Despite the unpredictable British weather there is much to look forward to for the avid football fan. 

Today marks the beginning of advent, the countdown to Christmas; this day also signifies that the beginning of the most important period in the English football season is nearly upon us. 

The Christmas week and New Year weekend is a feast of football as the matches and drama come think and fast. This is where the season truly takes shape with Championship sides playing four games in less than ten days between Boxing Day and the New Year bank holiday. 

A team that can come through these games with a good record stands themselves in good stead, either bolstering a strong position or revitalising a floundering season. Conversely a poor record can leave a title contender or relegation candidate suddenly bereft of their rivals. 

This year there will also be some critical games at both the top and bottom of the league, those seeking some Boxing Day entertainment could do worse than going to watch QPR v Swansea at the top of the table. For those wanting a relegation scrap Scunthorpe take on Preston the same day. 

Another interesting match in this period include the intense East Midlands derby between Nottingham Forest and Derby County. 

The weather may be cold but the football season is about to heat up, so the question remains will your team be a rising star or a turkey this festive season?

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