There are games and tactics on the pitch, and manoueveres and plans being made off it.
In a way, it’s a period of all talk and no action – but that’s because the clubs are currently limited in what they can do – even the vast majority of players with expiring contracts can’t begin negotiating with other clubs until some time in the New Year.
Therefore it is prime time for rumour, gossip and speculation as the clock winds down to the big day – the opening of the transfer window on Saturday, January 1.
How we get there though, is anyone's guess at the moment as the concerning rise in the Omicron variant of Covid has wiped out several games in England, and clubs north of the border have held crisis talks in how to maintain safety of the game in Scotland until the winter break, which begins three days after the trading period opens.
There are many stroylines and strands to Scottish football at the moment, and here’s a look at what is making the headlines this morning, on Friday, December 17.
5. Man in the middle
Willie Collum has been appointed to the New Year Old Firm derby on January 2 (The Scottish Sun) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
6. Gold rush
Rangers should clear up Connor Goldson's contract situation at the earliest opportunity, says Frank McAvennie. The defender's deal at Ibrox expires in the summer and he is free to speak to clubs in around a fortnight. (Football Insider) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
7. Cleary the way
Former Liverpool youngster Dan Cleary has announced his leaving Dundalk - and St Johnstone are waiting in the wings preparing a transfer deal for the 25-year-old (Dundee Courier) Photo: Matthew Lewis
8. Manager talks
Ron Gordon, the Hibernian owner, has returned to Scotland and held talks with Shaun Maloney over replacing Jack Ross at Easter Road (Evening News) Photo: VIRGINIE LEFOUR