Santa, sand and celebration - Summertime in New Zealand
Santa in a singlet? A comical thought for many but the festive season in New Zealand is a summertime experience like no other - and even the big guy has been known to dress to the weather.
December is one of the warmest months of the year in New Zealand and traditionally marks the beginning of the New Zealand summer. The tiresome routines of work and school are put on hold and the vast majority of New Zealanders head in droves to the refreshing waters of New Zealand's many beaches, lakes and rivers.
For many, it is the quintessential New Zealand summertime experience; spending fun filled days with family and friends at the 'bach' or beachside holiday house. The barbeque emerges from seasonal hibernation to sizzle once again as the most valued cooking resource in the household.
Christmas is a particularly special time for Māori families as whanau (relatives) from near and far return to their papakainga (homestead) to share the special spirit of the Christmas period. In many cases, this is the one and only time of the year families are together and the joy of reunion is matched only by the size of the almost mandatory Hāngi Christmas dinner.
The bounty of the summer harvest, from both land and sea, ensure the fare of the season is always memorable and highly anticipated. Seafood is plentiful during the summer months and fishing is a favourite summer pastime that very rarely goes unrewarded.
Enjoyment is not limited to the coast and many New Zealanders take advantage of the weather to head inland for a classic kiwi camping break. New Zealand's network of pristine rivers provide the focal point for a break with a difference and the transition from urban bustle to a sleepy wilderness is never more than a few hours drive away.
Music festivals featuring New Zealand's hottest bands are an integral part of the kiwi summer. Held throughout the country, festivals such as Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines and Wanaka's Rippon attract thousands of visitors looking to dance the day (and quite often the night) away to the tunes of New Zealand's most talented artists. The selection is broad and a festival can always be found to cater to all tastes.
Summer is Santa's season and almost every town organises its own parade to celebrate Christmas. From the extravagant floats of the major centres to the more personal events of the regions, whole communities take to the streets to bask in the Christmas cheer amidst crowd favourites such as marching troupes, pipe bands and lolly throwing Santas.
Christmas in New Zealand is quite unlike anything else in the world. Snowmen make way for sandcastles, sleighs for surfboards and the only sign of ice is at the top of a long drink.
And Santa in a singlet? You better believe it.
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