Christmas
NZ's Xmas history one of feasting, not praying - academic
Some people lament the loss of the religious meaning of Christmas, but a religious academic says early European settlers were more interested in food than church on Christmas Day.
Helping with free lunch 'captures the essence of Christmas'
For the 600 volunteers helping out with the Auckland City Mission's Christmas lunch today, getting the chance to give something back makes it the happiest day of the year.
A Christmas Playlist
Tired of the same carols on repeat? Clarissa Dunn and Cynthia Morahan asked colleagues and friends from the music community to contribute some of their favourites to a Christmas Playlist. Video
Christmas charity: An 'attitude for gratitude'
Hundreds of volunteers will prepare Christmas lunches for the less fortunate today, and some Christchurch kids have been helping raise money for the homeless.
Christmas weather: Mild temperatures for most of NZ
It should be a mild Christmas Day for most of New Zealand, with light showers in some regions in the morning expected to fade away by the afternoon.
Naughty or nice? Who really gets the Christmas goodies?
Dr Chris Smith of The Naked Scientists with groundbreaking research that must already be one of the front runners for this year's Ig Nobel science awards. For the first time there is empirical… Audio
The history of Christmas Dinner
Kathryn Ryan talks to Katie Cooper, a historian at Te Papa who's an expert in the social history of food in New Zealand with a particular interest in rural areas during the colonial period. She's just… Audio
What's the best free gift you can give someone for Christmas?
Not every present has to be purchased. We took to the streets to hear what free gifts people are giving this year. Audio
A Christmas message from United Future
A Christmas message from United Future leader Peter Dunne. Audio
A Christmas message from the Act Party
A Christmas message from Act Party leader David Seymour. Audio
Tongan Christmas in Salt Lake City
Bev Uipi is a city councilor in Millcreek City, a township bordering Salt Lake City. Utah is home to more people of pacific descent than anywere else in continental USA. We'll ask her about her… Audio
'Tis the season to feel stressed
As bills mount and stress builds, doctors are encouraging people to lower their expectations of Christmas in order to have a calm day. Audio
Nashville Babylon: Christmas spirit
On this week's show Mark Rogers gets into the Christmas spirit with tracks from Bob Dylan, BB King, Alma Cogan, The Handsome Family and The Staple Singers… Audio
Auckland City Mission pleads for donations amid Xmas rush
Auckland City Mission says more than 300 families are queueing for food and presents every day, and it needs more donations to meet demand. Video, Audio
Santa Special
William Dart returns to one of his favourite topics: songs about the Big Man in Red. In this edition, tracks by The Bird and The Bee, Joel Grey, Kay Martin, Wendyhouse and others. Audio
Rain forecast for Christmas day
The MetService has put out its first weather forecast for Christmas day and it's not looking good for the summer barbeques.
Christmas spending pressure
Are you wise to the subtle and not so subtle pressures to spend at Christmas? Audio
Handel - Messiah Part 1
Madeleine Pierard (soprano), Christopher Field (countertenor), Henry Choo (tenor), James Clayton (bass), The Tudor Consort with NZ Symphony Orchestra conducted by Graham Abbott. Introduced by… Audio
Handel - Messiah, interval
MESSIAH: Interview with Handel specialist Graham Abbott. Audio
Handel - Messiah Part 2
Madeleine Pierard (soprano), Christopher Field (countertenor), Henry Choo (tenor), James Clayton (bass), The Tudor Consort with NZ Symphony Orchestra conducted by Graham Abbott. Introduced by… Audio
