More than a third of UK shoppers are planning on using click-and-collect services during Christmas 2013 – up 12% year-on-year. These services let customers shop on their own terms, cutting out online delivery costs and store opening time restrictions.

With iconic symbols reappearing every year, Christmas adverts have become as much a part of the festive season as mince pies. But behind the layers of goodwill, lights and snow, what do this year's adverts tell us about the meaning of Christmas?

Believing that nobody should be alone at Christmas, IKEA has created a platform that connects guests with hosts, like Kitchensurfing for the festive period. If someone finds themselves alone, they can use the 'No Empty Chairs at Christmas' site.

From toothbrushes to paper clips, Harvey Nichols’ special Christmas collection encourages people to buy “a little something” for their loved ones – so they can buy “a bigger something” for themselves. It taps into a growing trend: self-gifting.