After the blitz of shopping that precedes it, the opportunity to spend time with family and weigh up the year that was is both valuable and important.

In the Hunter, we have much to be thankful for. The state's bushfire crisis has so far been largely staved off by the brave efforts of our firefighters, who will be hoping for a break in the horror conditions that have kept them busy for months.

Alongside firefighters, emergency workers and retail staff are among the many who will head off to work while much of the region enjoys this break. Spare them a thought and a thank you during celebrations.

While we have faced smoky skies and an associated spike in respiratory problems reported to Hunter New England Health, the fires themselves have largely threatened property outside of the region. As the lower Hunter prepares to face tighter water restrictions, it is worth remembering that many parts of our state and sections of the Upper Hunter passed that unwanted milestone long ago.

As the holiday migration kicks into full gear, the tragic death of a man in a Singleton crash and a statewide road toll that hit five deaths between Friday and Sunday reminds us that safety must come first. Many of the deaths came on regional roads.

"Planning ahead is the best way to avoid being tired. Make sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel, plan to take regular breaks and share the driving with a friend or family member if you can," Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.

The gratitude that permeates the season for many of us should also extend to compassion for those who do not feel the same way. "Around this time of year, if you have a stretched budget it's gonna snap, if you have a brittle relationship it's probably gonna break over this period because it's become so stressful," Wayside Chapel's Pastor Jon Owen noted last year. Services including Reach Out (au.reachout.com), Lifeline (13 11 14), the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) are there for all of those who may seek support over Christmas.

To all our readers, contacts, sources, contributors, supporters and social media followers, all of us at the Newcastle Herald are wishing you a merry and safe Christmas.