For all mini-Madonnas there’s Xchange Idol’s semi final on December 1, followed by the massive grand final December 4 – and unlike Australian Idol, the winner of this comp won’t be boring or totally predictable. And speaking of competitions, Ultimate X-Man – the search for hot boys (incidentally, never ending for me) - has only four heats to go, with the second semi final on December 23 and the mammoth grand final to be held on December 26.

Squeezing down the chimney on December 20 to find out whether you’ve been naughty or not been caught is Ms Candee Clause. The ho ho ho will be sitting upon her throne, and you can get your photo taken for a nominal fee – but don’t despair, all the money goes towards buying Christmas presents for patients in Fairfield House at the Alfred oHHoHospital.

Not getting enough fibre in your diet? You can stay regular at the Xchange instead, with happy hours (plural) offering $2 pots and $3 schooners in between 5pm and 7pm Monday to Friday. Make sure you use your bonus card every time you pay for entry or buy a drink – 10 stamps on your bonus card gets you free entry or a free drink and a chance to win a trip for two to Thailand, drawn December 30. What a kick ass way to start the New Year.