One thing is for sure - saying thank you is a nice thing to do. It makes you feel good, and makes the receiver feel valued. We may not subscribe to the hand written parchments of old, with ruler straight lines and wafty words of gratitude penned from inky quills, but we do still subscribe to basics of liking to give and liking to be thanked.

It's now the middle of January, which means that we've been in the New Year now for two weeks and if you're like me then you've been breathing a sigh of relief as you start to get back into your regular routine, as you've waved goodbye to that festive devil that is otherwise known as Christmas.

During this season charity fund raisers actively appeal for the disadvantaged. They almost universally don't ask for presents - much preferring you donate cash - because this is pragmatically the most useful contribution you could make. If it's obviously more helpful than other gifts in the domain of charity, so economists remain perplexed as to the irrational paradox of continuing to buy each other 'suboptimal' presents?

'Tis the season to bicker all the way to the in-laws, or is it? Here's some popular disputes and how to prevent them.

Halloween has passed, the time for witches and evil, so I've been thinking of what to get my Mother for Christmas. My Mother is a difficult person to buy for, although possibly not for the reasons one would imagine.

You might think that Christmas is a million miles away, but if you want enjoy a little hot wine and pre-Xmas cheer, now's the time to book your trip. ...

Swathes of lurid elf-print wrapping paper have been stuffed into a bin liner by your stoically efficient mother. Everyone is feeling fat, unattractive and a bit queasy from the Bailey's sugar rush and you're all desperate to go your respective ways before strained relations snap after three solid days of housebound family time.

We’ve all been there. Another pair of grandma’s home knitted socks, PJ’s three sizes too small or a hideous scarf best suited for the dog basket...

Children prefer a traditional Christmas and would rather spend time with their family than receive presents, according to a new study. Researchers ...

From cult classics for beauty aficionados to fragrances for fashionistas and the ultimate luxury pampering packs, make all her Christmases come at onc...

Almost half of grandparents are worried about the cost of Christmas, a survey has found. The research, conducted by grandparents' so...

Four out of 10 Britons who celebrate Christmas (42%) will rein in their spending on presents this year, a survey has revealed. The Which? resear...

If, like me, you leave 'it' until the last minute you'll know how stressful it can be. Panic lists, crowds, panic buys, crowds, panic attacks...CROWDS. Come Christmas eve, whilst my smug, organised friends are relaxing by the tree sipping mulled wine, I'm the one running up and down Oxford Street, crying.