When we left Zürich airport we knew of course that after a bot more than a month there would be Christmas. Nevertheless we were irritated, surprised by the Christmas trees we found outside the shops. Christmas in t-shirt and shorts, with ice cream and sunblock…
We had the pleasure to spend Christmas with our friends on their farm outside Wanganui, north of Waitotra. As in Europe New Zealander take Christmas as an opportunity to get together as families. Therefore it was no surprise that the our friends sisters with their families arrived one after the other during the December 24. Campervan, tents added fort he ones without sleeping space in the house. Everyone brought food and drinks. What relaxed days this were ! Everyone just did as he or she felt like – sitting together chatting, having a sleep, going for a walk… Lunchtime and dinner everyone met up at the great buffets, prepared together. Wonderful dishes waited, always followed by delicious desserts. Heaven for tired und hungry bikers! On Christmasday a branch of a pinetree spontanously was taking into the house and a lightchain attached to it. Underneath many presents were waiting till everyone got together for an apero. In the evening a huge bonfire was lit out in a close by paddock and even some firework was compediting with the stars. It was great to just be part of the gathering for outdoor Christmas in summer!
… what is it Christmas? We even discussed the differences between the celebration in New Zealand and Europe. Is it the climate that makes the difference or the fact, that many New Zealanders don´t practise religion? Or is it the missing tradition? From our perspective it seems many a commercial matter on one hand, on the other the traditional getting together of families. Christmas trees still seem imprtant and Santa Clause brings the presents The fact that the occasion is Jesus´ birth is not really an issue. And the other aspects, that give us europeans the feeling of Christmas have a lot do do with the season, the long dark nights, made to sit together, light candels, sing, tell stories, baking… Is Christmas still a christan day in Europe ? or is commerce the bigger issue too ? or just tradition ?
As in Europe about a week after Christmas is New Years Eve, what is celebrated rather similar. You get together at someone´s home or at a party somewhere out, sparkling wine at midnight.
Only that we were 12 hours a head this year.
Joy and strength for all the challenges in 2016 !
