(Deb Lindsey / FOR THE WASHINGTON POST)

Christmas cookie recipes

Expand your portfolio with an international assortment.

Style

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD - DECEMBER 13: A preview of the National Childrens' Museum, which opens tomorrow on December, 13, 2012 in National Harbor, MD. Pictured, Eve McFadden, 6, of Silver Spring, left, and Keily Aguilar, 4, of College Park, play in the kitchen with visitor associate Mariah Fry. (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

National Children’s Museum opens

A glimpse at the new museum, which opened Thursday.

Magazine

White Sulphur Springs, VA - October 23, 2012: Richard Rosendale, Certified Master Chef, Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage at The Greenbier Resort is also USA Captain for Bocuse d'Or 2013. Rosendale was photographed in the tunnel leading into the bunker at The Greenbrier Resort on Tuesday October 23, 2012. (Photo by Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post)

America’s hope

Greg Johnson

W.Va. chef Richard Rosendale is daring to do what no U.S. chef has ever done: Win the Bocuse d’Or.

Food

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 7: Nancy’s Flower Cookies photographed in Washington, DC. Photo by Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post)

Decorated sugar cookies, done naturally

Jane Touzalin

Nancy Baggett’s techniques create options for holiday favorites.

Wellness

POTOMAC, MD - AUGUST 26, 2011. California inspired Thanksgiving prepared in Potomac, MD on August 26, 2011. All tableware provided by Crate and Barrel. (Photo by Tracy A Woodward/The Washington Post)

Real-world holiday weight-control tips

Jennifer LaRue Huget

How three people who’ve shed a lot of weight keep the pounds off this time of year.

Weddings & Romance

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Wedding of Nina Chawla and Sumeet Karnik at the St. Regis in Washington, DC Saturday, November 17, 2012. (Photo by Michael Connor / Connor Studios)

On Love: ‘I saw his genuine intentions’

Ellen McCarthy

For one couple, the second time around is the charm.

KidsPost

There’s no telling which of these Norwood School students will become scientists and zookeepers or which will grow up to be dog breeders, athletes, actors and engineers.

Class of KidsPost: Norwood School fourth-graders

These kids love to read, play sports and eat pizza!

Advice

Defining the ‘family photo’

Carolyn Hax

On a couple’s wedding day, should a sibling’s significant other be part of the official portraits?

Travel

HANDOUT IMAGE: Downtown Telluride, Colorado on February 11, 2009 during an early morning sunrise. (Photo by Brett Schreckengost)

Time to hit the slopes

Ski Guide 2012 | Regional resort information, a ski patrol ride-along and more.

Travel coverage

Home & Garden

Images of floral designs by Sarah von Pollaro

The art of floral design

Adrian Higgins

No foil-wrapped holiday poinsettias for Sarah von Pollaro, who finds her muse from the National Gallery.

Reliable Source

HANDOUT: Stationed in a covert base overseas, Jessica Chastain (center) plays a member of the elite team of spies and military operatives (Christopher Stanley, LEFT and Alex Corbet Burcher, RIGHT) who secretly devoted themselves to finding Osama Bin Laden in Columbia Pictures' electrifying new thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow, ZERO DARK THIRTY.

Read this: ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ Carole King

The Reliable Source

Other interesting stories in The Washington Post.

Fashion

Alice + Olivia metallic sweater

Trend Report: Gilty pleasures

As the season of long nights, short days and partying arrives, make gold a standard accent in your wardrobe.

Lifestyle Videos

Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Every year, dozens of Marine Corps spouses gather at the Home of the Commandants, which is home to the Corps’ highest-ranking officer, to decorate the house for Christmas.
Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Decorating the Home of the Commandants

Every year, dozens of Marine Corps spouses gather at the Home of the Commandants, which is home to the Corps’ highest-ranking officer, to decorate the house for Christmas.
Diana Ross performs at TNT’s ‘Christmas in Washington’

Diana Ross performs at TNT’s ‘Christmas in Washington’

Singer Diana Ross performs classic Christmas songs at TNT’s “Christmas in Washington” special.
Psy performs Christmas-themed ‘Gangnam Style’

Psy performs Christmas-themed ‘Gangnam Style’

South Korean singer Psy performed his hit “Gangnam Style” at TNT’s “Christmas in Washington” special.