Christmas was amazing in New Zealand. More laid back, yet more busy, yet less busy-ness. It's definately more laid back here and many people seem like they aren't so concerned with huge fancy meals and perfect decorations, etc, etc. Just having fun! And since it's summer, I think people are more active.
Hmm...
I suppose I should start with this past Sunday.
Sunday
Church--great message through the use of 3 short skits that Tiana wrote depicting different types of situations people may be in at Christmas: The first depicted a newlywed couple/grieving couple celebrating their first Christmas away from family and coping with being alone without all of their family and traditions. The second depicted a wealthy couple only interested in expensive gifts from others. The third depicted a poorer family who spent too much money on gifts that they didn't have and this led to arguements. Campbell used these examples to deliver an awesome message! It was great with a keen Kiwi flare.
That night Tiana and I went to a friends' birthday BBQ out in the country which = fun times and great conversations. Good on ya!
Monday- Christmas Eve
Lunch and Movies at Chris and Janine's (our Bible Study leaders) house with their kids. Their house and surrounding land is absolutely beautiful! Then we chilled at home and baked cookies, ate Korean food, and watched tv Christmas Specials . Yay!
Tuesday - Christmas Day
We drove to Waihi Beach on the East coast (S. Pacific Ocean) and opened gifts, Barbequed, and relaxed in the sun while everywhere else had rain.
Then we came back to Hamilton for Christmas Tea (dinner) at Chris and Janine's parents house. Another BBQ! It was so much fun!!!We even got gifts! We played games with their kids and just relaxed. We ended up leaving very late.
Wednesday - Boxing Day
Tiana and I decided to make our Christmas dinner (Turkey and all the fix-ins) since it was actually Christmas for America. (Time change, NZ is 18 hours ahead of Ohio)
Then we went over another friend's house for a BBQ and games, and a campfire, and fun!!
So you see, even through we were so far from home and family and missed them very much, we were able to have a great time with newer friends and our church family. I have to admit...I miss the snow and holiday feel of America, but I definately can dig this more laid back Kiwi style of doing things. And the beaches and BBQ's...very nice!
And for your viewing enjoyment, here are some pictures!
This is from the Christmas Parade we saw a few weeks ago where Santa said "HAHA HAAAA! Happy Christmas" and it was hilarious!
These snowman looked very sad. Maye they were melting in the heat and rain.
Nothing says "Christmas" like the Simpsons? Hmm...
Tiana and I watching our friends, "The Holy Rollers" at the Yellow Submerine. Fun times!
Beautiful New Zealand Country at Chris and Janine's House.
Good times with friends at the beach one Sunday afternoon!
Making Christmas cookies with Tiffany. Sugar, Gingerbread, and Shortbread.
Our Christmas Tree before we put Candy Canes on it. There are lights on it too, but they are so dim!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!
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