This site should answer most of your questions:
http://wormyu.tripod.com/kit.cheese.AnQ.htm
Generally, hard cheese keeps longer - just make sure it's wrapped in an air-tight freezer bag in your fridge. And cheese is still safe to eat if there's a bit of mould round the edges - just make sure you trim it all off.
Hard cheese can also be frozen. I usually buy the discounted cheese in large blocks that is near it's use by date, grate it all in one big batch and pop it in the freezer in a bag. You then just grab a handful as and when you need it for cheese on toast, baked potatoes etc. It also defrosts within an hour for on sandwichs etc..
Merry Christmas!