Christmas in New Zealand

Well, Uncle Jim thought everyone might be interested in knowing how Christmas is celebrated here in New Zealand...so here goes:

Kiwis (that's what New Zealander's are called...probably because it's easier than saying "New Zealander" and also it's after the national bird the "Kiwi")...anyway Kiwis celebrate Christmas in much the same way as we do back home, although not to the same degree. It's officially summertime here, even though it's still pretty chilly...it doesn't get dark until about half past 10 at night. In town there's probably less than 30 houses that display Christmas lights. Last night, we kept the kids up until after 11pm to take them to the one street in town that goes all out with lights. Now mummy's NOT a night owl, so this was a real treat for them!

In the stores there's decorations and Christmas carols just like back home. But, to be honest there's not the same 'festive' feel somehow. The 'cheer' is missing! OHH and Kiwis LOVE fruit cake (bleck!)

At church there'll be a primary Chrismtas presentation this week...and all the local churches have a Christmas service planned.

At home, families usually get together and have a Christmas day barbeque. Yes barbeque.
They'll also serve cold turkey (we just bought a 9 lb turkey for $40 on sale...no kidding), cold ham (so expensive we never buy any) and other cold foods.

For my part I always bring the oddities: pumpkin pie (you cannot buy pumpkin in a can here, so i always stew my own!), mom's macaroni and cheese, and cocoa loaf. For years Nathan's family tended to avoid these additions, but they're coming around.

Because it's such a different experience, it never really 'feels' like Christmas to me. So I usually try to fix a traditional Christmas dinner for my family on boxing day (that's what they call the day after Christmas) or on New years day. I need hot turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy! We usually buy a $4 jar of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce that no one eats because it's tradition!

One thing I REALLY like about Christmas in New Zealand is that this is the time of year when most businesses (of course not retail--) have a 2-3 week break...so Nathan is always on holiday this time of year for a couple of weeks. It's also nice to have the kids home from school as this is their summer holidays.

New Zealanders are very good about remembering family time. It was only in the recent past that stores began to open on Sundays...and the ones that are open are usually only open for a half day. Businesses are closed on Easter ...except for some cafes and restaurants and the 24 hr dairies...(and fined if they're open). Even in the summer when it's light out so late, shops in town still close by 5:30 pm...and so families have time to spend together!

And that's what Christmas time is all about. Remembering the birth of our Saviour, and spending time with the people who really mean the most to us....our family.

Here's wishing you all....my family.....a safe and Merry Christmas...and Happy and healthy New Year!

love,
Sandy