The Winton family had roast chicken, potatoes and veges for dinner and plenty of presents to open, despite spending Christmas in the children's ward of Dunedin Hospital.
James (6) triggered the unexpected change of venue when he fell off his bike in Alexandra on Monday, breaking his femur.
He and sister Anna-Marie (13) got a ride in the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter, although he was not able to enjoy the view, she said.
His mother Sharon travelled from work in Tussock Creek and father David and sister Jennifer (10) drove from Alexandra, where they had been setting up their caravan for a holiday.
However, their Christmas cheer was transportable, and lights were strung in James' room and there were plenty of food and toys for everyone to enjoy.
"You have to make the most of it," Mr Baker said.
He also said it "could have been worse" and how lucky it was James was wearing his helmet, which split in half in the crash.
He was expected to leave the hospital in the middle of January and was set to spend six weeks in a cast.
In the meantime, the family had their caravan at the Leith Valley Touring Park and, once James was settled, Dunedin was there to be explored.
