If you’ve recently relocated to New Zealand, or are about to do so, you’ll be facing the prospect of your first Kiwi Christmas. Expats relocating to New Zealand will find some differences in the way Kiwis celebrate the festive season. Read on to learn more about what to expect.
The colours of summer
The weather has a huge influence on how Kiwis celebrate Christmas - it’s summertime! Forget snow, holly and Rudolf's red nose. Sun and nature backdrop the southern hemisphere's festive season.
White sandy beaches are a favourite place to celebrate Christmas Day.
Green foliage is also a backdrop - the native bush where Kiwis camp, hike and get away from it all during our long summer break which traditionally starts on 25 December.
Red flowers of Pohutukawa, the New Zealand Christmas tree, abound and start to bloom from late November onwards.
The food
A day of family feasting spans 25 December, preferably gathered around a big table on a sunny deck. You’ll see some imported traditions such as English style ham and turkey. Others are more local, like salmon on the BBQ or hangi (food steamed underground).
The pavlova is a must at any Kiwi Christmas table. Be warned when dining with Australians - ownership of this sugary, kiwifruit -topped dessert is the subject of ongoing trans-Tasman debate.
The holiday shut down
January finds most of New Zealand at the beach. Business slows down, cities empty out. If you haven’t done so already, combine a few days leave with the Christmas/New Year public holidays to maximise work-free time over summer.
And head for a 'bach'. The quintessential NZ holiday home. Simple summer fun near the sea, lake or bush.
It’s all about whanau
This is the Maori term for a person’s extended family and close friends or community.
With COVID curtailing travel plans for your offshore relatives, build your own Christmas gathering. Reach out to workmates, neighbours, friends to create a shared experience.
Plus, there will be many other expats and newcomers to New Zealand in the same situation as you, so why not have an international day of celebration?
Christmas away from home is what you make it.
Combine your most precious personal holiday traditions with some novel ideas from your current environment. The result? A festive season that is meaningful and enjoyable no matter where you are living.
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Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
About us:
Amanda is a former US immigration attorney who moved to NZ with her Kiwi partner and three children during COVID. She enjoys making the journey easier for those following a similar path, helping explain the benefits of working with Mobile, and providing the perspective of someone who’s recently been there. amanda@mobile-relocation.com
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
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