This page describes the cookies and similar storage technologies that may be used when you visit HowManyDaysUntilChristmas.org, what they do, and how to manage them. It is part of, and should be read together with, the privacy policy.
What cookies are
A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store on your device. Cookies let services recognise your browser across page loads, save preferences, measure traffic, and — in the case of advertising — choose which ads to show. The site uses no proprietary first-party cookies; the cookies described below are set by the third parties named.
Categories of cookies used
1. Strictly necessary
The countdown itself does not require cookies. The page works without storing anything on your device. No "essential" or login cookies are set.
2. Analytics
Google Analytics 4 sets cookies to count visits, distinguish unique browsers, and group page views into sessions. Typical cookie names include _ga and identifiers prefixed with _ga_ (followed by the measurement ID), each lasting up to about two years. These cookies do not contain your name or any directly identifying personal information.
Manage analytics cookies by:
- blocking third-party cookies in your browser settings;
- installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on;
- using a privacy-focused browser or extension that filters analytics scripts.
3. Advertising
Google AdSense and its advertising partners may set cookies to deliver and measure display ads. These include cookies used to frequency-cap ads, prevent fraudulent clicks, and — where you have given consent or where consent is not legally required — personalise the ads shown to you based on your visits to this and other sites. Common cookie names in this category include those set on Google domains such as doubleclick.net.
Manage advertising cookies by:
- visiting Google Ads Settings to control ad personalisation across Google services;
- using aboutads.info/choices (US) or YourOnlineChoices.eu (EU/UK) to opt out of personalised advertising from many companies at once;
- responding to the consent prompt that Google's ad serving may show in regions where consent is required.
Opting out turns off personalisation; ads will still be shown, but they will be selected without using cookies tied to your prior browsing.
4. Local storage and similar technologies
Beyond traditional cookies, browsers offer storage areas such as localStorage, sessionStorage, and pixel tags inside ads. The Google services described above may use these in addition to cookies. They are governed by the same controls as the corresponding cookies.
How to manage cookies in your browser
Every modern browser lets you view, block, and delete cookies. Standard locations:
- Chrome — Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data.
- Edge — Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies and site data.
- Firefox — Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data.
- Safari (macOS) — Safari menu → Settings → Privacy.
- Safari (iOS) — Settings app → Apps → Safari → Advanced → Block All Cookies.
Blocking all cookies generally has no effect on the countdown itself but will disable the analytics and advertising features described above.
Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control
The site does not respond differently to "Do Not Track" headers because the standard was never finalised. Where Global Privacy Control signals are received and applicable law treats them as opt-out signals, they are honoured for the relevant categories.
Changes to this policy
If the cookies in use change — for example, because a service is added or removed — this page will be updated and the "Last updated" date at the top will be revised.
Questions
For any cookie-related question, email [email protected].
Last reviewed on April 27, 2026.
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