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From caroling to consumption, wassail is an old English tradition for the holiday season. A favorite of Charles Dickens and the subject of many carols, wassail is actually synonymous with drinking "to your health." But figuring out exactly what you are drinking is another matter.

Impostors can be scheming, even villainous, but their stories tempt us with an attractive possibility — the chance to wear a mask. Writer David Anthony suggests three tales about nefarious characters that let us indulge in our fascination with the art of manipulating outward appearances.

Here's a little Christmas secret: Dusting desserts with powdered sugar makes them look more expensive. Chef Nigella Lawson talks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about her tricks for economical holiday hosting.

In 1982 — long before she had her own TV show or magazine or brand — a young caterer named Martha Stewart wrote a book on entertaining in other people's homes. Now, nearly 30 years later, Stewart's 75th book invites readers into her own house.

In our new feature about songs that conjure up chilly days and frigid nights, novelist Ann Patchett talks about a song that helped her cope with her parents' divorce, and with moving to a strange new place.

One of the most consistently liberal voices in Congress will not be returning in 2013. Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank announced on Monday that he will not seek re-election. Redistricting left Frank facing a tough re-election campaign.

As it turns out, Raymond Chandler isn't the only writer who can channel the dark charisma of deceptively sunny California. Author Hector Tobar recommends John Fante's Ask the Dust, a novel that captures the grit and glamor of Los Angeles' past.

Daily Beast and Newsweek editor Tina Brown explores the work of newspaper columnists through readings that propose a new way of looking at the 2012 election and the scandal at Penn State.

No historical fakery: Here's the real music of the Elizabethan era.

Some flexible, polymer notes begin to circulate this week in Canada. The notes are supposed to last longer, and foil counterfeiters. About 30 other countries have shifted to plastic bills.