Unlike Johannesburg, where Christmas carols occur mostly towards early December, there were numerous opportunities to attend some kind of Carols in a park. Dave’s church finished off their year with a bring and share dinner and a DVD on Sunday 23 Dec. We couldn’t go because it clashed with Nathan’s schedule but we were able to attend a later Carols in the Park at the botanical gardens, accompanied by the Port of Napier brass band.
Back home, Gayle had made beautiful quilted Christmas stockings and hung them near the Christmas tree.
On Christmas eve we went around to see the best Christmas lights. People register on the web then decorate their houses and gardens. visitors can download a map showing all the houses participating. Some people really went to town and the effect was beautiful.
Last minute present wrapping and stocking filling took place as usual.
Christmas day was great. Brian and I were on breakfast duty and under Gayle’s instruction we made French toast topped with Greek Yoghurt, mixed berries, bacon, bananas and maple syrup. (very international you see).
We missed going to church on Christmas day but we surprisingly couldn’t find a church that was having a Christmas day service. There were some, I hear. My cousin, Edward, who is a Roman Catholic went to midnight mass and my physiotherapist who is also a Catholic went to Church on Christmas day.
We spent the morning opening presents and unpacking stockings.
Nathan wore his Christmas outfit and got the most gifts!
Gayle made a yummy Christmas roast with roast vegetables and salad. Pudding was brandy snaps and cream and/or ice cream. As usual on these occasions we all felt we had over done it a bit.
The rest of the day we spent quietly, just enjoying being in New Zealand for Christmas, enjoying our presents and being together.
At the appropriate time we skyped the rest of our family and got to enjoy a bit of Christmas with them also.
“Oh come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.”
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