The sun is shining, the trees are green, and the birds are chirping. Merry Christmas!?
As a Canadian, it feels so strange having a green Christmas. I've had white and brown, but never a green! It doesn't feel like Christmas at all to me because, well, where's the snow!? I always chuckle when I walk by a store display full of Christmas trees and fake snow.
Christmas Kiwi-style! Here we go:
Beach and Camping!
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| Whites bay - gorgeous! |
Cherries and Plums!
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| These cherries are called Early's. |
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| There is a row of plum trees a few blocks away - free fruit! |
Blue skies, green trees, blue water.
GIANT Hams! This one is nearly 12 kilos! And $220 to boot! I saw 10 different preparations of ham alone in one grocery store advert.
Sweets! Kiwis love their sweets.
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| Super tiny, super cute sugar decorations |
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| Gingerbread trees |
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| Cookie tree hangers |
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| Dutch Tulband - the lightest and fluffiest fruitcake ever! |
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| Mini stollen |
Interestingly, there is no concept of a lump of coal for bad behaviour. I asked my boss about making coal-shaped cookies and he just stared at me like I was crazy. "That would make sense in a mining town." Um, not quite what I meant. :P
In summary, Kiwi Christmas is the total opposite of a Canadian Christmas. But the celebrations over food with family and friends is definitely the same. :) Just replace the snow with beach and the turkey with BBQ!
I love the beach weather, but I have to admit, I miss the snow! It also twists my mind a bit when I realize that this is summer vacation for the school kids. Summer vacation and Christmas?! Mind blown.
I am really looking forward to these two days off though. A break is always appreciated, especially before all hell breaks loose (summer bakery sales sky rocket). I've also been told the New Years fireworks are quite spectacular on the foreshore. :)
Have a great holiday and New Years!
