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The Rural Voice, 1980-12, Page 10A New Zealand Christmas The Anderson family from New Zealand will be experiencing their first `White" Christmas in Canada. Here, they tell us what Christmas is like "down under". BY DONNA THIEL A white Christmas will be quite different for the Anderson family this year. John and Marie and two of their children Wendy, 15, and Richard, "are spending a year in Ontario on an exchange program through the United Church. The change from the city of Wellington, New Zealand to the village of celebrate the birth of Christ is only celebrated by 5 percent of the population, who attend church services either Christmas eve or Christmas morning. Christmas is a holiday that is sharing by families doing the traditional singing of carols and sharing a turkey. " The Christmas decorations are very festive. The tree is decorated with lights, The Anderson family. John and Marie and children Richard and Wendy, have preserved many of their traditions in the family's Christmas celebrations. [Photo by Thiel] tinsel and twisted paper. The Canadian tradition of hanging wreaths is not done in New Zealand. Fullarton is an adjustment the Anderson family seems to be taking in stride. "In New Zealand the Christmas has a Western European influence. But the winter wonderland has not made a comnlete transition to this country where the seasons are reversed. The idea of exchanging gifts is carried on but the meaning of Christmas is nearly lost," said John Anderson. "The day we The warm temperatures makes the Christmas celebration an outdoors occasion in New Lealand. !ht. uohdays are a time to go to the cottage and go on a trip. On Christmas Day families gather together to exchange gifts and to sing PG. 8 THE RURAL VOICE/DECEMBER 1980 carols, and to horse races or sporting events. Picnics and trips to the beaches are not uncommon. The store windows are decorated with white snow and other Christmas decorations, that do not coincide with the warm temperatures outside. There are not many Santa Claus parades in New Zealand, except the few that are sponsored by - department stores to help advertise their gift ideas. TRADITIONAL DINNER fhe traditional turkey dinner is served at Christmas with fresh vegetables, green salads; a leg of lamb with mint sauce is also a favorite. The meal is rounded off with desserts, starting with mince- meat pies and Christmas cake, to a delicacy called "pavlova". "This special dessert consists of a meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries or passion fruit and banana slices ," said Marie Anderson. "New Zealand is a South Pacific paradise that is picturesque and peace- ful. The people are very British and conservative in their political and social idea s. Even though this country is found "down under", the people are very world conscious. Instead of sending emergency relief to disaster areas, the New Zealanders send people with the expertise to help the needy rebuild their homes and help them become self- sufficient again ," said John Anderson. "New Zealand has a total of 103,740 square miles. The land is suitable for raising sheep, dairy and beef cattle. Winter housing is not generally needed as the grasses grow nearly all year. There are 3 million people and 3 million cattle in New Zealand. But 60 million sheep provide the mutton and wool which are the main exporting products. The world prices for the mutton and wool affect the ecomony of the country in every re- spect." With a white Christmas and a year to see the sights of our beautiful province, the Anderson family w,il have many warm memories to remember, even if it is cold.