Cookie Policy

Cookie Policy – how xmasday25 uses minimal first-party storage and how third parties may set cookies.

Last Updated: 2025-10-12

This Cookie Policy explains how xmasday25 (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies and the choices you have.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device by a website. They are widely used to make websites work, operate more efficiently, and provide reporting information.

2. First-Party Storage We Use

We currently avoid setting traditional persistent first‑party cookies for tracking. Instead we rely on LocalStorage keys (client‑side only):

  • countdown_favorites – your starred events
  • countdown_clicks – local popularity cache only for on-device trending ordering
  • countdown_effects_hidden – animation/effects visibility preference

These keys never leave your browser. You can clear them anytime via browser developer tools or clearing site data.

3. Third-Party Cookies

Third parties (e.g. Google AdSense, Amazon Associates or CDN/analytics providers if enabled) may set their own cookies for:

  • Ad delivery & frequency capping
  • Fraud & abuse prevention
  • Basic performance or viewability metrics
  • Attribution of affiliate referrals

We do not control third‑party expiration schedules. Refer to their respective policies for detailed retention and opt‑out information.

4. Managing Your Preferences

You can:

  • Adjust browser settings to block or delete cookies
  • Use built‑in tracking protection / private browsing modes
  • Opt out of personalized ads via Google Ads Settings (and industry frameworks like NAI / YourAdChoices where applicable)

Blocking certain cookies may reduce relevance of ads but the site’s core countdown functionality will continue to operate.

5. Web Beacons & Similar Technologies

Ad networks may use pixels, clear GIFs or JavaScript tags to measure impressions and detect invalid traffic. We do not use these for user profiling.

6. Updates

We will update this Cookie Policy if we add or materially change cookie-related third‑party services. The Last Updated date at the top reflects the current revision.

7. Contact

Questions: see the Contact page or email sparkj953@gmail.com.