Xmas in New Zealand
Dec 15th 2007, 10:18 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,366
Xmas in New Zealand
So how many of you new arrivals are finding the whole idea that it's Christmas NEXT WEEK
really hard????
I've tried everything from CD's,
closing the curtains and pretending, 
to following the Sally Army at the local Xmas Parade last week 
and STILL I can't seem to make the connection of a) it's December b) It's summer!! and c) It's only 9 sleeps til Santa
Anyone else feel the same? Any ideas in how to find that Christmas spirit (that doesn't involve a bottle people!!
)
really hard????I've tried everything from CD's,
closing the curtains and pretending, to following the Sally Army at the local Xmas Parade last week and STILL I can't seem to make the connection of a) it's December b) It's summer!! and c) It's only 9 sleeps til Santa Anyone else feel the same? Any ideas in how to find that Christmas spirit (that doesn't involve a bottle people!!
)
Dec 15th 2007, 11:03 am
#2
conquering the world!
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Puatahanui, Porirua
Posts: 4,905
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
So how many of you new arrivals are finding the whole idea that it's Christmas NEXT WEEK really hard????
I've tried everything from CD's, closing the curtains and pretending, to following the Sally Army at the local Xmas Parade last week and STILL I can't seem to make the connection of a) it's December b) It's summer!! and c) It's only 9 sleeps til Santa
Anyone else feel the same? Any ideas in how to find that Christmas spirit (that doesn't involve a bottle people!!)
really hard????I've tried everything from CD's,
closing the curtains and pretending, to following the Sally Army at the local Xmas Parade last week and STILL I can't seem to make the connection of a) it's December b) It's summer!! and c) It's only 9 sleeps til Santa Anyone else feel the same? Any ideas in how to find that Christmas spirit (that doesn't involve a bottle people!!
)Karen X
Dec 15th 2007, 11:04 am
#3
TeamEmbo
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Rangiora
Posts: 1,557
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
Yep. Our first one too. Tried all the same tricks but have given up. Can't recreate the Christmas 'feel' we're used to. But then I figured all the things that make it 'feel' Christmassy are simply things we became accustomed to because of where we were born and how we were brought up. Had we have been born in another country we'd be missing other/different traditions and smells and feelings. The true meaning of Christmas doesn't change wherever you are or however you celebrate it. So basically I guess I'm saying change your perspective and embrace this chance to enjoy new traditions and different surroundings; just go with the flow and enjoy it.
I am actually looking forward now to having the day to ourselves. I don't have to get up early to prepare the turkey, or panic that I don't have enough or the right kinds of food, sauces, creams, etc to please everyone. I don't have to have my day timed to perfection in order to please a bunch of people who, although I love them dearly, are only going to sit in my home complaining about Christmas tv and arguing over what to watch and then snoring their way through it anyway as I spend the day enslaved in the kitchen at their every beck and call and actually 'missing' Christmas day altogether. And there won't be all those dirty dishes, roasting tins, saucepans, best china and special jugs and bowls etc that only come out for show once a year to be washed and dried and put away again at the end of a stressful, strained day.
Am very much looking forward to starting our day ripping open all the presents without having to wait for relatives to arrive first, breakfasting in the hot tub, easy BBQ lunch at whatever time we damn well please and actually being able to play with kids presents and leave whatever we want lying around without having to tell kids to shove it all in their bedrooms as we need the space, no they can't open the box now as they need to clean up and put on best clothes and be on best behaviour etc so as not to upset any rellies. It's going to be so much more relaxed and laid back and so I am looking forward to it, whether it 'feels' like Christmas or not!
I am actually looking forward now to having the day to ourselves. I don't have to get up early to prepare the turkey, or panic that I don't have enough or the right kinds of food, sauces, creams, etc to please everyone. I don't have to have my day timed to perfection in order to please a bunch of people who, although I love them dearly, are only going to sit in my home complaining about Christmas tv and arguing over what to watch and then snoring their way through it anyway as I spend the day enslaved in the kitchen at their every beck and call and actually 'missing' Christmas day altogether. And there won't be all those dirty dishes, roasting tins, saucepans, best china and special jugs and bowls etc that only come out for show once a year to be washed and dried and put away again at the end of a stressful, strained day.
Am very much looking forward to starting our day ripping open all the presents without having to wait for relatives to arrive first, breakfasting in the hot tub, easy BBQ lunch at whatever time we damn well please and actually being able to play with kids presents and leave whatever we want lying around without having to tell kids to shove it all in their bedrooms as we need the space, no they can't open the box now as they need to clean up and put on best clothes and be on best behaviour etc so as not to upset any rellies. It's going to be so much more relaxed and laid back and so I am looking forward to it, whether it 'feels' like Christmas or not!
Dec 15th 2007, 11:46 am
#4
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
My kids are lying on the floor in front of the Chrissy tree, both with beanies and hoodies on (think I need to turn the air con up 
) they're excited as anything about Christmas and already have their stockings ready for Santa and the sign outside the door. Both are high school age but that doesn't seem to worry them at all 
Got the last of the pressies today and had them wrapped at the charity stall for a gold coin donation whilst listening to a jazz band strolling around Robina shopping centre playing christmas carols New Orleans style, very festive.
) they're excited as anything about Christmas and already have their stockings ready for Santa and the sign outside the door. Both are high school age but that doesn't seem to worry them at all Got the last of the pressies today and had them wrapped at the charity stall for a gold coin donation whilst listening to a jazz band strolling around Robina shopping centre playing christmas carols New Orleans style, very festive
.
Dec 15th 2007, 7:30 pm
#5
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Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Northland New Zealand
Posts: 587
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
It's not our first Christmas in NZ and you do get used to it. We have had the carol service with Santa arriving on the fire truck, the local Christmas parade which is really festive, Christmas parties at work and the neighbours always come round with home made mince pies and a Christmas cake. Plenty of houses are decorated and have their Chrissy lights on and we do the full what we are used to Christmas dinner. The best thing we found is our employers close down so we get 2 weeks off...fab!
Last edited by phil01; Dec 15th 2007 at 7:31 pm. Reason: taken quote out
Dec 16th 2007, 8:55 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Methven, NZ
Posts: 82
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
Yep. Our first one too. Tried all the same tricks but have given up. Can't recreate the Christmas 'feel' we're used to. But then I figured all the things that make it 'feel' Christmassy are simply things we became accustomed to because of where we were born and how we were brought up. Had we have been born in another country we'd be missing other/different traditions and smells and feelings. The true meaning of Christmas doesn't change wherever you are or however you celebrate it. So basically I guess I'm saying change your perspective and embrace this chance to enjoy new traditions and different surroundings; just go with the flow and enjoy it.
I am actually looking forward now to having the day to ourselves. I don't have to get up early to prepare the turkey, or panic that I don't have enough or the right kinds of food, sauces, creams, etc to please everyone. I don't have to have my day timed to perfection in order to please a bunch of people who, although I love them dearly, are only going to sit in my home complaining about Christmas tv and arguing over what to watch and then snoring their way through it anyway as I spend the day enslaved in the kitchen at their every beck and call and actually 'missing' Christmas day altogether. And there won't be all those dirty dishes, roasting tins, saucepans, best china and special jugs and bowls etc that only come out for show once a year to be washed and dried and put away again at the end of a stressful, strained day.
Am very much looking forward to starting our day ripping open all the presents without having to wait for relatives to arrive first, breakfasting in the hot tub, easy BBQ lunch at whatever time we damn well please and actually being able to play with kids presents and leave whatever we want lying around without having to tell kids to shove it all in their bedrooms as we need the space, no they can't open the box now as they need to clean up and put on best clothes and be on best behaviour etc so as not to upset any rellies. It's going to be so much more relaxed and laid back and so I am looking forward to it, whether it 'feels' like Christmas or not!
I am actually looking forward now to having the day to ourselves. I don't have to get up early to prepare the turkey, or panic that I don't have enough or the right kinds of food, sauces, creams, etc to please everyone. I don't have to have my day timed to perfection in order to please a bunch of people who, although I love them dearly, are only going to sit in my home complaining about Christmas tv and arguing over what to watch and then snoring their way through it anyway as I spend the day enslaved in the kitchen at their every beck and call and actually 'missing' Christmas day altogether. And there won't be all those dirty dishes, roasting tins, saucepans, best china and special jugs and bowls etc that only come out for show once a year to be washed and dried and put away again at the end of a stressful, strained day.
Am very much looking forward to starting our day ripping open all the presents without having to wait for relatives to arrive first, breakfasting in the hot tub, easy BBQ lunch at whatever time we damn well please and actually being able to play with kids presents and leave whatever we want lying around without having to tell kids to shove it all in their bedrooms as we need the space, no they can't open the box now as they need to clean up and put on best clothes and be on best behaviour etc so as not to upset any rellies. It's going to be so much more relaxed and laid back and so I am looking forward to it, whether it 'feels' like Christmas or not!
You hit the nail on the head.This is our 2nd Christmas, last year was wonderful, not Christmasy as we have known it but so relaxing. Kids were able to play with their new toys, then friends round mid afteroon for BBQ but we shared the food preparation so no stress.
The only down side if spending the first couple of hours phoning the UK speaking to rellies, then having to do it all again later that night or next morning for their Christmas.
Wouldn't swap for the UK Christmas at the moment.
Dec 16th 2007, 10:05 pm
#8
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Joined: Nov 2007
Location: homeless
Posts: 1,756
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
ditto too thanks for the carol mate It's lovely
some lovely photos from Welly
thanks for the carol mate It's lovelysome lovely photos from Welly
Last edited by crap coffee; Dec 16th 2007 at 11:02 pm.
Dec 16th 2007, 11:16 pm
#9
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,820
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
In the UK I always had my christmas shopping done by beginning of October cause I can't stand shopping in December (only time Carl knows I won't spend loads! LOL). Here I'm not finished and Christmas is NEXT WEEK !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jordan only has 1 present
ARRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I've been too busy sunbathing etc. and just 'forgot' Christmas is approaching fast
Dec 17th 2007, 6:05 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Vale of Glamorgan
Posts: 268
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
It's our third Xmas here and I've decided not to bother really. I've bought pressies for the folks back home but myself and OH would prefer to save up for something bigger like a spa
Can't get in the Christmas mood at all so have decided to treat it as a nice day off work instead...
Can't get in the Christmas mood at all so have decided to treat it as a nice day off work instead...
Dec 18th 2007, 5:31 am
#11
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Joined: Nov 2007
Location: homeless
Posts: 1,756
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
erm.. 7.30 pm...
Great! 
I am always working late! I am really looking forward to the holidays!!! After a total of at least sixteen busy weeks of working on the cr*p project since mid-August, I'm ready to spend some time with my family back home again. Most of all, I can't wait to give my filthywork clothes a thorough washing, sleep a lot
, take a walk on the beach and cook myself a nice meal. I'm even looking forward to shopping at the corner grocery at Petone, where I'll finally be able to find my favourite Arrabiata sauce and whole-grain pasta. It is indeed the small things which make all the difference.
It's our twelfth Xmas since my family moved to NZ and have never got in the Christmas mood anyway here, therefore why would I even bother?
I've also bought pressies for family and the folks back home but myself no big plans...just take things as they come and enjoy the time together.
Aaaarrrrghhhhhhh Yesterday was a super tired Blue Monday!
Indeed, Lack of sleep does more than make us tired
Libby
Great! I am always working late! I am really looking forward to the holidays!!! After a total of at least sixteen busy weeks of working on the cr*p project since mid-August, I'm ready to spend some time with my family back home again. Most of all, I can't wait to give my filthywork clothes a thorough washing, sleep a lot, take a walk on the beach and cook myself a nice meal. I'm even looking forward to shopping at the corner grocery at Petone, where I'll finally be able to find my favourite Arrabiata sauce and whole-grain pasta. It is indeed the small things which make all the difference.It's our twelfth Xmas since my family moved to NZ and have never got in the Christmas mood anyway here, therefore why would I even bother?
I've also bought pressies for family and the folks back home but myself no big plans...just take things as they come and enjoy the time together.
Aaaarrrrghhhhhhh Yesterday was a super tired Blue Monday!
Indeed, Lack of sleep does more than make us tiredLibby
Dec 18th 2007, 8:28 am
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Rotorua, NZ
Posts: 1,070
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
Yep. Our first one too. Tried all the same tricks but have given up. Can't recreate the Christmas 'feel' we're used to. But then I figured all the things that make it 'feel' Christmassy are simply things we became accustomed to because of where we were born and how we were brought up. Had we have been born in another country we'd be missing other/different traditions and smells and feelings. The true meaning of Christmas doesn't change wherever you are or however you celebrate it. So basically I guess I'm saying change your perspective and embrace this chance to enjoy new traditions and different surroundings; just go with the flow and enjoy it.
I am actually looking forward now to having the day to ourselves. I don't have to get up early to prepare the turkey, or panic that I don't have enough or the right kinds of food, sauces, creams, etc to please everyone. I don't have to have my day timed to perfection in order to please a bunch of people who, although I love them dearly, are only going to sit in my home complaining about Christmas tv and arguing over what to watch and then snoring their way through it anyway as I spend the day enslaved in the kitchen at their every beck and call and actually 'missing' Christmas day altogether. And there won't be all those dirty dishes, roasting tins, saucepans, best china and special jugs and bowls etc that only come out for show once a year to be washed and dried and put away again at the end of a stressful, strained day.
Am very much looking forward to starting our day ripping open all the presents without having to wait for relatives to arrive first, breakfasting in the hot tub, easy BBQ lunch at whatever time we damn well please and actually being able to play with kids presents and leave whatever we want lying around without having to tell kids to shove it all in their bedrooms as we need the space, no they can't open the box now as they need to clean up and put on best clothes and be on best behaviour etc so as not to upset any rellies. It's going to be so much more relaxed and laid back and so I am looking forward to it, whether it 'feels' like Christmas or not!
I am actually looking forward now to having the day to ourselves. I don't have to get up early to prepare the turkey, or panic that I don't have enough or the right kinds of food, sauces, creams, etc to please everyone. I don't have to have my day timed to perfection in order to please a bunch of people who, although I love them dearly, are only going to sit in my home complaining about Christmas tv and arguing over what to watch and then snoring their way through it anyway as I spend the day enslaved in the kitchen at their every beck and call and actually 'missing' Christmas day altogether. And there won't be all those dirty dishes, roasting tins, saucepans, best china and special jugs and bowls etc that only come out for show once a year to be washed and dried and put away again at the end of a stressful, strained day.
Am very much looking forward to starting our day ripping open all the presents without having to wait for relatives to arrive first, breakfasting in the hot tub, easy BBQ lunch at whatever time we damn well please and actually being able to play with kids presents and leave whatever we want lying around without having to tell kids to shove it all in their bedrooms as we need the space, no they can't open the box now as they need to clean up and put on best clothes and be on best behaviour etc so as not to upset any rellies. It's going to be so much more relaxed and laid back and so I am looking forward to it, whether it 'feels' like Christmas or not!
Perfectly said. I can't wait.
Nici
Dec 18th 2007, 9:25 am
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 404
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
So how many of you new arrivals are finding the whole idea that it's Christmas NEXT WEEK really hard????
I've tried everything from CD's, closing the curtains and pretending, to following the Sally Army at the local Xmas Parade last week and STILL I can't seem to make the connection of a) it's December b) It's summer!! and c) It's only 9 sleeps til Santa
Anyone else feel the same? Any ideas in how to find that Christmas spirit (that doesn't involve a bottle people!!)
really hard????I've tried everything from CD's,
closing the curtains and pretending, to following the Sally Army at the local Xmas Parade last week and STILL I can't seem to make the connection of a) it's December b) It's summer!! and c) It's only 9 sleeps til Santa Anyone else feel the same? Any ideas in how to find that Christmas spirit (that doesn't involve a bottle people!!
)Now wouldnt they be happy!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 19th 2007, 1:31 am
#14
Cornish Lass
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Papamoa Beach
Posts: 405
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
With only few days to go now, have to say I am looking forward to Xmas day, have all pressies now, except wetsuits, will have to all go out together to get them, have a bit of lunch out and make it a nice day. Then just having a quiet day at home on THE DAY, we do want to venture to beach in afternoon aswell, just to see how many are about, kids will want to put wetsuits on i bet aswell. Have had stressful few weeks, securing job offer and visa's, so now can only relax and enjoy. Going on break aswell, taking overlander train from Auckland to Welly ,stay the night, and back up again, will be nice a relaxing for OH, no driving for him.
Hope everyone has great time, and us newbies don't miss home too much.
Hope everyone has great time, and us newbies don't miss home too much.
Dec 19th 2007, 1:42 am
#15
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 63
Re: Xmas in New Zealand
[QUOTE=kev&sarah;5671306]So how many of you new arrivals are finding the whole idea that it's Christmas NEXT WEEK really hard????
*****************
really hard????*****************
Last edited by PVFC; Dec 19th 2007 at 1:51 am.