Christmas means another break for local footballers in a season of enforced interruptions, although Sidmouth Town first-team will still be in action, as they prepare to welcome Honiton Town on Boxing Day and then travel to Crediton two days later in the South-West Peninsula League.
Sidmouth Town reserves have endured a tough start in the Devon and Exeter League Premier Division East, picking up just one point from their opening six fixtures.
The frustration will be heightened by the fact that draw came in the last game, a 3-3 thriller with Upottery, but hopes of building momentum were quashed by two postponements before Christmas.
Ironically, the Vikings will restart with the reverse fixture against Upottery on January 2.
In the same division, Seaton Town enter the festive period in ninth with four points on the board.
Seaton opened their campaign with a 2-1 win at Chard Town reserves but then suffered narrow defeats to Colyton, Dawlish United and runaway leaders Feniton.
The defeat that will hurt the most though was the derby day 3-1 loss to Beer Albion. Seaton are scheduled to restart their league programme with a trip to Sidmouth reserves on January 9.
Beer Albion will be looking forward to 2021 with understandable enthusiasm, as they lie fifth in the table and the only two defeats they have suffered both came against an outstanding Feniton side.
As well as that derby victory at Seaton, Beer enjoyed comfortable wins over Chard reserves, Whipton & Pinhoe and a 6-2 demolition of Dawlish United.
The big test for Beer will come when they resume with a tough trip to third-placed Colyton on January 2.
In Division 1 East, Tipton St John are fourth and they will return to battle with a home tie against bottom club Lympstone. Beer Albion reserves are second in the same division, with their next game also against Lympstone, on January 9.
In Division 2 East, Ottery St Mary reserves are second behind Axminster Town reserves. These two leading sides will clash at Axminster on January 9 and a game the Otters will feel they must win to retain title hopes.
Until then, Merry Christmas to all our local clubs.