It is quite possible the Department of Education's Regional Office on Second Street had a little bit too much time on their hands last week as the countdown to the end of school loomed close.
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With reports finalised and preparation for the 2020 school year complete, it is the quietest time of year for the 40 or so staff within the old building.
Keeping with a fairly new tradition, the offices were transformed into Christmas wonderlands - but not just for the sake of jumping into the festive spirit.
It was a case of fierce competition, as human resources, finance and the teaching and learning team went head to head, with bragging rights for the whole of next year up for grabs.
"We have Kintore Street School next door and throughout the year the kids come and help us with odd jobs, it's our way of giving something back," the Department of Education's Monique Marzocchi said.
"But this year we just kept upping the anti."
Despite a strict budget and clear push to reuse and recycle, the offices were overflowing with decorations, games, lights and wrapped gifts - the Kintore students had their work cut out for them tasked with judging the competition.
"It got quite competitive this year, human resources came in over the weekend, and we all put in quite a bit of time after hours," Ms Marzocchi said.
"Each room is thematic to immerse the Kintore students in the Christmas spirit."
The excitement was palpable as the students roamed from office to office, before finally making their decision.
It was a clear majority, with nearly all students voting for the teachers and learning team, which had taken immersive to the next level.
"It is like a dreamland, but christmassy," Kintore Street School student Donna Coolwell said.
Meanwhile on the streets of Katherine, another Christmas competition was underway.
Each year, businesses in Katherine jump into the festive season by decorating their shop windows.
The best decorated window was awarded to Terrace Emporium, the best inside display was awarded to Katherine Real Estate and the best government display was awarded to the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics.
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