There’s no one way to celebrate Christmas. Each year on 24 - 26 December many New Zealanders gather with friends and family to take part in their personal traditions around the annual Christian holiday.
People will gather to share food, give gifts and spend time together, and many will take the opportunity of consecutive public holidays and time off work to head off on a summer road trip.
No matter how people choose to celebrate, the Christmas holidays have an impact on every New Zealander. Workplaces will shut down between Christmas Day and the day after New Year’s Day, and children will have embarked on a long summer break from school. On Christmas Day, almost every business will be closed so people can be with their loved ones.
The Christmas stamps for 2024 look through windows at a range of festive scenes.
Individual stamps
$2.30 Family - For many Kiwis, Christmas is all about reuniting and connecting with loved ones. Although the rituals of the season and Christmas Day will be unique to each whānau, time spent together is often a cornerstone of seasonal celebrations.
$3.30 Food - Christmas is often centred around a special meal that might take place any time between Christmas Eve and Christmas Night. Some people enjoy a warming northern hemisphere-style roast, while others will make the most of the summer weather with a barbeque or a picnic on the beach.
$3.60 Presents - Selecting and exchanging gifts can be the most exciting and stressful parts of Christmas. Children will wait with great anticipation for Santa Claus to visit on Christmas Eve, which can be magical for all involved.
$4.30 Pets - Pets are important members of many households - just watch them around the Christmas tree! With visitors and changes in routine, it’s important to take extra care of pets during festivities.
$4.90 Church - For many, Christmas is an important religious holiday and spending time at church is a key part of proceedings. Church services involve the joyful and spiritually rewarding experience of listening to and singing traditional Christmas music.
