Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Microsoft has released a free premium Xbox Live theme to help you get into the festive spirit of things.
You'll find the free theme if you head on over to Themes And Gamer Pics and browse through the downloads (there aren't that many to be honest).
If you've yet to shell out a few hundred points for a premium theme, it'll be well worth the effort and give you an idea of what they look like.
We reckon the Christmassy theme is a job well done. Hopefully there are plans for spring, summer and autumn ones too. Here's a quick movie that gives you idea.
Remember it's free before you start complaining about the lack of Banjo or Master Chief in Christmas clobber, chucking iceballs at Cliffy B.
UPDATE: Microsoft's also released a rather festive snow globe on the Spotlight channel. It's started appearing in the US, but apparently other regions might have to wait until the respective teams press go. From Major Nelson:
"Earlier this week, we delivered the free Holiday Theme for Xbox LIVE members, If you missed go ahead and grab it but keep an eye out for the Xbox LIVE Holiday Snow Globe, which has just released in many regions. When you launch the snow globe, it will automatically populate with your friends avatars. You can shake the globe with A or press X to stir in another random set of friends. You don't have to download it, it will just appear in the Spotlight channel* when you are connected to Xbox LIVE. With Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa just around the corner, this will give you a chance to enjoy a little Holiday spirit with your Xbox LIVE friends in very NXE way."
One screenshot and trailer at CVG