Christmas

We all have our favourite Christmas songs, from Mariah Carey to the one where the lady is on a drip.

But Christmas also inflicts on the listening public an annual barrage of aural abominations that could make Frosty the Snowman take a sauna. They're appalling, but Christmas wouldn't be the same without them.

Here are the definitive Ten Worst Christmas Songs of All Time.

Aussie Jingle Bells

Christmas can be a nightmare.

Logic dictates that putting these two negatives together should make a positive.

And so it proves.

Plan wisely, packing your bags while everyone else is stuffing their stockings, and you can steer clear of the orgy of soulless materialism that some say Christmas has become.

Just don't expect to get any presents.

Or be surprised when your traveling companion introduces himself as "Mr. Scrooge."

1. Go to Zealand

There are five more sleeps until Christmas Day, and for many people there's still a lot of preparation to get done.

Experts say often Christmas stress is self-created as people try to make the day perfect, or set unrealistic standards for themselves.

Federation of Family Budgeting Services chief executive Raewyn Fox said stress mounted in the week before Christmas as people bought last-minute items that were often more expensive than planned.

Loop PNG lifestyle asked random people what they would want for this Christmas.

The responses, if not very specific, varied:

There are those who are focused on technology and know exactly what they want:

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quardcopter Drone With 2.7 HD Video Camera, DSLR camera, 5D cannon, i-Phone 6, Apple Mac, Canon D3500 and S7 (for my husband).

Away in a Manger, Do you hear what I hear, Carol of the Bells, Angels we have heard on high, you know them all.

Just like the idea of Santa bringing presents to children, this tradition has fit comfortably into many societies despite its foreign origin.

To know a little bit more on this, Carols by Candlelight is an annual Christmas tradition that originated in south-eastern Australia in the 19^th century and was popularised in Melbourne in 1938.

Who could refuse the feeling of togetherness on such holidays like Christmas?

Critics say the consumer protection agency, which targeted the toy warehouse this week, has become "the Grinch that stole Christmas" because many families won't be able to buy the confiscated toys for the holiday.

Agency head William Contreras disputed that, saying executives at toy distributor Kreisel-Venezuela, the largest of its kind in the country, "don't care about our children's right to have a merry Christmas."

He told reporters, "They say we're stealing the toys from this company, but the company committed fraud against our country."

Larry Jefferson, a retired army veteran from Texas, will greet children this weekend at the shopping centre's Christmas experience.

Co-owner of the photo studio, Landon Luther, has told the Minnesota Star Tribune that he's been looking for a more diverse Santa that children of colour can relate to since last year.

"This is a long time coming," he said.

The partnership between Digicel and Nau FM will give three lucky customers, who purchase a 1Tok Combo, the chance to win K100 credits daily over the next 100 days.  

Digicel managing director, mobile, Shivan Bhargava, says Digicel is thrilled to launch a promotion that gives back to its customers.

“Christmas is a time for giving and we are delighted to give back to our customers and provide them with the chance to win extra credit so they can stay connected with their family and friends over Christmas and the New Year,” he states.

The Oscar winner was joined on stage by Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, their daughters, Malia and Sasha, and Michelle's mother, Marian Robinson, for the annual event, and even lent her vocals for some Christmas carols with the family, and singer Aloe Blacc.

"Happy holidays to Reese and everyone here tonight and everyone watching at home," the president said before leading the crowd to a countdown that ultimately ended with the famous lighting of the tree.