Eddie Howe has told his Newcastle squad this is not the time to be celebrating Christmas with a traditional players' party, as he looks to avoid a relegation battle.
The Magpies are 19th in the Premier League and three points from safety ahead of Sunday's trip to Leicester, although they won for the first time this season at home to Burnley last weekend.
The head coach took his team and club staff to a restaurant on Thursday afternoon for a bonding session designed to mark the festive period.
However the former Bournemouth boss will not be allowing his players to head off on a group knees-up.