For some it is the image of Santa, trussed up like the Christmas turkey in 30-degree heat.
For others it’s the smell of plum pudding boiling on the stove.
Or maybe it’s the competitive nature of neighbourhood light shows that helps you get your Xmas spirit on.
For the residents of Bangalow, it’s their annual Christmas Eve Carnival, replete with predictable rides, food stalls, bands – not to mention the starring turns of Space Cowboy, the Pitts Family Circus and the Samba Blistas.
It’s a simple event that gets the village together to celebrate and exchange greetings with neighbours, old friends and new ones.
Best of all, it tires out the kids so the adults can get on with the serious business of wrapping presents.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
