While most New Zealanders are celebrating Christmas, for those in prison, it's just another day.
Wellington acting assistant regional manager of prisons Bronwyn Donaldson said many people seemed to have the impression that it was an extravagant affair, but in reality it was Christmas, but without the trimmings.
"We have some prisoners who have made Christmas gifts to send home using skills gained from art programmes," she said.
"In other cases, the Prisoners Aid and Rehabilitation Society (PARS) may purchase gifts and send them to friends and family on prisoners' behalf.
"Friends and family can send Christmas presents to the prisoners. However, they must be approved items and are subject to normal security processes to prevent contraband entering the prison."
Ms Donaldson said that for prisons staff who work on Christmas day it was business as usual, but prisoners, depending on their security classifications, may spend some time involved in recreational activities.
At Wellington Prison there would be a prisoner games series where they could participate in a pool tournament and other similar pursuits.
"Prisoners can also attend multi-denominational church services held by the prison chaplain," Ms Donaldson said.
"Rimutaka Prison will be having a `unity day' where prisoners, staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to come together and sing traditional and modern hymns and psalms."
Prison meals on Christmas Day are not lavish.
"Lunch is the main meal of the day and consists of a serving of vegetables, chicken and a Christmas fruit-mince pie while dinner is cold meat and salads. A vegetarian option is also available," said Russell Baker, Corrections inmate employment manager internal services sector.
"The day's meals, around 22,000 of them are prepared and cooked by prisoners which means they are also learning valuable skills by doing so."
The Christmas day menu is the same across all 20 prisons and the department budgets about $4.50 per day to feed a prisoner.
NZPA