Advent calendars have gotten a lot bigger since the 1800s – and so have the price-tags.

From $45 to $1500:Advent calendars for every budget

You can get absolutely anything in an advent calendar these days,from traditional chocolate to tea,beauty products and… yarn? Here are some of this year’s best in-stock calendar countdowns,from smaller spends to all-out splurges.

  • Nell Geraets

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John Allen celebrates after riding Strictly Business to victory in the Oaks.

Oaks Day 2025 as it happened:Strictly Business storms home to beat favourite in the Oaks at Flemington;Fashions on the Field winners crowned

John Allen has ridden Strictly Business to victory in the Oaks at Flemington,beating favourite Getta Good Feeling.

  • Danny Russell,Cara Waters,Nell Geraets,Damien Woolnough,Roy Ward,Stephen Brook andGemma Grant
Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham

More than just Rumours? Why fans are hoping Fleetwood Mac could be back

Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham are on speaking terms again. Could this mean Fleetwood Mac are getting back together,and why would that be a big deal?

  • Nell Geraets
Mark Zahra gives a trademark fist pump as he returns to the mounting yard.

‘Just keep a lid on it’:Zahra wins four on Derby Day but wants more as cup carnival continues

Mark Zahra rode four winners on Victoria Derby Day including Observer in the feature race on a glorious spring day at Flemington.

  • Roy Ward,Danny Russell,Andrew Wu,Cara Waters,Damien Woolnough andNell Geraets
Clown in a Cornfield doesn’t deliver much in the way of laughs or scares.

Turns out,the best antidote to anxiety is a horror film

It may seem counterintuitive to deal with stress by making yourself more stressed. But box office data,and studies,suggest the cure for fear is the poison itself.

  • Nell Geraets andPablo Barnes
Dean Lewis performs at the 2018 Groovin the Moo festival in Maitland,NSW.

Aussie singer Dean Lewis apologises after fans accuse him of inappropriate behaviour

The ARIA Award-winning musician said he needed to make changes but rejected any suggestion his behaviour was illegal.

  • Nell Geraets
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Think watching 31 movies in one month is a lot? Try making each one of them a horror.

I watched 31 horror movies this month. This is what I learnt

Horror movies are having quite a moment,but are they as enjoyable when you have to watch one every day of the month?

  • Nell Geraets
We’ve been told Harry Potter’s story many times in many different forms. It appears that’s still not enough.

I’ve listened to the new Harry Potter audiobook. Here’s what you need to know

After seven books,eight movies,two audiobook series,a video game and a forthcoming television series,do we really need yet another version of this story?

  • Nell Geraets
From shark horrors to friendly ghosts,there’s a Halloween movie for everyone.

From shark killers to friendly ghosts:10 Halloween movies for every mood

Whether you’re watching with the family,keen for a laugh with friends or looking for a serious fright,there’s plenty of new content to suit every taste over Halloween weekend.

  • Nell Geraets
Demi Moore is bucking the stereotype that women past 60 should cut their hair short. She’s no longer the only one.

Is there a post-menopausal hair length? Why women are defying old rules

A wave of older celebrities are keeping their locks,defying the old rules about appropriate lengths,while others say cutting it short feels ‘empowering’.

  • Nell Geraets