Pompey fans will be hoping to see their side unwrap plenty of League One points over the Christmas period.
But they are sure to be tested either side of the big day, with the top two teams in the division visiting Fratton Park.
Leaders Wycombe are the opponents on Boxing Day, although first up is a clash with an Ipswich outfit who dropped out of the Championship last term.
And while Pompey have yet to be beaten on home soil in the league this season, Kenny Jackett knows his troops have to improve on their heavy defeat at Accrington.
The Blues boss said: “We need to learn from last week’s performance and try to shore things up because we were far too open.
“That has to be addressed – whether it’s tactical or with personnel – and try to bounce back on Saturday.
"Before last Saturday at Accrington we’d built up some real momentum and so we can’t let that one game stop us."
“We don’t want a repeat of how we played there – particularly defensively – but the emphasis in training has been on Ipswich.
“They’re recently a Championship side and will be looking to get straight back up. Those expectations and their ability will, I’m sure, see them competing all the way through the season.
“The attendance is going to be a big one and it’ll be a great day if we can bring the fans into play by producing a really positive performance.
“We always analyse the opposition, but my thoughts are mainly about my own team and trying to put another run together.
“Before last Saturday at Accrington we’d built up some real momentum and so we can’t let that one game stop us.”
Republic of Ireland international winger Ronan Curtis is enjoying a rich vein of form and has struck five times in his past six appearances.
Jackett said: “Ronan’s got eight goals already this season and is the ideal player to have out wide in a 4-3-3 because he’s got the ability to also get in and around the penalty area.
“The system we’ve played since he came here has really suited him and we’re always looking to get the best out of him.”