It is possible for families across the UK to spend more than five days together over the Christmas period, a loophole has revealed.
The government has announced there will be a break in coronavirus controls to allow households to come together over the festive holiday.
Regardless of which tier you are in from December 2, up to three households can mix from December 23 - December 27.
However the five days could be extended to give at least an extra day if a relatives' train is delayed or car breaks down.
Only one person from the group has to be delayed for the relaxation to apply to the whole bubble.
Government guidance published on Monday suggests a temporary extension can take place "immediately after the Christmas period".
The regulation states: "This subparagraph applies where one or more persons at the gathering has not been able to return to their home because of unforeseen disruption to travel.
"Where a member of a household is or has been in a linked Christmas household in relation to members of two other households, the person cannot be linked with the members of any other household under this regulation."
Meanwhile, there is an exception to the three-household rule for children whose parents live separately, and for university students returning home up until the new term in February.
If people flout the lockdown rules and abuse the Christmas break, you could be hit with a fine.
Fines in England for breaking the lockdown start at £200 for the first offence. This can be lowered to £100 if it’s paid within the first 14 days.
It’s £400 for the second offence, doubling up for each offence to as much as £6,400.
While businesses could be forced to pay out up to £10,000 for organising illegal gatherings.
