Count Down to Christmas Apps

If you have little ones excited about the forthcoming holiday season, try these handy iOS Christmas apps.
Each of the five offers a different way to count down to Christmas, encompassing traditional advent calendars, customizable timetables and an app that lets you know how many "sleeps" until the big day.

1. Advent Calendar - Bacarox

This is a simple, graphic advent calendar with separate designs for boys and girls.
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2. Advent Calendar - Bacarox

You can tap to select the different sexes, then click on the dates to see that day's image.
Adding a nice touch, the calendar can be locked so the little ones can't sneak a peak at future days' pics.
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3. Alphabet Advent Calendar - Lightwood Consultancy

Perfect for very young children, this simple alphabet-based calendar offers a new word everyday.
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4. Alphabet Advent Calendar - Lightwood Consultancy

Simply tap on the date to view that day's word, which pops up with an appropriate image.
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5. Binny's Advent Calendar - Binny Talib

This quirky option, from the mind of talented illustrator Binny Talib, offers charming graphics and characters, along with cute audio to match.
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6. Binny's Advent Calendar - Binny Talib

Scroll through the street scene to find the right date. When you click, you get adorable activities or mini-games.
If you have kids, or you're a big kid yourself, we recommend Binny's Advent Calender as a must-download.
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7. Share Xmas Lite - METOP

Share Xmas Lite lets you create and share a personalized advent calendar from photos on your phone.
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8. Share Xmas Lite - METOP

The app's design isn't fantastic, but unlike rival apps we tested, this one does work. It's suitable if you're looking for a free way to customize a calendar.
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9. Sleeps to Christmas Lite - Christmas Countdown - Dardan Software

Finally, if your little one is too young for the advent concept, or already enjoys the "how many sleeps" premise, this app will count you down to Christmas day.
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10. Sleeps to Christmas Lite - Christmas Countdown - Dardan Software

You can swipe to change the character and tap the screen to see the time until the holidays in days, hours, minutes and seconds.
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 Thumbnail image courtesy of AForestFrolic