As you tuck into the Christmas ham, try to dodge the worst of the chat around the table and open the presents, NRL clubs will also be hoping they can score plenty from the most festive day of the year.
It's time of year when the NRL seems to stand still. Players are on leave, clubs go quiet and the signings - for about the only time all year - slow down.
But it won't stay that way for long. Clubs have turned their long-term attention towards their 2025 squads, while pre-season training will be back shortly ahead of the season kicking off in Las Vegas, which itself follows pre-season trials from the middle of February.
So, what does your club want for Christmas ahead of the 2024 season?
On behalf of the entire Zero Tackle team, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and safe holiday period.
15. Roosters: Brandon Smith becomes an elite dummy half
Brandon Smith showed glimpses of what he is truly capable of at the back end of the 2023 campaign as the Roosters found a late burst of form to qualify for the finals and then knock over the Cronulla Sharks on the road in the elimination contest.
Smith's play as a number nine - as with any club hoping to make the end of season party - is crucial.
One of the key factors that ultimately improved his own game after a slow start was James Tedesco not overplaying his hand. I covered it extensively at the time, but Tedesco's drop from around 30 touches back to 20 per game improved not just himself, but those around him.
Tedesco is a player, when he gets it right, who can make his teammates look good, and the work he did in injecting himself into the game at the right moments saw Smith improve out of sight in line with the club.
One of the key performance indicators for the Roosters in 2024 will almost undoubtedly be Smith's performances, which can then be traced elsewhere around the side.
