Christmas in New Zealand

I told Jan before we ever left home that it was New Zealand, people are so friendly that somebody will invite us to share Christmas with them.  Sure enough, the folks staying in the freestanding unit right next to ours in this aptly named Holiday Park invited us to share the day with them.  Our units shared a huge open public space of grass and trees.  Christmas is in summer here, so weather permitting, most activities take place outside.

The family next to us actually had other units, and tents, across the Holiday Park.  I guess there were upwards of 20 of them, adults and kids of all ages, 3 generations, all gathered to spend Christmas together... right here in our front yard.

We played and chatted and ate.  We watched the kids play.  We played with the kids.  We had water fights.  Christmas in summer!

We pulled Christmas Crackers...

We all got some crowns, and were kings and queens for a day!

We enjoyed having kids about on Christmas...

Brain freeze...

Popsicles and outdoor swimming pools on Christmas Day!

And water fights!

Doug...

And his wife, Jack...

And we ate like kings... including huge desserts!

It was a grand time, I'm telling you!

All right in our front yard.  Like I said, it's New Zealand.  Friendly, sharing, beautiful New Zealand.  Thanks so much, Jack and Doug, and all of you!

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