Christmas is just around the corner and, as the old song tells us, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. There are a whole host of fabulously festive iPhone apps to keep both you and the kids entertained over the holiday season. Here are some of my favorites.

Christmas!!
Christmas!! is an all-encompassing iPhone app that is jam packed with festive features such as an advent calendar, Christmas themed wallpapers, a countdown clock and selection of cracker jokes that will even make the family scrooge smile!

Christmas Sound Shelf
Ever wished you had a sleigh bells or crackling fire sound effect to hand whilst telling Christmas stories? If so then you will love the Christmas Sound Shelf app as it comes pre-loaded with a range of sound bites such as jingling bells, ho ho ho’s, ripping paper and popping Champaign corks. This free app will really bring your children’s bedtime stories to life!

Cards
The Cards app is perfect for both big and little kids with arty fingers. Customise your own greetings cards on your iPhone and for a nominal fee you can have them printed and sent to your family and friends. There are a number of templates to choose from and you can add photos, art work and personalised greetings. Avoid the card shops this holiday season and send something personal with the Cards app.

Santa Meter
Create your own naughty and nice lists with the Santa Meter app. Add all your family and friends and use the app to tell Santa if they have behaved well enough for a present. You can also view the naughty and nice scale to see how you and your family members compare to others. A new feature for this year allows you to call Santa’ when your kids have been especially good or bad to tell him all about it. Here’s hoping that they will be on their best behaviour so you don’t have to make that call!

Christmas Experience
Build your own Frosty the snowman from the comfort of your cosy armchair with the Christmas Experience app. Choose from a selection of scarves, hats, noses, gloves, buttons and stick arms for your snowman without having to get cold. When he is all finished you can take a nice picture of him to share with your friends and family. This app also includes a Christmas hang man game, a sleeps countdown clock and a number of Christmas songs to listen to.

==== About the author ====
Vicky is a technology writer who especially likes to write about iPhones, iPhone apps and iPhone insurance.