How Nine reporter Airlie Walsh found her Christmas spirit this year

It was as if 5,000 Christmas' had come at once. 5,001 if you count this reporter.

I was one of the lucky volunteers at the 2017 Variety Children's Christmas Party, which gets bigger and happier every year.

It's designed for children with all sorts of struggles; those living with a disability, chronic illness or those facing financial hardships.

There were rocking tunes from Jimmy Barnes, real police cars with real flashing lights and the most patient dogs in the entire world.

Combine this with special swings for wheel-chair bound children, bags of pre-Christmas presents with the big man himself, Santa Claus, and the joy was palpable.

For more than 40 years, Variety has helped make sure all kids have the same opportunities in life. No matter what life throws at them. No matter what their ability.

At times, with the world spinning faster and faster, it's easy to forget about those less fortunate than ourselves.

Sadly, some children and their families aren't in the position to celebrate the festive season, but from the moment a child walks into the Variety Children's Christmas Party, a feeling of wonder and joy takes over.

A present just for them. It means everything. And more.

Overwhelming happiness is the theme of the day, and that's all that matters to the hundreds of people who make the event happen every year.

Just entering the room made me recall way back when just the thought of Christmas used to make me tingle with anticipation.

To think that I helped give that same feeling to 5,000 kids. That's a good thing. Here's to more of it.

Merry Christmas, everyone.