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For anyone in the Christian community, the significance of Christmas is fairly obvious. December 25 is a sacred day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebration includes worship and prayer, church services and hymns. But what about the rest of us – what are we celebrating? According to the 2023 census, only 32.3 per cent of Kiwis identify as Christian, while 51.6 per cent reported having no religion.
For this group, Christmas still holds a special place in the calendar, though for entirely different reasons. While it may no longer revolve around the nativity story, the season has evolved into something that blends tradition, family ritual, summer holidays and a uniquely Kiwi sense of togetherness.
Christmas is simply the moment that signals the unofficial start of the long summer break – a chance to slow down, reconnect with family and friends, and step away from the busyness of the year. It is time for reunions, backyard cricket, reading and shared meals. Pavlovas, barbecues, pōhutukawa trees covered in cloaks of red, trips to the beach and the sound of cicadas feature just as prominently as any carol.
There is also a strong element of nostalgia woven through the celebration. Many grew up with Christmas traditions inherited from parents or grandparents – funny stocking fillers, Christmas dishes, games and certain movies – and keep these customs alive because they evoke warmth and belonging. In this way, Christmas becomes less about religious doctrine and more about emotional continuity, marking the passage of time through familiar rituals.
For others, the appeal lies in the spirit of generosity that accompanies the season. Even without religious ties, the idea of giving gifts, food, time or donations resonates strongly. Community groups and charities often see a surge in support for their Christmas appeals, as people look outward and offer support to strangers who may be struggling.
There’s also the simple joy factor. Christmas in New Zealand is colourful, festive and fun.
Neighbourhoods dress their streets in lights, workplaces hold end-of-year gatherings and children revel in the excitement of school holidays and presents under the tree.
In a society as diverse as Aotearoa, Christmas has become a flexible celebration – one that people personalise to reflect their own values, whether cultural, secular or spiritual.
So while the religious meaning remains central for Christians, the wider population has shaped Christmas into a national occasion that’s less about theology and more about connection, kindness and the shared experience of summer.
With this issue, we say goodbye to journalist Sally Marden who has been with the paper for nearly 10 years, covering everything from covid to the Dome Valley landfill, Pakiri sandmining and the Auckland anniversary day floods. We all wish her well with all her future endeavours.
The rest of the team – Angela, Tristan, Marc, Anthony, Courtney, Heather and Jannette, as well as our distribution team of Guy and Jenny, Elle – wish our readers a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to good times next year. Our office will reopen on January 7. For any urgent matters, email gm@localmatters.co.nz
