Entertainment

Organizers call Canadian sled dog race 'spectator sport with a difference'

Most people think hockey when it comes to winter spectator sports -- not a 520-kilometre trek through northern Saskatchewan. Full Story

Henry Adamucci, 9 months, meets Santa Claus for the first time in New York on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009. (AP / Mike Adamucci)

The Santa Proof: In NYC bar, arguing that magic, mystery and even Mr. Claus are very alive

Jamie Hook wants all those Santa doubters out there to know he was once one of them.

Santa School head elf Jennifer Andrews poses with Santa Jack, a Hollywood producer and Santa School student. (Courtesy Julie Miller)

More to being Santa than white beard and red suit

A Calgary "Santa School" teaches aspiring St. Nicks everything from how to get their beards perfectly groomed to how to field the tough questions from children.

This photo shows books at The Haunted Bookshop in Sidney, B.C., Dec. 11, 2008. (AP / Steve Quinn)

12 days of uplifting holiday reads

Tap into some new inspiration this season with 12 bookish gift ideas to boost the mind, body and soul.

This photo shows Miley Cyrus, right, in a scene from 'Hannah Montana.' (AP / Disney Channel, Vivian Zink)

Holiday episodes give TV set designers an early challenge

Imagine if your holiday decorations were going to be seen by millions of people. That's the challenge for many TV-show set decorators as all the Christmas-themed episodes roll around.

Letters to Santa are displayed at Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (AP / Sam Harrel)

Letters to Santa Claus aren't always toy-centric, but where's 'please'?

From the humorous to the heart-wrenching, children's wish lists to Santa reveal that children aren't as toy-centric as parents think -- and that they're not as polite as perhaps they should be.

A man sings during a holiday karaoke event at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.(AP / David Phillip)

Throw an ace at-home entertainment festival

Making merry doesn't have to break that holiday budget, not when you throw your own at-home entertainment festival. It's easy, fun and filled with great family-bonding time on a dime.

Rob Halford, from the heavy metal band Judas Priest, poses for a photograph in Toronto Wednesday June 6, 2007. Halford was in town for the North by Northeast music and film festival. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

'Metal God' Halford admits Christmas album 'unusual'

This holiday season, the self-professed "Metal God" and Judas Priest front-man is taking his solo career to all-new territory.

Bryan Batt poses in his specialty store, Hazelnut, in New Orleans on Nov. 2, 2009. (AP / Cheryl Gerber)

'Mad Men' actor spends down time in New Orleans decor shop

The future is unclear for his character on the hit TV show "Mad Men," but actor Bryan Batt is taking advantage of the down time.

Visitors gather in front of Cinderella's castle to watch Mickey and Minnie Mouse during the Christmas parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Dec. 22, 2004. (AP / Peter Cosgrove)

Snowbird Christmas: Holidays in Florida from Orlando to Keys

If you're one of those snowbirds who heads to Florida this time of year, you'll find lots of holiday displays -- even without the cold weather.

James Stewart, left, Thomas Mitchell, right, and Donna Reed appear in the 1946 movie 'It's A Wonderful Life,' directed by Frank Capra. (AP)

'It's a Wonderful Life' in Jimmy Stewart's Pa. hometown

If you're a fan of the classic Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life," consider a visit to the hometown of Jimmy Stewart.

A snow blown sidewalk is seen in Spokane, Wash. on Dec. 18, 2008. (AP / Young Kwak)

Why do we dream of a white Christmas, and what are the odds?

Bing Crosby didn't have to dream of a white Christmas -- he could bank on it.

Book buyers start their holiday shopping. (AP / Mark Lennihan)

Holiday reads for all ages that are sure to please

Pump up that holiday shopping list with this new collection of must-read books.

People ski the glades around 'snow ghosts,' trees packed with snow, at the Big White ski resort near Kelowna, B.C., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. (Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Kelowna ski resort ranks among top five out of 200 in the world by UK ski club

Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, B.C., has received yet another international compliment.

This November 2009 photo supplied by the U.S. Botanic Garden shows a 2-foot-tall replica of the White House made from plant material by designer Paul Busse for the U.S. Botanic Garden’s 'Holiday Magic' show. The White House replica was originally made in 2007 but this year Busse added models of the Obama children’s swing set and the White House vegetable garden. (AP / U.S. Botanic Garden)

Models of Obama homes and White House in holiday train shows

Models of the Obama White House and the Obama home in Chicago are on display at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington.

Movie goers are seen at the start of a film screening at The Landmark Movie Theatre in Los Angeles on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. (AP / Damian Dovarganes)

2009's holiday hot list of must-see movies

Get ready for your Hollywood close-up with this season's coolest holiday flicks.

Kellyn Mendez, 4, front, and her sister Ariana Mendez, 8, sit with their luggage as they wait in line at a check-in counter at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Grapevine, Texas, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. (AP / Donna McWilliam)

Travellers advised to 'dig deeper' online when shopping for deals

It pays to comparison shop on the Internet when looking for vacation deals, says Ryerson University's public affairs department.

CD box sets are stored at Muzak's headquarters in Fort Mill, S.C., Thursday, March 26, 2009. (AP / Chuck Burton)

Tis the season for box sets: AC/DC, Miles Davis, Def Jam, and more

Stumped for what to get the superfan in your family? Check out some of the biggest box-sets hitting stores just in time for the holidays.

In this publicity image, the Radio City Rockettes perform the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers in the 'Christmas Spectacular' at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Nov. 10, 2006. (AP / MSG Entertainment, Paul Kolnik)

Radio City Christmas Spectacular needs a little magic to make it sing

Like a shiny toboggan wedged on wet snow, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular needs a little push.

This photo shows a fabric chain advent calendar on Nov. 15, 2009. This fabric chain advent calendar is modeled after decorative paper chains and includes one link that can be removed each day leading up to Christmas. Inside each link is a slip of paper describing a family activity for each day, ranging from singing Christmas carols to wrapping presents. (AP / Holly Ramer)

Handmade advent calendars feature fabric chain of activities

Advent calendars have come a long way since the 1800s when German families started marking chalk or paint lines on the floor as Christmas approached.

Artist and sculptor Colleen Rochette prepares caricatures of 'Saturday Night Live' characters for Barney's SNL theme holiday windows display in New York on Oct. 27, 2009. (AP / Bebeto Matthews)

Barneys New York display gathers favourite 'SNL' characters

It's not quite the warm and fuzzy crowd one imagines around most Christmas trees, but Barneys New York is celebrating with 'SNL' favourites.

The Boulder Messiah Chorale practices at First United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado on Oct. 20, 2009. (AP / George Kochaniec, Jr.)

'Messiah' enthusiasts flock to sing-alongs in beloved Dec. tradition

Tens of thousands of people from all different backgrounds will gather in churches, concert halls and living rooms beginning in mid-December to sing all or parts of Handel's Messiah."

The National Christmas Tree, near the White House in Washington, is seen illuminated during a ceremony attended by President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush on Dec. 4, 2008. (AP / J. Scott Applewhite)

Holiday displays include tree of feathers, Obamas' first tree event

This season's Christmas tree displays include trees made from feathers, a thank-you tree in Boston, and the Obamas' first National Christmas Tree ceremony.

A Christmas tree is seen aboard the USS Iwo Jima docked in Manama, Bahrain on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008. (AP / Hasan Jamali)

Christmas classics

Why some of the most well-known holiday movies have found a place in our hearts.

This photo released by HomeAway.com shows a winter vacation rental property in Manchester, Vt. (AP / HomeAway.com)

Hot chocolate and hot tubs: Tips for winter vacation rentals

Winter is a traditionally slow season for vacation home rentals. But if you're a would-be renter, you can score terrific bargains on off-season rentals and enjoy a different type of getaway.

This undated photo, originally supplied by St. Martin's Press in 2006, shows author Augusten Burroughs. (AP / St. Martin's Press, Dennis Pilsits)

Augusten Burroughs shares his somewhat horrific holiday stories

It's not uncommon for people to say that their holidays don't live up to a Norman Rockwell painting, but author Augusten Burroughs says his holidays have been "hideous."

Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Jim Carrey) and Tiny Tim (voiced by Gary Oldman) in Disney's 'A Christmas Carol'

Paranormal spirit soars in 'A Christmas Carol'

3-D effects and Jim Carrey's jaunty showmanship turn "Disney's A Christmas Carol" into a spooky thrill ride.

The Big List of Books for Christmas shopping

The Big List of Books for Christmas shopping

A book is one of the most time-honoured gifts you can give during the holidays and just in the nick of time there's a whole new bumper crop of them to choose from. No matter what the category there will be one that is sure to please the bibliophile on your list.

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Picking a printer

Tips for finding a printer with maximum functionality and a minimal price tag.

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The Gift Guide has cool ideas for everyone on your shopping list.

Cyclists ride along the canal in Ottawa Sunday Dec. 24, 2006. El Nino may cause much of Canada may experience warmer days just in time for Christmas 2009.(Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

My Christmas

Visit MyNews.CTV.ca to upload your favourite holiday photos.

A customer tries out a new MacBook at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif. on Oct. 16, 2008. (AP / Paul Sakuma)

Going portable

Tips for choosing the best laptop to slide under the tree this year.

Video

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Some great products and tips to make putting away your decor easier.
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A cheese board is an easy and delicious way to entertain.
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Smoky flavours to drinkable desserts, what's big for 2010.
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Last-minute ideas to get your home in the holiday spirit.
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How to get the best deals on the things you want this Boxing Day.
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How to score deals and still get great gifts for loved ones.
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DIY decor, food and drinks for the last-minute party planner.
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A delicious winter grilling recipe may start a new tradition.
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Tips to halt holiday weight gain and still enjoy festive treats.
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Christmas cookies can be a delicious way to decorate your Christmas tree.
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Tips on how to make the hectic holiday season safe for your pets.
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A personal concierge service may help take the stress out of holiday planning.
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Check out a seafood risotto recipe that's perfect for Christmas Eve.
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With only five days left, where can you go for last-minute gifts?
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A look at how charities can lighten your shopping load this season.
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Canada AM brings you five days of the season's top sweets.
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Colder weather seems to be sending Canadians into shopping mode.
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Kris Abel's top gift picks for geeks, shutterbugs, movie buffs and more.
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A master colourist shares his tips for great DIY hair colour.
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Six tips on how not to gain 10 pounds over the holidays.
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Meet a couple who brightened the holidays with 70,000 bulbs.
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Tips on getting more for less, and things you can get for free.
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From adventures to tastes, experiences are becoming popular gifts.
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Everyone needs some 'support' under their cool new party duds.
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How to handle your children over the stressful holiday season.
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Easy and quick appetizers you can make from what's already in your pantry.
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Canada AM contributors share their top picks for holiday gift giving.
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If you're not keen on cut or artificial, you may be able to rent a live tree.
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Tips on how to stay safe during the deadliest season for home fires.
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Some ideas for environmentally friendly gifts this holiday season.
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Some of the best wines and liqueurs to have on hand this holiday season.
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How to make your tree look like it was decorated by a designer.
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Some tips on how to keep your pets healthy during the holidays.
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A slow cooker makes it easy to prepare snacks, deserts and meals.
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Tips on how to avoid counterfeit goods this holiday season.
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A preview of the game, debuting before the hugely-anticipated film.
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A week-long series on gift ideas for kids of all ages and tastes.
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Tips for entertaining while still keeping the budget in check.
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Tips for winterizing your home to keep heating costs down.
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A lesson in cocktail manners to help survive the holiday party season.
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Check out the three hottest looks for decking your halls.
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Tis' the season for spending, but is it possible to give like Santa and save like scrooge?
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Find out the sunny hotspots that will brighten spirits this winter.
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With so much choice, how can you find the right gifts for kids?
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Find out which snow shovels are getting top marks this winter.
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How to keep rechargeables at peak performance for the holidays.
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Great tips on how to go from a day at the office to the party.
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Learn how to winterize your skin to face the snow season in style
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Top tips for staying healthy throughout the winter season.
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Learn how to keep your home clean and energy-efficient.
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A look at some 'cool' ways to work up a sweat this winter.

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