But for residents of Ross Home, in North East Valley, that cheer was matched by the gift of family.
The Presbyterian Support Otago aged-care facility had begun hosting its baby group six years ago, and ran weekly every Friday morning.
A local group of parents would bring their babies in each week for the residents to play with and have a cuddle.
On Friday, the baby group was treated to an early visit from Santa Claus along with his trusty elf helper.
Mr Claus said visiting the retirement home each holiday season was always fun, and an extra-special event for the children.
"I’ve been very busy at Ross Home for the last week — lots of Christmas parties going around the units," Mr Claus said.
One of the only things that could bring both young and old together, other than the Christmas spirit of course, was quite simple: family, he said.
"They can’t wait to have cuddles with these wee ones.
"They’re a bit like their grandparents really — they just can’t wait to see them."
The best thing about the baby group meetings was seeing the residents’ faces lighting up when the children entered the room, Mrs Marsh said.
Some of the children had been coming since they were 3 months old, and had established a great rapport with the residents.
Her husband had even whipped up some Christmas presents for the children, as a way of giving back to their loving community of parents.
