Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Even though, it still feels like a long way off Christmas, the festive season has ‘officially’ arrived. The Sunday before last saw us and 115 000 others lining the streets, waiting to see good old Santa arrive in Christchurch. The weather was fine (dry but not too hot) so it was pretty comfortable to stand and watch the parade of seventy or so decorated floats go past. Guess which one brought up the rear?

The iconic Buzzy Bee - All kiwi kids have a Buzzy Bee toy.

Some floats were better than others, and some carried more ostentatious advertising than others (Think ginger haired, white faced, freaky clowns and you will know one of the offenders). That did not really detract from it though and we still had an enjoyable afternoon. To be honest we did not know that New Zealand went in for ‘American style’ Christmas parades but we do now as Santa Claus/Father Christmas seems to be arriving in all the local towns at the moment on the back of a flat bed truck and accompanied by Salvation Army bands.

Yes. It's the expensive Haaglund ride advertising the new exhibit at the Antarctic Centre: Little Blie Penguins

Who invited the tulip munchers?

Okay, the Santa Parade is mainly for children, but we are young at heart and not having grown up in Christchurch, this was new for us. Locals, however, have already spoiled it for next year. Apparently we will see the same floats again!

Here he comes!