Christmas traditions come in all shapes and sizes, with some families choosing to shun the holiday completely.

There is no right or wrong way to ‘do’ Christmas.

And on Christmas Eve comes many mixed emotions and frantic parents.

Parents will be building sand pits, swing sets, trampolines and bikes in preparation to see the look on children’s faces on Christmas morning.

Other families will be busy preparing the food for the inevitable December 25 feast.

While other people will be staying in the pubs until closing time, choosing to see in December 25 in the most merry of ways.

Christmas should not be about how much money we spend, although we suspect there is some pretty empty-looking wallets around this time of year, but who we spend it with.

We spend so much time and money on the perfect gift that we forget the holidays can simply be about being with each other.

The thought of being in a house or resort with all of your closest family members might be enough to have you reaching for the sherry.

But arguing over who gets the wishbone or who unwraps their presents first means you have someone to banter with on Christmas Day.

And that can often be better than having no one at all on Christmas. 

You might find it annoying at the time, but spare a thought for those who would love the chance to squabble with a family member or present them with one last gift.

However you choose to spend the festive season, we hope you are all happy and safe.

Indulge to the point of contentment but not greed, and if you can, take the time to assist those who might be struggling this holiday season.

There will be no print edition of The Daily Advertiser on Tuesday, December 25 but keep an eye on the website, www.dailyadvertiser.com.au, for Christmas Day news from the city.

The print edition of the masthead will be out again on Wednesday, December 26.