Latest In lifestyle
E-health records for dead people
Sue Dunlevy National Health Reporter DEAD people are being given e-health records in the latest bungle involving the beleaguered $1 billion government program.
Queen of style’s Coast apartment
Hannah Sbeghen ELIZABETH McMahon’s highrise pad overlooking the ocean could very well be the envy of all women.
Coast mansion fit for a movie star
Aleisha Pidgeon IF WALLS could talk there would be a story or two coming from this Isle of Capri mansion.
ADF chiefs have priorities mixed up
Defence chiefs’ letter to the editor was just management waffle.
Teen cyberbullying scourge revealed
Lauren Wilson Social Affairs Writer DOCTORING images to humiliate classmates — some aged just 12 — is the latest vile trend of cyber bullies. These are some of the ways you can put a stop to it.
What Aussie men need to know
Em Rusciano AFTER a shocking week filled with a new level of ‘online douchery’, Em Rusciano has one message for the people raising the men of Australia.
‘I’ve hated the last 10 years of my life’
Rohan Smith THERE are some things society still refuses to talk about. One man decided he’d had enough of staying quiet about his struggle with depression.
Tax deductions for cars rev up
Anthony Keane TAXPAYERS are claiming larger work-related car expenses - but rule changes to be introduced this year are set to slow down many motorists.
Christmas
This is Christmas without any presents
THIS year Christmas had to be Christmas Lite. No gifts at all. Not to each other, not to our families, not to friends. Grit teeth, don’t look in stores and don’t look online.
How Boxing Day got its name
BRITAIN, Australia and Canada know the day after Christmas as a secular national holiday, but how many of us know why it’s celebrated?
Homeless react to unexpected gifts
DURING the Christmas rush, the homeless can fade into the background. But they were left stunned when teens give them unexpected Christmas presents.
Girl receives vile Christmas card
A CHRISTMAS card is meant to be a symbol of friendship and peace. This girl opened hers to find the exact opposite.
Firies save ducklings from drain
WHILE civilians were unwrapping their Christmas presents, big-hearted fire fighters were busy saving ducklings.
‘The light shines in darkness’
THE Queen has used her Christmas message to say light can triumph over the dark moments of the year.
‘Hello, is this planet Earth?’
A LUCKY woman just got an accidental Christmas call from space after astronaut Tim Peake misdialled her number.
‘You used to call me on my elf phone’
TAYLOR Swift has wrapped up her tour just in time to spend Christmas with boyfriend, Calvin Harris. See her adorable holiday snaps.
Obama’s favourite Xmas playlist
EVER wonder what music gets President Barack Obama in the Christmas mood? Sign in to Spotify to find out.
The astonishing money Christmas songs rake in
MARIAH Carey makes an obscene amount every time her Christmas hit is played. But believe it or not, she hasn’t topped the list of highest sellers this year.
The best (and worst) Xmas songs
MARIAH Carey makes an obscene amount of money every time her Christmas hit is played. Is it any wonder these stars have tried to write Christmas songs.
‘It stinks’: The people who hate Christmas
THEY like turkey, presents and being with loved ones, but there’s one very good reason why Christmas Day sucks for these people. Miss Colombia knows their pain.
Girl touches Elf on the Shelf, calls 911
A GIRL called 911 emergency after she touched her Elf on the Shelf and panicked that, as in the popular children’s book, the magic of Christmas would be lost.
Madonna and Ritchie in court over son
MADONNA’S teen son Rocco is sick of her and wants to spend Christmas with his dad, Guy Ritchie. Now a judge has intervened.
The world’s best Christmas lights
IF YOU thought your Christmas lights were the belle of the neighbourhood ball, take a look at this New York City suburb.
The Beatles’ Christmas gift to fans
BEATLES fans, rejoice! From Christmas Eve, you’ll be able to stream Hey Jude, Get Back and other classics.
Reality TV star out of prison
REAL Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Guidice will spend Christmas with her family after nearly a year behind bars.
The rise of the orphans’ Christmas
FORGET spending Christmas with your family. More and more young people are ditching tradition, and spending the big day with friends. And why not?
Heartbreaking letter to Santa
THIS is the letter Santa never got to see. A man made an amazing discovery when he opened his fireplace for a Christmas cleanout.
Entire town strikes it lucky in Spain
SOMEONE pop the bubbly in this Spanish town, where 1600 people have won an annual Christmas lottery at once.
Sydney car park’s three-hour traffic jam
CHRISTMAS shopping is hard enough without having to wait three hours to leave with your presents. But motorists in Sydney endured a nightmare yesterday.
This year’s 12 biggest Christmas Grinches
THEY’RE ruining photos, stealing presents and even banning Christmas altogether. As we celebrate, these people have forgotten their festive spirit.
‘I eat Christmas dinner every day’
A MUM who has eaten a Christmas dinner every day for the last 15 years is convinced it helps her keep in shape. Here’s why.
What Christmas dinner does to your body
NO MATTER how strict you normally are with your diet, chances are that all bets are off on Christmas Day. Here’s how to avoid a massive food coma.
The Christmas talk we must have
OPINION: FOR many people, Christmas isn’t awesome — in fact it can be really s***. We need to talk about it.
Mum’s heartbreaking final wish
ELLE Harris fought hard, but she didn’t make it to Christmas. Before she died last week, the mum of two had to make one last, tragic decision.
Sorry, you can’t be fat and fit
A HUGE new study has found slim people who do little exercise will live longer that fat people who exercise a lot.
Adorable real life ‘Elf on the Shelf’
SANTA Claus is coming to town, and his little elves are on watch. A Utah dad has turned his four-month-old son into a real life ‘Elf on the Shelf’.
How the uber rich spend their Christmas
IF YOU’RE not waking to exotic-skinned handbags under a tree of custom-made baubles, what’s the point? Here’s how the other half spends Christmas.
DJ’s good Christmas deed backfires
A RADIO host who wanted to get listeners in the holiday spirit locked himself in a studio to play Wham’s Last Christmas — on a loop.
Celebs who rock the Christmas jumper
IT’S the fashion trend taking the world by storm. But it just goes to show, it doesn’t matter how famous you are, these Christmas jumpers don’t look good on anyone.
You’re doing Santa presents wrong
DOES the fat man wrap his presents for your kids? And how many does he give? How can something so simple become so fraught?
Surviving Christmas with a broken family
LET’S face it, some holidays are going to be bloody awful. But there are a few tricks that will make Christmas bearable, no matter your situation.
Scientists uncover Christmas spirit
’TIS the season to be jolly. Scientists believe they have finally found the reason why some of us are Grinches, and others literally have Christmas on the brain.
Cyclone on the way for Christmas
YOU can stop wondering whether to stay indoors or hit the beach on Christmas Day. Here’s what the day has in store, including a potential cyclone.
Why families fight more at Christmas
CHRISTMAS not such a jolly occasion for your family? Arguments often boil over during the holidays — but there could be a way to stop it happening.
How to set the perfect Christmas table
THE biggest feast of the year has almost arrived. Here are a few handy hints for the perfect decorative spread.
Christmas disasters waiting to happen
CHRISTMAS is a time to relax and put all the year’s stresses behind you. But if you do it wrong, you could be spending your holidays in hospital.
Heartbreaking poem to missing William
THE parents of missing toddler William Tyrrell have written a poem to their boy as they face their second Christmas without him.
What happens when you’re drunk
IT’S that time of year where we all let our hair down with friends and family and have a drink — or ten. But here’s why you shouldn’t overdo it.
Answers for your Christmas dilemmas
LET’S face it: the festive season can be tough, particularly if your family ain’t exactly the Brady Bunch. But answers could just be a phone call away.
Did a newspaper just kill Santa?
OOPS! A Norwegian newspaper has been forced to apologise after publishing an obituary for Father Christmas. Somewhere, Rudolph is crying.
‘You just ruined a child’s life’
A GIRL, 10, has written a scathing yet hilarious letter to her parents after they revealed a Christmas secret. WARNING: Christmas spoiler alert.
When Christmas turns to tragedy
A HIJACKED plane, a deadly train crash, a famous murder and the worst tsunami in history all happened as families were preparing to celebrate the happiest time of year.
Christmas hack for maximum taste
CHRISTMAS hack: There’s a popular bathroom accessory that makes the best part of the holidays infinitely better. Hint: it’s not your hairbrush.
Simple ways to make the world better
YOU can’t help everyone but even if you don’t have a lot of money or time, there are small things you can do to make the world a better place.
Dear Santa, I’ve been a naughty mum
IT’S not easy to admit these parenting sins. But when it comes to the naughty and nice list, Kylie Orr knows exactly where she belongs.
The science of a perfect Christmas dinner
PERFECTING your Christmas spread can be stressful. A leading scientist claims there’s a way to nail the perfect turkey dinner.
What happens when Santa has to evacuate
JUST because you’re Santa, doesn’t mean you can jump on your sleigh and bail out of Sydney when a superstorm hits. Nope, you have to file out just like everyone else.
ISIS cops spray in Xmas lights show
POLICE were called to a massive Christmas lights display over concerns it was the work of a terrorist sympathiser. But what they found had them in stitches.
You can’t say this in New York
CHRISTMAS in New York is one of the most magical experiences. That is, until you say it. The one thing you’re not supposed to say.
8 treats to indulge in this Christmas
MOVE over Christmas pudding, there are new desserts in town. Try some of these decadent treats to get yourself in the holiday mood.
Love Actually? More like Stalk Actually
LOVE Actually has become a modern classic with its romantic tales and grand gestures of affection. But it’s also incredibly creepy.
Who stole the two-storey tall Santa?
SANTA has gone missing. Not just any Santa — a giant Santa. People are urged to keep a look out for the Grinch who stole Christmas.
This gift from Santa will warm your heart
A MAN working as a Santa at a shopping centre has sent out a powerful message for those struggling during this time of year.
How to avoid getting fat at Christmas
THE issue with gaining a couple of extra kilos at Christmas is that research shows we rarely lose it which offers even more incentive to prevent weight gain this silly season.
Why people are freaking out about this Starbucks cookie
A FESTIVE biscuit in the shape of a polar bear has sent customers into a flap. The problem is the poor creature’s bright red scarf.
10 conversations you need to stop having
WE ALL know them. The people we hate being stuck with at a party. So here are the 10 conversation topics you need to avoid.
The best Christmas shopping apps
MOBILE Christmas shopping is on the rise, but you’ll need to stick with the high performers to avoid frustration. Here’s our guide to the best apps.
How to save money over Christmas
CHRISTMAS can be a fun time of the year but many are left paying the bills for months afterwards. Here are easy ways to save money — without looking cheap.
Ho ho, oh no: Why Kris Kringles are terrible
IF YOU’RE going to participate in the office Kris Kringle, you may as well flush your money down the toilet. Here’s why.
Top 10 Christmas movies of all time
WE HAVE put together a Christmas movie playlist based on the best and biggest festive movies of all time.
‘We did lines off the bosses’ desks’
ORGIES, cocaine and coded messages that hide the debauchery. This is what really goes on at Aussie corporate Christmas parties.
What’s wrong with this massive pile of gifts?
HER children won’t be complaining, but a mum has been slammed and accused of “abusing” them after posting this photo online.
Is mum’s gift pile for kids ‘abuse’?
A MUM accused of “abusing” her kids after posting a photo of a pile of 300 Christmas presents she bought for them has hit back at online haters.
Stunningly simple cure for bad breath
IF YOU thought the only way to combat bad breath was to clean your teeth or rinse with some mouth wash, this hint will come as very welcome news.
Creepy dolls will scar your kids for life
WATCH your child’s delight turn to horror as they unwrap these gifts on Christmas morning.
Fury over ‘penis-shaped’ Christmas tree
A PHALLIC Christmas tree installed in a Russian town square has caused a stir, with some worrying it was a bad omen and meant a “hard upcoming year”.
Santa’s been turned into a hot hipster
SANTA as we know him has been given a makeover. Model Paul Mason has been hired by a Canadian Mall to pull his best Zoolander moves as ‘Fashion Santa.’
What to buy for the people you hate
HERE’S what to buy for that brother-in-law you can’t stand, or pretty much anyone who really deserves a metaphorical lump of coal this Christmas.
The biggest Christmas food fails
THERE’S nothing quite like the disappointment when your Pinterest-inspired cooking creation doesn’t quite turn out as planned.
You’ll pay big for pudding this Christmas
THE PROOF is in the pudding, and if you thought you could score yourself a delicious Christmas dessert on the cheap, think again.
This gran has a great set of balls
THIS gran is always prepared for Christmas — spending three months decorating her living room with 2530 baubles.
Sally’s big health challenge
WHILE the country kicks into festive party mode, Sally Obermeder is taking a healthier approach to ‘party month’.
Why the internet is killing Christmas
IF YOU want to keep your childs’ belief in Santa alive, get them away from the internet. Alternatively, there’s an app for that.
Is it OK to double-dip? Science knows
TO DOUBLE-dip or not to double-dip? That is the question. Science has the answer, once and for all.
Now THIS is how to party ...
DIAMONDS, drinks, ships and sports stars: the festive party season has officially slipped into overdrive.
10 signs it’s Christmas in Australia
HOW do you know it’s Christmas? The snow starts falling and the carollers start singing, right? Wrong. Welcome to Christmas in Australia.
A life you can only dream of
THERE aren’t many people who can say they live like Tyson Mayr. Here’s an insight into his extraordinary life and what’s up next for The Naked Traveller.
Home life: Home is where the heart is
OUR homes are more than just bricks and mortar. Why our homes are the centre of our universe?
Five tips for taking the best holiday snaps
THE holidays are full of perfect photo opps with plenty of social occasions to whip out your selfie stick. Here’s how to make your snaps memorable.
10 Instagram travel accounts you need to follow
NEED some travel inspiration for the holidays? We’ve got you covered with 10 amazing Instagram accounts worth following.
Play-D’oh: Penis-shaped toy ‘ruins Xmas’
WELL that’s awkward. Hasbro is in major damage control after releasing a toy accessory that doesn’t look, er, child-friendly.
Hospital’s bundles of Christmas joy
SOME lucky new parents got an extra special surprise this Christmas, when nurses wrapped their newborns in adorable stockings and tiny hats.
Why dad has kept tree up for 40yrs
NEIL Olson put up a Christmas tree in 1974, making a deal with his six children. So why is it still standing four decades later?
Man’s incredible gift to parents
WITH this heartwarming note to his mum and dad, Joe Riquelme reminds us what Christmas is all about - the spirit of giving... and filming the reaction.
Finally! Santa caught in the act
SEVEN-year old Evan asked his brother to set up a hidden camera on Christmas Eve to catch Santa in the act. What they captured was better than he could have imagined.
Food pyramid back to fight Xmas bulge
The humble food pyramid is staging a comeback just in time to beat the post-Christmas bulge.
‘So many tears this Christmas’
POPE Francis has condemned jihadist violence and the persecution of religious minorities in his Christmas message to the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
Man’s ultimate Christmas regret
IT’S a Christmas challenge Yule never forget. A man chugged one litre of creamy eggnog and still can’t believe what happened to him.
Christmas: You’re doing it wrong
HANDS up if you think you’re bad at Christmas? Never fear, the interweb is here to prove you are not alone.
Santa ‘broke, bloated and burnt out’
IN just one night Santa will consume 150 billion calories. Poor Rudolph and the rest of the reindeers.
Faithful flock to Bethlehem
CHRISTIAN pilgrims have gathered in the ‘little town’ of Bethlehem for Christmas, lifting spirits in the area after a year of conflict.
Why does Mrs Abbott look so sad?
PM TONY Abbott has released a Christmas message with a guest appearance by his wife, Margie. But what’s got her looking so glum?
‘The Rock’ wins best Christmas card
THINK your holiday greeting card is good? Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s has one uped you with his throwback and it’s officially better than yours.
This is how celebs do Christmas
TAYLOR Swift, Beyonce and Miley are spending Christmas 2014 in style and we have your sneak peek.
12 tips for a perfect Christmas feast
THE shops are shut, your turkey’s too big for the oven and you’ve got more people than food. Don’t get in a flap. We’ve got all the tips to get you through.
What’s the deal with Boxing Day?
WHY are the colours of Christmas red and green, where did Santa come from, why do we say ‘Xmas’ and what is Boxing Day? We’ll tell you.
Thriftmas is dead. Let’s go shopping
THINK we’re all counting our pennies in the lead-up to Christmas? Think again. New figures show we’re shopping up a storm as the silly season approaches.
How this mum feeds 34 kids at Christmas
THINK Christmas is busy at your place? Spare a thought for Jeane and Paul Briggs who have 34 children.
