How many days until Christmas? Here is our countdown for 2016

It feels like just yesterday that Londoners were enjoying summer in the capital - but there are only a few short weeks to go until Christmas.

If you haven’t started Christmas shopping yet, or even bought your advent calendar, you might be shocked to hear that the big day is only 44 days away.

But don’t rush out to panic buy just yet. Annual discount shopping days Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, with massive retailers such as Amazon, ASOS and John Lewis all preparing to slash their prices for one day only in the run-up to the festive period.

Many have hailed today as the unofficial start to the festive period, with the arrival of the highly-anticipated John Lewis advert.

However, others kicked off the Christmas season at the weekend, with the arrival of Greggs Festive Bake in branches across the capital, as well as the switching on of the Oxford Circus Christmas lights by UK garage legend Craig David.

Those hoping for a white Christmas this year should prepare for disappointment - snowfall isn’t likely to happen on December 25, and we haven’t experienced a snowy Christmas day since 2010.

However, there’s still plenty of time to deck the halls. Need some advice before the big day? We’ve rounded up the best artificial Christmas trees, crackers and decorations to buy.

Now, is it too early to put on some Michael Buble?

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