Christmas isn’t all snow, hats and scarves. In some countries it’s warm tropical beaches, mountain hideaways, deserts and plains.
For centuries there has been different interpretations of what Christmas means to different people from different lands.
But there’s one theme that seems to run true to whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you see as your idea of Christmas.
And that theme is the colors of red and green.
A Christmas tree sits proudly in a corner, green and decorated with baubles, tinsel, little ornamental reindeer, chocolate Santas, colored balloons and all sorts of trinkets and sparkles.
Father Christmas is everywhere. And he is a red suited emblem of Christmas past, Christmas present and he’ll be bounding around in the his jolly suit for generations to come.
But it doesn’t matter where you are, what the climate, what the customs are that you live by, Christmas trees will always be green and Santa’s suit will always be red.
So, how do you reconcile the standard image of Christmas of sleighs and reindeer, snow covered chalets in the mountains, shoppers wrapped in their winter woollies as they search for last minute gifts, with a summer of barbeques, sandy beaches and holidays in the sun.
New Zealand in the summer is full of red and green images and for those of you who need some reminders of a Christmas in the sun, here’s a few red and greens to feast your eyes on:
1. Pohutukawa Trees
Every morning when I wake up I can look out the window and see a row of Pohutukawa trees in full flower.
Known as the New Zealand Christmas tree, I’m surprised that kiwis haven’t caught on to the craze of decorating them with fairy lights and shiny baubles.
2. Hobbiton – Behind the red door.
As I begin a fanciful journey around the country I can imagine the sights and sounds that would greet me.
At Hobbiton, I hear the jingle of bells and the rhythm of Christmas carols as the Hobbits cover their pine trees with tinsel and trinkets, prepare the Xmas ham for the oven and wrap gifts for their little hobbits.
3. Rotorua Geyser
A journey to sulphur city is never without a Christmas reminder.
You would never want to cook your Christmas dinner in that steam. Although tender, it wouldn’t taste the best!
4. Wellington Cable Car
The red cable car, set against a backdrop of green ferns, parkland and hills.
A Christmas view for 365 days of the year.
5. Flags of the World
What can I say? Countries across the world come together in a show of unity with their splattering of Reds and Greens and everything in between.
6. Queenstown
Summer in the winter wonderland of skiing and snow-capped mountains.
Our beautiful Queenstown oozes summer with a touch of Christmas color.
7. Walter Peak Station
Why not cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station.
Red roof, red flowers, green lawns and green trees…
It’s a view, typical of a Christmas picture postcard.
8. Greymouth
I could be tempted to stop of for a piece of Christmas cake and a glass of Christmas cheer as I pass this delightful little West Coast treasure.
9. Akaroa
And say a wee prayer to help me on my way.
10. Avon River
What a way to spend a blissful Christmas afternoon. Basking in the glory of a river bank worthy of an artist’s easel.
11. House and Flags
Take a detour down any side street and you’ll be surprised at what you will find.
A mix of French and Kiwi?
12. Mercury Bay Winery
Beautiful!
Food, wine and a view to die for!
13. Pukeko
Even a red beak and a green lawn backdrop.
Christmas colors everywhere!
14. Strawberries…
Yummy… All I need is some vanilla icecream and a dusting of icing sugar.
15. …and Cherries
On their own, they are a delight.
A Christmas experience to behold!
16. Swing Bridge
A single red bauble in a sea of green.
I’m in heaven!
17. Sunset
At the end of the day, the sun goes down. Redish beams filter through the trees to cast the final light of the day on the green pastures below.
***Merry Christmas Everyone***
End
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