December is here and Christmas time is near.

There's no escaping the bright lights, packed mall parking lots and Mariah Carey. Make sure to budget your holiday shopping, plan those gift exchanges and figure out which classic films to stream.

As always, Christmas Day falls on Dec. 25, a Monday this year. Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena as many Latino and Filipino families celebrate, is on Sunday, Dec. 24.

USA TODAY is here for all your holiday coverage, from how to bake healthy cookies and how to get a letter from Santa to which Christmas movies are worth watching and how to find them.

How many days are there until Christmas?

There are 24 more days until Christmas.

How did Christmas get its name?

The English name "Christmas" derives from "mass on Christ's day," according to Britannica, as the holiday celebrates the birth of Christ. See more answers to frequently asked questions about Christmas.

How to bake healthy holiday cooking?

For those concerned about not meeting your health goals this holiday season, USA TODAY has a few holiday cookie baking tips to make your treat both sweet and nutritious.

What are the best Christmas movies?

USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt has ranked the 20 best holiday classics, from "The Holdovers" to "Scrooged." See where "Home Alone" and "Elf" fall on the list.

'Santa! I know him!'How to watch 'Elf' this holiday: TV listings, streaming and more

Where to stream Christmas movies this year?

Find out whether your feel-good holiday favorite is on Netflix, Max, Amazon or some other streaming service.

How to write to write a letter to Santa and get one back?

The North Pole isn't hard to reach thanks to the U.S. Postal Service's Operation Santa program. Learn what you or your children need to do to make sure your letter arrives on time.

What happens to Rockefeller Christmas trees after they come down? 

Ever wonder what happens what the Rockefeller Center does with its Christmas trees when the holiday ends? USA TODAY explains the tree's journey after its stop in Midtown Manhattan.

When are the post office shipping deadlines this holiday season?

Save yourself from extra gift-giving headaches and added fees this year by knowing your shipping deadlines for USPS, UPS and FedEx.

What you need to know about giving back during the holidays?

If you're hoping to lend a helping hand under the holiday spirit but aren't sure where to start, USA TODAY broke down many options, from charity donations to volunteering at homeless shelters.

How to budget for holiday shopping this year?

Holiday shopping can be the most stressful part of the season. Here's how to tackle your fears of overspending this year, from the 50-30-20 rule and separating "needs" from "wants."

How to watch the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony?

The 101st National Christmas Tree Lighting took place outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 30. In case you missed it you can watch it here.

These tech tips can help you ease your holiday stress

From digital cookbooks to greeting cards, here are some tech tips to ease the festive frenzy.

When should I fly for Christmas?

Here's what you need to know to raise the odds of having a smooth holiday flight, including the worst day to fly and the busiest airports.

How often do Americans tip during the holidays?

A USA TODAY Blueprint study asked 2,000 Americans about their stances on tipping during the holiday season. See how many of them say they tip more often and what the average tip is.

Hilarious Christmas tree ornaments made for parents

Check out these nine hilarious ornaments made for parents who deserve some cheer, including an "Ew, People" and one that says, "I Survived Barbenheimer."

How did Santa Clause become associated with Christmas?

You may not know the history of Santa as much as you think you do. Learn how Santa Claus became associated with Christmas.