CHRISTMAS

Forget the sorry shape of the current economy. With Christmas round the corner, you need ever inventive ideas for that perfect gift. Here are ten ideas, from diamonds to yachts, which will define luxury, if you have a few million dollars to spare, that is.

One thing I learned while writing my holiday film guide Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas is that there are two kinds of plots in this sub-genre with a tendency to stink on ice: movies about Santa, and anything where somebody has to save Christmas. (Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and Ernest Saves Christmas among the obvious exceptions.)

Consumers have spent $9.67 billion with online retailers in the first 20 days of November, according to digital research firm comScore. The firm expects a 15 percent increase in e-commerce sales this holiday season compared with last year.

Best Beer Options for Thanksgiving: That Perfect Flavor and Kick to Set the Festive Mood

The allure of Christmas is about the warmth and delight that fill the days leading to that wintry December night. Christmas gets its charm from the meticulous planning that precedes it.

Consumers, on average, are expected to spend around £300,000 a minute, which might push the sales to £424 million during the day.

As Black Friday 2011 approaches, savvy bargain shoppers are ditching the ads and using their smartphones to get the best deals, fast. Here, get a rundown of the ten best apps for iPhone, Android and Windows phones to help nab the biggest sales on Black Friday and beyond, with detailed features lists and links to download the apps. Happy shopping!

Manchester United have been dealt a blow after it emerged that the injury to Tom Cleverley was worse than expected, leaving him out till after Christmas.

London's renowned Claridge Hotel has a new designer this year for creating their iconic Christmas Tree. The luxury hotel has announced that Lanvin's Alber Elbaz will be designing this year's dazzling centerpiece that will be displayed at the main lobby of the hotel.

Sex-tape veteran and frequent Playboy Playmate Pamela Anderson is reclaiming her virginity -- at least on Canadian television.

Michael Bublé, the typically squeaky-clean crooner, had some choice expletives for Kim Kardashian at a recent iHeartRadio Live concert in TriBeCa.

After a man was caught at LAX with 35 pounds of Christmas-wrapped marijuana packages, TSA reiterated its stance on gift wrapping.

Owing to the negative publicity by some conservatives, the US Department of Agriculture is re-assessing a 15 percent tax on purchase of Christmas trees.

In a breaking news development, the Obama administration has decided to revisit the idea of the supposed Christmas Tree Tax.

When people think of Christmas they picture snow, Santa, presents, and family gatherings. How about a 15-cent federal increase on one of the most beloved holiday traditions, the Christmas tree?

The holiday album is Bieber's third number one album in Billboard 200 history.

Chief marketing officers at U.S. retailers are cautious heading into the holiday season, though those at larger chains are a bit more optimistic about their prospects, according to a survey conducted by BDO USA.

Singer Andy Williams, The Golden Voice, has confirmed he has bladder cancer. Williams, 83, revealed his battle with the disease to the crowd at his Christmas show on Saturday night, The Associated Press reported.

John Cho reunites with Kal Penn for the third time to reprise their lovable stoner roles in A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas in 3D, which Cho says has perverted the Christmas movie -- albeit in a sweet way.

Harold & Kumar will be back in theatres tomorrow with the third installment of stoner comedy series to light up the Christmas season. John Cho and Kal Penn, who portray two immigrant American stoners, Harold Lee and Kumar Patel, are back with A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, three years after Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay was released in 2008.

October retail sales missed Wall Street expectations, with companies reporting weak numbers as the holiday season approaches.