If you’ve recently relocated to New Zealand your first Kiwi Christmas is no doubt going to be a very different, but equally memorable, experience.
IT'S NOT JUST CHRISTMAS - IT'S SUMMER
Given Christmas Day falls in summer the weather has a huge influence on how Kiwis spend their day celebrating. Forget hunkering down inside drinking eggnog around the fire - most NZ’ers will be outside soaking up the sun and enjoying nature's playground.
You will often see families and groups of friends migrate to the beach or the lake to cool off, or to the local park for a run around and friendly game of touch rugby or cricket to work off their festive lunch
Not sure how to spend your day?
Pack your lunch and head out and about to enjoy your local reserve, beach or river.
Be sure to pack sunscreen though - the NZ sun can be harsh so sun protection is essential in the summer.
THE FOOD
It's a wonderful, long day of feasting on December 25th - a day when diets go out the window in favour of enjoying conversation and laughter around a table brimming with good food.
As well as imported traditions such as English style ham and turkey, Kiwis enjoy more local kai (food) like salmon and crayfish or hangi (food steamed underground).
Christmas Dessert will almost always feature the pavlova - topped with fresh fresh summer berries or kiwifruit. Australians may still debate ownership of this sugary delight but it belongs to NZ!
If invited to join friends or workmates on Christmas Day it is always nice to arrive with a small contribution - maybe some fresh berries, a box of chocolates or something from home that makes Christmas special to you.
THE ENFORCED BREAK
Most of NZ will get away for a break over Christmas and January. Whether it be to the beach, the ‘bach’ (the quintessential NZ holiday home) or away camping at their favourite spot Kiwis will be taking advantage of all the public holidays to maximise work-free time over summer.
Business slows down, cities empty out, pace of life is slower.
Be mindful that shops also shut so be sure to get any Christmas & New Years Day essentials in advance.
Perhaps you could use this time for a road trip - explore some parts of NZ you haven't had a chance to visit yet.
IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
Whanau is the Maori term for a person’s extended family and close friends or community.
If away from family this year create your own whanau by asking workmates, neighbours, friends to join your Christmas celebrations.
There will no doubt be many other expats and newcomers to New Zealand in the same situation as you - reach out to those you know and have an international day of celebration!
Christmas away from home is what you make it and we wish you a wonderful, memorable festive season.
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.
Mobile Relocation delivers resettlement and relocation programmes for businesses employing offshore talent. Our goal is to get your expat and migrant talent up and running in NZ as quickly as possible - reducing their time to effectiveness in their new role, and enabling them to deliver their skills and expertise to your the benefit of your business.
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. bridget@mobile-relocation.com
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