A New Zealand Red Cross nurse based in Iraq says Christmas Day will be a private, quiet affair for her and her colleagues, but will have all the trimmings.
Joyce Hood is based in the city of Najaf, south of Baghdad, as one of a training unit of seven.
She says Christmas Day will be marked with turkey, a cake, and a palm tree decorated with lights.
Ms Hood's deployment to Iraq is her 11th overseas posting.
She says her greatest challenges there are having to dress head to toe, and - as a woman - not being able to go out very often.
