It's the most wonderful time of the year ....for anyone who has completed their Christmas preparations.
For the rest, the countdown to Santa's arrival may be more frantic than festive amid a last-minute rush.
'Tis the season to be anxious for many, with Australians expected to spend billions in their hectic quest to tick off their Christmas list in the nick of time.
Fish markets are set to provide a snapshot of the festive frenzy as many stock up on seafood before Wednesday.
One of Australia's biggest, the Sydney Fish Market, began its traditional 36-hour marathon after weeks of planning.
It opened at 5am on Monday and won't close the doors until 5pm on Christmas Eve, selling about 350 tonnes of seafood.
More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the market in the inner-city suburb of Pyrmont, with prawns and oysters tipped to be the crowd favourites.
About 120 tonnes of prawns alone are set to be sold at 55kg a minute.
It will be the 29th year of the Christmas rush, with the market relocating to a new site next door in 2025.
"There's a price there to suit everybody - there's something for everyone," Sydney Fish Market head of operations Gus Dannoun told AAP.
Australians shoppers are tipped to spend $69.8 billion in the countdown to Christmas.
Despite tough financial times, most people aren't skimping when it comes to traditional festive feasts with family and friends over Christmas.
"Celebrating with loved ones is a big focus for many Australians after a challenging year and consumers are ready to fork out $28 billion on plum pudding and turkey, marking an increase of 4.2 per cent on a year ago," the Australian Retailers Association said.
A cost-of-living crisis is not expected to curb the Christmas cash splash, with almost 17 million Australians set to buy gifts at an average of $707 each.
Money spent on gifts is forecast to be $11.8 billion, up $1.6 billion on last year.
However, the Wesley Mission hopes to provide something priceless on Wednesday - the joy of Christmas.
Unlike many, its festive preparations are almost complete for its annual Christmas Day lunch in Sydney after weeks of planning.
A small army of volunteers on Monday decked the halls, prepped the puddings and set the tables ahead of the beloved city celebration at Pitt Street catering for more than 300 people "doing it tough".
"Everyone is welcome. Our theme this year is 'You Belong'," Wesley Mission CEO Reverend Stu Cameron told AAP.
"Christmas is a time of mixed emotions for many of us.
"That's why it is so important that people have a place where they can connect and share the joy of Christmas, no matter their circumstance."
The lunch is set to go without a hitch, with Mother Nature largely looking after Australia on Christmas Day.
Warm and dry conditions are forecast for most of the nation on Wednesday, with temperatures above 25C for mainland capital cities.
Perth can expect some showers and a possible storm.
