Of all the years, this one in particular feels like it needs a Late Late Toy Show that knocks it out of the park.
We've not had much to shout (positively) about in 2020, and many around the country are pinning their Christmas hopes on a big, big night from the RTE studios.
Ryan Tubridy, the show's legendary host, has been in cracking form in recent weeks, playing on the emotions of an excited public as the buildup to November 27 continues.
Questions are swirling over this year's Toy Show, with many wondering how Tubridy will pull off a show capable of cheering up the nation.
But the RTE superstar has been quick to reassure us that he and his team are "putting more effort and more love into this thing than you can imagine."
Here's everything you need to know about the night in question – from potential themes to the possible format of a pandemic-era Toy Show.
When is it on?
The Toy Show will air on Friday, November 27 at 9.35pm. It might be a night for a takeaway and a roaring fire, we reckon.
Where can you watch it?
The Toy Show will be broadcast, in a reassuringly traditional manner, on RTE 1 – while RTE News Now will simulcast the show with Irish Sign Language.
Have we any idea what the theme might be?
Yes and no, is the answer to this question. Tubs has driven fans demented in recent weeks with a string of tantalising hints about the theme of the show – but in keeping with Toy Show tradition, it's set to remain a secret until the big night.
On radio and social media, Tubridy has dropped teasers that hint at a potential theme.
We've had suggestions of a mask-themed show, as well as Minions and the Wizard of Oz.
Unfortunately, it seems likely we'll have to wait until November 27 to know for sure what's in store.
Can I watch it from abroad?
The Toy Show doesn't just mean a lot to people living in Ireland. For thousands across the world – members of the Irish diaspora and just fans in general – it's a huge night.
If you fit that bracket, then you can breathe a huge sigh of relief – this year's Toy Show can be watched worldwide live on RTE Player.
Tubridy has said showing the Toy Show globally means "Irish emigrants get a chance to connect with their home in a way that is absolutely unique to us as a people."
Do people really watch it?
Is the Pope a Catholic?
Last year's Toy Show was watched by over 1.7 million across RTE's various platforms, with 1.35 million of us tuning in live on the night.
That made it RTE's most-watched show of 2019, and little wonder: a survey published by Jury's Inn has shown 40% of Irish millennials view it as their fondest childhood throwback.
