There will be many a last minute gift to be bought (too late for online now) and the streets will be crammed.

People will be picking up turkeys and prawns, cakes and tipples. They’ll be making the pudding, pavlova and trifle and stocking up on last-minute treats. Not to mention cold drinks (and maybe some snags for the barbecue) –  it’s going to be a Christmas Day scorcher

Many will need to factor in a dash for forgotten tinsel or bon-bons - or a present for some far flung relative who has decided, at the last minute, that they will accept your kind invitation to dine.

Even Ebenezer Scrooge was shown a smile and handed a cup when he turned up to his nephew, Fred’s, after his ghostly epiphany. It’s that kind of day.

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If you’re still looking, there are some great deals out there for presents. The sales started early - for many shopkeepers the Boxing Day sales being confined to that one day are a thing of the past. And there’s price matching to boot. Don’t be afraid to haggle.

It’s a time to be close to family and friends. And for those on their own, to seek out others with which to share the spirit of the season. Lunches are planned in towns and cities across central Victoria on Tuesday to make sure everybody has somewhere to go. 

Tonight, all through the house not a creature will be stirring, lest they destroy the magic that is the arrival of Santa Claus. You might be up late watching a little Christmas tosh on Netflix or Stan, though. With  heat and excitement it will be tough for anybody to get to sleep.

In the early hours of tomorrow the young, and young at heart, will tip-toe out to see what’s under the tree or in the stocking, carefully attached to a mantel (or chair). Wrapping paper will be torn open with wild abandon, squeals of delight will ring out and neighbourhoods will come alive with bikes, bats and balls being tested out.

We hope everybody has a great day. From our family at The Bendigo Advertiser to yours, have a very merry Christmas.

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