Then spare a thought for Dwayne Hopper who “decorates” the 45 metre tall Norfolk pine that is central to festivities in Raymond Terrace.

“It’s a fair climb,” Mr Hopper said on Monday.

“It will take me 15 or 20 minutes to reach the top.”

As a tree lopper by trade these duties are the “highlight” of his year.

“It’s completely different to anything else I do all year,” he said.

It’s become his ritual for the past two decades. In the last days of November the lights and the rigging come out ready for the task.

“I’m the bearer of good news,” Mr Hopper said.

“People don’t realise how close Christmas is and then they see me putting the lights up.”

In 2010 the tree measured 43 metres tall and was listed as Australia’s tallest Norfolk pine in the National Register of Big Trees. True or not, having what’s believed to be the tallest Christmas tree in the southern hemisphere stokes pride in the display.

The tree has featured Christmas lights since 1961. The tree and the grounds will once again host Christmas carols when the lights are switched on, come December 1.

This year marks the second for the carols since Raymond Terrace Bowling Club acquired the Old Rectory.  

“It might not have been written into the contract but we certainly gave Helena and Victor our word it would continue,” the club’s CEO Jason Stokes said.

“But it wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of these boys. Without Hopper the Tree Lopper and Port Stephens Council, it would be a lot harder.”

The festivities will begin at 4pm and include carnival rides, face painting, and food trucks, as well as choirs and singers from across Raymond Terrace. Santa himself will also make an appearance.

“There will be plenty for the kids to do,” organiser Adam Nicholas said.

“It’s a real tradition. Growing up it was always a case of ‘let’s go for a drive and see if the lights are up’.”

The Old Rectory is host to various activities through the year. On December 2 it will host the Twilight Markets from 1pm