Christmas in New Zealand

If you're coming from the northern hemisphere, you'll find Christmas to be rather different in New Zealand. Because of the country's European heritage and roots (especially British) you will see many of the same traditions observed - sort of. With a different climate and time of year altogether, the kiwi Christmas is something unique and it can be a lot of fun.

The most obvious difference to a northern hemisphere Christmas is the weather. It's the middle of summer in New Zealand. Many visitors from the US or Europe can't quite get their heads around having Christmas dinner as a barbeque on the beach! However, Christmas marks the beginning of the summer holidays for most kiwis, so many Christmas activities revolve around summer holidays.

Many towns and cities in New Zealand hold a Christmas Parade. They are usually held on a Sunday and can feature marching bands, floats and an appearance from the grand old gentleman himself, Santa Claus.

The largest and best known parade is the Auckland Santa Parade, which has been a feature of the Auckland Christmas since 1934. It attracts thousands of spectators every year and is a great event for children.

Kiwis maintain the British tradition of having a family dinner during the middle of the day on Christmas Day. This is usually preceded on Christmas morning by exchanging presents which will have been left under the Christmas tree in the home.

The Christmas meal itself is increasingly becoming a casual affair. Often it is a barbeque on the deck or patio. However, the traditional Christmas fare of turkey, ham and roast potatoes are still very popular, along with salads and of course a glass of bubbly.

For dessert, plum pudding and Christmas cake are often served alongside the kiwi icons, pavolova, kiwifruit, strawberries and cream.

New Zealand is an extremely diverse society and many of the cultures represented do not recognize Christmas in the same way as the early European settlers and their descendents. However, Christmas is a special time for all New Zealanders. It's a time to get together with the family and enjoy the great New Zealand summer outdoors.

The island of Rangiroa, is one of the places they dream of, but few believe that it can exist.

Rangiroa (meaning Vast Sky in Tuamoutan) or Te Kokōta, is the largest atoll  in the Tuamoutas, and one of the largest in the world.  It is part of the Palliser group. The nearest atoll is Tikehau,  located only 12 km to the West. It is about 355 km Northeast of Tahiti.

This island - the perfect place for divers, but also perfect for cycling and swimming in its crystal clear water. Shimmering rays of the sun illuminate the thousands of colorfulfish such as clown fish, moray eels and sea turtles that inhabit the lagoon. In the evenings you can see dolphins dancing in the waves and whale songs ringing outfrom the depths of the ocean.

Cook Islands Christmas

The Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean comprise 15 islands covering an area of about 240 square kilometers. The spectacular scenic views and the pristine natural grace of this region, make for an exotic location for the tourists. Every year quite a commendable amount of vacationers visit the Cook Islands for an exciting holiday.

The Cook Islands were established first by the Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. The islands were given different names by various navigators. The Spanish sailor Alvaro de Mendana referred it as San Bernardo, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros called it Gente Hermosa, and later on the British navigator identified the islands with the name Hervey Islands. It was after him, that these islands derived the name of Cook Islands. It was in 1965, when the Cook Islands turned out to be a self-governing region. Albert Henry was the first Prime Minister of these islands.

Holidays in Cook Islands

The inhabitants of the Cook Islands enjoy several holidays all round the year. Some of the major events in these islands on which people get holidays include Christmas, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Constitution Day.

Cook Islands Christmas is enjoyed and celebrated by following several customs and traditions. The local Cook Islanders from other parts of the world return to their native place and join their families to observe and celebrate this eminent event. On the Eve of Christmas on the 24th December, the natives gather in the churches and cathedrals. They perform several religious rites. The Christmas mass is a significant part of this festival in the Cook Islands. The Midnight Mass is accompanied with hymns and chants and prayers dedicating and honoring the birth of Jesus.

Christmas in Cook Islands is celebrated in a traditional way. After the midnight mass gets over, the people wish and greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". On the Christmas Eve, people decorate the Christmas trees with lights, colored balls, candles, stars, bells and ribbons. The wreath made of holly is hung in front of the door. The leaves of the holly are regarded to be sacred. The streets, houses, shops and every nook and corner are adorned lavishly with lights.

25th December is the day for jubilations to mark Christmas, Cook Islands. People invite their friends and relatives for an elaborate and traditional Christmas dinner. It comprises turkey, ham and the very special Christmas pudding. People on the islands also prepare cakes and serve them with wine. Christmas in Cook Islands are also enjoyed further. Gifts are exchanged among the near and dear ones. Soft and light music including Christmas carols are played in the houses.

In the modern times, various resorts arrange for a lavish seafood spread. Parties are organized for the youngsters. Food, fun and music mark the Christmas in Cook Islands. various dance shows and live concerts are organized in the hotels and resorts. Various competitions related to music are held in at the hotels and resorts. There are lucrative prizes too for the winners.