Midwinter Christmas celebrations aren’t typically all the rage these days - the concept of it is, I admit, a little silly. Still, today is the 25^th day of the sixth month of the year, meaning half a year since the last yuletide holiday celebration, and half a year until the next.

I never really though of midwinter Christmas being a uniquely New Zealand or Australian celebration (if you can call it a celebration), but after giving the concept a little thought it seems appropriately so. We are brought up on the notion that Christmas is a wintery, magical time filled with warm egg nog and snow sledding - when in fact a Kiwi Christmas is more commonly set amongst a BBQ and sweltering 30 degree heat.

So in the depths of the Kiwi winter, when the temperatures are in the single digits and in many parts of the country you are surrounded by actual snow, why not have a little fun and let your childhood fantasies of a white Christmas become a reality? Several websites have also suggested that a midwinter Christmas down under is a way for Northern Hemisphere immigrants to rejoice their most celebrated day amongst home comforts, which also seems quite appropriate. Either way, it’s a good excuse for a hearty home cooked meal with friends or family.

The yams are in season, and there’s never a bad time to roast a ham - so have a little fun and get yourself out of the winter blues and into the Christmas spirit for the rest of the week!

Image from Flickr.

Are you over all the people and over all the queues? Well, I know I am. So, why not turn yourself to the world of online shopping?

There are some other benefits of shopping online too:

• Because you’re at your computer, you have the ability to research a product using the Internet, giving you a good overview of your gift choice, rather than a sometimes one-sided salesperson’s view.

• As well as being able to read reviews online, you’ll also be able to find the lowest price on any given product, using handy price comparison sites like PriceSpy. This is especially useful when shopping for electronics - computers, digital cameras, MP3 players and mobile phones.

• Online stores sell a vast array of gifts and products, all available to buy from the comfort of your own home!

• Being on the Web, online shops are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can fit your Xmas shopping around your busy end-of-year family, work and social schedule.

Get started on your gift shopping right now, by visiting our New Zealand online stores category and taking a look at our Christmas gift guide.

Hark the Christmas angels sing!

It’s that time of year again. Almost. When trees are brought inside and decorated with shiny baubles and lights, when Christmas carols are played on repeat, when children leave cake out for Santa, and Christmas gift shopping pushes us to the edge. Oh, and the birth of Jesus the saviour is celebrated!

To help you make the most of the Christmas holiday season, we’ve got everything you’ll need for Christmas:

• Christmas gifts - how to shop for the perfect gift, including a top ten of festive pressies.
• Christmas trees and decorations - how to bring Christmas cheer to your home.
• Christmas carols - how to find a local Christmas carol sing-along, plus some alternative Christmas songs.
• Christmas recipes - how to wow your guests with your Christmas baking skills.
• Christmas holidays - how to escape the madness of the silly season during the summer holidays.
• Christmas parties - how to be the host with the most for your Christmas shindig.

We’ve got the holiday season covered, so you’ll be at your stress-free best to enjoy time with family and friends.

Twenty-six days to go!