Santa and Baby Jesus get all the glory at this time of year. But I am pretty sure that the real heroes of Christmas are actually the women.

It is highly likely that Mrs Claus was the one who made sure the sleigh was serviced before the big night, that the reindeers fly on a full stomach and who keeps the naughty and nice list up to date.

After all I know of very few men that could manage to do one of those things let alone all three.

And let’s not forget Mary. Heavily pregnant on the back of a donkey trying to find a room – the nativity story just doesn’t do what really happened justice. It says ‘And the child came forth,” any woman that has suffered through a labor with or without medication can tell you no child ever just ‘came forth’ it takes a great deal of effort on her behalf.

Behind the first Christmas was a woman and so it came forth that behind every great Christmas you’ll find a woman.

She is there in every classic Christmas movie.

It’s Emma Thompson in Love Actually, making the paper Mache lobsters for the nativity play, wrapping the gifts and spreading warm wishes to everyone.

Its Kate McCallister, in Home Alone, trying to get home to her son Kevin.

Its Mary Hatch from It’s a Wonderful Life, faithfully keeping the Christmas spirit alive in the house while George tries to find the meaning of life again.

And she is there in the background of every Christmas, pulling off a small event management exercise, diplomatically navigating family tensions and keeping the fridge clear of beer and wine to make sure the left overs fit.

She’s the one who knows the secrets of Christmas, how to make the Christmas cake rich and moist, where the good cutlery is kept and how Uncle Bruce likes ice cream, custard and cream with his pudding.

She’s the one who found the tree and the decorations in garage, dressed the house, agonised over the gifts, stretched the finances, negotiated expectations, wrapped, ribboned and hid gifts, stuffed turkeys, peeled potatoes, made apple sauce, set the table and set the traditions in flow.

If you don’t believe me then just think – she’s the one who remembered to buy the batteries for every Christmas toy in childhood.

If you still don’t believe me – imagine a Christmas without women – would it exist? Would it still be as great?

So a little bit of credit where credit is due.

Thanks Mary for bringing forth the baby.

Thanks Mrs Clause for making sure the big guy makes it into the sky.

And thanks Mum, for making the best Christmas cake on the loveliest table, with the good china and cutlery and thanks … for remembering the batteries.