A time for family, food and celebration
Whether you are Christian, Pagan, Jewish or Muslim, the theme of celebration is relevant to all over the summer holidays.
On Christmas Day, many families will be opening presents, sharing food with loved ones, and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ.
Some will be praying to the Holy Prophet, Prophet Muhammad, throughout the day and simply spending time with family and friends.
Others may be opening their third gift and lighting nine candles as part of Hanukkah.
A few may be gathering with friends, music and food while thanking an array of gods during the summer solstice.
Sarah Steer is one of the 35,000 people in Palmerston North who identify as Christian. This Christmas, she, her husband Philip and their four children will be opening presents, attending church and having lunch with family in Wellington.
Church, family, celebration and giving are important themes throughout a traditional Steer family Christmas.
The Steer family usually attend All Saints Church, an Anglican church in Palmerston North.
For them, Christmas is a time to celebrate, give to others and come together as a family.
‘‘It’s a time where we decorate Christmas trees, we go to church and sing lots of Christmas carols.’’
The family often get right into the Christmas spirit. Steer’s
‘‘Our prayers are for everyone in the Middle East, regardless of religious persuasion.’’ Stuart Schwartz
children Esther, 10, Silas, 8, Joseph, 5, and Amos, 2, were recently dressed as angels as part of the St Peter’s Anglican float for the local Christmas parade.
She says it is also a time of year to teach children the meaning behind Christmas – recognising the sacrifice Christ made for others.
It is also a chance to teach children about giving, not just presents, but giving to people who need an extra helping hand at this time of year, she says.