When the world celebrates Christmas in snowy
winter season, New Zealand, the country in the Southern hemisphere,
celebrates Christmas in sunny summer season. Though people in New
Zealand do not witness any snow cover in the streets or cozier
nights near the fireplace during the holiday season, Christmas in New Zealand is celebrated with equal gusto, as in the rest of the
world. The festival is a time for exchanging gifts, parties, and
family trips to beach. Shops are decorated with images of Father
Christmas and the snow scene. Here are some more interesting facts
about Christmas in New Zealand.
The traditions of Christmas reached New Zealand through the English
settlers in the late 18th century. In the last three decades, the
persona of Father Christmas has changed drastically. Father
Christmas came to be known as Santa Claus who closely resembles the
Santa in United States and Ireland. Maori are the indigenous
inhabitants of New Zealand. Spirits and creatures of the Maori bear
a resemblance to the elves and gnomes of European Christmas
traditions, which play a very important role in Christmas
celebration in New Zealand. Special service is conducted to
celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus Christ.
The traditional Christmas dinner in New Zealand consists of roast
turkey, vegetables, sauces, and the rich fruity Christmas pudding
service with brandy sauce, which is the Christmas dessert. Mince
pies and chopped dried fruit mixture are also served to the guests.
Some people have plum pudding and turkey served with cold salads for
the Christmas dinner. Fabulous Christmas parties and family get
together are arranged during the holiday season, with mouth-watering
Christmas cuisine, drinks, and wholesome entertainment. The
Christmas tree in New Zealand is called Pohutokawa.
