IMPORTANT EVENTS

CHRISTMAS IN NEW ZEALAND

Today, Christmas is celebrated the world over through a combination of modern and ancient traditions. Marking the birth of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event in the Christian church, Christmas time is a time of festivity and family closeness for both religious and non-religious people. Some traditions are seen around the world – Christmas trees, lights, carols and gift giving – but each culture has created its own unique form of celebration.

Christmas traditions in New Zealand

A Christmas celebration Downunder brings together the traditional and the Kiwi. Christmas trees and lights, gifts and Christmas stockings, carols and church services are all part of teh celebration, along with enjoyment of the summer season - barbeques in the backyard, long days at the beach and picnics in the park.

Gifts – The giving of Christmas presents is a popular aspect of this time of year. Gifts are usually wrapped in red, green or festive wrapping paper and placed under a Christmas tree, to be opened on Christmas morning. For children, a Christmas stocking is an early-morning treat; filled with small gifts from Father Christmas, the stocking is traditionally hung at the end of the child’s bed or from the mantelpiece above the fireplace. Shopping for Christmas presents and the quest for the perfect gift can be a time-consuming business, so many Kiwis hit the shopping circuit as early as October.

Cards - If friends and family can't be near, Kiwis send season's greetings with Christmas cards, showing Northern Hemisphere 'White Christmas' images or Kiwi Christmas images of pohutukawa trees in flower.

Family – Universally, Christmas is a time to gather and connect with family, both immediate and extended. New Zealand families often travel long distances to be together at this time of year and according to a recent study, spending time with family is the most important part of celebrating Christmas!

Christmas trees – Putting a Christmas tree up in the home, and decorating it with bright hanging decorations, tinsel, Christmas lights and a star on top, is part of almost every family's Christmas celebration. Some families also hang fairy lights around the home, light Advent or Christmas candles, display Christmas cards throughout the home or hang a wreath on their front door. There are many Christmas shops that open during the months preceding Christmas - they're filled to the brim with decorations, artificial trees and Christmas lights for homes and businesses.

Christmas Eve and Boxing Day – Christmas lasts for more than one day in New Zealand; the day itself is preceded by Christmas Eve on the 24th of December and followed by Boxing Day on the 26th of December. Boxing Day is also part of Christmas celebration in the United Kingdom and many countries within the Commonwealth. In New Zealand, Christmas Eve sometimes involves a midnight church mass or a round of Christmas carols, while Boxing Day is traditionally a family day and a continuation of the relaxation and family festivities of Christmas Day.

Food – Christmas Day celebrations are focused on festive fare. A Christmas Day menu in New Zealand (for either lunch or dinner) can consist of a traditional roast – Christmas ham, roast vegetables, potatoes and homemade gravy, followed up with steamed Christmas pudding and Christmas cake. While this winter fare appeals to many, some families prefer a lighter feast of barbequed meats, salads and a light pavlova or berry dessert. New Zealand Christmas lunches are often enjoyed Kiwi-style – at the beach, outdoors or by the pool.

Summer holiday – As Christmas falls during summertime in New Zealand, many families choose to have fun in the sun, spending time over the holiday season enjoying the outdoors, staying at a bach (holiday house) or relaxing at the beach. Many businesses close for two weeks over the Christmas period, so this is a popular time for a holiday getaway, long holiday break or extended Christmas holiday.

Festive Christmas carols – You may tire of hearing Christmas carols, but singing Christmas songs is enjoyed by both children and adults. There are many Christmas carol events in New Zealand cities and towns, where hundreds of people gather to sing carols by candlelight.