While many are thankful to be spending Friday with loved ones after a tough year, spare a thought for those who will be at work on Christmas Day.
For some police officers, hospitality workers, medical professionals and others across the city, it's just another day of the year they'll be on the job serving the community.
Newcastle City police Acting Inspector Craig Clark has spent the past few Christmases at work and this year will be no different.
He and his wife, who is also a police officer, will be celebrating with their children tonight before their Christmas Day shifts on Friday.
Acting Inspector Clark said while it was hard having to spend the day at work, someone has to respond to the incidents that arise.
"It is an extra burden being away from family," he said. "It's tough.
"But someone's got to be there to manage everything and keep everyone safe.
"For us it's a normal work day."
Belmont 16s will also be open for business on Christmas Day, with about 650 people expected for the sailing club's lunch offering.
Food and beverage manager Aaron Billingsley has worked in hospitality for many years, so the Christmas Day shift is nothing new for him.
"It's just par for the course," Mr Billingsley said.
"I've been in hospitality long enough to know it comes with the territory."
While he'll be at work over lunch, Mr Billingsley said he still gets to see his kids unwrap their presents in the morning and would be home in time for dinner.
He also said the shift wasn't too bad, as the customers were thankful to the staff for serving them on the day.
For John Hunter Hospital Intensive Care Unit clinical nurse specialist, Rachael Paton, working the Christmas Day shift is nothing compared to what the patients are going through.
"It's a privilege to be around patients and families at such a dire time in their lives," Ms Paton said. "It would be nice to think wasn't any sick patients in ICU at Christmas, but unfortunately there is."
She said after not working the Christmas Day shift for a few years, it was her turn again and said she was blessed to work among a great team.
And thankfully Santa took into account Ms Paton's roster and stopped in to her household on Christmas Eve.
"We have Christmas morning a day early. We make the most of the time we do all get together and make sure we make time for the people that we love."
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