As Kiwis flock to find stocking fillers in busy shopping malls, wander around Christmas light-laden streets, and take their children to meet Santa, others around the globe shelter at home from the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
New Zealand finds itself in a relatively special position this Christmas season with no domestic COVID-19 restrictions hampering plans for December 25. In places like Europe and the United States the virus continues to rampage, forcing limits on gatherings, movement and the ability for people to enjoy the holiday together.
"It will be a different Christmas, but that does not mean that it cannot be a merry one," Dr Hans Kluge, WHO's regional director in Europe said.
Here's a look at how some spots are doing Christmas in the middle of a pandemic:
England
The United Kingdom's response to COVID-19 and the restrictions its government has implemented has been criticised all year long as complex - and those in place for Christmas aren't any different.
The country is under a three-tiered system. Different locations have been placed into different tiers with different restrictions depending on factors like the number of cases, the rate cases are falling or rising, and pressure on the health system.
But the main thing people are interested in at Christmas is who they can spend time with.
The government is allowing the public to form "Christmas bubbles" between December 23 and 27 composed of people from no more than three households. Travel is allowed - even between tiers - and gatherings outside of the bubbles in some outdoor settings are allowed.
The tiers dictate many of the other rules, like which shops can open where - don't worry "Santa's grottos" remain open across the nation. Carol singing is allowed if steps are taken to reduce transmission risk.
France
December 15 is D-Day for France. That's when its lockdown is expected to be lifted, but only if case numbers remain lower than 5000 a day. Over recent days, the count has still been getting up to 16,000 and infectious disease experts doubt the 5000 target will be hit.
Even if the requirement for people to stay at home ends, there will be a curfew from 9pm to 7am and bars, restaurants and gyms will remain closed over the Christmas period. Large gatherings are a no-go with church services limited to 30 people.
"Breathe and meet up, yes, but I appeal to your sense of responsibility," said French President Emmanuel Macron. "This won't be a Christmas holiday like any other."
Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel says the country's partial lockdown won't be lifted in Germany until early next year.
But there will be an amnesty period on some restrictions from December 23 until January 1. For example, members of one household will be allowed to gather with up to 10 others from other households.
Employers have been asked to allow people to work from home in the days prior and after to allow some time for isolation.
Christmas fireworks have been discouraged, as has Christmas travel. Hospitality establishments will be closed over the holiday period. Most markets have been cancelled.
Italy
This European nation is allowing Christmas dinners to go ahead, but is cracking down on travel plans this holiday season.
Within private homes, there is no gathering limit. Instead, the Government is relying on people's civic duty, encouraging citizens to stay away from friends' homes unless it is for "work reasons" or for something urgent.
Despite the freedom afforded Italians with gatherings, restrictions are being put in place to stop congregations at some public locations. For example, ski slopes will be closed over the holiday season and cruise ships are not being allowed to dock at Italian ports.
Travel will also be limited, with no non-essential travel between regions for the period of December 21-January 1. It's even harsher on December 25 and 26, and January 1, when people won't be allowed to exit their own municipality except for emergencies.
United States
The state system in the US means there is no concrete one-size-fits-all set of rules for the entire nation. So far, President Donald Trump and state governors haven't laid out specific guidelines for Christmas. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) advice for Thanksgiving is helpful.
Firstly, it tells people to adhere to the restrictions put in place where they live. But regardless, the number of people at gatherings should be limited and those from different households should socially-distance where possible. Indoor events are discouraged and people should wear masks.
Like with Thanksgiving, food is a central part of a successful Christmas. The CDC says people should bring their own food to gatherings and wear masks while it is being prepared or served.
Australia
Our friends across the ditch are also subject to different restrictions depending on the state they live in. But as the pandemic is largely under control in Australia, cross-border travel is being allowed and there are few measures in place.
In New South Wales, private homes can host up to 50 people, but only if an outdoor area is being used. That's the same limit in play for public spaces, meaning medium-sized pre-Christmas hangouts are on.
Victorians can have 30 people at homes, while private Christmas parties in Queensland can be attended by a maximum of 50 people.
New Zealand
Here in Aotearoa there are very few domestic restrictions, with our border controls being our main defence currently against COVID-19.
Gatherings of all sizes can go ahead, but people are asked to maintain good hygiene and stay away if they are sick.
Face coverings must be worn on public transport in Auckland as well as on all domestic flights across the country.
