Christmas is officially 34 days away and what's not to love about the holiday season, with its twinkling lights, hot cocoa, presents, Christmas trees and Santa.
Also on people’s minds is the Department for Work and Pensions Christmas bonus, which currently stands at £10 but could be increasing to more than £100.
For the past 50 years, an annual £10 extra has been given to pensioners, vulnerable people, and carers who receive benefits.
A petition calling for a rise in the Christmas bonus to more than £100 in keeping with the rise in inflation was started in 2023, and Labour is now being urged to take action.
At the time of writing, the petition had garnered the backing of more than 23,000 people.
For more on how to claim the benefit, visit the official website.
But what day does Christmas fall this year, when are the bank holidays, and when can you open your Advent calendars?
What day is Christmas Day in 2024?
Christmas falls on Wednesday, December 25, in 2024.
When are the Christmas bank holidays?
The first bank holiday falls on Christmas Day, which is Wednesday, December 25.
The second bank holiday is the following day, Thursday, December 26, known as Boxing Day.
When does Advent begin?
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, therefore, in 2025, it falls on Sunday, November 30.
And many people count down to Christmas with an Advent calendar. First used in the 19th century by German Protestants, the period is traditionally a time of reflection on the birth of Christ, and a preparation for Christmas.
However, like many other things, Advent has become more commercialised.
Now, the traditional calendar usually contains chocolate treats behind each door. These days, even if you have a dairy allergy or are vegan, you can still enjoy a sweet treat.
But now there are many more to try, including those who fancy a tipple to get them in the Christmas spirit, as well as whisky and gin drinkers.
For a bit of luxury, we’ve rounded up some of the best beauty and jewellery advent calendars.
It’s usually children who are most excited to receive an advent calendar, and we have looked at some of the choices on offer.
And for the countdown to Christmas, men have a choice of treats, too.
And for those who after something a little different from the traditional calendars, we have found some of the best alternative calendars.
