The wrapping paper has been shoved into the recycling bin, the leftovers are covered in the fridge, the children are happily playing with their new gifts – Christmas is done for another year.
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But with Christmas inevitably comes Boxing Day and the argument over whether Wagga shops should open or not.
National retailers in the city opened their doors in the hopes residents would brave the heat in search of a bargain.
But some local businesses chose to stay closed for another day.
Businesses owners were praised on social media for allowing their workers one more day with their families and not giving in to the pressure to open.
There is much argument about Boxing Day sales not having a place in the bush or big businesses using the holiday to cash in.
It would be nice to think people would wait to support independent businesses but it is hard to resist the lure of a bargain.
But even if you were tempted to attend Boxing Day sales, where the crowds in Wagga were nowhere near as harrowing as in metropolitan cities, it’s just too hot to go outside.
During almost every Wagga summer in recent years, the city goes through a sweltering period of 40-plus degree days.
That time has come already.
We usually see a significant spike in the temperature in January or February but Mother Nature’s Christmas present to the city has come in the form of a heat wave.
Temperatures are expected to reach more than 40 degrees Celsius for about four days, for a near record-breaking extreme heatwave.
With the heat comes warnings about looking out for pets and the elderly and being safe when in the sun.
It’s easy enough to remember to wear sunscreen and a hat and protective clothing when venturing into the sun but staying protected from the heat is a bit more difficult, especially when night time temperatures will remain in the late 20s.
Stay hydrated and do what can be done to bring your body temperature down to avoid health issues.