We may dream to our heart’s content of a having a white Christmas but, darn, it looks like it won’t happen yet again: the odds of snowing, or even hailing, are zilch. While over the continent weather warnings are being blared out, Christmas Day here will be lovely and sunny, if a bit nippy, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 17 degrees.

But by the evening high wind is expected to hit the islands.

A Met Office spokesman said: “By night the wind will go up to force 6 or 7”. Best to avoid planning ferry trips to Gozo then.

On the other hand, today might prove to be a challenge for last-minute shoppers. Heavy rains are forecast for this morning, therefore unless someone’s stocking is to be left empty, best kit yourself out with rain jacket and boots.

The good tidings are that the clouds will veer off just in time for the evening celebrations and Christmas Eve will be a cosy, dry affair.

The forecast for Thursday, Boxing Day, is not so great. “It will be windy with a possibility of thunderstorms and showers,” said the Met Office spokesman.

The perfect day, then, to lounge on the sofa surrounded by wrapping paper and eating the leftovers while watching L-Istrina or re-runs of Christmas movies.