Christmas and the great Kiwi summer holiday

To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer. — Mahatma Gandhi

The Christmas and summer holiday break in New Zealand is loved by most.

It is an intrinsic part of the Kiwi culture. It’s a time to take it easy, rejuvenate, catch up with family and friends, get outside, enjoy the summer, and tune out the world’s woes. A calm spreads throughout the country. It gives most of us at least some time to enjoy summer.

Bliss.

Don’t dare try to intrude on the great Kiwi holiday. It is held almost sacred. Everything takes a back seat. And rightly so. Particularly politics. It is remarkable how much more peaceful life becomes for everyone when parliament closes down and all the politicians go home. The relief throughout the country is palpable. No one interfering and dreaming up more noose-tightening laws and regulations. Just peace.

Marvellous.

Have you ever wondered if all that is needed to help restore the health of the country is for parliament to take a leave of absence for a three-year term? (And then re-evaluate if it is needed?) Everyone would surely benefit from that. Less interference, more freedom, happier people. It has a decidedly positive ring to it, don’t you think?

Just before the wonderful summer break there is that inevitable rush up to Christmas. And if your home happens to be in the mountains, there is always a bit of a culture shock arriving in a city to get “jobs done”. So much traffic! So many people! And look at those towers! The pace is faster and seems to contain a perceptible hum, as Kiwis race to get jobs finished before Christmas Day. Gifts to buy, parcels to wrap, people to see, food to order and prepare, and friends, relatives, and neighbours to check in on. It can be a long list!

Many have it nailed, and I watch in wonder every year as they glide seamlessly through all that needs to be done – usually with lists far longer than mine – and arrive on the day with everything in order and barely a hair on their heads out of place. How do they DO that? They can also pack to go on holiday with barely one bag that will last for a world trip, too. I shake my head in admiration and wonder. Every time.

Typically, I lurched into the city a day late this year with a long list of things that “had to be done” before we joined with family on the 25th. Early the next morning, list in hand, I felt mildly daunted as I contemplated the traffic jams and queues. What a nightmare!

But was it? What if I decided that there wouldn’t be much traffic on the routes I had to travel at the time I set off? What if I changed my mind and decided that instead of having the goal to “get it done and get out” that I helped genuinely calm and uplift fellow Kiwis wherever our paths crossed? To add to their day and perhaps give them something that may help give them a lift —even for a moment. I loved that idea.

It was a great day out. I kid you not, the traffic parted, there were barely any queues and, wherever I could, I smiled in greeting to fellow Kiwis passing me on the street. I made an extra effort to really thank those who served me and to let them know what a terrific job they were doing at such a busy time. I asked one lady at the checkout counter if she had all her shopping done. “No,” came the terse reply. “I have had more important things on my mind with trying to help my son fill out government forms for a new job.” Now that was something that deserved commiseration! Have you ever tried to fill out complicated endless government forms? The queue gathered behind me as she told me the challenges and by the time I had packed the items she was animated and positive again. All it took was a fellow Kiwi speaking and listening to her.

Where there is love there is life. – Mahatma Gandhi

It is remarkably like that wonderful African saying, “Sawubona”, that translates into “I see you”. It is a beautiful phrase that also recognises the worth and dignity of each person. It is a pure acknowledgement of the Spirit. And at that particular moment at the checkout counter the other day, a Spirit just happened, in this life, at this time, to be working in the role of a checkout counter lady, or it could have been the life-guard, or the rubbish-collector, or anyone.

Anyway, there were a number of similar instances and the grand finale was arriving at the butcher’s shop. Despite the fact they are chopping up carcasses all day, I’ve always found butchers to be amazingly cheerful. There they are, consistently with a positive word for each client that enters. But on the day I walked in this week they were under pressure with what seemed like a never-ending wave of clients with long lists, wanting their attention. So, I said, loudly, “Wow! What a team! You’re just a bunch of angels getting our endless lists sorted out! Bless every single one of you!” I really meant it. Their backs straightened, they grinned, looked lighter, and they melted. (Not literally of course!) It just gave their day a lift. And it was so easy to do. My meat order was carried out to the car for me by a very happy butcher.

Love. It’s infectious. The good kind of infectious.

I came home thinking, wow, what a terrific day.

We really are masters of our own destiny, with the power to change our minds, and on this particular day it just took a quick change of mind from dreading the traffic and crowds, and flipping that to the idea of deciding that the traffic would move seamlessly and wondering what beautiful souls I could help uplift that day.

I know anyone reading this will probably do similar, too. Or maybe not, because I have friends who would (almost) run screaming from the idea of shouting such things in a butcher’s shop or engaging others they don’t know in conversation — but they uplift in other, equally valuable ways. And regardless of however we may uplift others, we all have our off-days!

There are also many Kiwis out there this year approaching this Christmas and summer with loved ones who have become injured, ill, or who have died. Please watch out for them if you can, take the time to check in on them and let them know you’re genuinely there if they need anything, even if it is just a chat over coffee. Your love and compassion will be of enormous help.

Anyway, this article is solely about uplifting others and how we can spread love, because it is Christmas and the summer holidays and we should, as much as we can, have a break from the challenges of 2025 in this sacred part of the Kiwi calendar. Time enough for that next year.

Thank you all for your wonderful feedback, your opinions, and for having enquiring minds, and caring enough to help do something about our country, and the world. What amazing souls you all are. Enjoy a great Christmas with beloved family and friends, and make sure you get a few days off to have some wonderful time out. Enjoy the sunshine! And may 2025 contain many positive miracles for everyone and for our country, and the world.

Peace between countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals. — Mahatma Gandhi

All photos are © Mary Hobbs.