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.
