Celebrating Christmas Kiwi-Style: Uncover New Zealand’s Festive Traditions
Hey there, lovely parents! Are you ready to sprinkle a little Southern Hemisphere magic onto your Christmas celebrations? Well, buckle in, for we’re taking a joyful sleigh ride through the wonderous Christmas traditions of New Zealand ?. Whether you’re a local Kiwi or planning a festive holiday down under with the kiddos, these traditions are bound to add an extra sparkle to your season!
The Summer Christmas Experience
First thing’s first: say goodbye to snowflakes and hello to sunshine! New Zealand celebrates Christmas during the warmest time of the year, which means swapping those woolly sweaters for swimsuits and jandals (that’s Kiwi for ‘flip-flops’). So, let’s dive into the merry, beachy vibes that make a Kiwi Christmas truly special.
The Pohutukawa Tree: New Zealand’s Christmas Tree
The Pohutukawa tree is often called New Zealand’s Christmas tree, and for a very jolly reason! It’s stunning red blooms are the perfect natural decoration, blooming bright during the Christmas period. Hey, they don’t need tinsel when Mother Nature delivers such gorgeousness all on her own!
Christmas Parades and Santa
Our friends in the Northern Hemisphere might be used to a cold, wintery Santa, but Kiwi kids get to see Santa in his summer gear! Parades across the country feature St. Nick in his red suit, but often he’s waving from a surfboat rather than a sleigh. The much-loved Farmers Santa Parade in Auckland is an extravaganza of floats, music bands, and dancers that brings Christmas cheer to everyone.
The Great Kiwi Christmas Feast
Christmas in New Zealand is the ultimate time for a family get-together. The traditional Christmas meal might include all sorts of goodies, with a delectable twist! There might be a succulent roast lamb or turkey, but more often than not, Kiwis fire up the barbie for Christmas. Grilled seafood, especially, is a local favorite, along with fresh summer salads, and of course, the iconic pavlova, meringue with fresh fruit, taking the stage for dessert. Yum!
Kiwiana Christmas Decorations
Decorations in New Zealand give a nod to the unique wildlife and culture. Expect to see Christmas trees adorned with ornaments shaped like kiwis (the bird, not the fruit! ?), silver ferns, and even Maori symbols. And who needs a Yule log when you can have a L&P (a popular NZ soft drink) bottle flashing with LED lights, right?
Boxing Day Sales and Traditions
And of course, the day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, is a huge part of the Kiwi festive season. This is the time for enjoying the outdoors, sailing, and of course, shopping! The Boxing Day sales are a major event, with deals and discounts getting everyone out and about in the sunshine.
Tune in for the next section where we’ll explore more Kiwi Christmas traditions, including the Secret Santa ritual at workplaces, Christmas carols with a New Zealand twist, and community events that mark this special occasion. Be ready to embrace these joyous traditions and make them your own for a Christmas that’s cheerfully and uniquely Kiwi!
5 Things Parents Should Know in Preparing for a Kiwi Christmas
Adapting to New Zealand’s Christmas traditions can be heaps of fun! Here’s a list of five things that’ll have you and your little ones rocking around the Christmas tree, Kiwi-style!
1. Plan for the Weather – Sun, Sand, and Santa Hats
The sun shines bright in December, so be prepared for a warm and possibly beachside Christmas day. Sunscreen, shades, and sunhats should top your packing list. And don’t forget to bring along a festive Santa hat – it’s a cheerful accessory for the beach too!
2. Book Campsites and Accommodation Early
With the holiday season also being peak summer vacation time, campsites and holiday accommodations fill up fast. Book as early as possible to secure your spot, especially if you plan to spend Christmas camping under the Pohutukawa or by beautiful sandy beaches.
3. Embrace the Local Cuisine – Seafood and BBQs
Forget about the heavy, hot meals typically associated with Christmas. In New Zealand, the festive feast takes a lighter, fresher turn. Think seafood, BBQ, and lots of salads. Introduce your children to local dishes and have fun preparing meals together with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
4. Get Creative with Decorations
Kiwiana is the heart and soul of Christmas decor in New Zealand. Children can get hands-on with ornament crafting, using local materials, shells, and even recycling bits and pieces into cool Kiwi decorations. It’s all about personal touch and fun, so let your creativity run wild!
5. Participate in Community Events
Many towns have local Christmas events such as tree lightings, markets, and carol services. They’re a fab way to meet new people and experience the communal spirit of a Kiwi Christmas. So get involved, sing along to ‘Silent Night’ with a Kiwi accent, and who knows, you might just bump into a Santa clad in boardshorts!
Remember, Christmas in New Zealand is less about stuffy formalities and more about relaxing with loved ones. Whether it’s sharing stories under the stars or playing a friendly game of beach cricket, the focus is on wh?nau (family) and the joy of togetherness. So, take a deep breath, embrace the Kiwi way of life, and have yourselves a merry little Christmas, New Zealand style!
Discovering More Kiwi Christmas Delights
Just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, there’s more! New Zealand’s yuletide zest extends to the quirkiest corners of the festive imagination. From community “Santa Runs” where everyone dresses up as Santa and jogs through town, to “Christmas in the Park” events with celebrities crooning carols, the Kiwi Christmas is full of surprises. And do keep an ear out for the New Zealand version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, which might just mention a pukeko in a ponga tree!
Whether you’re going to bask in the glow of fairy lights strung along Wellington’s waterfront or head to Christchurch for its annual Christmas Lightshow, every experience is sure to be one for the memory books. So, jot down these holiday hotspots, write up that festive bucket list, and soak up every moment of New Zealand’s Christmas charm. Happy holidays!
See more great Things to Do with Kids in New Zealand here. For more information see here
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