Christmas is celebrated on the 25th December every year. It is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is traditionally characterized by tinsel-decorated trees, mince pies, present-giving, and a turkey dinner. Families come together to eat, drink, be merry and argue over Xmas TV, whereas children look forward to a visit from Santa Claus and his sack of presents.
Festive activities include exchanging presents, singing Christmas songs, going to parties
It's a special time when children get presents from family, friends and Santa Claus, or Father Christmas. Christmas cards are also given or sent out prior to Christmas Day.
For some, Christmas is an exclusive family affair, while others invite friends to a Christmas buffet or potluck meal. Churches have special services and may include a crèche or miniature Nativity scene.
A little girl who wrote a letter to her father "in heaven" asking him to come home for Christmas has received a heartwarming reply thanks to caring Royal Mail staff.
Madison Danter, 6, received the letter which said her note had been safely delivered to her dad, Thomas Danter, despite it being "a difficult journey."
Her dad Thomas, 40, passed away two years ago after being operated on for a fifth heart valve replacement operation. He left behind five children; Lewis, 23; Chloe, 18; Thomas, 16; James, 13 and Madison.
Madison will spend Tuesday with her mom and siblings visiting her dad's grave before Christmas dinner.
"The older she gets the more she questions why her dad isn't here," Danter said of his niece. "But this has really has made dealing with the loss a lot more bearable. The fact that someone took the time to send a very special little girl a reply that has given a reason to smile, and some comfort. Thank you Royal Mail!"
Images of Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, snowmen, reindeer, and candy canes are seen in cards, posters, signs and other printed or marketing material associated with the Christmas celebrations. Images of baby Jesus, the Christmas star, and other symbols associated with the religious meaning of Christmas are also seen during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day