31 Days of Christmas/What We Know (part 9)

Christmas in New Zealand is quite different in some ways perhaps than here in the United States. It starts in the middle of summer holidays for those folks because it is very hot there. However, the Christmas Season is not lost to the people there just because of the heat. Many families go camping during that time or spend time at the beaches  And  I mentioned in my blog yesterday, Santa there can be found in sandals and shorts just as we see in Florida.

However, many families do have a Christmas tree in their homes which are decorated very much in our American style.

 Towns and cities in New Zealand have trees in the town squares and many feature a Santa parade of floats decorated by local businesses and churches. They are very much a commercial event that everyone enjoys. (The good thing about their parades is that unlike in my state, they can go out to see them and not stand in the cold doing so. lol.)

There are big light shows in some cities and also 'Carol Services.' Many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day and many Orthodox Christians celebrate it on or around January 7rh. Christmas is a public holiday there.

Due to their weather, many families enjoy barbeques for their Christmas meals. These can include venison, and ham or other meats. Shrimp and different fish can be barbequed as well.

Deserts might include hot fruit pudding, and other cold deserts as well. Drinks will include soft drinks or in some families, they will also serve alcohol. 

Children will leave carrots out for Santa's reindeer and may also leave Santa some pineapple chunks and beer. (Well, I guess he needs something cold on his trip)

Once everyone is home and gathered together, families will open gifts usually before their Christmas lunch.


New Zealand may be a nice place to visit but I still would rather stick to my home especially during Christmas. Or at least someplace closer to it. However, many people love it. Statics reported in 2017 claimed over 4 million people live there. It doesn't matter where you live to celebrate the birth of Christ or almost anyway. And although we find in this country there are people trying to stamp it out, it cannot be done if it is truly in one's, own heart! And many of us just aren't going to let that happen! Not now. Not ever!




Sources: at christmas do New Zealanders celebrate christ's birth? - Google Search, population of new zealand - Google Search, and Christmas in New Zealand -- Christmas Around the World -- whychristmas?com

I made a mistake the other day (day 7) about the Symbol in the carol. It was supposed to be 6 geese a laying. I have gone back to correct it. The answer to it, is correct.

So here we are on the Eight Day of Christmas in the song. What did it mean to those in times past? What do you think?

Answer:
Day 8 January 1st. Mary Mother of Jesus.

Now, what would she have to do with 8 maids a-milking? One day soon, maybe we will find out.
Tomorrow's question: Nine Ladies Dancing?

Thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful Blessed Lord's Dany! Hope you come tomorrow!