Ho Ho Ho! Well now. Would you look at that; it's Christmas Eve-Eve. Are we all set for Santa? Do we still have a last nerve on which to hang a stocking? I do hope so. Let's face it dolls, prepared or not, there's not much else to do now except pop the champagne, stuff the big bird and get tore right in.

I haven't done too badly this year on the old shopping front, my pal Clare and I blitzed ours together during one of my show breaks. We went to Debenhams on Argyle Street and literally worked our way from top to bottom - I can't recommend it highly enough.

The staff are all amazing and there's a few gallus one's in there to help gee you up when you're brain dead and in need of inspiration. As we were wrapping our trip up, one stressed out shopper was aimlessly wandering the perfume aisle talking loudly to herself as to whether Auntie Joan would even wear perfume at all, she's that fickle apparently. Poor Auntie Joan got a public character assassination when all that lassie needed was a seat and a large wine.

I've found the town to be not bad at all this year, dare I say it, even pleasant at times. So much so, I have been given two free coffees from different places in the last four days. My panto pals are convinced that I'm giving the baristas the glad eye. I promise you; zero eyes, glad or not, have been given. It made my day on both accounts to be on the receiving end of good old fashioned festive cheer and random acts of kindness - thanks coffee boys!

Christmas Day is always my favourite, firstly because it marks the end of our 20 shows in a row without a day off at panto and secondly, I get to sit on my backside all day and do nothing. After a long lie, I do my rounds of present dropping to the kids in my life. I love seeing their wee faces as they're surrounded by wrapping paper and new toys.

I then head to my parents to continue the present swapping and crack open the fizz. This year as a joint present, I bought my Mum and Dad a puppy. Our beloved family pet, Jack Dug lived until he was 18 years old and was put to sleep over a year ago. We all felt that it was time for the Oldies to get a new dog. Bobby Lamont is our newest addition to the family this year, he is a Lhasa Apso and we all totally adore him already.

My brother Chris and sister in law Alanna are hosting dinner this year, so once we've exchanged gifts at home, we all traipse to theirs to fill our faces. I love Christmas, I love to buy gifts for my nearest and dearest and spoil them all, but mostly I love that I have them in my life.

This time of year is always a time to reflect, to be thankful and take stock. We all go at a hundred miles per hour day to day, so at Christmas I revel the fact that I'm up to my eyes in family fun, laughter and non-stop chatting.

I am one lucky boy to have all that I've got and I truly know it. Hug your people a bit tighter and be thankful that you have them. I want to wish you all a heartfelt Merry Christmas to you and yours, from me and mine. Happy hangovers!