With a family of 11 kids, and three foster kids, parents, cousins and a few grandchildren to cater for, Sue can’t afford to leave Christmas shopping for 23 people to the last minute.

She drew up a list in October, and just finished wrapping the last present.

Sue decides on a gift before she hits the shops, and ensures she spends an equal amount on each person.

Online shopping has made the job less of a task this year, and allowed her to capitalise on wholesale prices for surfing apparel – ideal gifts for her surf-loving kids.

“I don’t buy elaborate presents, you can buy some pretty good toys for $100,” Sue said.

“If there’s something they really want, they’ll put in the difference.”

This year, her family is hosting Christmas lunch and afternoon tea for the extended family, and for friends who may be at a loose end on Christmas day.

The kids will chip in, and help her prepare, and older siblings will bring some of the food.

“The girls cook cookies for people, and kids are decorating names on cups and wine glasses,” Sue said.

On Christmas Eve, Sue does all of the cooking, so she can enjoy the big day, and the family heads out for mass in the evening.

Christmas Day is mayhem, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The kids all wake up early, they say their morning prayers together, with dad, Peter, and open their gifts at the same time.

“There’s paper everywhere, the kids are all trying out all their toys, the big ones are helping out the little ones,” Sue said.

“I enjoy watching them open them, it’s part of the joy of being a parent.”

The kids get a kick out of Santa on fire engine in Culburra each year.

Then the married kids and extended family arrives, and they all do a Secret Santa.

“There hasn’t been a year where all the kids haven’t come for Christmas,” Sue said.

“Grandad dresses up as Santa and everyone puts something under the tree worth $10 each.”

The kids put on a nativity play, the family plays Christmas games and no Aussie Christmas is complete without a game of backyard cricket.

At 4pm, friends who don’t have a family to spend Christmas with join the Hill family for nibblies and drinks.

If you have an extraordinary Christmas story, and you live in the local area, we would love to share it. Please email rebecca.fist@fairfaxmedia.com.au