mellorsatsea :: CHRISTMAS IN NEW ZEALAND

We are tied to a dock in Whangarei, Town Basin. We can stroll into town to lots of stores, restaurants and fun things to do like hikes and awesome boardwalks through mangroves.

We watched a Christmas concert with our friends, Tim, Cynthia and Cameron age 12. Our family been peas in a pod with them ever since Tonga. Together we walked through town from our boat to the music concert. In the park, it was crowded with millions of people and candy stands. I really enjoyed the singing and dancing of the Christmas cheer.

About four days before Christmas we decorated our stubby little 3½ foot tall plastic tree. First we strung on the white lights all around the tree. Second we hung on some chocolate filled candies, jelly candy canes, tin ornaments I made for last year’s Christmas and, last but not least we merrily hung on the gold bead garland. Finally, I placed a cloth Tongan angel on the top of the tree. I was so thrilled to turn on the joyful tree lights.

Naomi, a shuttle driver, invited me to meet some girls who live on a cute little cottage farm in Opua, New Zealand. I was psyched to meet all the animals and the girls. Their names were Tabitha age 11 and Lydia age 9. They were both very kind and had many animals. I would say 17 black, brown and white colored cows. They also had three hens, five chickens, seven ducks, two calves and some fish. Oh, yeah I almost forgot, they have two frisky puppies and an old sweet dog and a nice cuddly cat and a non-friendly cat. I would die to have all those animals! Once I got to know Tabitha and Lydia, we were like best friends.

After we all met we trucked back to Naomi’s house to make cookies. As soon as we were in the driveway Tabitha, Lydia and I leaped out of the truck and scrambled into the house. Naomi handed us aprons to wear so we wouldn’t get our clothes sticky. She told us to pick out any cookie cutter shapes, so I picked out an angel, a train and a teddy bear. First take any shape, dip it into flour so the dough does not stick. Second, press it into the dough. Third, take the shape out of the cookie cutter. Next place it on a cookie sheet. Finally decorate it with sprinkles. I batched up a score of cookies after the first round. By the time there was no more dough left I was exhausted from baking. We each made about 10-20 cookies.

As soon as the kitchen was all nice and tidy, we got ready to have a tea party. My job was to design the fruit and crackers on plates. The fruits were peach, pear, plum, apple and kiwi. I couldn’t pile everything on the plate so I gobbled some down. I was glad to see the seaweed crackers fit. When I saw the little teacups I thought they were tremendously small to hold. Naomi offered chamomile tea and fruit tea. The chamomile was the best with brown sugar. I wish we could have a tea party every day.

On Christmas Eve we had invited our friends over, Tim, Cynthia and Cameron. About 30 minutes before dinner Cynthia, Cameron, my mom and I played “Apples to Apples”, a judging game. I absolutely disagreed with the game. At dinner time, the table was filled with platters of bread, bowl of butter, accidentally overcooked meat, roasted yams, potatoes and onions. For dessert Cynthia brought Cadbury chocolate chip ice cream, made some fabulous walnut and vanilla cookies. After dinner and dessert we decided to play “Pass the Pigs”. Cameron did not like the game because he was tired, but if he wasn’t tired he would probably enjoy it.

On Christmas Day morning I arose from my bed at 8:30 and ran into my parent’s aft cabin without looking what was under the tree. I leaped onto my parents and quietly yelled “It’s Christmas wake up please, please! I want to open my presents!” A few minutes later they slowly woke up and got dressed. I noticed a stocking hanging from a hook which I ran to and peeped inside. I poured it all out and there were probably 20 things in the stocking. It was chock full with candy, fake finger nails, body glitter, shower gel, body perfume, wallet, 2 pink lipsticks, candy and more candy.

Then I went over to the presents under the tree and opened everything. I got everything I wanted, like a scooter, a old rusty bike, 2 tennis rackets, tennis balls, pajamas, make up, sparkly hat, slippers and sparkly low heels and a brown dress. I was so pleased and excited with all my presents, and I gave my mom and dad a big huge hug, and said to them, “This was the best Christmas ever.”

The End

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