Christmas songs. I'm sure everyone has a favourite. Whether it's Michael Buble's rendition of Jingle Bells, or perhaps Wham's famous Last Christmas. Even classics such as Nat King Cole's Christmas Song make their very welcomed appearance at this time of year. The truth is you can't get away from them. And who are we to complain as everyone begins to get in to the festive spirit.

With a growing trend in media streaming online, something which now affects the Top 40 Charts here in the UK, it was only a matter of time before this growing trend would see a shift in the artists we are now seeing rising up through the ranks. And with these Streams now counting towards the much acclaimed chart we're about to see a whole host of familiar names dominate.

As singers and musicians like Rita Ora and Clean Bandit slip down the lists, people's change of habits at this time of year will see a rise in Christmas cheer as The Pogues, Brenda Lee and Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas take their rightful place, all set on challenging for the UK's Christmas Number One spot. The cut-off point for sales and streams to count towards this year’s Christmas Number One will strike at midnight on Thursday 21st of December so it goes without saying, every play counts, with many attempting to get George Michael in to pole position after his sad passing last year on Christmas Day. Although, they do currently have Ed Sheeran to contend with who has fronted the charts over the summer, alongside Eminem who looks to claim his first Christmas Number One Album. 
 
Whilst some people argue that change is an unnerving process, it's themes like this that really set the differences apart for good times and fun as excitement continues to build. It's at this very time of year the bookmakers truly start to unveil their best odds on who they think will be crowned 2017's winner, but don't hang around though, because prices are already being slashed as the deadline looms ever closer. Sites such as Euro Palace also offer this same level of excitement through their extensive list of themed games available at the touch of your fingertips where you can play slot machines Euro Palace casino to your heart's content, all minus the stress of ever changing odds.

So whether it's having a flutter online or just enjoying the change in theme at this time of year, there's no denying the fun that can be had as everyone comes together to enjoy their downtime. There's no shying away from the fact that our ever changing digital world is having an effect on the way in which we consume media and our current charts are the perfect reflection of this as Christmas party playlists and the like begin to take a hold boosting artists to the top who may not have been there otherwise.

The Christmas Number One 2017 single will be announced by the Official Charts Company on Friday, December 22.