HOLIDAY FARE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20137, 24 December 1928, Page 8

HOLIDAY FARE.

Christmas in New Zealand is a time of high festival, as it is in the lands where the traditions surrounding its celebration originated. In this country, which prides itself on its British spirit and sentiment, every endeavour is made, naturally, to retain as much as possible of the old world Christmas atmosphere. In outward things this is difficult. A festival held in the depth of winter means that the homing spirit can prevail. Where summer skies and sunshine rule, the urge is to scatter far. The holiday programme provided for Auckland's great community shows how the out-of-door Christmas is predominant. Wherever yacht can sail or motor-car can run, holiday-makers will find their way to make the most, during their respite from work and care, of the golden summer days. Playing fields will be full, bush and hill and seashore will all be thronged with happy crowds. It is different from the time-honoured British way, but remembering the benefits to health and general well-being this answer to the call of the open can bring, the change is not loss. Adaptability is the quality that has enabled the race to spread and to people so much of the earth. For New Zealanders to have adapted themselves, in the observance of this great festival, to the conditions of their country is proof of wisdom. The Christmas spirit can reign under the open sky just as truly as around the blazing Yule log. In addition to preserving this first essential, the people of New Zealand should remember to be thankful for the beauty of the land in which they hold their Christmas revels out of doors*