Opinion: Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Volunteeers at the Fill the Bus appeal, part of this year's Christmas Appeal. Photo/File

Every year we think you couldn't possibly get any more generous and every year you prove us wrong.

As you will have read on the front page today, our 2017 Christmas Appeal has raised a phenomenal $82,080 worth of food and donations for the Salvation Army foodbank.

Well done the Salvation Army, the Rotorua police, our friends at The Hits 97.5 and all the volunteers, organisations and individuals who pulled together to produce such an amazing result.

It goes to show Rotorua has a huge heart. Thank you.

With just two more sleeps until the big day, I am one of those who will be madly rushing around buying presents this weekend. Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like Christmas snuck up on us this year?

I hope that most of you are now winding down and looking forward to spending the day with family, friends or - if you are like Pauleen Wilkinson - in blissful solitude.

To some, the idea of spending Christmas Day alone with nothing but the TV for company may sound terrible, but for Pauleen - who has plenty of friends and no shortage of invitations - it has become her own special Christmas ritual.

Lots of people have Christmas rituals and traditions that can't be messed with, whether it's the movie you watch after lunch, who gets to be the Christmas fairy or Grandma's trifle no one really likes but it has to be on the table or all hell breaks loose.

It's these little things that make the day special, no matter how stressful it can feel in the lead-up.

From myself and all of the team here at the Rotorua Daily Post we wish you a peaceful, restful and happy Christmas - no matter how or with whom you choose to spend it.