Children chat about Christmas
Whether it is a time for opening presents, attending church, or spending time with family, kids all have their own reasons for why Christmas is their favourite time of year.
Somerset Crescent School pupils Alani Fakava, 9, and Benjamin Fakava, 11, are looking forward to presents, food and spending time with family members this Christmas.
On Christmas Day the Palmerston North brothers wake up early to unwrap their gifts, which Father Christmas has carefully placed under their sparkly tree.
They spend the day with family, tuck into a barbecue lunch and attend a Samoan church in the afternoon.
Both children hoped for musical instruments to be wrapped up for them this year – Alani a drum, and Benjamin a guitar.
But when asked what the meaning of Christmas was they both replied ‘‘family’’.
‘‘It’s time to spend together with our family and friends,’’ Benjamin said.
‘‘It’s Jesus’ birthday,’’ Alani said.
‘‘Christmas to me is being good before Christmas so Santa can bring you presents.’’
He also said he was looking forward to the school holidays so he could see family, have sleepovers with his friends and play games in the park.
Levi Governor, 11, said a Samsung phone and butter chicken were on her wish list this festive season.
She said milk and cookies were left out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
She often spends time with her family in Feilding on Christmas Day, and sometimes at Himatangi Beach.
‘‘To me, Christmas is a time to celebreate.’’
Whakarongo School pupil Vesper Lipshan, 7, said she looked forward to opening up her Christmas stocking, having Christmas cake and spending time with her family.
Callum Swindells, 7, said he liked Christmas because it was a sharing time and presents were given out.
Finn Bennett, 7, said he was keen to tuck into some food on Christmas Day.
Somerset Crescent School principal Robyn Tootill said the children were very excited about the holidays.
Many of the families within the school had a strong community
‘‘Christmas to me is being good before Christmas so Santa can bring you presents.’’ Alani Fakava
and church focus.
It would be great for the children to spend more time with the people most important to them, she said.