The festivities of Christmas have started and Apple has also updated its 2012 version of '12 Days of Christmas' app. The free app available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad will begin functioning on Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, and will provide a free iTunes gift each day until Jan. 6.

The 12 Days app is just one of many useful ways iFans can save money by taking advantage of the promotion from Apple.

"You and your friends can download a fantastic selection of songs, music videos, apps, books and TV episodes for free. Each download will only be available for 24 hours. Get our 12 Days of Christmas app to make sure you don't miss out.

Don't have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch? Don't worry. Come back December 26 to download gifts from your computer," the company indicated on iTunes.

Apple's 12 Days of Christmas app has been a long running tradition in Europe. The app has also been present in a modified form in Canada for several years. Unfortunately, the app is not available to the U.S. customers due to regional licensing restrictions.

Like previous versions the 12 Days of Christmas app will give away a selection of songs, music videos, apps, and books for free. However, each giveaway item is only available for 24-hours only.

The app will request permission to send you push notifications. If you don't want to miss a freebie then make sure to keep a tab on the app every day from Dec. 26.

Until Dec. 26, the app may be useless as it only displays a message that tells you to come back on Dec. 26.

Per MacRumors, in 2011, Apple gave away free episodes of The Big Bang Theory and Mad Men, music videos and songs from Kings of Leon, and games like Diner Dash and Fishing Kings.

The app can be downloaded from iTunes for free.