I love a summer Christmas because it's the only thing I know. Summer holidays straight after which is more to look forward to. Christmas celebrations seem to be a northern hemisphere thing falling onto their winter, where consumerism is based more on the winter theme of things.
That’s something I really have liked, no overconsumption because it doesn’t totally fit here does it? Christmas in summer doesn’t match any of the themes/songs/decor. And you’re totally right! I never even thought of that - there’s still a whole month off to enjoy after!
When our l girls were young [now in their forties] lol The Salvation Army drove around the streets on the back of a truck playing Christmas carols and collecting donations.All the little kids were out in their PJs. I so loved it really started off Christmas for me.Billy's orchestra brought it all back. Have a wonderful Christmas. Oh just remembered. You can buy season tickets to the Zoo and Museum of Technology and of course every kiwi kid needs to learn how to swim!
oh my goodness!! my partner and i just drove past you in rotorua and we couldn’t stop to say hi and tell you how much we love your videos!! 😍 i’m excited to see what you guys get up to in rotorua! we’re also fellow aucklanders enjoying the christmas time in rotorua ☺️
No way! I wish you could have said hi! Where were we when you saw us? Sadly a lot of things we wanted to do were closed, so it was a nice teaser of Rotorua.
@@Becca.Loveless you guys were just hopping out of the car near the blue baths and government gardens! i was so sad i didn’t get to come and say hi!! we wanted to turn around but didn’t 🥺 Rotorua is so beautiful, definitely come back and check it out again 😍
Thanks for another great video Becca. So interesting to compare the differences between celebrations in different countries. As a kiwi I would agree that we don't go all out for Christmas but then I don't think we do for any holiday. Our family Christmas this year will be our normal extended family gathering and a traditional lunch of turkey, baked ham, and some roast lamb with all the trimmings then cold desserts like pav, cheesecake etc. We do also do a traditional Christmas pudding but not everyone eats it. The rest of the day is for presents (we do Secret Santa), chilling out and looking forward to a relaxing holiday season. You will love the South Island . Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I think Americans go all out for every holiday, and this time of year is especially expensive for people. All the food sounds wonderful! Relaxing has been the best part, and having other people be able to look after the wild toddler.
Hope you and your family had an awsome Christmas and a happy new year, Lovely to have you live in our home country , enjoying the summer holidays and our awesome cultures in our country...Id rather prefer a summer Christmas than a cold winter christmas ..lol..
I loved the music, brass band Christmas music is so special. We don't have a Christmas Cookie thing here (well not that I'm aware of) but we do make a fuss. We only bring the gifts out on Christmas morning so that the boys get a big surprise. It's always pretty traditional in my family for lunch and then chill out for the rest of the day. We always spend it with my daughter and her family and my son if he is in the country... sadly it's been over two years since he's been able to come here. Maybe next Christmas. Have a fabulous time away and Merry Christmas to you, Bill and William. ps, I'm glad those Christmas lights are going :)
Thanks for the lights and the couple of ornaments that made it on the tree, William pulls them all down when we put them up. So far its been a nice, mostly relaxing trip. We never made gingerbread growing up, but my mom always makes a ton of chocolate chip cookies, she told me she made 16 dozen this year...
Nice video Becca. Yeah, Christmas in summer does take some getting used to because it doesn't fit with so many traditions we have in the Northern hemisphere. However, the best way to work around that is to not make too many comparisons with what you're used to. As you know, the true meaning of Christmas is the same wherever you are. 🙂 Merry Christmas to you three. I hope you don't get too homesick over the next few days.
Merry Christmas Becca and William and Baby! This is my 23rd or 24th Xmas in the summer and I am still not used to it - I really do prefer the Canadian Christmas but we still have a nice one here too. I used to try and carry on my Canadian traditions for Xmas day for years.... slaving in the kitchen in the summer heat making turkey and all the trimmings and then one year I just decided to abandon it all and do a ham with salads and pavlova - much easier, much less cooking and definitely cooler. Yes, for most Kiwis, Christmas symbolises the start of summer and it is spent at the beach or at the bach but plenty of people do the sit down meal too. Franklin Road is amazing for Xmas lights but it is not going on this year because of Covid, however Vista Motu drive in Red Beach is absolutely well worth the drive to see the lights this year. Have a great Xmas and your little tree looks cozy and adorable. Your little one will love his presents and I can't wait to see the videos of your travels to the South Island
Thank you and Merry Christmas! We have been liking it so far, the weather is so nice! Usually Christmas and thanksgiving are the only things to look forward to in winter, so after December the cold is pretty grim.
Love your creative stockings. Our Christmas day will be church then a nice meal with our son. Our traditional celebration is on boxingday. Usually have aroundc14 of us, a ham, salads,volts of desserts, berries, chocolates etc. We do gifts that day all together . Lots of fun and relaxing, some years we do bbq rather than ham (this year actually) the kids will play, we may put a paddling pool up or have a waterfight. Not keen on driving at Christmas so we personally leave the beach till January. But the beach is a popular place for Christmas. I made Brown sugar too...where there is a will there's a way. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
That sounds perfect! I love the way you do it. I guess that’s something nice about kiwi Christmas, you have a whole month off after to celebrate and enjoy family and the beach, whereas in the US you kind of get a few days off and then it’s right back to work.
I have to admit, that at my age I'm pretty much over Christmas these days. The heat, the crowds, the traffic etc. It's mainly for kids, and people young at heart, or maybe I'm just a bit of a grinch, but I just like a bit of quiet time in the shade, ha ha! But I hope you guys adjust okay, I'm sure it'll be so much easier for your boy, as he's obviously going to grow up knowing nothing else but a Summer Christmas. Also, that's a good idea regarding having your holiday as your Christmas present, you'll get enjoyment doing it, and also memories to keep. Christmas is way too commercialized, and so many presents end up unwanted or broken in no time.
Billy is very much like that also, just wants to lounge, and go to the beach. Its nice having so much time off during Christmas time, because you can do extensive travel. And the weather is delightful! Merry(Grumpy) Christmas!😉
Merry Christmas. 🎄I hope you have a wonderful day. Our Christmas day will be pretty quiet. Just hanging out with our two sons, mum-in-law and brother-in-law.. We'll have ham, rolled turkey roast, salad, new potatoes, carrots and fresh peas and dessert-Pavlova with berries and fresh fruit salad. Unfortunately our daughter can't visit until New Year but so looking forward to seeing her then. Enjoy your travels down here in the South and Happy New Year! 🙂
That sounds like a perfect holiday! So wishing travel was all round easier and I could pop in to visit my family for new year. And we’re so excited for our South Island trip! Can’t believe it’s coming up so quickly.
When I was a kid, we had cousins and friends kids and big exciting opening presents in the the morning for 8,9,10 kids. family used to live in the same town.. Later as I got older that disappeared. Families seem to be smaller, and we are spread all over the North Island and Australia. As I got older the tradition was to get hammered ASAP in the morning eat a big lunch, ham of course, and sleep away the afternoon. Clean up the next day. (since I got to my 50s, I must admit, I hardly drink anything on Christmas day anymore) Tradition of having so much food, that we can use eat for 2 or 3 days from left over food. That is still a family tradition
I'm atheist too. It is just another holiday, although probably the strongest holiday about family. This Christmas for the first time in the 30 years we have been together, this is the first Christmas with no other family. Just us and the kids. And thinking back before the 29 years we got together, it is probably the first time ever where it was just the immediate family.
I'm glad this one has been nice for you! We are missing family this year, but had some wonderful friends take us in. I'm loving all the food, and actually its less than we usually have 😂
I would love to experience a White Christmas Day. Our Summer Christmases are usually held out on our decks or back yard Garden with a traditional Kiwi BBQ. Some people celebrate Christmas Day out in the Parks or Beaches under a Pohutukawa Tree. Wishing you all a very Merry Kiwi Christmas ! Enjoy the South Island.
Have a good Christmas mate. Nice to see you guys will be with others over xmas. Tauranga is a beautiful place you'll have to walk up mt Maunganui if you get the chance. A tip for when you are in the South island. If you are in the Mt Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown area or even further south and the forecast is for clear skies overnight and your freedom camping somewhere, set your alarm for 2 or 3 am and simply step outside your camper van and look up. The stars will blow you away. Do your best not to look at any lights before especially white lights as they affect your vision Try to just wake up and go outside you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for the tips! So excited to see the stars down there, I'm hoping for clear skies. We have done the Mount earlier this year, and probably won't get down there to avoid the traffic/lack of parking. Merry Christmas!
Gingerbread starfish!!!! I hope you guys have an amazing time for xmas, I know it has to be super hard for you being the opposite season, but I guess the way its special here, is the end of the year, summer holidays, everyone's chilled and relaxed and for most, a nice long holiday and just having a good time, so xmas is an extension of that. We normally do a massive feast and eat too much, but not normally the xmas roast kinda deal, more summery and light foods and always outdoors in the garden (or on the deck if the weather is a bit crap).
All I could see with my gingerbread man was Patrick from SpongeBob 😂 And that does sound pretty perfect. I think I need to shed my old expectations of Christmas and enjoy these new ones :)
@@Becca.Loveless not so much expectations, more just what you're used to and what's your norm. My uncle keeps saying something to me about taking me for a white Xmas (I've been in the Northern hemisphere once over December and it was Florida so still pretty summery), and while to me the novelty of a white Xmas would be cool to see, not something I would want as a permanent thing. I'm sure it's magical but I love my summer Xmas. Also as a kid, it's right in the long summer holidays so just seems like the best time of year!
I know I commented ages ago about toy libraries,did you find out if you had one local? Xmas in our family was always a barbecue,then get away on holiday on boxing day,its taken me years to get used to cold Xmas in the UK,its over so fast and then back to work,instead of a long holiday.
I have looked into the toy libraries and they’re wonderful but also a bit pricy. I’m happy treating the op shop as our toy library - a $2 toy here and there, play with them until he’s not interested anymore and then donate it back (if it’s still intact by that point 😂)
I guess that is true. January is so dreadful with the fun of Christmas behind you and another solid three months of hum drum work in the freezing cold dark. No fun at all!
@@Becca.Loveless I've not used a toy library since the 90s,pretty sure they were free back then,I guess that's the price of progress. Merry Xmas to you and your 👪 !
I grew up in Texas where it was never truly frigid. It’s still the idea that it’s wintertime, and it COULD snow, and the season matched what all the songs and decor depicted.
It has felt less ‘Christmassy’ this year because of lockdown. Usually there would be Santa parades and Christmas in the park and a lot more festive events leading up to Christmas Day. Don’t know how long you are here for but maybe next year will feel more festive!
Honestly I didn't get it until I lived in the UK for 3yrs and had my first white Christmas. There is something about having Christmas carols sung by people in woolley hats and the lights in town when it's snowing. People turning up to get stuffed with Turkey when it's -4°c outside. Fireplaces and snowmen. Its definitely better on the Christmas side in the NH. That said when Christmas is over stuff the cold beach beach beach ⛱ 😎 lol
Merry Christmas! Its been wonderful so far! We had some friends who took us in this year. Not sure if I miss the cold weather 😄, I think this is better, weather-wise.
Forgot to add that if you are missing department store window decorations/scenes - Smith & Caughey downtown near the Civic have good Christmas window scenes.
Exciting to see what your next Christmas experience is going to be like…. Hope your trip away is wonderful…we are in Perth WA.. Yes, the beach early because it’s going to 42.. then eating a cold meal..then inside under the air con..board games.. snacking and enjoying our time together…great thinking about joining classes..you will meet other little people …your doing a great job adjusting to your adopted country…Christmas is really “just a day” here too…✨🎄✨🎄✨
Classes are so much fun for him, and you’re right - a great way to meet other mom’s! Your Christmas plans sound great 😊 I’m excited to experience the day for myself to see how I really feel about Christmas in NZ.
Merry Christmas, hope the South Island will be the best present ever. I've lost count how many Christmas I've had down there. But enjoy....I don't want to comment on a spoiler alert...
Are you going to visit the summit of Mount Te Aroha to watch a Sunrise before you leave NZ, its a couples theme? it would not hurt for you to apply for dual citizenship, :)
@@Becca.Loveless Mount TeAroha is at the Bottom of the Corromandal, and you revisit Cathederal cove in the Narnia movie theme, then you can be magically transported back to AmeriKa, i regret not learning to surf at Raglan beach, sigh,
Merry Christmas…. If you are going to Tauranga please be careful if you are going to McLaren Falls. Not to sure if that’s the falls you are talking about. But a lot of bad things all ways happens there. So many deaths in that park and us Maori believes that it’s sacred. That’s why there is all ways bad things happing there. But Pakeha and some Maori forget it.
One day? I thought that was USA? You have Christmas and then you go back to work? Christmas in New Zealand is a statutory holiday of 4 days. Same with New Year's. Everyone is on Holiday. Adults are on holiday for two weeks. All businesses are closed. Only retailers rake in at this time of year. Everybody goes on holiday. Seriously. Have fun in Tauranga. Plenty of Sunscreen and swimming. Christmas one year was a bacon and egg pie. My first ever! I've done two Turkey, A glazed Ham, Trifles, Pavlova's all the trimmings for twenty people. Even done the Christmas Day Beach thing. Just be happy ☺️ and content with who you are with.💕 Good thing to buy. Kites. They are cheap and great fun. Kids love them.🪁
Usually its about a week of holiday, maybe a bit more depending on when it falls in the week, but the week of Christmas and New Years is always off of work. I'm loving the food this year, it is so weird to think about making a turkey when its this warm already!🔥 Merry Christmas!
Man he is getting so big now!!! Really, Xmas is much less commercialised here than in the US it seems. Having spoken to many, many Americans both in person and online, it seems like massive corporations did a good job of creating traditions that cost people a ton of money. We tend to be a little less like that here in general, so our xmas time is much more laid back. It tends to be about sharing time with family and friends. The giving of gifts hasn't been the thing that I remember about my xmas times over my years. It's always beach times and sharing food with family and friends that shines through when I think about it. New Years is much bigger here than xmas. That's when the party really happens ha ha ha.
It is a very expensive time of year, and has definitely seemed less so here. Some people deck their houses out in so many lights, most decorations look out of place and tacky here. The food has been the best!
@@Becca.Loveless oh if you haven't already you must! They always do lots of fun kids events. Covid meant no Christmas lights display but they're open now. Lots of cool things to see and cheaps entry too
Part of the reason celebrating Christmas at the summer solstice and not the winter solstice feels off is because it’s based on pagan traditions. The traditions are tied to the season in the northern hemisphere. So it would make more sense to celebrate at the winter solstice for you. But now that’s it’s tied the Christian religion, it’s the date that matters and not the season, making things kinda mixed up.
I love a summer Christmas because it's the only thing I know. Summer holidays straight after which is more to look forward to. Christmas celebrations seem to be a northern hemisphere thing falling onto their winter, where consumerism is based more on the winter theme of things.
That’s something I really have liked, no overconsumption because it doesn’t totally fit here does it? Christmas in summer doesn’t match any of the themes/songs/decor. And you’re totally right! I never even thought of that - there’s still a whole month off to enjoy after!
When our l girls were young [now in their forties] lol The Salvation Army drove around the streets on the back of a truck playing Christmas carols and collecting donations.All the little kids were out in their PJs. I so loved it really started off Christmas for me.Billy's orchestra brought it all back. Have a wonderful Christmas. Oh just remembered. You can buy season tickets to the Zoo and Museum of Technology and of course every kiwi kid needs to learn how to swim!
The brass band actually played through the entire Salvation Army carol book in this reading, it took ages.
I remember the salvation army doing that we loved it. Big thanks to the salvation army for making Christmas memories! 👏
oh my goodness!! my partner and i just drove past you in rotorua and we couldn’t stop to say hi and tell you how much we love your videos!! 😍 i’m excited to see what you guys get up to in rotorua! we’re also fellow aucklanders enjoying the christmas time in rotorua ☺️
No way! I wish you could have said hi! Where were we when you saw us? Sadly a lot of things we wanted to do were closed, so it was a nice teaser of Rotorua.
@@Becca.Loveless you guys were just hopping out of the car near the blue baths and government gardens! i was so sad i didn’t get to come and say hi!! we wanted to turn around but didn’t 🥺 Rotorua is so beautiful, definitely come back and check it out again 😍
Thanks for another great video Becca. So interesting to compare the differences between celebrations in different countries. As a kiwi I would agree that we don't go all out for Christmas but then I don't think we do for any holiday. Our family Christmas this year will be our normal extended family gathering and a traditional lunch of turkey, baked ham, and some roast lamb with all the trimmings then cold desserts like pav, cheesecake etc. We do also do a traditional Christmas pudding but not everyone eats it. The rest of the day is for presents (we do Secret Santa), chilling out and looking forward to a relaxing holiday season. You will love the South Island . Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I think Americans go all out for every holiday, and this time of year is especially expensive for people. All the food sounds wonderful! Relaxing has been the best part, and having other people be able to look after the wild toddler.
Love the simplicity of your Christmas 🎄
This year won’t be any different!
My wife is from New Zealand 🇳🇿 so it’s crazy to get into Christmas 🎄 when it’s summer time!!!
I don’t think I could ever get used to it 😂
The one essential toy for a kid in NZ... is a Buzzy Bee
Merry Christmas :-)
Good news for us then! He already has one!
I TOTALLY AGREE
Hope you and your family had an awsome Christmas and a happy new year, Lovely to have you live in our home country , enjoying the summer holidays and our awesome cultures in our country...Id rather prefer a summer Christmas than a cold winter christmas ..lol..
There are things I love about both!
And we’re so happy to be living here! We’re doing our South Island trip right now and it’s so beautiful!!
I loved the music, brass band Christmas music is so special. We don't have a Christmas Cookie thing here (well not that I'm aware of) but we do make a fuss. We only bring the gifts out on Christmas morning so that the boys get a big surprise. It's always pretty traditional in my family for lunch and then chill out for the rest of the day. We always spend it with my daughter and her family and my son if he is in the country... sadly it's been over two years since he's been able to come here. Maybe next Christmas. Have a fabulous time away and Merry Christmas to you, Bill and William. ps, I'm glad those Christmas lights are going :)
Thanks for the lights and the couple of ornaments that made it on the tree, William pulls them all down when we put them up. So far its been a nice, mostly relaxing trip. We never made gingerbread growing up, but my mom always makes a ton of chocolate chip cookies, she told me she made 16 dozen this year...
Nice video Becca. Yeah, Christmas in summer does take some getting used to because it doesn't fit with so many traditions we have in the Northern hemisphere. However, the best way to work around that is to not make too many comparisons with what you're used to. As you know, the true meaning of Christmas is the same wherever you are. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you three. I hope you don't get too homesick over the next few days.
That’s a good way of thinking about it! I really like that 😊
Good thing we have FaceTime! Or else I really would be missing my family terribly.
A very merry Xmas to you and your family, hope you have a great time in Tauranga and the Mount, looking forward to the videos. Cheers 🎉🥳🎄
Merry Christmas! It has been so good! Thanks for watching!
Merry Christmas guys!
Merry Christmas!
Beautiful. Merry Christmas 2021 to everyone. Cheers from the top of the mountain.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!
Welcome 😉 beautiful weather this Christmas I believe yay
Looks like it! So lucky!!
Crikey, it's very pretty down Tauranga way... Merry Christmas guys, All the best for the New year. 😊
Merry Christmas! It has been super pretty! love it down here.
Merry Christmas Becca and William and Baby! This is my 23rd or 24th Xmas in the summer and I am still not used to it - I really do prefer the Canadian Christmas but we still have a nice one here too. I used to try and carry on my Canadian traditions for Xmas day for years.... slaving in the kitchen in the summer heat making turkey and all the trimmings and then one year I just decided to abandon it all and do a ham with salads and pavlova - much easier, much less cooking and definitely cooler. Yes, for most Kiwis, Christmas symbolises the start of summer and it is spent at the beach or at the bach but plenty of people do the sit down meal too. Franklin Road is amazing for Xmas lights but it is not going on this year because of Covid, however Vista Motu drive in Red Beach is absolutely well worth the drive to see the lights this year. Have a great Xmas and your little tree looks cozy and adorable. Your little one will love his presents and I can't wait to see the videos of your travels to the South Island
Thank you and Merry Christmas! We have been liking it so far, the weather is so nice! Usually Christmas and thanksgiving are the only things to look forward to in winter, so after December the cold is pretty grim.
Love your creative stockings. Our Christmas day will be church then a nice meal with our son. Our traditional celebration is on boxingday. Usually have aroundc14 of us, a ham, salads,volts of desserts, berries, chocolates etc. We do gifts that day all together . Lots of fun and relaxing, some years we do bbq rather than ham (this year actually) the kids will play, we may put a paddling pool up or have a waterfight. Not keen on driving at Christmas so we personally leave the beach till January. But the beach is a popular place for Christmas. I made Brown sugar too...where there is a will there's a way. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
That sounds perfect! I love the way you do it. I guess that’s something nice about kiwi Christmas, you have a whole month off after to celebrate and enjoy family and the beach, whereas in the US you kind of get a few days off and then it’s right back to work.
I have to admit, that at my age I'm pretty much over Christmas these days. The heat, the crowds, the traffic etc. It's mainly for kids, and people young at heart, or maybe I'm just a bit of a grinch, but I just like a bit of quiet time in the shade, ha ha! But I hope you guys adjust okay, I'm sure it'll be so much easier for your boy, as he's obviously going to grow up knowing nothing else but a Summer Christmas. Also, that's a good idea regarding having your holiday as your Christmas present, you'll get enjoyment doing it, and also memories to keep.
Christmas is way too commercialized, and so many presents end up unwanted or broken in no time.
Billy is very much like that also, just wants to lounge, and go to the beach. Its nice having so much time off during Christmas time, because you can do extensive travel. And the weather is delightful! Merry(Grumpy) Christmas!😉
@@Becca.Loveless Ha ha! thanks, I'll try my best.
A small family Christmas Day barbecue is best. And we always try to make it to the beach sometime during the festive period.
Merry Christmas! It has been a great time so far!
Merry Christmas. 🎄I hope you have a wonderful day.
Our Christmas day will be pretty quiet. Just hanging out with our two sons, mum-in-law and brother-in-law.. We'll have ham, rolled turkey roast, salad, new potatoes, carrots and fresh peas and dessert-Pavlova with berries and fresh fruit salad. Unfortunately our daughter can't visit until New Year but so looking forward to seeing her then.
Enjoy your travels down here in the South and Happy New Year! 🙂
That sounds like a perfect holiday! So wishing travel was all round easier and I could pop in to visit my family for new year.
And we’re so excited for our South Island trip! Can’t believe it’s coming up so quickly.
When I was a kid, we had cousins and friends kids and big exciting opening presents in the the morning for 8,9,10 kids. family used to live in the same town.. Later as I got older that disappeared.
Families seem to be smaller, and we are spread all over the North Island and Australia.
As I got older the tradition was to get hammered ASAP in the morning eat a big lunch, ham of course, and sleep away the afternoon. Clean up the next day. (since I got to my 50s, I must admit, I hardly drink anything on Christmas day anymore)
Tradition of having so much food, that we can use eat for 2 or 3 days from left over food. That is still a family tradition
I'm atheist too. It is just another holiday, although probably the strongest holiday about family. This Christmas for the first time in the 30 years we have been together, this is the first Christmas with no other family. Just us and the kids. And thinking back before the 29 years we got together, it is probably the first time ever where it was just the immediate family.
I'm glad this one has been nice for you! We are missing family this year, but had some wonderful friends take us in. I'm loving all the food, and actually its less than we usually have 😂
Merry Christmas, hope you enjoy your trip to the South Island, take great care while driving xxxx
Merry Christmas! Thank you, can't wait to get down there!
Lucky you, Tauranga is one of the best spots for the summer.🤙👍🥳🙂🐬
It's been lovely, we still need to get to the beach! Merry Christmas!
I've lived in Ireland for over 30 years. I still miss a new Zealand Christmas.
Next year hopefully will be my first summer Christmas
It doesn't feel like Christmas, but it has been very nice!
I would love to experience a White Christmas Day. Our Summer Christmases are usually held out on our decks or back yard Garden with a traditional Kiwi BBQ. Some people celebrate Christmas Day out in the Parks or Beaches under a Pohutukawa Tree. Wishing you all a very Merry Kiwi Christmas ! Enjoy the South Island.
Thank you! Merry Christmas! Nice and warm this year!
Merry Christmas Hun from Auckland! I can't wait to have a christmas in winter one day!
Today with being so so hot didn't help either!
I loved it for the day! It was perfect weather and we got to enjoy a day at the beach 😊
Have a good Christmas mate. Nice to see you guys will be with others over xmas. Tauranga is a beautiful place you'll have to walk up mt Maunganui if you get the chance. A tip for when you are in the South island. If you are in the Mt Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown area or even further south and the forecast is for clear skies overnight and your freedom camping somewhere, set your alarm for 2 or 3 am and simply step outside your camper van and look up. The stars will blow you away. Do your best not to look at any lights before especially white lights as they affect your vision Try to just wake up and go outside you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for the tips! So excited to see the stars down there, I'm hoping for clear skies. We have done the Mount earlier this year, and probably won't get down there to avoid the traffic/lack of parking. Merry Christmas!
Any day is gifting day ...
For me, the kiwi, it's usually not the beach but someone's house either with traditional English way or a BBQ on the deck.
I think we’re doing the beach route this year with some friends and their family! Hoping it’s a wonderful day :)
Merry Christmas Becca and family !!!
Merry Christmas!
Gingerbread starfish!!!!
I hope you guys have an amazing time for xmas, I know it has to be super hard for you being the opposite season, but I guess the way its special here, is the end of the year, summer holidays, everyone's chilled and relaxed and for most, a nice long holiday and just having a good time, so xmas is an extension of that.
We normally do a massive feast and eat too much, but not normally the xmas roast kinda deal, more summery and light foods and always outdoors in the garden (or on the deck if the weather is a bit crap).
All I could see with my gingerbread man was Patrick from SpongeBob 😂
And that does sound pretty perfect. I think I need to shed my old expectations of Christmas and enjoy these new ones :)
@@Becca.Loveless not so much expectations, more just what you're used to and what's your norm. My uncle keeps saying something to me about taking me for a white Xmas (I've been in the Northern hemisphere once over December and it was Florida so still pretty summery), and while to me the novelty of a white Xmas would be cool to see, not something I would want as a permanent thing. I'm sure it's magical but I love my summer Xmas.
Also as a kid, it's right in the long summer holidays so just seems like the best time of year!
I know I commented ages ago about toy libraries,did you find out if you had one local?
Xmas in our family was always a barbecue,then get away on holiday on boxing day,its taken me years to get used to cold Xmas in the UK,its over so fast and then back to work,instead of a long holiday.
I have looked into the toy libraries and they’re wonderful but also a bit pricy. I’m happy treating the op shop as our toy library - a $2 toy here and there, play with them until he’s not interested anymore and then donate it back (if it’s still intact by that point 😂)
I guess that is true. January is so dreadful with the fun of Christmas behind you and another solid three months of hum drum work in the freezing cold dark. No fun at all!
@@Becca.Loveless I've not used a toy library since the 90s,pretty sure they were free back then,I guess that's the price of progress. Merry Xmas to you and your 👪 !
Interesting as I’ve spent a couple of Christmases in Miami FL, where it was 80oF and sunny. So not everyone has a frigid winter Christmas.
I grew up in Texas where it was never truly frigid. It’s still the idea that it’s wintertime, and it COULD snow, and the season matched what all the songs and decor depicted.
It has felt less ‘Christmassy’ this year because of lockdown. Usually there would be Santa parades and Christmas in the park and a lot more festive events leading up to Christmas Day. Don’t know how long you are here for but maybe next year will feel more festive!
Hopefully we get to experience it next year! It has been fun this year, but quieter than usual. Also less family for us.
Maybe you could go back to the US every other year for Christmas so you and your US family can keep up the tradition. Merry Christmas. 🎄
Hopefully it will be easier to return next year.
Honestly I didn't get it until I lived in the UK for 3yrs and had my first white Christmas. There is something about having Christmas carols sung by people in woolley hats and the lights in town when it's snowing. People turning up to get stuffed with Turkey when it's -4°c outside. Fireplaces and snowmen. Its definitely better on the Christmas side in the NH. That said when Christmas is over stuff the cold beach beach beach ⛱ 😎 lol
Merry Christmas! Its been wonderful so far! We had some friends who took us in this year. Not sure if I miss the cold weather 😄, I think this is better, weather-wise.
@@Becca.Loveless Enjoy your holidays and safe journeys around tge South Island. Definitely a great time to be doing it.
Forgot to add that if you are missing department store window decorations/scenes - Smith & Caughey downtown near the Civic have good Christmas window scenes.
I think Billy saw that, but we didnt get down there this year.
🕊️🎄 good on ya cuz
🥰 hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Turangi. God bless.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!
Ah, but remember Becca, not all parts of the US are cold and dreary this time of year and have temperatures that are the same as here!
True. I’m from Texas, usually Christmas was mostly warm.
Exciting to see what your next Christmas experience is going to be like…. Hope your trip away is wonderful…we are in Perth WA.. Yes, the beach early because it’s going to 42.. then eating a cold meal..then inside under the air con..board games.. snacking and enjoying our time together…great thinking about joining classes..you will meet other little people …your doing a great job adjusting to your adopted country…Christmas is really “just a day” here too…✨🎄✨🎄✨
Classes are so much fun for him, and you’re right - a great way to meet other mom’s! Your Christmas plans sound great 😊 I’m excited to experience the day for myself to see how I really feel about Christmas in NZ.
Merry Christmas, hope the South Island will be the best present ever.
I've lost count how many Christmas I've had down there.
But enjoy....I don't want to comment on a spoiler alert...
Well now I want to know what the spoiler is.
And everyone tells us you can’t go wrong with the South Island, so really looking forward to it!
Find out when you get there, depends in how far south you go.
Are you going to visit the summit of Mount Te Aroha to watch a Sunrise before you leave NZ,
its a couples theme?
it would not hurt for you to apply for dual citizenship, :)
Unfortunately probably not! I don’t think we have any plans to head out that way.
@@Becca.Loveless Mount TeAroha is at the Bottom of the Corromandal, and you revisit Cathederal cove in the Narnia movie theme, then you can be magically transported back to AmeriKa, i regret not learning to surf at Raglan beach, sigh,
Merry Christmas….
If you are going to Tauranga please be careful if you are going to McLaren Falls. Not to sure if that’s the falls you are talking about. But a lot of bad things all ways happens there. So many deaths in that park and us Maori believes that it’s sacred. That’s why there is all ways bad things happing there. But Pakeha and some Maori forget it.
We went to Wairere Falls, but I'll remember that about McLaren Falls.
Yeah that's a really nasty place if visiting at the wrong time. Need to be careful.
One day? I thought that was USA? You have Christmas and then you go back to work? Christmas in New Zealand is a statutory holiday of 4 days. Same with New Year's. Everyone is on Holiday. Adults are on holiday for two weeks. All businesses are closed. Only retailers rake in at this time of year. Everybody goes on holiday. Seriously. Have fun in Tauranga. Plenty of Sunscreen and swimming.
Christmas one year was a bacon and egg pie. My first ever! I've done two Turkey, A glazed Ham, Trifles, Pavlova's all the trimmings for twenty people. Even done the Christmas Day Beach thing. Just be happy ☺️ and content with who you are with.💕
Good thing to buy. Kites. They are cheap and great fun. Kids love them.🪁
Usually its about a week of holiday, maybe a bit more depending on when it falls in the week, but the week of Christmas and New Years is always off of work. I'm loving the food this year, it is so weird to think about making a turkey when its this warm already!🔥 Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas
Merry Christmas and have a great New Year!
Man he is getting so big now!!!
Really, Xmas is much less commercialised here than in the US it seems. Having spoken to many, many Americans both in person and online, it seems like massive corporations did a good job of creating traditions that cost people a ton of money. We tend to be a little less like that here in general, so our xmas time is much more laid back. It tends to be about sharing time with family and friends. The giving of gifts hasn't been the thing that I remember about my xmas times over my years. It's always beach times and sharing food with family and friends that shines through when I think about it.
New Years is much bigger here than xmas. That's when the party really happens ha ha ha.
It is a very expensive time of year, and has definitely seemed less so here. Some people deck their houses out in so many lights, most decorations look out of place and tacky here. The food has been the best!
2;35 Use the FORK Luke :-)
Haha at least it wasn’t a hard mess to clean 😂
Motat is a great place for a membership or Akl Zoo
Ill need to check out Motat!
@@Becca.Loveless oh if you haven't already you must! They always do lots of fun kids events. Covid meant no Christmas lights display but they're open now. Lots of cool things to see and cheaps entry too
Part of the reason celebrating Christmas at the summer solstice and not the winter solstice feels off is because it’s based on pagan traditions. The traditions are tied to the season in the northern hemisphere. So it would make more sense to celebrate at the winter solstice for you. But now that’s it’s tied the Christian religion, it’s the date that matters and not the season, making things kinda mixed up.
I've never thought of it like that. Very interesting. It's so ingrained in us that Im sure it never will feel normal.
BBQ terkey, beach cricket and alcohol, lots of alcohol.
Haha that sounds perfect!
Christmas in America seems way too much for me,i like the meh Christmas
Haha to each his own! I love certain parts about both of them.
Number 3
I don’t even remember what I said in the video that would be in response to 😂
The monkey is there to show that it's not sourced from areas that were bulldozed, and areas that are not primate habitats
He surprised me!