Unlike the countries of the Northern hemisphere which experience snow and winter during Christmas time, New Zealand, Australia and several other islands in the Pacific and Atlantic celebrate Christmas in the midst of the summer. Schools have been on vacation for a while, so the kids have more time to attend to the decorations, even the adults have a more flexible routine at work to gain the most from the lovely weather, hence the cheer and merriment is doubled in this part of the world. The best part is Christmas parties can be held on the beach or anywhere outdoors rather than indoors in front of a fire place.
Auckland, home to the largest Polynesian population in the world adds a distinct flavour of its own to the festivities that take place in December, but upholds the traditions with great enthusiasm. Most cities in New Zealand have a Santa Parade that traverses through the city with music, marches and decorative floats. People flock in large numbers in spite of the humid summer climate to watch the parades armed with ice creams and chilled beverages.
Malls are bedecked with decorations, Poinsettias are in full bloom and Santa Clause meanders through the town"s prominent arcades with his sleigh and faithful reindeer distributing gifts to little children and adding the usual "Ho Ho Ho" to the merry air of Auckland. Musical shows and parties sponsored by commercial bodies are common throughout the month. At night the buildings and roadways are lit with bright festive lights.
People adorn the walls and doors of their homes with wreaths, tinsels and banners. On Christmas Day itself they have barbecue lunches followed by pavlova or cold fruit salad, while some still eat the traditional hot fruit pudding with ice cream and custard.
As the holiday season looms around the corner
Auckland hotel specials are some worthy deals to watch out for. Almost every
Auckland city hotel has a promotion of some kind and serves delicious Christmas goodies throughout the day. Stay on well past Boxing Day at any one of the luxurious abodes such as the Copthorne Hotel Auckland City to taste the very best of Auckland Christmas.
