Wrangling with deadlines in the run-up to Brexit leaves our editor in chief feeling sympathy for Santa Claus. Luckily before all that, he’s got our Christmas markets to look forward to. He’ll see you there.

We decode people’s desire for casual attire, lap up Korean food diplomacy and take a trip down memory lane in Canada. First up: Georgian swearwords, a dip at dusk and introducing children to good design.

In a city blighted by power cuts, rampant inflation and violent crime, Caracas restaurant Alto’s robust and radical operating tactics are paired with a menu of global renown.

Would you trust a student with a masterpiece? Oberlin College in the US has been renting out its collection since 1940.

Badrutt’s Palace in St Moritz is a Gothic-style landmark that has a ski-set customer base and a reputation for exceptional old-school service. Richard Leuenberger is the man in charge.

The artist’s studio overlooks a busy scrapyard but inside it’s a pared-down sanctuary.

Provoking the ire of authority, reversing a decade of nationalism, taking the sting out of the news and the evolution of a pop persona. These matters – and more – are discussed by people of influence.

Our ninth annual survey of the nations whose softer tactics are getting results.

For better or worse, first ladies and first men have the opportunity to be the softer face of an administration. Who gets it right?

Spain’s minister in charge of smoothing domestic relations, plus a look at the fight brewing among Bosnia’s presidents.

Sweden’s ambassador to Finland, soft power in Spain and Taiwan is tuning in.

Trouble in Afghanistan, Mexico and Canada make a deal, plus China’s new toy.

Oslo’s governing mayor on how to green a city, a Mexican city gets a rebrand, car-sharing in Slovenia and Berlin’s rooftops are blooming.

Looking to clinch a difficult deal? Take a cue from the companies that know the value of taking lunchtime very seriously indeed.

The founder and president of Ecoalf has created a sustainable fashion brand using other people’s rubbish.

Whether caught up in terror or a typhoon – or governing a nation – all of our writers learned a key lesson in 2018.

AirBaltic, nosediving not so long ago, is now filling European skies with its lime-green livery – and it has its sights set on becoming an international jetsetter.

Variously a politician, head teacher and soldier, Bernt Johan Collet has still found time to corner the Christmas tree market from forests south of Copenhagen. He tells us how delegation and exhaustive preparation are key to maintaining his seasonal supply chain.

A new fashion retail school in Hong Kong and a Spanish trucking company adding colour to the roads.

What happens to writers, artists and film-makers who receive their craft’s most coveted gongs? We discover how plaudits can bring both success and challenges.

Natur & Kultur publishes books in a range of genres but all its titles have one thing in common: adherence to the company’s ethical code.

As 2018 hits the run-out groove we praise its creative highs and cast an eye over what’s ahead.

A lease of new life in Kuala Lumpur’s venues, a concrete option for Irish cinema-lovers and the return of a German literary review.

In a world that’s now too brightly and badly lit, we look to industry luminaries who fully understand the positive impact of subtle lighting.

Belgium might be small but its design industry is punching well above its weight, as evidenced in its biennale.

The apartment near Lake Zürich that shows how even a concrete new-build can be warm and cosy.

Architect and caricaturist Gustav Peichl finds many similarities between what he does and what he eats – but the main one is pleasure.

At this time of year revelries often end up in calls for a song and one more drink. And whether you like a hearty chorus or to be left alone in a darkened booth, the piano bar can be the final stop on many a glorious night out. Play it again, Sam, Maggie, Rob...

The creative mastermind behind some of the industry’s most iconic campaigns and covers talks about going digital, selling sex and defining luxury.

Italians, even in the smallest of towns, make big demands on their luxury fashion emporiums. A special network gives them a helping hand.

Coats worth investing in, plus Nomos Glashütte watches and Valextra’s customised-bag initiative.

The brightest and best outfits and accessories for a smart winter wardrobe.

Designer Junji Tanigawa takes us on a tour of the best shopping spots in the Japanese capital.

Buying gifts in the Danish capital this Christmas? Local purveyor of shoes, bags and accessories, Yvonne Koné, has an itinerary.

Gastown is the place to head for shopping if you’re in town. Resident fashion retailer Saager Dilawri shows us round.

Whether you’re escaping the bustle of Mexico City, reconnecting with nature in Ireland or yearning for some quality time in iceland, here’s our round-up of relaxing retreats for the holidays.

All the kit you need (plus a few luxuries) for an Alpine adventure, whether you’re spending it on the slopes or beside the fire.

Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.