Blog 3

Published Dec 29th 2018

When the word ‘Christmas’ pops into your head, what do you think of? A snowy day full with presents opened by the warmth of the fire, and a table bursting with food – turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie… That is the typical American Christmas. But my idea of the holiday season is very different. Living in New Zealand, Christmas time for us falls in the summer and is right at the start of a 6 week holiday.

Instead of freezing nights and wishes for snow, we spend our days laying in the sun and having good old Kiwi barbeques. What does Christmas look like to me? Well, it starts with the presents, accompanied by fresh croissants and berries. Then a leisurely lunch shared with family, enjoying fresh vegetables and potatoes, summer salads and huge hams. Then in the afternoon, we usually retire to the back yard with a glass of bubbly to soak in the sun or alternatively take a trip to the beach, where Christmas carols pump on a speaker and the sea is cool and refreshing. The day is always ended with a hearty dinner of a barbeque/leftovers. And it couldn’t be a true Kiwi Christmas without the classic: Pavlova. (For any who haven’t tried it, do so now!!!!)

I don’t think I could enjoy a Christmas cooped up inside wearing sweaters and sitting by the fire. You see, for me that doesn’t even come close to a proper Christmas. I need the blossoming Pohutukawa trees and the sun-filled days that drag on for 14 hours. When travelling to New Zealand in the summer, (Dec-March) you will find that the country is at its finest. The flowers are in full blossom, and bird songs – basically the only native animals in our country besides seals and penguins – fill the air. When it gets too hot, there is always an ocean, river, waterfall or lake nearby, regardless of your location. And the best part? Summer means berries, amazing, fresh and succulent strawberries, raspberries and boysenberries. Yum!

The best Christmas I can remember was down at my Poppa’s in Wairau Valley, a town not far from the bustling city of Blenheim in the South Island. The region is world-renowned for its vineyards and orchards, producing some of the best wine globally. Rolling hills separated by long strands of a river full with trout and salmon make the area irresistible to tourists. Picture this. You wake us Christmas morning to a table full of fresh fruits and warm pastries. Carrying your plate outside, you watch as the sun rises into the sky, beams of light casting shadows on the ground. Absolute bliss. While a warm holiday season may not be what you’re used to, it is definitely not something to overlook. So when making plans for next Christmas (I know it’s early, but one can never do too much planning!) try New Zealand. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Sorry for the short post, what can I say, it’s summer here! I will be taking a break for a while due to internet constraints at my AirBnb so I hope you all enjoy your holidays and New years.

Have you ever spent Christmas in the sun? Would you like to? Let me know down below 🙂

By Rebecca Hutt xx