Thoughts on the Christmas season from the good-tidings fairy herself
Down here at the bottom of the world festivities are more on the subtle side, for starters its not cold (other than in Wellington) and you can't walk in a winter wonderland with a hot chocolate in hand, off to hand cut down your own pine tree. There will never be carol singers knocking at your door and its unlikely your neighbor's will attempt to out do your Christmas light display.
Okay yes, I know this is just in the movies, but a girl can dream. I have had one white Christmas in Canada and to be quite honest, it wasn't far from this idyllic scenario and even ended with singing carols in a tiny Anglican Church while it snowed outside one evening.
Living in Wellington for another December season isn't quite the same, the majority of my friends having little interest in the season (Grinch's), and little knowledge of the small joys that are drowned out by crappy Mariah Carey renditions and commercialism . December, is, as the cliché's go, a time for giving, aroha, community and celebrating another years end.
Giving/Koha
Santa's predecessor (from Greece rather than the North Pole) St Nicholas, began the Christmas tradition of giving. Famously the story is told that old Nick rescued three girls from being forced into prostitution by dropping a sack of gold coins through the window of their house each night so that their father could pay a dowry for them. And thus the tradition was born... or something along these lines...
In terms of giving, this year more than ever, it's important to shop local, support your local business that have suffered due to the effects of Covid-19, shop away from the high-streets and seek out those smaller boutiques, purchasing homegrown and homemade.
Secondly, if you have the means, consider giving to those beyond your whānau. Think about ways you can give to those in your community that are less fortunate than you are. Making a Christmas donation, big or small, like our old mate Nicky, may make a huge difference for somebody else. In the same vein as buying local, donate local too. 90% of donations made each year only go towards 9% of charities in New Zealand. Do your own research and find out what community charities are in your area and where your money can make the most direct difference.
Wellington specifically there is; Wellington City Mission, Wesley Community Action, Women's Wellington Refuge.
Community/Hapori
December is often referred to as event season. We have a month crammed full of celebrations from work-dos, potlucks with friends and kids school recitals. December is also packed full of community events. These, are undoubtedly the best part of the month, and if you haven't attended any, its time to get on google and find out what's going on near you!
My flat mate's think I am totally nuts choosing to spend a Sunday (hangover recovery day) in the foyer of Te Papa Museum listening to an orchestra play Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, or visiting the Polish Market in Newtown, just to see how the local Poles get funky at Christmas time, or to attend midnight mass at church on Christmas Eve simply to collectively stand and sing into the night.
There is no better feeling than gathering with complete strangers to sing, dance and celebrate together for no other reason than to have fun and feel that shared sense of community. I think this is what Christmas spirit is. More often than not, proceeds received at community events go back into the community also, win win.
My Wellington Recommendation's: A Very Welly Christmas Event Series, Te Papa Museums Christmas Events, Orchestra Wellington Christmas Singalong , Ngā Rama Wherikoriko Pō Night Lights & Christmas Market
It's the little things
In saying all of this, don't forget to enjoy the little things, there shouldn't be guilt in taking the pressure off and enjoying a little bit of the jolly season for your self. For me, some of the silly little things that give me all the festive feels include;
Wrapping Presents and Writing Christmas Cards
Put your favorite Christmas film or TV special on, make yourself a cuppa and bust out all the ribbons and papers. Try making your own wrapping papers, labels or cards, super therapeutic and lovely to receive. Write cards to your pals overseas, your cousins and that friend who you have been meaning to call, (all year). They will love it.
Make a Christmas Playlist without all the tackiness
Hear me out, if you ignore the pop renditions played on repeat in stores during December and listen to some of the real bangers to get you in the Christmas mood, you are guaranteed to enjoy yourself.
My top five (that often bring on waves of tears and pure joy, but are certainly more tolerable than Mariah Carey) would include;
Christmas Lights - Coldplay
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
How to make gravy - Paul Kelly
Walking in the air - Aled Jones (The Snowman)
River - Joni Mitchell
- You're Welcome x
Food
Enough said. Get all the goodies. Don't feel bad.
Party
December gives you the excuse to throw big parties, little parties anytime you want. I use this time of year as an excuse to throw a little Christmas party before the big day with my friends, before we all disappear in to the abyss that is the weird time between Christmas and the new year. Christmas can be used as the best excuse to catch up with your friends, make some cocktails and some yummy food, play games, footy and have a little boogie.
With Covid-19 making 2020 the year it's been I'll leave you with the lyrics of Queen,
"It's been a long hard year
But now it's Christmas
Yes, it's Christmas
Thank God it's Christmas"
Enjoy it in whatever way you can xx Ella
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