Xmas at Waihi Beach

It's been a unique Christmas experience for us here at the beach, of course it hasn't felt the same as we've missed all our family and friends. However, being welcomed into the Waihi beach crowd, the gorgeous sunshine and holiday vibe made for a truly relaxing time.

We embraced some traditional and not so traditional Christmas festivities, here's a flavour of our Kiwi Christmas!

Xmas eve on Waihi beach

We got into the festive spirit at the Santa parade in Waihi, a Christmas themed carnival/summer fete. Several Santas paraded through the town on floats, even the elderly on their motorised scooters...

Scooter Santas at the Xmas parade

By Christmas eve, we joined a Christmas parade of our own, carol singing with the Beach vets footie team, our entourage including a horse (dressed, of course as Santa), several dogs with festive collars and a team of  willing young singers.

Andy was less than impressed with the poor male turn out and has not yet forgiven me for suggesting otherwise. The carols were less than traditional, but great fun and we now know; Snoopys Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Jingle bell rock!!

After all that singing we recovered at the pub and on to Rachels family, and their new addition, Baby Mateo.

Christmas day arrived; after opening our gifts (all kindly sent from home- thank you), taking a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoying a luxury brunch on our deck, we headed to Sarahs' family for a taste of the Kiwi family Christmas. 

While I lazed in garden hammocks, gossiping with the girls; Andy embraced the Kiwi competitiveness in

several games of Boule and enjoying the childrens' Christmas present, a huge trampoline. 

Evening brought a feast of Avocado and prawn salad, Roast Lamb, Ham, new potatoes (fresh from the garden), peas and salads before a massive array of desserts, the triumph a beautiful chocolate cake - 3 days to make!! 

Bev's awesome Chocolate cake

After all the excitement and delicious food, a glorious sunny boxing day demanded a swim at the beach, so we braved the waves before a Boxing day BBQ with Indri and Hugh's family and a game of beach cricket...

Boxing Day beach cricket

Exhausted after all the fun and games, we're preparing ourselves for new year, BBQs with the neighbours, bands at the pub, Tan and Mo coming to stay and the arrival of baby fisher.