Christmas

Each country has its own unique way of celebrating Christmas. These resources cover traditions, carols, stories, crafts, food, symbols (Star of Bethlehem, mistletoe, Nativity scene, poinsettia) including how Kiwis celebrates Kirihimete. SCIS no: 1646394

All items

Images
Photographs of children sitting with Santa Claus 2003, Greymouth
Photographs of children sitting with Santa Claus 2003, Greymouth
Photographs taken of children sitting with Santa Claus in 2003, Greymouth Arrangement: These files were originally delivered to the library within a folder called "Festive (01 Santa 03)" Quantity...
Articles
Christmas
Christmas
For many Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus. It is celebrated on 25 December in most countries around the world, and involves traditions like Santa Claus, decorating the Christmas tree ...
Images
Santa - New Brighton Santa Parade
Santa - New Brighton Santa Parade
New Brighton Santa Parade. Saturday 10 December 2016. File Reference: 2016-12-10-DSC01956 Photo by Moata. From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
Stories
Christmas postcards
Christmas postcards
Christmas postcards with a Kiwi twist.
Images
Letter to Santa
Letter to Santa
This item was transferred to our Dunedin office by New Zealand Post, Oamaru. Archives reference: CASQ D24/15a P.OU 17/4 1 For further enquiries about this record, email dunedin.archives@dia.go...
Articles
Christmas in the park, Māori style
An Auckland marae that took in homeless people has opened its doors once again to the community for its first Christmas at the Paa event.
Articles
Father Christmas, freak of nature
He's a faster than light, all-seeing, house-breaking present dispenser. Santa's firing up his warp drive sleigh and coming to a chimney near you, reveal Toby Manhire and Toby Morris.
Audio
The origins of Christmas Carols
The origins of Christmas Carols
It might surprise you to learn just how ancient the tradition of Christmas carols actually is. But what did they sound like those early carols? Who wrote the first one? We look back on the history ...
Images
Christmas stamp, 1982
Christmas stamp, 1982
The 1982, 35-cent Christmas stamp featured Rangiātea Māori church at Ōtaki. Christmas stamps were first issued in 1960, and until 1970 there was only one Christmas stamp each year. Since then Chris...
Videos
Aotearoa Christmas song
A children's song about Christmas in Aotearoa New Zealand
Images
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Digital cartoons by Jim Hubbard on political and social issues in New Zealand and internationally. Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Images
Pōhutukawa trees
Pōhutukawa trees
The pōhutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) with its crimson flower has become an established part of the New Zealand Christmas tradition.
Videos
The 25 greatest Christmas carols
The best festive songs voted by 50 top choral experts.
Audio
Christmas ettiquette
Christmas ettiquette
What's ok or not ok at Christmas? Re-gifting? Cash as a gift?
Articles
'Māori Santa Claus' pays early visit
Wellington rapper Pera Barrett has once again rallied the community to deliver hundreds of gifts to children in Porirua.
Websites
WWW
Why Christmas?
This site has answers to all your Christmas questions.
Articles
A Christmas pomander
Make this pomander to decorate your Christmas tree, or as a gift for someone.
Articles
New Zealand Christmas carols
Te Haranui and other New Zealand Christmas carols with lyrics and music.
Videos
Christmas
Classic Kiwi Christmas screen moments.
Articles
Christmas
The birth of Jesus, the celebration of Christmas and where and when did it all begin.
Articles
Christmas recipes for kids
Children get busy in the kitchen at Christmas.
Articles
Bethlehem
The Church of the Nativity and the pilgrimage route to Bethlehem.
Articles
Christmas symbols
Christmas symbols — from angels and doves to Christmas trees and mistletoe.
Videos
DIY Nativity scene
How to make a Christmas crib.
Articles
The Crocodile’s Christmas
Margaret Mahy tells a story about a crocodile that lost his jandal at the beach.
Articles
Christmas colours
Why are red and green traditional Christmas colours?
Websites
WWW
Christmas stories
Legends and other stories about Christmas.
Articles
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas (Navidad) in Mexico is a vibrant, festive time of year.
Articles
Winter festivals
Keeping ancient winter celebrations alive in the UK.
Articles
Christmas and the solstice
The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and its influence on Christmas.
Articles
Multicultural winter holiday celebrations
Other cultural celebrations taking place around Christmas time.
Articles
Christmas lights
The best Christmas light street displays in New Zealand.
Videos
The Christmas tree
St Boniface and the origin of the Christmas tree.
Articles
Star of Bethlehem
Astronomical explanations about the Star of Bethlehem.
Articles
Christmas lunch
Auckland City Mission is busy prepping Christmas lunch for 2000 people.
Videos
Christmas around the world
Fun facts about Christmas around the world.
Images
Christmas around the world
This collection of images is a quick tour of the many different Christmas celebrations held around the world.
Articles
Christmas in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Christmas comes in the middle of the summer holidays.
Videos
Kiwi Christmas
Air New Zealand presents Summer Wonderland with Ronan Keating and Julian Dennison.
Videos
Christmas In The Park
Moana medley at the Auckland Christmas in the Park, 2017.
Images
Clark, Russell Stuart 1905-1966 :Samuel Marsden's first service in New Zealand. The Gospel of Jesus Christ first proclaimed on these shores by the Rev. Samuel Marsden at Oihi, Bay of Islands, Christmas Day, 1814 [Christchurch] N.Z. Church Missionary Society [1964]
First Christmas service in New Zealand
This watercolour by Russell Clark is a depiction of what the first Christmas day service in New Zealand (1814) may have looked like. Early Anglican missionary Samuel Marsden (who had just arrived ...
Newspapers
CHRISTMAS PUDDING. (Clutha Leader 24-12-1907)
Christmas pudding
The Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert for the British Christmas dinner. Originally a kind of porridge, it was made of beef, mutton, raisins, currants, spices and wines. The modern Victoria...
Newspapers
Christmas holidays
This article provides an insight into events celebrating the Christmas holiday season in Otago in 1893. Carol singing and shopping were the main activities on Christmas Eve. The local hospital cel...
Images
Wellington Santa Parade, sponsored by James Smiths Ltd.
Wellington Santa Parade
Santa Parades began in the early 1900's There were usually held by department stores initially to promote the arrival of their in-store Santa. The Wellington store ‘the Economic’ was the first to p...
Images
Christmas
Modern demands on Santa
Legend has it that Santa takes his reindeer sleigh around the globe at supersonic speed, sliding down chimneys to deliver gifts to kids around the world on Christmas Eve. But this cartoon tells us...
Newspapers
CHRISTMAS DONT'S. (Clutha Leader 6-1-1911)
Christmas don’ts
Gathering around the Christmas tree and opening presents is a tradition most looked forward to the family on Christmas day. However, gift buying and giving can also be one of the many stresses of ...
Images
Summer Christmas
Christmas in New Zealand
This cartoon shows how different Christmas can be in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere under different seasons. Christmas falls in winter in the Northern Hemisphere where snow often blankets the...
Videos
Growing spat on Christmas tree ropes
Spat from 90 Mile Beach used as tinsel on Christmas trees.
Articles
Christmas recipes
Favourite recipes for a Christmas feast to remember.
Newspapers
The Christmas Crib (Evening Post, 17 December 1929)
The origins of the Christmas crib.
Articles
Problems at the Pole: School Journal Year 5 Part 03 No. 3: 1998
Santa must settle an agreement with the reindeer to be able to deliver presents this Christmas. School login required.
Videos
A royal Christmas
Highlights of the visit of Queen Elizabeth & the Duke of Edinburgh to Auckland in December 1954.
Images
Christmas in the Archives
Celebrating Christmas with some festive records from Archives New Zealand.
Books
The life and adventures of Santa Claus by L Frank Baum
In this story, Santa Claus starts life as a baby found in the woods by a Wood Nymph in the Forest of Burzee.
Audio
The Gift of the Magi by O Henry
Listen to a reading of the traditional holiday story ‘The Gift of the Magi’.
Images
Auckland’s best Christmas light displays
Christmas light displays to be enjoyed in Auckland.
Other
Christmas tree
Learning outcomes achieved while helping mum sort out decorations for the Christmas tree.
Articles
Merry Kirihimete! Christmas in New Zealand
Christmas is different in New Zealand – but still a whole lot of fun!
Articles
J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Letter from Father Christmas” to his young children
After the birth of his firstborn son, John, Tolkien began to write his four children letters from Father Christmas. Here is a sample letter from 1925.
Articles
Christmas traditions
Here are top five new Christmas traditions of the 21st century.
Articles
How December 25 became Christmas
Just how did the Christmas festival originate?
Images
Letter to Santa, 1982
Letter to Santa, 1982
This item was transferred to our Dunedin office by New Zealand Post, Oamaru. Archives reference: CASQ D24/15a P.OU 17/4 1 For further enquiries about this record, email dunedin.archives@dia.govt...
Newspapers
Twas the Night Before Christmas - Bruce Herald, 18 August 1899
Article from 1899, in the newspaper about the history of the poem Twas the night before Christmas.
Articles
Christmas is a time of stress for many
It's billed as the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas is also one of the most stressful times for families.
Articles
Christmas in the Sun
The history of Christmas songs recorded in New Zealand for commercial release only starts in 1949 after the establishment of Tanza Records.
Articles
Christmas Plum Pudding - The 'Sure to Rise' Cookery Book
A recipe for a Christmas Plum Pudding,
Books
Christmas: Its origin and associations
William Dawson’s, 1902 book on the origin of, and historical events surrounding Christmas.
Manuscripts
Letter to Father Christmas
A letter to Father Christmas written by a child in 1913.
Articles
Four Poems; Christmas Wish; Toa Rangatira; My Father; Mahanga; Pouto - (Te Ao Hou - No. 76 June 1975)
Four Poems by Vernice Wineera Pere.
Images
Christmas in wartime
These images recall Christmas at home and overseas during the First World War (1914–1918). Christmas during wartime gave soldiers a rare opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves away from the stre...
Images
Photographs of children sitting with Santa Claus 2003, Greymouth
Photographs of children sitting with Santa Claus 2003, Greymouth
Photographs taken of children sitting with Santa Claus in 2003, Greymouth Arrangement: These files were originally delivered to the library within a folder called "Festive (01 Santa 03)" Quantity...
Articles
Christmas
Christmas
For many Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus. It is celebrated on 25 December in most countries around the world, and involves traditions like Santa Claus, decorating the Christmas tree ...
Images
Santa - New Brighton Santa Parade
Santa - New Brighton Santa Parade
New Brighton Santa Parade. Saturday 10 December 2016. File Reference: 2016-12-10-DSC01956 Photo by Moata. From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
Stories
Christmas postcards
Christmas postcards
Christmas postcards with a Kiwi twist.
Images
Letter to Santa
Letter to Santa
This item was transferred to our Dunedin office by New Zealand Post, Oamaru. Archives reference: CASQ D24/15a P.OU 17/4 1 For further enquiries about this record, email dunedin.archives@dia.go...
Articles
Christmas in the park, Māori style
An Auckland marae that took in homeless people has opened its doors once again to the community for its first Christmas at the Paa event.
Articles
Father Christmas, freak of nature
He's a faster than light, all-seeing, house-breaking present dispenser. Santa's firing up his warp drive sleigh and coming to a chimney near you, reveal Toby Manhire and Toby Morris.
Audio
The origins of Christmas Carols
The origins of Christmas Carols
It might surprise you to learn just how ancient the tradition of Christmas carols actually is. But what did they sound like those early carols? Who wrote the first one? We look back on the history ...
Images
Christmas stamp, 1982
Christmas stamp, 1982
The 1982, 35-cent Christmas stamp featured Rangiātea Māori church at Ōtaki. Christmas stamps were first issued in 1960, and until 1970 there was only one Christmas stamp each year. Since then Chris...
Videos
Aotearoa Christmas song
A children's song about Christmas in Aotearoa New Zealand
Images
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Digital cartoons by Jim Hubbard on political and social issues in New Zealand and internationally. Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Images
Pōhutukawa trees
Pōhutukawa trees
The pōhutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa) with its crimson flower has become an established part of the New Zealand Christmas tradition.
Videos
The 25 greatest Christmas carols
The best festive songs voted by 50 top choral experts.
Audio
Christmas ettiquette
Christmas ettiquette
What's ok or not ok at Christmas? Re-gifting? Cash as a gift?
Articles
'Māori Santa Claus' pays early visit
Wellington rapper Pera Barrett has once again rallied the community to deliver hundreds of gifts to children in Porirua.
Websites
WWW
Why Christmas?
This site has answers to all your Christmas questions.
Articles
A Christmas pomander
Make this pomander to decorate your Christmas tree, or as a gift for someone.
Articles
New Zealand Christmas carols
Te Haranui and other New Zealand Christmas carols with lyrics and music.
Videos
Christmas
Classic Kiwi Christmas screen moments.
Articles
Christmas
The birth of Jesus, the celebration of Christmas and where and when did it all begin.
Articles
Christmas recipes for kids
Children get busy in the kitchen at Christmas.
Articles
Bethlehem
The Church of the Nativity and the pilgrimage route to Bethlehem.
Articles
Christmas symbols
Christmas symbols — from angels and doves to Christmas trees and mistletoe.
Videos
DIY Nativity scene
How to make a Christmas crib.
Articles
The Crocodile’s Christmas
Margaret Mahy tells a story about a crocodile that lost his jandal at the beach.
Articles
Christmas colours
Why are red and green traditional Christmas colours?
Websites
WWW
Christmas stories
Legends and other stories about Christmas.
Articles
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas (Navidad) in Mexico is a vibrant, festive time of year.
Articles
Winter festivals
Keeping ancient winter celebrations alive in the UK.
Articles
Christmas and the solstice
The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and its influence on Christmas.
Articles
Multicultural winter holiday celebrations
Other cultural celebrations taking place around Christmas time.
Articles
Christmas lights
The best Christmas light street displays in New Zealand.
Videos
The Christmas tree
St Boniface and the origin of the Christmas tree.
Articles
Star of Bethlehem
Astronomical explanations about the Star of Bethlehem.
Articles
Christmas lunch
Auckland City Mission is busy prepping Christmas lunch for 2000 people.
Videos
Christmas around the world
Fun facts about Christmas around the world.
Images
Christmas around the world
This collection of images is a quick tour of the many different Christmas celebrations held around the world.
Articles
Christmas in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Christmas comes in the middle of the summer holidays.
Videos
Kiwi Christmas
Air New Zealand presents Summer Wonderland with Ronan Keating and Julian Dennison.
Videos
Christmas In The Park
Moana medley at the Auckland Christmas in the Park, 2017.
Images
Clark, Russell Stuart 1905-1966 :Samuel Marsden's first service in New Zealand. The Gospel of Jesus Christ first proclaimed on these shores by the Rev. Samuel Marsden at Oihi, Bay of Islands, Christmas Day, 1814 [Christchurch] N.Z. Church Missionary Society [1964]
First Christmas service in New Zealand
This watercolour by Russell Clark is a depiction of what the first Christmas day service in New Zealand (1814) may have looked like. Early Anglican missionary Samuel Marsden (who had just arrived ...
Newspapers
CHRISTMAS PUDDING. (Clutha Leader 24-12-1907)
Christmas pudding
The Christmas pudding is a traditional dessert for the British Christmas dinner. Originally a kind of porridge, it was made of beef, mutton, raisins, currants, spices and wines. The modern Victoria...
Newspapers
Christmas holidays
This article provides an insight into events celebrating the Christmas holiday season in Otago in 1893. Carol singing and shopping were the main activities on Christmas Eve. The local hospital cel...
Images
Wellington Santa Parade, sponsored by James Smiths Ltd.
Wellington Santa Parade
Santa Parades began in the early 1900's There were usually held by department stores initially to promote the arrival of their in-store Santa. The Wellington store ‘the Economic’ was the first to p...
Images
Christmas
Modern demands on Santa
Legend has it that Santa takes his reindeer sleigh around the globe at supersonic speed, sliding down chimneys to deliver gifts to kids around the world on Christmas Eve. But this cartoon tells us...
Newspapers
CHRISTMAS DONT'S. (Clutha Leader 6-1-1911)
Christmas don’ts
Gathering around the Christmas tree and opening presents is a tradition most looked forward to the family on Christmas day. However, gift buying and giving can also be one of the many stresses of ...
Images
Summer Christmas
Christmas in New Zealand
This cartoon shows how different Christmas can be in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere under different seasons. Christmas falls in winter in the Northern Hemisphere where snow often blankets the...
Videos
Growing spat on Christmas tree ropes
Spat from 90 Mile Beach used as tinsel on Christmas trees.
Articles
Christmas recipes
Favourite recipes for a Christmas feast to remember.
Newspapers
The Christmas Crib (Evening Post, 17 December 1929)
The origins of the Christmas crib.
Articles
Problems at the Pole: School Journal Year 5 Part 03 No. 3: 1998
Santa must settle an agreement with the reindeer to be able to deliver presents this Christmas. School login required.
Videos
A royal Christmas
Highlights of the visit of Queen Elizabeth & the Duke of Edinburgh to Auckland in December 1954.
Images
Christmas in the Archives
Celebrating Christmas with some festive records from Archives New Zealand.
Books
The life and adventures of Santa Claus by L Frank Baum
In this story, Santa Claus starts life as a baby found in the woods by a Wood Nymph in the Forest of Burzee.
Audio
The Gift of the Magi by O Henry
Listen to a reading of the traditional holiday story ‘The Gift of the Magi’.
Images
Auckland’s best Christmas light displays
Christmas light displays to be enjoyed in Auckland.
Other
Christmas tree
Learning outcomes achieved while helping mum sort out decorations for the Christmas tree.
Articles
Merry Kirihimete! Christmas in New Zealand
Christmas is different in New Zealand – but still a whole lot of fun!
Articles
J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Letter from Father Christmas” to his young children
After the birth of his firstborn son, John, Tolkien began to write his four children letters from Father Christmas. Here is a sample letter from 1925.
Articles
Christmas traditions
Here are top five new Christmas traditions of the 21st century.
Articles
How December 25 became Christmas
Just how did the Christmas festival originate?
Images
Letter to Santa, 1982
Letter to Santa, 1982
This item was transferred to our Dunedin office by New Zealand Post, Oamaru. Archives reference: CASQ D24/15a P.OU 17/4 1 For further enquiries about this record, email dunedin.archives@dia.govt...
Newspapers
Twas the Night Before Christmas - Bruce Herald, 18 August 1899
Article from 1899, in the newspaper about the history of the poem Twas the night before Christmas.
Articles
Christmas is a time of stress for many
It's billed as the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas is also one of the most stressful times for families.
Articles
Christmas in the Sun
The history of Christmas songs recorded in New Zealand for commercial release only starts in 1949 after the establishment of Tanza Records.
Articles
Christmas Plum Pudding - The 'Sure to Rise' Cookery Book
A recipe for a Christmas Plum Pudding,
Books
Christmas: Its origin and associations
William Dawson’s, 1902 book on the origin of, and historical events surrounding Christmas.
Manuscripts
Letter to Father Christmas
A letter to Father Christmas written by a child in 1913.
Articles
Four Poems; Christmas Wish; Toa Rangatira; My Father; Mahanga; Pouto - (Te Ao Hou - No. 76 June 1975)
Four Poems by Vernice Wineera Pere.
Images
Christmas in wartime
These images recall Christmas at home and overseas during the First World War (1914–1918). Christmas during wartime gave soldiers a rare opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves away from the stre...

Other resources

Top results for Christmas from AnyQuestions

Christmas
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For many Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus. It is celebrated on 25 December in most countries around the...

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Festivals and celebrations (New Zealand)
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New Zealand observes many different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. These include arts, music and...

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In New Zealand we have a number of different holidays throughout the year as well as school holidays. Some holidays...

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The Republic of Kiribati (pronounced 'Kiri-bas') is a country in the South Pacific Ocean that speaks English and...

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