They had the xmas day episode last year...they had dinner with the Mitchells and we had the Peter/Lola reveal.

I think he's dropping a big hint with "delivered" and this year's big Xmas storyline is the resolution of the Billy stealing the post storyline!

All joking aside though, I think it'll be Carter centric with either the Mick/Shirley reveal or possibly the arrival of Andy if the reveal happens earlier. The Beales will have their obligatory plot. I'm wondering will Ben returning be part of the festive season or will he be back before that? I know it seems like ages away but it's less than 6 months to go now.

Exciting! 30th anniversary beckons.

I think the Carters will take centre stage this Xmas.

This is the best answer for a long time.

The summer just started and we have a Christmas topic

I think a Beale and probably Ian) will be arrested on Christmas Day for Lucy's murder and that will start the acceleration towards finding the actual murderer.

The Carters will be celebrating one year to the day since they bought The Vic. Mick buys a pub in 15 minutes and seals the deal on Christmas Day. Like you do!

A think the key storyline will be something major being revealed about the Lucy storyline running alongside the Beales trying to cope without her for the first Christmas.
The dates might not work out, but Ronnie giving birth on Christmas Day or New Year's Day?
A minor storyline for Stacey, nothing too major. Same for the Moons.
The big Mick/Shirley reveal caused by Sylvie possibly turning up to Christmas dinner with Aunt Babe.

Lol, well this is soapland.

Are we assuming she walked out because she couldn't cope with the Mick situation? I don't think it has been explained properly yet, considering she was supposed to be abusive, she wouldn't be the most welcome Christmas guest.

I'd forgotten all about that key! I'm still wondering how on earth they can get Stacey out of prison with plausibility.