For many people Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones, eating plenty of food followed by opening presents and even an afternoon nap.
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But for some it can be lonely.
When Sri Krishna Devaraya Vuyyuru and his family arrived in Australia from India a year ago they found themselves alone, but after trying a few community groups, they joined the Salvation Army.
"The Salvation Army has been one of the greatest welcoming church we've had when we came here," Mr Vuyyuru said.
"We had been to a couple of churches around, but we felt very at home here and we felt that we are part of this family."
Mr Vuyyuru and his family decided to give back and volunteer at the Salvation Army's Christmas lunch.
"These people have welcomed us and we have become part of the family very quickly," he said.
"We felt that we can help our community here so that's the reason why we're doing this."
Salvation Army envoy Angela Czoban said the event was to bring a little joy into the lives of people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas day.
"Some of the people who come are really lonely, some are sad and some just don't have family here in Canberra," Ms Czoban said.
About 18 helpers were busy in the kitchen roasting lamb and glazing ham for 75 people who booked in for lunch.
She said the food had been provided by the church and community who had bought and cooked the turkey and ham, roasted potatos and pumpkins and supplied the bread rolls and desserts.
"The aim of today is to provide a traditional Christmas meal for folk in the community," she said.
"I know what it's like being part of a big family and having Christmas as a family and I see these people as my family."
This is the third year the Salvation Army has hosted Christmas lunch.
More than 50 volunteers also helped prepare Christmas lunch at St John's Care in Reid, catering for about 250 people.
The St Vincent de Paul Society also held a lunch at Samaritan House, where employees and volunteers hosted lunch for the men living there, through donations from students at Daramalan College and the Majura Scouts group.
"For some this time of the year can be tough and we aim to provide the men with a community where they can belong and share in the joy of Christmas," a spokesperson said.
"Dedicated volunteers will continue to operate the Night Patrol van over the holiday season to ensure no one goes without."