A Kiwi Christmas is a summer affair – beaches, sunshine and BBQs. And we love it!
But, because we do Christmas in the summer, Northern Hemisphere Christmas traditions obviously don’t translate that well down here in the South Pacific when the festive season rolls round.
Solution? Host a mid-winter Christmas!
It’s a fun way to bring some joy to wintertime, when heavy, tasty feasts in a snug dining room surrounded by friends and family make far more sense. If you live where it snows, you might even get to enjoy a white mid-winter Christmas!
Here’s how to make it an awesome celebration!
Celebrate Christmas Twice With A Mid Winter Christmas
Decorate With Your Garden’s Finest
Set the scene by making a green centrepiece. Got access to sprigs of leaves and berries and pine branches? Perhaps some pinecones? Arrange these around candles on your mid-winter Christmas table to create a cosy atmosphere.
Bring Out The Sparkles
Pull out your favourite Christmas decorations and get creative. Put up your artificial tree, or choose a favourite tree or shrub to decorate in your backyard. Don’t forget to put up the lights!
Have A Snowball Fight
Got real snow? Great, go for it! If you live in a snow-free area, roll up lots and lots of ‘snow’ balls from recycled paper, and get ready for a battle. It’s a great way to occupy the kids.
Christmas Cuisine As It’s Meant To Be Enjoyed
There are some Christmas traditions which are just not the same when we consume them in the middle of summer. Make the most of the cold weather and enjoy some traditional Christmas treats (in weather they are supposed to be eaten in)! Make a big juicy roast with veggies, rich Christmas pudding or cake and warming Christmas-themed drinks.
Overwhelmed by the thought of cooking for a crowd? Make your celebration a potluck meal and have everyone bring their favourite Christmas dish to share.
A Toast To Mid-Winter Christmas
In many countries around the world, Christmas isn’t complete without a sweet and delicious glass of eggnog. You might choose to leave the alcohol out for a kid-friendly version. If you do, add a pinch of ginger and a spoonful of honey for extra flavour.
Here’s a recipe to follow:
- Separate four eggs.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in colour.
- Gradually add 4 tbsp sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Add 500ml milk, 250ml cream, 100ml each of rum and brandy and a teaspoon of grated nutmeg and stir to combine.
- Place leftover egg whites in a bowl and beat them until soft peaks appear. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until the mixture stiffens. Combine the egg whites back into the main mixture.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, serve sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon.
Recipe credit: New World
A Time For Giving
What would Christmas be without pressies? While Christmas is of course about family, togetherness and reflection, presents also add to the fun. To keep things budget friendly, include home made options, arrange a Secret Santa, or have all your guests bring a low-cost gift to put under the tree. Enjoy giving these out and unwrapping them ceremoniously before or after your meal. Bonus points if the gifts get laughs!
Need more space to host friends and family for your mid-winter Christmas? Call Just Cabins on 0800 58 78 22 to talk to us about temporary, warm, comfortable, private spaces for hire. The team at Just Cabins wish you a very Merry mid-winter Christmas!
Check out the range of sleepouts for rent here and the portable cabins available.
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1. Cabins for rent in Auckland
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