"It wasn't our fault, but during the Christmas holidays it's not easy to do a transaction, " Varney told BBC Sport.

BBC: Peter Varney confident of Charlton takeover deal

An Iowa Democratic Party official said that there are no plans to hold the state's caucuses around the Christmas holidays despite the decisions by other states to move up their nominating contests into January.

CNN: South Carolina GOP moves up primary, adds to 2008 scramble

It remains third on the list of holidays when consumers spend the most (behind Christmas and Valentine's Day).

FORBES: Mother's Day By The Numbers

It's a good idea to sort out how you're going to spend the Christmas holidays before the event.

BBC: CBBC Newsround | COPING WITH CHRISTMAS | What if I have a split family?

There was a slight rise in cases of flu over Christmas, however, the real number may be higher as many doctor's surgeries closed on bank holidays.

BBC: Flu cases rise over Christmas break