
![Police slam silly Billie over car selfie](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/407450-f71493e0-6c24-11e3-8f0f-08d285a22398.jpg)
UPDATE: POLICE have slammed Geelong Cats footballer Billie Smedts for taking a "selfie" while behind the wheel.
League backs Demon pokies
![League backs Demon pokies](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/071884-e11ae0aa-6ba0-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
THE Demons took $11.2m in gaming and social club revenue in 2013, with the AFL partly guaranteeing Melbourne's loan.
MCG ton to cap big year for Warner
AUSTRALIANS having to work hard to conceal shock at how England's campaign fell apart in this Ashes series.
Poms put in hard yards
![Poms put in hard yards](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/522747-dde92580-6c64-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
ENGLAND players train ahead of the Boxing Day Test, enjoying the Melbourne weather on Christmas Eve.
Beat the bookie on Boxing Day
![Beat the bookie on Boxing Day](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/540784-6ec2a952-6c72-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
PUSH the Christmas pudding aside, grab the form guide, it's time to find decent-priced winner on one of the biggest racing days on the calendar on Thursday.
Lisicki says Christmas can wait
![Lisicki says Christmas can wait](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/521278-689c32c8-6c5e-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
SABINE Lisicki is keeping her Christmas festivities to a minimum as she prepares for her assault at the Brisbane International.
Pietersen rebuffs retirement talk
![Pietersen rebuffs retirement talk](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/491907-b7b0d8b2-6c56-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
ENGLAND batsman Kevin Pietersen says he still has the desire to play for his country despite being disappointed with his form.
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Cops to wear cameras in $25k trial
POLICE expect video cameras worn by officers in Melbourne's southeast will curb idiot behaviour over the summer.
Beauty bashed to death with hockey stick
![Beauty bashed to death with hockey stick](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/408693-8ab44286-6c2e-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
A VIOLENT predator has been sentenced for killing his girlfriend days after he was released from prison in a sickening attack with a hockey stick.
Aussies spending Christmas in jail
![Aussies spending Christmas in jail](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/240365-b4e52452-6919-11e3-879d-630c394bcc3d.jpg)
THESE are some of the faces of the more than 500 Australians who will spend their Christmas arrested or in prisons overseas.
Aussie navy raid nails pirates
![Aussie navy raid nails pirates](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/260936-b5fe9b38-6b63-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
IT reads like the script of Tom Hanks' blockbuster Captain Phillips - except this time it was the good guys hunting and boarding the bad guys in the Arabian Sea.
Four guns stolen in Carrum Downs
![Four guns stolen in Carrum Downs](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/337277-f97d95f2-6c27-11e3-aebf-9ee093994d98.jpg)
POLICE are hunting four guns stolen from a locked cabinet at a Carrum Downs home.
Kevin Bacon's 12 degrees of Xmas
FORGET turkey, it's all about Bacon this Christmas ... Kevin Bacon. The Footloose star has released a hilarious festive video.
Lid lifted on Saatchi's strange habits
![Charles Saatchi](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/25/1226789/577148-charles-saatchi.jpg)
CHARLES Saatchi is a creature of habit, according to his former housekeepers, wearing one of his 12 identical $1900 suits everyday.
My 'orgy' with Leonardo DiCaprio
![My 'orgy' with Leon...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/489568-1f030fb6-6c4e-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
FROM extras hitting on Leo to the 'intimidating' audition process, here's what really happened on The Wolf of Wall Street.
Weddings and babies of 2013
![Weddings and babies of 2013](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/517053-3d873114-6b73-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
IF it wasn't wedding bells that had everyone gushy in 2013, it was the babies that held our attention during the year.
Escape Claus: Santa's Outback journey
SANTA made sure he made it to of Australia's remotest places early this year, travelling and carolling with Ricki-Lee Coulter.
Backpackers flock to Jesus' home town
NAZARETH, the childhood home of Christ, has become a bourgeoning backpacker destination, offering hiking, history and hommus.
How to become a career traveller
![How to become a career traveller](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/21/1226787/852080-15c55618-6977-11e3-b1c2-12026a975936.jpg)
PACK your bags! Here are 10 top jobs that will have you travelling the world - and some of them might surprise you.
Weirdest silly season travel tales
![Weirdest silly season travel tales](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/21/1226787/832723-219482c8-6965-11e3-879d-630c394bcc3d.jpg)
TRAVELLING toys, hotel guests sampling the chandeliers and fart-stopping cushions ... the silly season of travel has started.
Three new hearts for family
![heart transplants](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/571885-heart-transplants.jpg)
THE triple-transplant Kremises are a rarity even in the world of advanced cardiac specialty medicine.
Saputo lifts Warrnambool Cheese stake
CANADIAN dairy firm Saputo has increased its stake in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter to almost 18 per cent.
Rio eyes dumping Alaskan mine stake
![Rio eyes dumping Alaskan mine stake](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/484243-16a03308-6c53-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
RIO Tinto could dump its 19.1 per cent stake in a proposed copper and gold mine in Alaska that has been opposed by the local community.
Big banks face dividend rethink
![Big banks face dividend rethink](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/115073-a10a3d4c-6b98-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
AUSTRALIA'S main banks will come under pressure to review dividends after the regulator announced they would be forced to bolster their books.
Retailer's man for all seasons
![Retailer's man for all s...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/087097-612e3156-6b66-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
WHILE other retailers have their price guns poised to mark down stock for the opening minutes of Boxing Day, for Kmart it will be business as usual.
Nation of big spenders for Christmas
![Nation of big spenders for Christmas](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/037611-6ecbc73e-6b97-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
AUSTRALIANS have been spending more than a billion dollars a day in the final shopping rush before Christmas.
Watpac wins $80m St Kilda contract
![Watpac wins $80m St Kilda contract](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226788/998760-4411140e-6b8d-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
CONSTRUCTION firm and property developer Watpac has won a contract worth more than $80 million to build the STK Apartments residential tower.
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Agents 'caught having sex in listed home'
TWO real estate agents are being sued for allegedly using a home they were supposed to be selling for late-night sex sessions.
Marina moorings become prime real estate
![Marina moorings become prime real estate](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/020500-ccba5ee4-677a-11e3-8528-5b4b444399ba.jpg)
A NEW class of real estate has emerged that has buyers paying up to $410,000 for a muddy patch of dirt no more than 15m in length.
Inside King Henry's love nest
![Inside King Henry's lov...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226788/942337-b68b2266-6b62-11e3-af23-8bbd4004b6c0.jpg)
AN 800-year-old house which was once the home of two of Henry VIII's wives has been put up for sale. Check out the photographs inside this historic home.
Holidays hot auction time
![Holidays hot auction time](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/21/1226787/952599-ce372878-63d4-11e3-a0eb-d5262374c385.jpg)
AUCTIONING your home just four days before Christmas may seem like a nightmare, but looming holidays, or not, hundreds of last-minute properties will be on the auction block this weekend.
Private school land grab
![Private school land grab](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/21/1226787/950727-a3a8bf64-68f6-11e3-bdad-d26236de09de.jpg)
ELITE private schools are snapping up properties and turning themselves into Sydney's wealthiest landholders - despite still receiving government funding.
Snowden: My mission is accomplished
NSA leaker Edward Snowden said his "mission's already accomplished" after revealing secrets that have caused a reassessment of US policies.
NASA's dazzling new images of Saturn
![NASA's dazzling new images o...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/479722-5a588d36-6c51-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
A NASA spacecraft has released dazzling new images of the ringed planet Saturn and its moon as a Christmas greeting.
Man jailed for making fun of Dubai
![Shezanne Cassim posted a parody video about youth culture in Dubai. Picture: AP](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/202327-6ee61412-57d4-11e3-8974-69a7d7a3124c.jpg)
AN AMERICAN has been jailed for a year for making a satirical video that pokes fun at the "gangsta" youth culture in Dubai.
Pirate: 'US stole my Bitcoins'
![Ross William Ulbricht](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/10/04/1226731/945114-ross-william-ulbricht.jpg)
THE internet "pirate" accused of running the notorious illegal-drug-peddling website Silk Road claims that the feds are the real buccaneers.
Are you an iZombie?
![Are you an iZombie?](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/208007-48aaa58c-6bd5-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
APPLE's latest Christmas ad shows a teen becoming more connected with his family through technology. But is this message true? Or are we turning into a bunch of disconnected loners?
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Santa symbol of children's innocence
![Santa symbol of children's i...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2013/12/23/1226789/094255-b5e15e0e-6b79-11e3-ad42-df39793a2c66.jpg)
FOR all its commercialism, Christmas is a magical time, especially for children - and Santa is central to that whether the killjoys like it or not.
We're shopping until we drop
![We're shopping until w...](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/532193-fbd78eca-6c72-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
EXPECT a lot of presents and lots of food over Christmas as we've spent a staggering $29.6 billion, with another $13.1 billion to go on the sales.
Banned for flying flag upside down
![Banned for flying flag upside down](http://web.archive.org./web/20131224135854im_/http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2013/12/24/1226789/538082-afc774f4-6c78-11e3-a184-cfa98bc96cc6.jpg)
SRI Lanka has barred the Australian owner of an exclusive hotel from returning to his adopted homeland after he flew the national flag upside down.
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