If you're expecting an extra fat Christmas pay packet from your employer this year, you are likely to be disappointed.
It is becoming less common for businesses to give monetary bonuses at Christmas but you may still get a ham or something bubbly.
"It is now unusual to get a
financial bonus at Christmas," Tauranga chartered accountant Rachel Wilson said. "Employers have their reasons, ranging from tight cash flow, and also remember there are fringe benefit tax implications to giving employees cash gifts."
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason said that in the past employees may have received a gift and bonus as well as the opportunity to attend a Christmas party or lunch, but this year there has been a tendency to do one or the other.
"Christmas gifts from employers range from cash, gift vouchers, ham and champagne through to a good old box of chocolates. The chamber held our Christmas function mid-year, primarily due to the end of year being extremely busy. In addition, all staff received a ham."
But financial considerations are not the only reason that most employers have ceased cash bonuses.
Mrs Wilson, who owns RWL Chartered Accountants, said some business owners believed a present was more personal.
"I believe in rewarding my team for their commitment and performance even if cash flow is tight, but opt for a present over a financial bonus," she said.
"It is fun and I can tailor the gift to the employee, which makes it more special. Yes, there are tax implications in the form of fringe benefit tax, but only if they go over the IRD's threshold."
Owner of Salon One the Cove Angela King agrees that gifts to employees should have the personal touch. Her 15 staff members received presents that included a pate knife, a bag for toasting sandwiches, a container for keeping an onion fresh in the fridge, and a lemon juicer.
"I put a lot of thought into what I get - I even start shopping for presents in January. This year, staff each got three to four serious presents under the tree and a few 'bloopers'. I do drinks and nibbles while we open our presents. It's about celebrating as a team."
Welcome Bay local Emily Gee thinks that a gift makes employees feel valued.
"I am on maternity leave from a company new to Tauranga, but they still gave me a gift - a really nice travel bag on wheels. I certainly don't expect gifts but it made me feel appreciated."
Dean Waddell, owner of Brookfield New World, employs about 320 staff, including 120 students. He said it was never a cost he considered trimming.
"Each staff member receives a food and wine parcel and each student receives a voucher. This hasn't changed from previous years. It is a substantial cost but one that is absolutely worth it to show appreciation."
Sara Lunam, corporate services manager at Port of Tauranga, said all 180 staff would receive a ham this Christmas.
"This hasn't changed from the previous year. It was especially important for us to acknowledge the pressure staff have been under in a busy year for the port."
Owner of Village PR, Bridgette Paton-Tapsell, agrees that whatever the economic climate, staff Christmas presents should remain a priority.
"Regardless of how tough the year, we would always give our staff Christmas presents, even if it meant I had to make them. Last year we gave staff two bottles of award-winning wines. This year I'm trying to buy them all personalised and salient novels that will make them laugh as soon as they read the title."
Mrs Paton-Tapsell has also devised a way of giving both to employees and the community.
"We've recently initiated a day off per year for each fulltime staff member to donate their time to a charity of their choice. It's good to give back."
The only large employer that the Bay of Plenty Times spoke to that does not give employee gifts is Tauranga City Council.
Chief executive Ken Paterson said the organisation did not have a culture of giving Christmas gifts or bonuses.
"Although we did hold a TCC departmental Christmas decoration competition, and the winning team will receive a simple free lunch for their team and the second and third-place runners up will receive a morning tea and chocolates respectively."