After Cyril Guthrie's first wife died he opened his Geraldine home to strangers on Christmas Day to alleviate his loneliness, and theirs.

He also organises a hearty Christmas dinner for those who turn up, with this year marking the 10th dinner he has hosted.

He had been married to Elizabeth for 43 years when she passed away in 2005. The following Christmas their three adult children were busy doing "their own things".

JOHN BISSET/FAIRFAXNZ Cyril Guthrie has invited strangers to Christmas dinner at his house for the last 10 years as he hates the thought of anyone being lonely.

To fill the gaping hole in his life he advertised in the newspaper for other people who would spend Christmas alone, to join him. Fifteen turned up.

"I cooked for them all and felt very blessed. That's what Christmas is all about."

The following year 55 people came and every year since then it has been between 18 and 25 guests.

Most of the strangers were pensioners who had no family in Geraldine but one year a family from Australia who had been staying at a camping ground enjoyed his festive hospitality.

The 77-year-old does not think he is special for his ongoing commitment to anyone who needs companionship on Christmas Day. A Christian, his career was spent working with Idea Services (formerly IHC) clients and people with drug and alcohol problems so he sees it as an extension of that.

A big shed on his property next to his house which he calls The Corral was the first venue for eating the Christmas dinners.

"More than one has snoozed on the couch in the lounge in the afternoon, as they felt at ease."

The shed is now used for teaching handcrafts so he sets up trestle tables in the house which has good indoor-outdoor flow for the Christmas meal.

Any surplus or leftover food Cyril distributes to local rest homes or gives to the guests to take home with them.

"So nothing is wasted."

Married to second wife Val for the last five years, she is happy to share the cooking.

As word of the lunches has spread over the years some locals give the couple meat or vegetables to help, even though they may not be a guest.

The couple plan to continue with the Christmas lunches for as many years into the future as required.

"As long as one person needs Christmas dinner then we will keep doing it. It's wonderful to be able to do something for other people," Cyril said.