Most of the Christmas Eve traditions in books were written for snow. Ours happens in jandals, with the sun still up at bedtime. That is a gift: there is a whole long evening to fill. Here are ten things New Zealand families do with it.
1A swim before tea
The beach, the river or the paddling pool. Tired, salty children go to sleep faster, which matters tonight more than any other night.
2Fish and chips on the grass
Nobody wants to cook the night before the big lunch. Wrap it in paper and eat it outside.
3A drive to see the lights
It does not get dark until late, so make it the last thing: pyjamas on, into the car, one slow loop of the best street in town.
4Pick a Christmas tree to visit
A neighbour's lit-up tree, the one in the town square, or a big one at the shopping centre. Make it the same one every year.
5Reindeer food on the lawn
A carrot on a plate works. So does a handful of oats scattered on the grass, which birds will tidy up in the morning.
6A drink for Santa
Milk is traditional. In this country, a cold ginger beer is just as likely.
7One present early
New pyjamas or a book, opened on Christmas Eve. It takes the edge off the waiting.
8A call from Santa
Book the phone to ring at half past six. Santa says hello by name, mentions the flight down to New Zealand and asks for an early night. It is very hard to argue with bedtime when Santa himself has asked.
9Track the sleigh
Have a look at the sky on the way to bed. A satellite passing over at the right moment has convinced many a six-year-old.
10The same book, every year
Pick one and read it every Christmas Eve. In ten years it will be the tradition they remember most.