THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25996, 27 December 1949, Page 4

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

ENJOYMENT OF LONG WEEKEND

BIG CROWDS ON THE ROADS

Christchurch is still debating whetheF or not Christmas on a Sunday was a happy coincidence this year; but by now most people are beginning to agree that they enjoyed their most pleasant break for years. All forebodings about provisioning for a four-day week-end were amply justified in the hectic rush of Friday’s shopping; but the breather on Saturday and two days’ holiday after Christmas did much to relieve the strain.

The Saturday interlude has been the subject of widespread appreciation. For those employed in the city, Christmas Eve usually means a heavy day at work with some sort of firm celebration squeezed in, besides the collection of foodstuffs and the purchase of last-minute gifts. The housewives have their busiest day of the year. Many people must arrange late departures for family reunions in other parts of the country.

This year the scramble occurred on Friday; but there was a day in which to recover. *Many Christmas visitors arrived a day early and so could assist with preparations in the home at relative leisure. The big army of shop assistants and others- could rest aching feet and frayed tempers. Those who normally must travel at night or in the early morning to be home for Christmas Day had an extra 24 hours. There was still time for' joyful Christmas Eve gatherings. So in most cases the whole family was together to watch the young empty their stockings—or pillow slips —on Christmas morning. There seemed •to be more youngsters about than ever this year, which was indeed the case. These jolly two and three-year-olds are the children who will provide the peak intake of infants predicted in the schools for 1952 and 1953. They certainly enlivened Christmas in many homes, the din of squeakers and the rattle of toy vehicles being heard from an early hour. Christmas on a Sunday had special significance for church people and big numbers attended early services. At 11 a.m. many congregations were, thinner than expected as women folk remained at home to provide dinner on time. In the evenings however, there were general attendances of full families. Extras at Dinner Christmas dinner this year was quite memorable for most. Legal supplies of cream, more liberal stocks of tinned fruit, and a good choice of chocolates, other sweets, nuts and dried fruits embellished the meal. The high prices were forgotten. Christmas trees"seem to have caught the imagination of Christchurch people this year. Pictures from abroad and the tree in the Cathedral porch undoubtedly prompted this interest and owners of pines near the city reported many requests for even a small branch. In one case a parent said his children were “drivipg him mad” in their efforts to have a Christmas tree at home. Such trees and a good selection of seasonal display cards, streamers, and balloons helped to brighten many homes. The warm weather in Christchurch —the temperature reached 80.2 degrees —encouraged many to take outings in the afternoon, though high winds somewhat spoiled the early part. In the evening, when the atmosphere became oppressive, hundreds flocked to the beaches and some were swimming after dusk. There was varied weather elsewhere. In Ashburton, for instance, there was a downpour in the morning. One man .donned oilskin and gumboots to dig hew potatoes to bring to Christchurch, where they were eaten in sweltering heat. As Christmas Day ended festoon lights, Chinese lanterns, and candles were winking in many homes as families sang carols. Boxing Day Exodus The Boxing Day tradition was upheld in Christchurch yesterday. Some people waited to hear the King’s broadcast relayed over the national stations; but the general exodus began I early. There was scorching sunshine and those who left first travelled most confidently. By 9.30 a.m. the hottest sun had passed, and later in the day ominous black clouds gathered in the south. Westerly winds, inclining to the south, made many hestitate to leave home. Nevertheless the roads out of Christchurch were crowded. Going south were hundreds of cars bound for the races at Ashburton, large numbers of camping parties, and others op oneday jaunts. Young men and women on cycling tours were often seen and motorists reported more hitch hikers than usual. The northern beaches were very popular, gala days being arranged at several. Many cars were headed for Banks Peninsula or the country towards the Southern Alps. In general, motorists seemed to be driving carefully and traffic authorities • appealed that this caution should be maintained throughout the holiday period. Sporting fixtures—notably the Plunket Shield cricket match between Auckland and Canterbury and the Canterbury lawn tennis championships—drew good attendances. Apart from picture crowds, the city streets seemed deserted. There were many who spent the day quietly at home. By last night crammed food storage had been relieved, and there was a good deal of worry about provisions keeping for yet another day. The humid heat had caused some meat, cream, and other provisions to “go off.” Tinned foods may be widely used to-day.