Is there an extended holiday return policy for 2024?

Yes, its has started today:

"Items purchased at the Apple Online Store or in store that are received between November 8, 2024, and December 25, 2024, may be returned through January 8, 2025"

Received this information from an Apple agent this morning in the UK

And Apple has announced the same policy now for the US Apple Store, with the usual caveats.

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple

Apple has not yet announced an extended return period. I'd be surprised if they didn't, but we are all just fellow uses who know no more than you do. We'll have to wait and see.

Regards.