Ripping Christmas wrapping paper and finding secret presents are always a delight for any child today.
But spare a thought for the children still in hospital this morning. Families were given a special treat this morning as Father Christmas gave out presents to the ill youngsters who could not be home for the festivities.
Santa, who has been coming to the hospital for the last 30 years, gives up Christmas morning to be with the children.
He said: "It's tradition for me, but really, it's just not a problem for me. I'm just sitting at home, and sometimes help out with the kids.
"But it does get really nice to see the families, and when their eyes light up when I walk through the door.
"It really is quite enjoyable for all of us. You would ideally like to be at home on Christmas but sometimes it can't be helped."
With 12 children in the Children's Centre this year, the nurses and doctors are keeping their hands full.
One of them is nine-year-old Matilda Kilbride, from Charlton Kings. She was admitted to hospital on Tuesday.
Her mum Lisa was there to celebrate with her today. She said: " She has been very poorly, but everybody here have been very lovely and made things a lot easier.
"She has two older sisters at home, just waiting to open their presents with Matilda. Hopefully she get to go home today but we'll wait and see."
Also there was Elspeth Robinson, from Stroud, who is just seven weeks old. The little girl was admitted with bronchitis on Christmas Eve morning.
But to cheer them up, Elspeth's family, including dad Kevin, mum Kerry Braithwaite and older sister Mia, Ada and Evie crowded around her bed with presents and toys.
Kerry said: "We decided to bring all of them in for Christmas, and they wanted to bring all of their toys.
"We want to try and make the best of today. The staff here are absolutely wonderful, and I really can't thank them enough. It is just fantastic."
Paul Warren, whose baby daughter Megan is ill with a viral infection, was also spending Christmas in hospital.
The Lyndon dad said: "I have to admit, it's not ideal, but the team here have been fantastic, so you can't complain really.
"It's really nice to see Santa come round with the presents, there is really that little bit of joy. I've been so impressed by them, I want to start fundraising for them when Megan is out."
