Yeah, it's a hedgehog with a hat

We’ve all been forced to endure an avalanche of hype over the past couple of weeks, but as we frantically tap out this last-minute message, Christmas has virtually arrived. To be honest, we’re not overly fond of Brussels sprouts, charged family disputes, and terrible terrestrial television – but we are thrilled at the fact that the gaming industry shuts down for a couple of weeks, allowing us to catch up on a handful of games. But what are you planning to play over the break? Share your itinerary in the comments section below.

Sammy Barker, Editor

Can the Christmas break last for a year, please? At this point, I’ve got so many games that I want to play that I’m not sure that I’m ever going to actually get to them all. Taking top billing this year is Tomb Raider, but I’m also eager to spend some more time with Resogun and Killzone: Shadow Fall. In addition, I’ll be aiming to polish off The Walking Dead: Season One – but these plans are all subject to whether I can actually tear myself away from Gran Turismo 6.

Ben Potter, Video Editor

Over the Christmas break, I'll finally begin swashbuckling my way through Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag on the PS4. I've been looking for something to satisfy my open world itch, and by all accounts this'll do the job.

Jamie O’Neill, Retro Editor

Ever since Super Mario Kart in 1992, it’s been my tradition to play kart racers every Christmas. Last year it was Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, but this Christmas it’s all about the PS4 games. I first played a launch PS2 when my brother hunted one down in December 2000, so I returned that courtesy by sharing my PS3 launch purchase with him, and I’ll do the same with the PS4 during our family Christmas. I want to hand him a DualShock 4 and let him enjoy a realtime version of the February PlayStation Meeting’s gleaming Vekta City setting in Killzone: Shadow Fall, first. He loved eighties arcade shooters like Defender, which means that Resogun will be perfect, but I know he’s a racing game fan, so Need for Speed: Rivals will get the most prolonged play. I won’t forget my festive kart racing fix either, as I also have Crash Team Racing ready for a turbo boost on my Vita.

Kell Andersen, News Reporter

Due to unforeseen circumstances (read: shortages) I’ve only just received my PS4, so I'll be spending my Christmas slaughtering the Helghan empire and saving the last humans. When I'm not doing that, I'll be indulging in my tradition of replaying the year's best games over the holiday break. What will I be starting with? God only knows.

Orla Madden, News Reporter

I'll definitely be giving my PS3 some love this Christmas, as I've been neglecting it a lot recently thanks to Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds on the 3DS. My Godmother has purchased Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus for me, so I'll be spending a lot of time with that. A small bit of my time off work will also give me the chance to start Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, so I'm really looking forward to that, too.

Alex Stinton, Reviewer

While there'll be plenty of turkey consumed over the Christmas holiday, there'll be none of the gaming variety taking up my time with Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag still top of the menu. This tasty main course will be complemented with a side of Battlefield 4 and followed by a cheese board made up of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Dead Rising 3. Now you'll have to excuse me as I've made myself hungry with all of this talk of food.

Cale Stolle, Reviewer

I'm playing LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. With my oldest nephew off school this week, we have time to dive into this together. I expect we will spend most of our time freezing, electrocuting, burning, and smashing each other into the ground. We always make LEGO games last a lot longer than they should.

Graham Banas, Reviewer

While Sony's busy replacing my faulty DualShock 4, I've had the opportunity to dig into my PS3 backlog. I just beat Sly 2 the other day, with Sly 3 now on the immediate horizon. I also plan to play the new The Walking Dead: Season Two – if Telltale ever gets around to making the Season Pass available. Other than that, I’ll be exploring my dark side in Hotline Miami.

Joey Thurmond, Reviewer

With what time I'll have in between Christmas festivities, I would love to play some Battlefield 4 multiplayer and Assassin's Creed III. And since I'll be riding along with my family to visit relatives this weekend, I would also like to delve back into Uncharted: Golden Abyss for a bit.

Nathan Michalik, Reviewer

I'll be spending some time in Eorzea (Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn) to complete the Starlight Celebration events, so look out for a Black Mage dressed as a snow man in the new Crystal Tower dungeon. I'm also looking forward to finally getting a chance to play Tearaway.

That’s us all talked out, which means that it’s your turn to take centre stage. What will be keeping you occupied this Christmas? Are there any games that you’ve been waiting to play? Is there a particular title that you’re hoping to receive as a gift? Share your festive schedule in the comments section below.