The festive season is now well and truly upon us.

Most of the presents have now been bought (if not wrapped) and a Christmas turkey is taking up a fair chunk of space in most fridges.

Come December 25, when the Christmas build-up is behind us, many of us will be looking forward to a quiet day with our family, relaxing after a traditional Christmas dinner in front of the television.

While we are slumped on the sofa in front of the big Christmas movie, there are many people who have to work this Christmas Day.

There are of course the emergency service personnel who continue to keep our communities safe throughout the year, and the medical staff who attend to the sick around the clock.

However, it is not just public servants who make the day go smoothly and help to ensure that the Christmas spirit is shared. Many people involved in small businesses here in south east Wales also work on December 25.

There are those working in the care sector who ensure that vulnerable people continue to get the care they need over the Christmas holiday. There are the independent pharmacies which are open over the Christmas period, providing a vital local service.

There are also those who help to make the Christmases of others a little more enjoyable - the pubs, hotels and restaurants which open on Christmas Day and help to share a little of the Christmas spirit. There are also the taxi drivers who will take a favourite aunt or uncle home after a day spent with the family.

We should not forget the local corner shop owner who opens up on Christmas Day – anyone who has urgently had to buy batteries for a child’s new toy from Santa will know just how important they can be!

It is all too easy to take such people for granted, but some of the services that small businesses will provide this Christmas are absolutely vital, while others help to make Christmas a little bit better for us and our families.