The festive season can create stress but less-privileged families in Northland really feel the pressure as they struggle to afford the necessities.
But several Whangarei groups want to ensure everyone gets a bit of Christmas cheer.
Te Hau Awhiowhio o Otangarei, Life4U Trust and the Maori Evangelical Fellowship Church are recipients of the Christmas Box Project which will ensure struggling families have what they need to enjoy Christmas.
Martin Kaipo, chief executive of the Te Hau Awhiowhio Otangarei Trust, said Christmas can put pressure on families who are already financially strained.
"We all know that Christmas can be a stressful time and when you have whanau who can't afford the necessities or struggle to put food on the table it can be really hard. So it's a blessing to be part of the Christmas Box Project," he said.