Here is something from the "wayback machine" to put a little spirit into your Christmas today. One of the funniest Christmas scenes I've seen in Coronation Street over the years was a running joke through one episode. It was subtle at first, and not really a plot line at all and most definitely not really played for obvious laughs. It took place in the cafe, the old one on Rosamund Street. Roy and Hayley were not married yet and Gail was still Roy's partner in the cafe. One Santa was in the cafe having a cuppa. A few scenes later, there were three. The phone rings, and is answered by Roy. It's for Santa. "Which one?", he asks dryly, "we've got 3!" Later, Roy and Hayley are each having a gift crisis as to what to get for the other. Roy goes off shopping and Hayley comes in to the cafe to seek Gail's advice. There are now 5 Santas and they are also consulted for ideas. Hayley notices all the red coats, and asks "Who are they ?" Gail whispers "I don't know, but I do know they must drinks loads of tea in Lapland!" She asks if they'd like more tea and they all quietly nod in unison (because they are non-speaking extras).
When Roy finally gets back, there are 8 Santas filling the little cafe and he's totally baffled! The Santas seem reluctant to leave but Roy ushers them out. In the process, he discovers the head Santa is non other than Les's old mate, Charlie West, running a Rent-a-Santa. It gives Roy an idea and later, when he and Hayley are having dinner, the doorbell rings. Charlie Santa arrives to deliver Hayley's pressie, a scarf to keep her warm, like his love. Hayley's gift to Roy is also a brightly coloured scarf to bring colour to his life. They are, of course, the exact same scarf. Perfect.
Thanks to the episode update for December 20, 1998, found on Corrie.net