Bank holidays (UK public holidays) close most institutions and businesses. Dates differ by England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Full list available on GOV.UK website
Advent calendar with 24 boxes helps children count down to Christmas. Christmas markets fill town squares from late November. Traditional Christmas wreath made of holly branches hung on door. Christmas tree first mentioned in 1521 in Alsace. Christmas gifts placed at tree's foot with decorated paper wrapping
China has seven official public holidays in 2024. Most holidays are 3-day combinations of weekends. Two major events dominate: Chinese New Year and National Day
English Christmas carol with cumulative lyrics about gifts from "true love". First published in London's Mirth Without Mischief around 1780. Originated from Newcastle area, possibly from France. Song has twelve verses, each building on previous ones
2011 American TV comedy-drama directed by Michael Damian. Premiered on Hallmark Channel December 3, 2011. Starring Roger Moore, Katie McGrath, Sam Heughan, and Charlotte Salt
Winter solstice occurs when Earth's poles reach maximum tilt away from Sun. Happens twice yearly in each hemisphere. Northern Hemisphere's solstice is December 21-22, Southern Hemisphere's June 20-21. Sun reaches lowest daily maximum elevation during this time