HARD-WORKING Giants coach Jon Sharp has warned his players they shouldn't use the coming week as an opportunity to indulge in Christmas excesses.
Huddersfield have resisted the temptation to play a money-spinning festive fixture on either Boxing Day or New Year's Day.
Instead, Sharp will give his players a few days off to spend with their families.
But he has made it clear he expects them to get straight back into their stride when they resume training.
"I'm sure the boys will appreciate spending a little bit more quality time with their families over this festive period," said Sharp.
"For many of them it will be the first time in their professional careers it will have happened.
"It's nearly always been the case that there's been a game on Boxing Day or New Year's Day.
"I suppose you could call having the chance to spend a full Christmas at home a bit of a reward for all their hard work so far.
"But they all know I expect to see them return fully refreshed as we start the countdown to the new Super League season.
"Luckily, I'm working with a very professional bunch of guys and I don't think it will be a problem.
"They all know we are about to embark on a vitally important stage of our pre-season work, and I need everyone in the peak of condition."
Although the Giants don't have any Christmas fixtures they are, of course, having three warm-up games early next year.
They are at Halifax on Sunday, January 11, and entertain Castleford Tigers on Friday, January 30.
Finally, they travel to Leeds Rhinos on Sunday, February 8 for Francis Cummins' testimonial.
The Giants club shop at the Stadium will be open until 7.30 tonight.
* Huddersfield Sharks remain within striking distance of the leading Arriva Trains National Conference League Second Division pack after beating Normanton Knights 20-8 at Syngenta on Saturday.
