Dundee United are aiming to serve up a festive feast of football, starting with a mouthwatering match against Aberdeen.
The Tangerines will be involved in big games all the way through the Christmas and New Year period.
They kick off against the Dons at Tannadice this Saturday, then host champions Celtic eight days later.
Then comes a trip to McDiarmid Park on the 27th to face St Johnstone before the Dundee derby back at Tannadice on Ne’erday.
It is an exciting set of fixtures that should it come with all the trimmings will move an already enjoyable campaign onto another level.
United know the significance of the festive flurry of games and, argues assistant boss Simon Donnelly, they are well preapred for what lies ahead.
He said: “It’s a big period for us when you look at the games that are coming up.
“We are quite proud of our record at Tannadice so far this season but we know that record is going to be tested over the next few games.
“Hopefully, we can stand up to that.
“It’s a great set of fixtures to look forward to, what with the St Johnstone away game thrown in as well.
“We’re all buzzing at the prospect.
“The three games at home – Aberdeen, Celtic and then Dundee – will capture the imagination of everyone at the club.
“We start by playing Aberdeen and, as far as I can remember, there has always been a rivalry there.
“We went up there on the first day of the season and got a really good result so hopefully we can get another one at the weekend.
“I’m sure the boys will all be champing at the bit to get involved both on Saturday and in those other games.”
United are praying born-again midfielder Calum Butcher’s can recover from injury in time to face the Dons.
The Englishman was signed by the Tangerines as a central defender but it is in the middle of the park where he has really started to impress.
Indeed, Butcher’s introduction as a half-time substitute against Motherwell arguably helped keep United in the Scottish Cup, with his presence adding much-needed strength and greater balance to the team at a crucial stage in that 2-1 win.
He then played for all bar the last five minutes of the 3-2 Premiership victory up at Ross County last Friday.
Butcher will certainly be a key man during the hectic festive season, as long as he can shake off a groin problem
“Calum is complaining about his groin and hasn’t trained,” said Donnelly.
“We will just see how he fares during the week.
“Calum has done really well and has almost been like a new signing for us.
“At one point, he wasn’t in contention for a place through no fault of his own but he has gotten himself right back in there over the last five or six games.
“He came on against Motherwell recently and showed real energy and had a couple of chances just through his tenacity, pressing the opposition.
“He came in here as a defender last year but has added a new dimension to the middle of the park for us.
“Calum has expressed to us that he would like to play in midfield and he can do that because he is a good footballer first and foremost.
“There was a spell when he was ill and then he was really struggling to get back into the team.
“He has come back this season, though, and shown what he can do.”
Also on the injury list is young frontman Aidan Connolly, while striker Mario Bilate remains a long-term absentee.
Donnelly confirmed: “Aidan has picked up an ankle knock.
“Like Calum, he hasn’t trained.
Also, Mario Bilate is still injured.
“He seems to progress and then he feels his hamstring again when he does any kind of extensive work on it.
“We will have to see how he goes and hopefully we will get him back as soon as possible, but it has been a wee bit stop-start for him.
“I can understand his frustration.”
Obviously, United would love to have everyone fit but Donnelly still feels they can cope without them if they have to.
He said: “We’re not short of options and the squad is really strong.
“And because of that the training has really gone up another level in the last three or four weeks.
“The boys are now looking at the opportunity to go and make the starting 11.
“Likewise, the guys who have the jerseys have to up their game to keep them.
“It’s great from our point of view.
“We have had a real headache selecting the starting side in the last three or four games.
“That is something you want to have. It’s certainly not straightforward picking the team.
“Outwith the disappointment of the Motherwell league game recently away when we had chances to win it, the performances have been good.”