History – Creating new Christmas memories

In 1862, when settlers left England to establish their “new society” in Albertland, they brought not only essential supplies, but also cherished traditions. Christmas in the “old country” was marked by open fires, frosty weather and snow. Trees adorned with wax candles, barley sugar, sugar plums, paper roses, apples and tinsel reflected customs popularised by Prince Albert, who introduced the tradition of decorating fir trees from his childhood in Germany. The settlers, who named their community in his honour after his death on December 14, 1861, upheld these festive practices. Victorian children eagerly anticipated Christmas stockings and handmade gifts, especially sweets.

In their new land, Christmas unfolded in the warmth of summer, a stark contrast to the winters they had known. Instead of snow, they found blooming roses, vibrant flowers and the scent of a semi-tropical climate. Adding to the wonder, pōhutukawa trees burst into bloom with their iconic red flowers, earning their place as New Zealand’s Christmas Tree.

Stories of early celebrations are filled with nostalgia and reflections on Christmas in their new home. In a letter to the Daily Southern Cross on January 6, 1863, Henry Marcroft described their first Christmas as “the contrast of the season, weather, and circumstances was felt by all of us to be most complete”. The day featured a Sunday School festival with plum cake and tea, followed by a gathering in the Co-operative Association’s newly-opened store, adorned with evergreens and “V.R.” initials crafted from laurel leaves in honour of Queen Victoria.

One memorable story tells of Mrs Cray who, when asked by visiting Māori about Christmas, explained about the Christmas fare she was making and its traditions. To her surprise, a boatload of local Māori arrived the next day in their finest attire. Rising to the occasion, she stretched her Christmas feast to ensure all could share in the celebration.

On Christmas Eve 1862, Chief Manukau invited North Albertland settlers in Paparoa to his village for Christmas Day. They were warmly greeted, and a feast of pork, new potatoes, damper and tea awaited them. After lunch, Manukau expressed hopes for ongoing friendship and proposed a shared feast the following year, which the settlers happily agreed to, promising to bring puddings while the chief supplied a bullock.

The celebration concluded with generous gifts of kumara, fish and pork from Manukau, with the settlers learning that it was customary to reciprocate such kindness when they next visited. The day after Christmas, the same settlers enjoyed their own picnic along the Matakohe River, complete with boiled pudding, pigeon pie and tea, savouring the festive spirit of their new home.

Happy New Year from all of us at the Albertland Heritage Museum.