Christmas traditions take shape in many ways. For some, it's about spending time surrounded by family and friends, or surrounded by crowds around the Rockefeller Center Tree. But others took part in a day of service, helping those less fortunate.

An Upper East Side kitchen was buzzing with activity as a group of devoted New Yorkers prepared food to spread some holiday cheer.

"There’s lamb and polenta. They are making a gorgeous salad back in the kitchen with mixed greens and dried apricots and goat cheese. It looks beautiful," said Citymeals on Wheels CEO Beth Shapiro. The organization's Christmas operation is now in its 44th year and offered a flawless all-around display.

"We are delivering about two-and-a-half million meals this year to folks that are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, even 100," said Shapiro. "We have over 500 people in New York City who are 100 years or older."

Shapiro tells NBC New York that her team carries on with the crucial mission of ending hunget and isolation, mostly helping homebound seniors. Some have chronic illnesses.

"This Christmas, we have them in our heart, in our mind, bringing the community together," said Citymeals on Wheels staffer Angela Carlo-Pujol.

At the Carter Burden Luncheon Club on the Upper East Side, hundreds of volunteers committed to preparing more than 15,000 meals to be delivered across New York City on Christmas Day. It's a personal touch for many seniors who might be alone on such a special occassion.

"So imagine these people who can’t even leave their house -- how they feel (to have) someone knocking on their door to to help them," explained Citymeals on Wheels volunteer Juana Navarro. "It’s the best feeling in the world."

Another volunteer, Melissa O'Dell, told News 4, "We get a list, we go deliver, and you go and meet a senior that a lot of times they are shut-ins. (They) don’t even get out of the house."
She and her husband have been donating their time together for about 15 years. "Doing it as a family… this is actually one of the first years that we're doing it (as) just the two of us. Usually we have the kids," said Edward O'Dell.

They say it feels good to make a difference in the lives of other New Yorkers. "You might be the only ones they see in the day, and you see it on their faces. It’s not easy aging in New York," he added.