It’s possible today’s House of Keys sitting will be full of Christmas cheer, as it may be the final public session of the year.

There is provision for the House of Keys to sit on December 19, but it is listed as ’may be subject to change or cancellation’.

It probably depends whether MHKs feel there is any more parliamentary work to be done before the festive break.

If today is to be the last Keys sitting before Santa’s sleigh sets off, however, it is unlikely to be a long one.

Only one piece of legislation is before members. The Safeguarding Bill is an important piece of legislation covering protection of children and vulnerable adults.

But the difficult work has already been done, with amendments made at the clauses stage. Today, Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas will seek what should be the formality of a third reading.

There are only five questions tabled for oral answer, tabled by just two MHKs. Given that, some weeks, there can be double or even triple that number of important queries/opportunistic appearances on live radio, and given there have been one or two issues of political note in recent weeks, one wonders if some MHKs have an urgent lunch appointment today.

Or maybe they are definitely planning to come back in a fortnight.

The issues to be raised include the endoscopy service, when we can expect to see a waste strategy put before Tynwald, delays with the airport security checks, the concept of rates increases to combat the problem of empty domestic properties and putting the legal rights of cohabiting couples on a level status with married couples.

The questions for written answer include government business with UK companies and its centralised catering services.

It’s possible that the Keys will rise before Legislative Council even sits down, for its further consideration of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill and the Road Transport, Licensing and Registration (Amendment) Bill, both of which are due for detailed scrutiny today.