“Christmas Poems” by Wendy Cope At a time of year when everything can become overly sentimental – profound words lost in tossed Hallmark cards – it is a parodist with a keen eye for observational humour that society needs.

●●●●● ‘Tis the season to quote dreadful verse from carols no one ever wanted to hear, and dodging family members asking how you spent last year failing every single last one of your modules in college. When I first encountered … Continue reading “Christmas Poems” by Wendy Cope At a time of year when everything can become overly sentimental – profound words lost in tossed Hallmark cards – it is a parodist with a keen eye for observational humour that society needs.

The Book Flood: Exploring the Icelandic tradition of book-giving at Christmas Stop dreaming of a White Christmas - an Icelandic Christmas is where it’s at

Instead of discussing who the Black Hood may be before a 9am sociology lecture, imagine heated debates that were had over the protagonist in the latest historical fiction. Instead of stilted conversation with your hairdresser about where you’re off to … Continue reading The Book Flood: Exploring the Icelandic tradition of book-giving at Christmas Stop dreaming of a White Christmas – an Icelandic Christmas is where it’s at

Dublin’s Best Geeky Spots: Forbidden Planet Deputy Games Editor Sam Cox praises Forbidden Planet for its broad range of geeky products that might make last minute Christmas shopping a little easier.

With Christmas just around the corner, knowing where to get that perfect Secret Santa gift can be more important than what to get. Whether you’re a loyal games and tech reader, or looking to pick up something up for said … Continue reading Dublin’s Best Geeky Spots: Forbidden Planet Deputy Games Editor Sam Cox praises Forbidden Planet for its broad range of geeky products that might make last minute Christmas shopping a little easier.

A Dublin Christmas: Part One Photography Editor, Robyn Mitchell, compiles a series of photographs that depict Dublin in its most festive moments.

With Christmas just around the corner, Dublin is transforming. Over the last few weeks lights have been strung up all over the place from Grafton Street to Henry Street and towering evergreen trees have decorated well-known spots such as St. … Continue reading A Dublin Christmas: Part One Photography Editor, Robyn Mitchell, compiles a series of photographs that depict Dublin in its most festive moments.

Sia’s Everyday is Christmas // Review Ellen Orchard recommends Sia's new album to help get you into the festive spirit this year.

The new Sia Christmas album, Everyday is Christmas, is fantastically festive. Sia, who never shows her face in live performances and interviews, is an enigma, but in this album she demonstrates that you can be both mysterious and enjoy mulled … Continue reading Sia’s Everyday is Christmas // Review Ellen Orchard recommends Sia’s new album to help get you into the festive spirit this year.

Tn2’s December Recipe: Chestnut Brownies Amanda Cliffe shares her best chestnut season recipes

Despite their spikes, chestnuts are deliciously sweet inside. These seasonal treats are currently in peak season and are extremely versatile; they can be used in  savoury and sweet dishes. Chestnuts can unfortunately not be consumed raw as certain varieties contain … Continue reading Tn2’s December Recipe: Chestnut Brownies Amanda Cliffe shares her best chestnut season recipes