This Christmas Eve, Mega Millions players will be dreaming of a billion-dollar jackpot, as the odds sparkle at 1 in 302,575,350 and the cash value jingles at a dazzling $448.8 million.

With the Mega Millions jackpot soaring to an estimated $1 billion for the Christmas Eve drawing, players nationwide are gearing up for what could be the largest December win ever. With 29 draws sans a winner, hopes are high that someone will finally strike it rich and join the ranks of the few who get to say 'Merry Christmas' with cash in hand—though odds are just slightly better than maintaining a peace treaty with your extended family at holiday dinners.

To put that staggering figure into perspective, the previous jackpot of $810 million was won earlier this year in Texas on September 10. The Mega Millions game seems to have a way of building up to a holiday crescendo, perhaps as a subtle nod to those who never made it past the craft corner at the office Christmas party. But unlike that last-minute gift for a relative you hardly know, this jackpot is guaranteed to create lasting memories—throughout the entire tax year, no less.

This isn't the first time Christmas Eve has been the stage for a Mega Millions win. In a quaint twist, it’s only happened once before on this date, back in 2002 when a lucky winner scooped up a modest $68 million jackpot in New York. One might wonder how a person felt back then—likely somewhere between 'I’ll take the family on the best vacation ever' and 'I’m finally getting my dream face-lift, mom!'.

As the clock ticks down to the 11 p.m. ET drawing, enthusiasm grows. But let's remember: the odds of claiming the jackpot are as favorable as finding that one Christmas ornament you mysteriously lost last year. With a probability of 1 in 302,575,350, hopeful ticket holders might want to consider buying a backup lottery ticket for the post-holiday blues; however, that's just a friendly piece of advice and not a professional expectation.

Each ticket costs a mere $2, which is either the best investment anyone could make or a small donation to the hopes and dreams of future lottery players. Mega Millions tickets are conveniently available in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Such distribution means that no one should miss out on the chance of living out fantasies of extravagant spending on things such as gourmet pet food or unreasonably large inflatable holiday decorations.

As people prepare their lucky strategies—be they ritualistic or outright whimsical—there’s no stopping the mad dash for tickets. Wager your hopes and dreams or bet on the usual names and dates; the decision is yours alone. After all, nothing says holiday cheer like a frenzy of ticket-buying leading up to a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of holiday bliss.

Families gathering around their screens for the drawing will add a layer of suspense that rivals any family game night. At least this time, if Uncle Bob gets too invested, he won’t be talking about last year’s Thanksgiving turkey incident. Therefore, this holiday season not only presents the opportunity for financial wishes but may also replace the classic arguments over who ate the last piece of pie.

So as you lounge about on Christmas Eve contemplating your financial future and mental health, remember this: whether you win or lose, at least you'll have a few good stories to tell, maybe some collective sighs of disbelief, and definitely a few pairs of eyes rolling at the strategizing the family will engage in next year. After all, nothing ignites the competitive spirit quite like a Mega Millions drawing, especially when it's wrapped in a holiday bow.