by Poppy, age 8, asks how Christmas is celebrated worldwide, about the two islands, and the Treaty of Waitangi
Dear Santa,
Kia ora from Wellington. My name is Poppy and I am 8 years old. Christmas here falls in the middle of summer, so we swim at the beach on Christmas morning and have a barbecue instead of a roast, and our Christmas tree at the shopping centre is actually a giant Pohutukawa tree covered in red flowers.
My first question is: how is Christmas celebrated around the world?
My second question is geography: how many main islands make up New Zealand?
My third question is from school: what is the Treaty of Waitangi?
I left you a pavlova, which is meringue with fruit on top, and it is definitely from New Zealand, not Australia, whatever they say.
Love, Poppy, age 8, Wellington, New Zealand
From the Desk of Father Christmas
Dear Poppy, the pavlova was extraordinary, and I shall note in my records exactly which country it belongs to. Now to your thoughtful questions.
How is Christmas celebrated around the world?
Christmas is celebrated in wonderfully different ways depending on where you live. In snowy countries there are roaring fires and roast dinners, while in places like yours, summer Christmas means beaches, barbecues, and salads instead of stews. Some countries open presents on Christmas Eve, others wait for Christmas morning, and some celebrate with fireworks, lanterns, or parades. What stays the same almost everywhere is time spent with family, good food, and a bit of extra kindness. I always say Christmas wears a different outfit in every country but keeps the same warm heart.
How many main islands make up New Zealand?
New Zealand is made up of two main islands, called the North Island and the South Island, along with many smaller islands scattered around them. Wellington, your home, sits right at the bottom of the North Island, looking across the strait toward the mountains of the South Island on a clear day.
What is the Treaty of Waitangi?
The Treaty of Waitangi is a very important agreement signed in 1840 between representatives of the British Crown and many Maori chiefs, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It set out how the two groups would live together and is considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation. Every year on the sixth of February, New Zealand marks Waitangi Day to remember the treaty and to reflect on its promises, some kept well and others still being worked on today.
Enjoy the sunshine and the pavlova, and I shall see you on your bright Christmas morning.
Ho ho ho, Santa
