YOUNGSTERS across the town have been busy unwrapping gifts on Christmas Day, with the latest high-tech gadgets and video games consoles among the items high on this year's wish lists.

But it can also be a time for nostalgia, when we reflect on times from yesteryear when presents were perhaps a little less sophisticated but no less meaningful.

We asked readers on our Facebook page what the best Christmas gift they received was.

Some turned back the clock to their childhood, while others pointed to treasured presents that had strong sentimental value.

Here are some of the responses.

Philip Wainwright wrote: "A bus conductor's uniform and ticket machine I got from Santa at a Pilks party. They put on the best Christmas kids' parties ever."

Jo Cosgrove added: "A piano from my Grandad… shaped my life and now music is my livelihood."

Derek Johnson shared: "This Drum. From my Wife 2 years ago. Prompted me to set up a Veterans Corps of Drums in Haydock.

St Helens Star:

"We're now well established and going from strength to strength."

Meanwhile, Joan Holland said: "A second-hand baby doll just after WW2 when I was about 6 years old. I had never owned one before.

"It was given to my parents to give to me by a very dear family friend. It had belonged to her daughter who was grown up by then."

For others, some gifts will forever be treasured for deeply personal reasons.

Vicky Lowe wrote: "A blanket from my daughter, she never got the chance to give it to me. She always loved to spoil me."

Natalie Shields added: "My last Christmas card from my nan on Christmas Eve in 2005. Also the day she passed away."

Finally, Janet Bowden wrote simply: "My daughter"