The Anticipation: Christmas Eve Sleep Count

It's the question on everyone's lips: how many sleeps until Christmas? Well, as of February 2025, there are 324 to 351 sleeps until Christmas Day, which falls on Thursday, 25 December 2025. That's a lot of sleeps, but it's also a lot of time to plan and prepare for the big day. So, whether you're looking forward to spending time with family and friends, exchanging gifts, or just enjoying some time off, it's never too early to start getting excited for Christmas!

Advent calendars

With hundreds of days to go until Christmas 2025, it may seem like a long time to wait, but Advent calendars can help to build excitement and anticipation for the holiday season. Advent calendars are a fun and festive way to count down the days to Christmas, offering delightful surprises and treats along the way.

Types of Advent Calendars

• Chocolate Advent Calendar: The classic choice, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Each window reveals a chocolate treat, often in festive shapes like snowmen or Santa Claus.
• Beauty Advent Calendar: Ideal for beauty enthusiasts, these calendars include daily surprises like lip balms, lotions, perfumes, skincare, or makeup samples, adding a touch of indulgence to the holiday season.
• Christmas Tree Advent Calendar: These reusable calendars are designed to be used year after year. They feature small ornaments or gifts for each day of Advent, making them a charming addition to your Christmas decorations.
• Toy Advent Calendar: For children, toy advent calendars are a popular choice, offering a new small toy or figurine each day, such as Lego sets or fun puzzles.
• DIY Advent Calendar: Get creative with a DIY Advent calendar! Fill it with personalized gifts, decorations, or messages for each day, making it a unique and special experience.

When to Start Using an Advent Calendar

So, if you're looking to enhance the festive cheer and build excitement for Christmas, an Advent calendar is a perfect choice. Start your countdown, indulge in treats, and create lasting memories as you count down the sleeps until Christmas!

Christmas Eve traditions

Christmas Eve is a magical time for families, filled with fun activities and traditions that build excitement for the big day. Here are some heartwarming Christmas Eve traditions to make your holiday season even more memorable:

Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt

Get the festivities started early with a fun scavenger hunt! Hide Christmas-themed items like mini wreaths, bells, or ornaments around your home and let the whole family join in the search. Add a twist by offering a special prize for the person who finds the most items or the first to collect them all.

Caroling and Caroling

Gather your loved ones and spread Christmas cheer by going caroling in your neighbourhood. Sing classic carols and contemplate the true meaning of the season. It's a wonderful way to connect with your community and fill the air with festive joy.

Feast of the Seven Fishes

Join in on an Italian tradition and indulge in a seafood feast! The Feast of the Seven Fishes dates back to the early 1900s and is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas Eve. Prepare an array of seafood dishes at home or find a local Italian restaurant offering a special Christmas Eve menu.

Christmas Crafts and Cards

Get creative and make DIY Christmas cards with your family. It's a thoughtful way to show your loved ones you care, and these homemade cards will surely be cherished. You can also try your hand at Christmas crafts, such as mason jar crafts or building a gingerbread house.

Cozy Bonfire and Hot Cocoa

On a chilly Christmas Eve, there's nothing more inviting than a bonfire. Bundle up with blankets, roast marshmallows or chestnuts, and sip on hot cocoa. It's the perfect setting for storytelling, singing carols, or simply enjoying each other's company.

Christmas Movie Marathon

Curl up on the sofa and indulge in a Christmas movie marathon! Choose from classic films or modern favourites, and don't forget the popcorn and snacks. It's a wonderful way to unwind and immerse yourself in the magic of the season.

Midnight Church Service

Attend a midnight church service to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Many churches offer special programs, including live performances, caroling, and nativity pageants. It's a beautiful way to spend Christmas Eve with your community.

Matching Family Pajamas

Get everyone into the festive spirit by donning matching family Christmas pajamas. It's a fun tradition that will make for adorable photos, and it will keep everyone cozy and comfortable during the holiday celebrations.

Read "The Night Before Christmas"

Snuggle up by the fireplace and read "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore. This classic poem captures the excitement and wonder of Christmas Eve, making it the perfect bedtime story for children.

Christmas Karaoke

Belt out your favourite Christmas carols and tunes with a night of Christmas karaoke! It's a fun way to get everyone involved, and you can even have prizes for the best singers or most creative performances.

Christmas Puzzle

Spend quality time with your family by working on a festive puzzle together. Choose a puzzle with a holiday theme, such as a snowy scene or a reindeer, and enjoy the challenge of putting it together. It's a calm activity that brings everyone together.

Christmas movies

With Christmas still 324 days away, there's plenty of time to get into the festive spirit by watching some Christmas movies. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Classic Christmas Movies

• "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) is a heart-warming classic that has stood the test of time and become a staple of the holiday season.
• "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) is a gentle and sentimental Christmas classic that delivers a warm holiday message.
• "White Christmas" (1954) is an unabashedly sentimental musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye that's sure to get you singing along.
• "A Christmas Carol" (1951) is a faithful and well-loved adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, featuring a memorable performance by Alastair Sim as Scrooge.
• "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1967) is a made-for-TV Christmas special based on the beloved Dr. Seuss book, which has become a yuletide tradition.
• "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965) is another classic TV special that captures the true meaning of Christmas and is perfect for viewers of all ages.
• "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" (1977) is a 100% rated Jim Henson special that will delight fans of all ages with its musical tale of a talented singing duo.

Modern Christmas Movies

• "The Polar Express" (2004) is a visually stunning adventure that follows a young boy's magical journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
• "Love Actually" (2003) is a star-studded romantic comedy that intertwines multiple stories, showcasing the many forms of love during the holiday season.
• "The Holiday" (2006) is a cosy watch about two women who swap homes and countries for Christmas, featuring an impressive cast including Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.
• "The Christmas Chronicles" (2018) and its sequel (2020) star Kurt Russell as a rugged Santa Claus and are perfect for a family movie night.
• "Klaus" (2019) is a beautiful hand-drawn animation with a humorous and heartwarming narrative that has all the makings of a future holiday classic.
• "Happiest Season" (2020) is a charming and feel-good romantic comedy about a lesbian couple navigating family gatherings during the holidays.
• "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" (2020) is an exuberant and uplifting musical adventure that's perfect for a festive family movie night.
• "A Boy Called Christmas" (2021) is a winsome and heartwarming addition to the Christmas movie canon, following a young boy's extraordinary adventure to the snowy north.
• "The Knight Before Christmas" (2019) is a fun and endearing holiday rom-com with a dash of fantasy, starring Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse.

Alternative Christmas Movies

• "Die Hard" (1988) is an action-packed classic set during a Christmas party, blurring the lines between a holiday and an action movie.
• "Gremlins" (1984) is a special effects-heavy popcorn flick with a healthy dose of horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat this Christmas.
• "Batman Returns" (1992) is a dark and atmospheric sequel featuring Penguin and Catwoman, making it a unique Christmas movie for fans of the superhero genre.
• "Edward Scissorhands" (1990) is a magical modern fairy tale and the first collaboration between Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, with a sweet story at its heart.
• "Carol" (2015) is a groundbreaking romantic drama set in 1950s Manhattan, with powerful performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
• "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" (2010) is a delightful and unexpected blend of deadpan comedy and Christmas horror that will keep you guessing until the end.
• "Tokyo Godfathers" (2003) is a moving and unconventional animated Christmas film about three homeless people who discover an abandoned baby on the streets of Tokyo.

Christmas songs

Christmas is a time for celebration, festivities, and, of course, music! With just under a year to go until the next Christmas Day, it's never too early to start thinking about the songs that will fill the airwaves and get everyone into the holiday spirit. Here are some of the most popular and well-loved Christmas songs to get you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season:

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey is a modern classic that never fails to get everyone singing along. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, it's no wonder this song has become a staple of the Christmas season.

"Jingle Bell Rock" by Daryl Hall & John Oates is a fun and upbeat take on the traditional "Jingle Bells" song. This version adds a fun twist with its rockabilly-inspired sound and energetic performance.

"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is a timeless classic that evokes the magic of the holiday season. With its dreamy lyrics and Crosby's smooth vocals, it's a song that never fails to transport listeners to a winter wonderland.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is a beloved song that tells the story of a misfit reindeer who saves Christmas. With its catchy melody and heartwarming message, it's a favourite among children and adults alike.

"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is a cheerful and whimsical song about enjoying the winter weather. With vocals by Frank Sinatra and the B. Swanson Quartet, it's a jazzy and uplifting addition to any Christmas playlist.

"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" is a fun and playful song that reminds us that Santa is always watching! This song is a great way to get children excited about the holidays and maybe even encourage them to be on their best behaviour.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a heartfelt and sentimental song about spending the holidays with loved ones. This timeless classic has been covered by many artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" is an energetic and fun song that will have everyone up and dancing. It's a modern classic that has become a staple of Christmas parties and gatherings.

"Feliz Navidad" is a cheerful and upbeat song that wishes everyone a Merry Christmas in both English and Spanish. With its simple yet catchy lyrics, it's a great way to spread holiday cheer and celebrate cultural diversity.

"The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)" is a smooth and romantic ballad that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season. With its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, it's a song that never fails to evoke the spirit of Christmas.

So, whether it's 365 days or just a few sleeps until Christmas, these songs are sure to get you in the holiday spirit and add a little festive cheer to your life!

Christmas trivia

Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some Christmas trivia? Here are some fun and interesting facts about this beloved holiday:

The Magic of Christmas Movies

Christmas movies are a huge part of the holiday season, bringing joy and laughter to people of all ages. But how much do you really know about these festive films? For instance, did you know that the famous line "You'll shoot your eye out" is from the movie "A Christmas Story"? Or that the main character in "Home Alone" is called Kevin McCallister? And in "Elf", how does Buddy make his way to the North Pole? He hides in Santa's sack, of course!

Caroling Through the Snow

Christmas carols are an essential part of the holiday season, with their cheerful lyrics and festive melodies. But how well do you know the words to these beloved songs? For instance, do you know which Christmas carol contains the lyric "Strike the harp and join the chorus"? It's "Deck the Halls", of course! And what about the song with the lyrics "Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way"? That's "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree". So grab your songbook and get ready to belt out those carols with gusto!

A Holly, Jolly History

Christmas has a long and fascinating history, with many of its traditions dating back centuries. For example, did you know that the first gingerbread houses were inspired by the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel"? Or that the tradition of hanging stockings comes from the story of Saint Nicholas, with the first stocking stuffers being oranges? And speaking of Saint Nicholas, did you know that he was a Third Century monk who is the inspiration for the character of Santa Claus? So the next time you hang your stockings or take a bite of a gingerbread house, remember the rich history behind these beloved Christmas traditions.

Fun Facts and Festive Trivia

Last but not least, here are some quickfire questions to test your Christmas knowledge:

• What fruit is traditionally placed in Christmas stockings? (Answer: An orange)
• How do you say "Merry Christmas" in Spanish? (Answer: Feliz Navidad)
• In which country is it traditional to eat KFC for Christmas dinner? (Answer: Japan)
• How many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh, according to the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"? (Answer: Eight, plus Rudolph)
• What is the name of Rudolph's girlfriend in the TV special? (Answer: Clarice)

So there you have it! Whether you're a Christmas movie buff, a carolling connoisseur, or a history enthusiast, there's always more to discover about this magical time of year.

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