In New Zealand, being summer, Christmas is not only a time
of festivities but also a time when most of the country goes on holiday. Many businesses close completely for two
weeks, and schools shut for six weeks before they begin again in February.
It is the time of year when our coastal populations swell to
capacity, as folk from all walks of life head to their favourite beach
destinations. Camp grounds will fill to
overflowing and holiday homes that have stood empty for most of the year will
be humming with activity.
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| Whangamata Beach (1971) |
The mass exodus from the cities is expected to begin this
evening as people finish work for the week.
It will reach its crescendo on Boxing Day, as those who chose to
celebrate Christmas at home head off on holiday.
It is my belief that this combination of Christmas and
Holidays is why things become so totally crazy at this time of year. Not only is there presents and Christmas
catering to cope with, but preparations must be made to stock up on food to
take away and purchase all those little things needed for a good holiday.
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| Camping at Waikawau Bay (1997) |
In this week leading up to Christmas, I do my best to avoid
the shops. The roads are busier than at
any other time of the year, the malls are packed with shoppers, it is near
impossible to park the car anywhere, and everywhere it is push-and-shove and rush,
rush, rush.
Retailers love it!
Margaret.
It sounds like fun once everyone gets settled away for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteIt is an orgy of buying at this time of the year to be sure.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. It is definitely better to avoid the stores at this time of the year, or at the very least get there by 8:30 in the morning. Which is what I plan on doing tomorrow
ReplyDelete( Friday) which is my usual grocery shopping day. Right now shortly after 4 PM it's already dark out and rain is just pouring down. Not a pleasant evening at all.
Sounds busy - much like Christmas shops here only we have pouring rain instead!
ReplyDeleteSome people here look as if they are shopping for 6 weeks even though the shops are open again on the 27th
I'm with you on crowds. We live in a very small town where it only gets crazy busy over Summer, it's not a good idea to drive anywhere, walking is best even to the local 4 square, I can't wait until it's over.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I thought this sounded like a good idea, then by the time I finished reading I completely saw your point. I was out today at our small walmart...every cash register was open, every self scan register was busy, and one of the women even had a handheld scan that would come up and do your cart for you if you were paying with a credit card and didn't have too many items. But everyone was in such a good mood...it was not too bad except I was so weary and just wanted out of there!
ReplyDelete