New Zealanders have a special relationship with Christmas. Some of this is cultural; some of this is historical; and some of it is just plain Kiwi quirky-ness. Here are 5 very New Zealand ways to celebrate the holiday season:
1. The Kiwi Christmas Tree
The Kiwi Christmas Tree is a unique tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. It’s easy to make and even easier to decorate! All you need is a tree, ornaments, tinsel and lights. You can get creative with how you decorate it by using whatever materials are available in your area–like pine cones or dried flowers–or simply use traditional items like tinsel garlands and colored lights. The history of this tradition goes back further than most people realize: it actually began as a way for New Zealanders living overseas (such as my great grandparents) who didn’t have access to real trees during Christmas time because they weren’t growing naturally where they lived (outside of New Zealand).
2. Pavlova
Pavlova is a meringue cake named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It’s a traditional dessert in Australia and New Zealand, where it’s often served on Christmas Day. Pavlova has layers of whipped cream or cream cheese, fruit (usually kiwi), and meringue–a mixture of egg whites and sugar that becomes light as air when baked at low heat until crisp on top but soft underneath.
3. Xmas Lunch on the Barbie
While the barbie is a popular feature of New Zealand Christmas celebrations, it’s not just meat that gets cooked on it. Vegetables such as potatoes and fish can also be grilled. In fact, you’ll find many Kiwis like to add their own special touch to their meal by adding sauces or salads.
4. Boxing Day at The Beach
Boxing Day is a public holiday in New Zealand, and it’s celebrated on December 26. It falls on a Monday this year, so you can enjoy your Boxing Day by heading to the beach! This is a great time to relax with friends or family members and enjoy the beautiful weather while doing some sports like swimming or surfing.
5. Backyard Cricket
When you think of New Zealand, you probably think of the beautiful scenery and wildlife. But did you know that there is also a lot more to our culture than just that? Backyard cricket is one such example of this. It’s a game that has been around since the 1800s, but it wasn’t until recently that it became popular again thanks to some Kiwi celebrities who were involved with it on TV shows like The Block NZ (a reality show about people renovating houses). Since then, backyard cricket has become increasingly popular throughout New Zealand because it’s easy to play and great for family bonding time! How does backyard cricket work? Two teams compete against each other by trying their best not only win but also keep score! Each player gets six balls at bat; if they get three runs before hitting out (or five if there are no outs), then they get another turn at bat until either team reaches 100 runs scored off 40 overs per side–that means 20 overs per bowler plus 10 extras which includes wides/ No Balls etc.)
New Zealand is a very special place to experience Christmas. The beach, the snow, the mountains and bush are all part of your Christmas experience in New Zealand. The many cultures that make up this country come together at this time of year to celebrate their own traditions or share in those that have been brought here from other countries by immigrants over many years. There are many foods enjoyed during the festive season such as roast turkey with stuffing or ham; roast lamb with mint sauce; seafood chowder; sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top (instead of pumpkin pie); pavlova (a meringue dessert); cookies like gingerbread men or thumbprint cookies made from shortbread dough rolled out flat then cut into shapes before being baked until crisp around their edges while still soft inside. If you’re looking for something special this Christmas, New Zealand is the place to be. From the Xmas Barbie to Pavlova, Kiwis have plenty of traditions to share with visitors from around the world.
