Christmas enthusiasts can enjoy the ultimate festive experience with a stay in a reindeer retreat.
As everyone knows, Father Christmas has the pleasure of living with his reindeer friends - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen - and Rudolph, of course.
Word of his relationship with the hooved gang got its first mention in literature in 1823, but reindeer have been associated with Christmas and winter festivals for much, much longer.
Pagans in Northern and Eastern Europe long celebrated the four-legged animals during the cold and dark winter months, associating them with safe journeying, resourcefulness and bringing people home.
The sweet mammals have been living side-by-side with humans since the Bronze Age.
You can now continue this long tradition with a stay at Barn Owl Cottage near Kidwelly, West Wales.
The detached cottage is set on the owners' private reindeer retreat and small holding.
You'll be able to visit the Christmas-connected animals ahead of the big day, and even slip them a carrot and a note for FC if you ask the owners nicely.
Other features of the cottage, which is a five mile walk from the centre of a town with plenty of independent shops and pubs, include its closeness to the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the eight mile beach at Pembrey Country Park.
"After a busy day of sightseeing, curl up on the plump sofa with a glass of wine to read a book or watch a film on the TV/DVD," the cottage's description online tempts.
"Come together around the farmhouse-style dining table for evenings of great food and laughter, sampling some of your tasty treats from your travels.
"Kidwelly is full of charm and is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. Wander along the towpath of the oldest canal in Wales, explore the medieval castle and grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants which proudly serve traditional Welsh dishes and local produce."
If you're still keen to get into the festive spirit while taking a trip away from home, then a European Christmas market may be what's in order.
Not only are they quintessentially Christmassy, there are some great bargains to be found at them.
Riga has been judged the best value choice for a European shopping trip this festive period, taking the top spot in new research by the Post Office.
The firm's 'barometer' compared costs in 12 European cities with those in 2019 - and Riga had one of the smallest increases.
The city's total of £507 for two people was calculated by combining the costs of return flights, two nights’ three-star accommodation, airport transfers, two evening meals with wine, coffee, festive drinks and snacks at the Christmas Market.
The capital city has two main festive markets, with the more established Old Riga Christmas Market home to an enchanting ensemble of wooden huts, glittering lights, and a large central tree.
The Advent Market is the other big offering, selling visitors all sorts of designer decorations made of silver, amber and sea stones, as well warm clothes accessories, designer clothes for children and adults.
