ONE of the favourite Celtic jibes of the past few seasons has been 'mind the gap', alluding to how far Rangers were behind their city rivals.
This season – so far – it has been all about closing the gap, something which Steven Gerrard's men made inroads on in the first half of the current season.
But the difference between success and failure can often be wafer-thin, even in the top tier in Scotland where Celtic and Rangers often hand out drubbings to the rest of the league.
Take the first trophy of this season, the league cup. Rangers absolutely hammered Celtic at Hampden Park but could not find a way past Fraser Forster who even saved a penalty as Neil Lennon's 10 men held on to a 1-0 lead to lift their 10th consecutive trophy.
Fast forward to the most recent league game between the Glasgow sides.
Rangers did not enjoy the same level of dominance as they had in the cup final, but they were the better side for most of the game.
Still, it took a missed Celtic penalty to secure the 2-1 victory which potentially gives Steven Gerrard's men the league advantage going into the winter break. The Ibrox side are two points behind the Hoops but will go top if they win a game in hand.
In truth Celtic have looked tired this past month or so.
Lennon will be hoping the break from action will bring energy into tired legs.
Almost certainly it will bring fresh faces into the squad which has been struggling to cope with injuries to players who had looked like they were fitting right into the team.
Boli Bolingoli after a nervous start to his Celtic career had won the doubters over when he was struck down.
Likewise Hatem Abd Elhamed.
The Israeli proved a hit with the fans from day one but a groin injury has limited the right back to 12 appearances.
They were the preferred left and right back selections in a defence coming to terms with the loss of Kieran Tierney and Dedrick Boyata.
Midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi took a bit of time to hit his stride but looked a class act before a foot injury sustained on international duty with Norway set him back.
If midfield and defence had problems, the forward line has been operating in many matches without a recognised striker.
Odsonne Edouard has been in and out, while Leigh Griffiths personal problems and one or two injuries have limited him to very few chances.
That leaves Vakoun Issoug Bayo who has had few opportunities to impress thanks to his own injury woes.
You could argue that Celtic have done well to keep their noses in front of a much-improved Rangers so far this season despite all of the above.
We'll see if the break has brought that energy back into the team on Saturday January 18 when Lennon's side will continue their defence of the Scottish Cup with another Glasgow derby, away to Partick Thistle in a 5.30pm kick off.
December's win is not the first time Rangers have beaten Celtic in recent years. In fact it was two victories apiece last season.
Plus, Rangers are not dropping the same volume of points to teams other than their great rivals as they have in previous seasons.
Perhaps that is just as much about how poor traditional 'third' teams like Hibs and Hearts have been for a long part of the season so far.
Even Aberdeen have taken a bit of time to get into their stride.
But that line of thinking would lead to the conclusion that the next two games between the top two might define who will be champions.
If they can keep a level of consistency going after the break Rangers for the first time in a decade look like title contenders.
For a change Celtic might have to battle all the way to the league line if they are to keep 10-in-a-row hopes alive.
The one thing Lennon might have in his favour is the obvious disparity in financial health between the sides.
There is every chance that Celtic will add to their manpower during the transfer window while Rangers are not in quite such a comfortable position.
