With older children having flown the nest and the usual sleigh-sized work commitments in the lead-up to the festive season, it was all feeling a bit flat.

Add to that the terrible happenings both at home and abroad and it was easy to feel as though that Christmas magic had faded.

But all that changed last Thursday night, when the name of an angel-faced four-year-old was drawn as the winner of our first ever Great Xmas Toy Grab.

From the hundreds and hundreds of entries, Grace McNeilly was given the opportunity to run amok in Kmart’s toy aisles for 90 seconds, choosing her own Christmas presents.

It was always going to be a fun moment but, as Grace’s story unfolded, shivers ran down my spine.

The beautiful little tot was blissfully unaware that she had been facing a very bleak Christmas.

Grace’s dad, Steve, had surgery for a broken shoulder about six weeks ago after coming off a motorbike and expects to be off work for months.

The family thought they were going to have to give Christmas a miss this year.

Instead, Grace has enough toys for herself, her cousins - and her birthday early next year!

It couldn’t have been a better result.

Grace’s wide-eyed innocence and utter joy brought back all the very best Christmas feelings for all of us there to witness the event.

Merry Christmas, Grace, and thanks.