The festive frenzy – some of us hide from it, and some of us can’t get enough. If you love to socialise, and there’s just not enough ‘Christmas’ happening in your neck of the woods – perhaps it’s time to create your own. Check out the following ideas to get you, and your friends, into the festive mood!
Be a ‘Christmas casual’
What could be more fun (and financially rewarding) than teaming up with others to bring the festive season to the rest of the country? There’s never been a better time to do it because New Zealand is super-short of casual staff. Prior to Christmas, the demand for reliable staff goes through the roof, and many employers are happy to provide on-the-job training. For casual Christmas employment opportunities, check out sites such as Seek, or head to the home page of some of our largest retail and supermarket outlets.
Head on out
Whether you go alone, or with a friend, there’s nothing like the festive buzz to get you in the Christmas mood. In towns and cities all over the country, Christmas events are taking place – you just need to know where to find them. From Christmas markets to community sing-a-longs, look for what’s happening in your region on sites such as All Events, Eventfinda, and Facebook (Events section).
Open your home
Every Christmas, there are international travellers who who would just love to experience Christmas Day in a Kiwi home. Why not open your home to one or two of them, enjoy their company, and hear about their own Christmas traditions? If this sounds like you, check out sites such as WWOOF NZ and Helpx. A simple offer to host can lead to lifelong friendships.
Loving the big outdoors
Christmas down-under coincides with our native bird chick raising season. During this challenging time, many bird species require a helping hand from volunteers. If this sounds like you, and you welcome the idea of joining other like-mind individuals over the festive season, why not contact DOC and see what positions are available in your area.
Book in the Zooms
If your family members live abroad – you’re not alone. Yet connection with loved ones is so important, and never more so than at Christmas. Technology comes into its own at this special time of year – but only if you make it happen. Rather than a random Christmas Day call on Messenger, Skype or Zoom, why not book in with family, in advance, so you schedule calls throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Be sure to suggest a time limit so no one feels under pressure, and make your call an occasion by including a toast! Some families even like to open their gifts to one another during the course of a video call. Others actually ‘sit down’ together for a meal, chatting online as they dine. What could make you feel closer on Christmas day!
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Online movie platforms come into their own at Christmas, when the line-up of entertainment expands to include dozens of Christmas specials. There are re-runs of old favourites, and movies ‘hot off the press’, so fix some Christmas snacks, put your feet up, and enjoy. Better still, invite a neighbour, or someone whom you know lives alone, to join you. You don’t have to have anything special in common (or even conversation) when you’re taking in a show!
Say ‘Yes’
If you find yourself alone at Christmas, don’t hesitate to accept invitations. Not only is socialising (especially during the festive season) good for your mental health, you’re also doing your host a service by making up numbers and providing company for others who may be alone.
If you enjoy the festive season, be proactive and take advantage of all it has to offer!