“All I want for Christmas is you!” — Mariah Carey
Oh no... Here we go again!
The moment Mariah Carey starts playing, you know Christmas is just around the corner.
IT'S TIIIIIME!
The sun's shining. The pōhutukawa trees are bursting with red flowers. Dad's firing up the barbie, Mum's getting the pavlova ready, and the kids are racing around the backyard.
Someone's packing the chilly bin for a beach trip.
Meanwhile, Santa is probably wondering why he's wearing a massive winter coat in 25°C weather.
Welcome to Christmas in Aotearoa!
But hang on...
Is Santa really from Finland?
Do elves actually exist?
Can reindeer fly?
And why do Kiwis celebrate Christmas during summer instead of winter?
And while we're uncovering Santa's secrets, what's the story behind all those Merry Christmas sales?
Grab a cold drink, kick off your jandals, and let's unwrap the mystery!
What Is Christmas Day All About?
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December each year, marking the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition.
For many Kiwi families, Christmas is also a time to share kai, exchange presents and enjoy the company of whānau and friends.
Some popular Christmas traditions in New Zealand include:
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Christmas barbies:
Sharing a relaxed meal outdoors.
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Beach trips:
Spending Christmas or the holidays by the sea.
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Pavlova:
A much-loved festive dessert.
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Christmas trees:
Decorated with lights and ornaments.
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Family gatherings:
Enjoying quality time with loved ones.
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Outdoor games:
Backyard activities
, picnics and summer adventures.
Of course, not every Kiwi family celebrates Christmas, and traditions vary across cultures and households.
When Is Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December 2026.
Boxing Day follows on Saturday, 26 December.
Many retailers introduce Christmas promotions throughout November and December, while Boxing Day is another major shopping occasion.
But before we get into the sales, let's explore what makes a Christmas special.
Why Does New Zealand Celebrate Christmas in Summer?
Here's something that confuses people from the Northern Hemisphere.
Why is Santa wearing a winter coat when it's summer in New Zealand?
The answer is simple.
New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are opposite to those in countries such as Finland, the United Kingdom and Canada.
When it's winter in Europe, it's summer here.
That means December brings warmer weather, longer days and the beginning of the long school holiday season.
Instead of snowmen, we might make sandcastles. Instead of sitting beside the fireplace, we're enjoying a family barbie.
And instead of wearing snow boots? Jandals will do nicely!
North Island vs South Island: Is Christmas the Same?
Both islands celebrate Christmas during summer, but the weather can be different.
In Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, Christmas might mean warm coastal weather and beach trips.
Further south, families in Christchurch, Queenstown or Dunedin can enjoy summer too, although temperatures and conditions vary.
Central Otago can get surprisingly hot, while southern coastal areas may be cooler.
So whether you're up north or down south, there's no guarantee of perfect sunshine.
And yes, rain can still turn up uninvited!
Why Is the Pōhutukawa Called New Zealand's Christmas Tree?
Forget the snow-covered pine trees for a moment.
New Zealand has its very own Christmas symbol.
The pōhutukawa!
This native tree is famous for its beautiful red flowers, which often bloom around the festive season.
Along parts of the coast, pōhutukawa trees create a stunning Christmas scene against the blue sea.
That's why they're widely known as New Zealand's Christmas trees.
They're also culturally significant to Māori, with connections to traditional stories and important places.
So while other countries dream of white Christmases, Kiwis can enjoy a Christmas filled with red flowers and summer sunshine.
Pretty special, eh?
Is Santa Claus Really From Finland?
Ho, ho, ho! Time to uncover Santa's secret!
You've probably heard that Santa lives at the North Pole.
But did you know there's a real place in Finland known as Santa's official hometown?
It's called Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland near the Arctic Circle.
Visitors can explore Santa Claus Village, meet performers portraying Santa and see real reindeer.
But was Santa actually born there?
Not exactly.
The modern Santa character developed from several traditions, including stories about Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop associated with Myra in present-day Türkiye.
Over time, European folklore and Christmas storytelling helped create the familiar red-suited character.
So Finland is famous for Santa's Christmas village, rather than being the proven birthplace of a magical man.
Still, imagine Santa travelling from snowy Finland to sunny New Zealand!
He'd probably need to pack a pair of shorts.
Can Santa's Reindeer Really Fly?
Dasher! Dancer! Prancer! Vixen!
Santa's sleigh is ready!
In Christmas stories, reindeer fly across the sky to help Santa deliver presents around the world.
But here's something interesting.
Reindeer are real animals!
They live in cold northern regions, and domesticated reindeer can pull sleds.
However, real reindeer cannot fly.
Flying reindeer became famous through Christmas storytelling, including the 1823 poem commonly known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Rudolph, the famous red-nosed reindeer, appeared in 1939.
So while flying reindeer belong to Christmas magic, their real-life relatives are pretty remarkable too.
How Does Santa Deliver Presents in a Summer?
Imagine Santa landing in Auckland on Christmas Eve.
It's warm, the cicadas are singing, and there's no snow in sight.
What's Santa going to do?
Maybe he'll swap the sleigh for a surfboard.
Or take a quick break at the bach before heading down to Wellington.
And if he reaches Queenstown, perhaps he'll stop to admire the mountains.
Of course, that's all part of the fun of Christmas storytelling.
One thing's certain: Santa could probably use some sunscreen!
Why Do Shops Have Merry Christmas Sales?
Christmas didn't begin as a shopping event.
But as giving presents became a popular tradition, retailers began offering festive promotions.
Today, Merry Christmas sales can include:-
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Toys and games:
Presents for kids and family members.
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Electronics:
Headphones, tablets and gaming accessories.
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Beach essentials:
Towels, beach toys and summer gear.
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Home products:
Kitchen appliances and household items.
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Outdoor play equipment:
Trampolines
or
monkey bars
Some shops introduce Christmas deals in November, while others offer discounts closer to Christmas.
And don't forget Boxing Day!
What Is Boxing Day in New Zealand?
Boxing Day falls on 26 December.
For many Kiwi families, it's a chance to relax after Christmas, enjoy leftovers or head away on holiday.
It's also a well-known shopping day, when retailers may introduce special offers and clearance promotions.
But a huge discount doesn't automatically mean you're getting the best deal.
How Can You Find the Best Christmas Deal?
Before buying, ask yourself:-
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Have I compared prices?
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Is delivery included?
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Will the gift arrive before Christmas?
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Have I checked the warranty and returns information?
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Is it something my family will genuinely use?
For example, if outdoor play equipment is already on your Christmas wish list, you might explore Vuly Play and compare different options.
A smaller trampoline that fits your backyard may be better value than a larger one with a bigger discount.
The best Christmas gift is something that suits your family, not just your shopping cart.
Final Thoughts: Christmas Doesn't Need Snow to Be Magical
From sunny Northland beaches to the lakes and mountains of the South Island, Christmas in Aotearoa has its own special atmosphere.
We may not have snow-covered rooftops.
And Santa's flying reindeer might belong to Christmas stories.
But the memories families make are very real.
A backyard barbie.
A game of cricket.
A beach picnic.
Or simply sharing kai with the people you love.
You don't need the biggest Christmas tree.
You don't need the most expensive present.
And you certainly don't need snow.
Because the best Christmas gifts aren't always the things under the tree. They're the moments we create with our whānau.
Meri Kirihimete
Wishing you a Christmas full of big smiles, backyard adventures and happy memories with the whānau!
Here's a little festive treat from me to you [V U L Y D I G E S T] at checkout for $15 NZD off.
And Santa, if you're reading this...
Leave the winter coat in Finland. Bring your jandals!
