Watching the Queen's Christmas Message is a tradition in many households and lots of families will gather round their TV screens today to watch it.

Queen Elizabeth II will reflect on the year and the major events that occurred throughout it.

Whether you have been watching it for years or this is the first time you're tuning in here's everything you need to know.

What is it?

The Queen's Message is a Christmas Day staple and it is broadcast to the 52 member states in the Commonwealth of Nations on December 25 each year.

It was originally called the King's Christmas Message when it first began in 1932 and was broadcast on the radio - it was delivered King George V.

Queen Elizabeth II has been doing it since 1952. The first ever speech to be televised was in 1957.

The Message is considered a festive royal tradition.

What channel will it be on?

Recording of the Queen's Jubilee Christmas Day broadcast

The Queen's Christmas Message will be broadcast at 3pm and can be watched on BBC One, ITV, Sky 1, and Sky News at 3pm until 3.10pm. You can also listen to it on BBC Radio 4.

The theme of topics covered in the speech are chosen by the Queen. According to her official website it reflects her own interests but "is always motivated by compassion and concern for her people".

What is the alternative Christmas message?

Since 1993 Channel 4 has broadcast an alternative message. Sometimes it can be humorous - in 2004 Lisa and Marge Simpson delivered it. And at other times it can be serious - in 2013 Edward Snowden urged the government to put an end to mass surveillance.

Last year the father of Alan Kurdi - the young Syrian boy who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea - delivered the alternative speech.

Channel 4 has not confirmed who will be doing the speech this year but it will be shown at 2.05pm.