Met Office explains what a white Christmas is and it's not what you think

Snow covers Pen-y-fan on Christmas Day in 2010 (stock image) (Image: Chris Jackson, Getty Images)

As the festive period gets underway, households across the country are wondering whether we'll experience a white Christmas this year, and if there are actually high chances of it happening . The Met Office has specific criteria that must be met before such a declaration can be made.

Weather experts have revealed what's required to officially classify Christmas as "white", and the definition might come as a surprise. Across most of Britain, the Christmas period typically marks the start of when snow becomes possible, though it's far more prevalent during January and February, meaning it's not out of the question.

Certain things usually indicate that snow is on the way. Last week,