The Boston Tea Party - the party that shook the world 250 years ago. By David Horspool

A lost Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special is being shown on Christmas Day. Eric and Ernie were not a double act but a three-man phenomenon indebted to Eddie Braben’s comic genius. The duo’s colossal success put unbearable pressures on their great scriptwriter, says Brian Viner

Champagne, poinsettias and shop-wrapped 'gifts'? God forbid! Far too common. Nicky Haslam gives his tips for a classy Christmas

The wonderful carol was written 205 years ago this Christmas Eve by an inspired Austrian, reveals William Cook

Santa flies to Malta by Jenny File, Folkestone, Kent

The historian Norman Stone (1941-2019) met Hitler's architect the night before Speer's death in 1981. A new Sky History programme, Hitler's Engineers, looks at Speer

Commonplace Corner: Boyfriends

Barry Cryer's favourite guide dog joke

Robert Parsons collected his award last night from James Pembroke, Publisher of The Oldie, and Harry Mount, Editor of The Oldie

Commonplace Corner: Love