How the Christmas countdown works
- The big number shows the days left until Christmas; the boxes below count down the hours, minutes and seconds live.
- Tap Share, Download card or Story size to post the countdown, or Copy link to send it.
- Open Change the event to count down to something else, such as a party or trip.
Counting down to Christmas
Christmas Day is 25 December. The big number counts calendar days, the same as "sleeps until Christmas", so on Christmas Eve it shows 1. The live clock counts down to midnight on Christmas morning in your time zone. Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar celebrate on 7 January; set that date under "Change the event" if that is your Christmas.
Useful dates on the way: Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and Advent calendars start on 1 December. Last recommended posting dates for cards and parcels are usually in mid-December (earlier for international mail), and many shops' last guaranteed delivery days fall around 18–21 December. Leave the countdown open on a tablet in the kitchen for children, or share the story card with family to build the excitement.
FAQ
How many sleeps until Christmas?
The big number is the number of sleeps: it counts nights between today and Christmas Day.
When does Advent start?
On the fourth Sunday before 25 December, between 27 November and 3 December.
Why do some people celebrate Christmas on 7 January?
Several Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar, in which 25 December falls on 7 January of the Gregorian calendar.