Ever since Den served Angie divorce papers alongside her Brussels sprouts on EastEnders' 1986 Christmas special, the festive period has been time for high drama in soapland.
But Coronation Street boss Stuart Blackburn has promised a lighter touch in Weatherfield this year.
He said: "We shot the Christmas show about a month ago. We are going to have a happy Christmas this year. I think we deserve it."
One of the major storylines will have a bittersweet edge, as Tyrone Dobbs and Fiz Brown continue to deal with daughter Hope's illness. The pair want to give the youngster a special Christmas after she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer.
Blackburn said: "It's going to be the best Christmas Day ever in the Street. Hope will have a very special time.
"Despite mounting debts, Tyrone is determined to bring Lapland to the Street to give the little girl a wonderful day. All the street residents join in with real community spirit to make a magical occasion."
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And as the festivities take place on the cobbles, viewers will see Tyrone - played by Alan Halsall - get down on one knee to long-time love Fiz, portrayed by Jennie McAlpine.
It seems there's no sign of such a heart-warming Christmas over on EastEnders, after the BBC One drama teased the death of a major character over the festive period.
