Christmas Spirit in the Summer (????)

When I think of Christmas, I think of cold weather, short days and decorations around the house and around town. I also think of family and friends and the family traditions that come with Christmas. This year I experienced a Christmas that was a polar opposite to what I am used to. While it wasn't the same, obviously, because I missed family and friends, it was still an experience that I appreciated as something totally different from what I had done before. I didn't just come here to visit new places, I also came to learn about Kiwi traditions. Throughout the month of December, I got to do just that. Here are some pictures of Christchurch at Christmastime.

These pictures are of the Christmas Parade held in early December. As you can see, it was a beautiful day, about 70-75oF. Most people were in shorts and T-shirts and were eating ice cream cones, and enjoying the day. I have been told that on really hot days, Santa can be found wearing sunnies (sunglasses) and shorts, but this year he was in the traditional apparel.					The Bridge of Remembrance is decorated with a large floral wreath.	A huge Christmas tree adorns Hagley Park for the Christmas season.

I spent my holidays this year with my boss and his wife at their bach in Church Bay, a quiet bay approximately 45 minutes by car from Christchurch, on Lyttleton Harbour. Pictures of Church Bay can be reached from the home page.

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