1Lesson Goals
I will be able to:
- describe some New Zealand Christmas traditions.
- use going to to talk about plans.
- compare celebrations respectfully.
Start here: What is different about a Christmas celebration in summer?
Home › Teacher Lessons › Christmas in New Zealand
Christmas in New Zealand
New Zealand · Summer traditions
Teacher note: Learners can compare Christmas with another celebration or describe an imagined gathering. Read the listening script from the teacher answers twice. Present traditions as examples: people celebrate in different ways.
2Reading
Christmas Day is on 25 December. In New Zealand, it falls in summer, so celebrations can look different from the snowy scenes on some Christmas cards. The days are long, and people may spend part of the holiday outdoors.
Some families share a barbecue, visit the beach or have a picnic. Others enjoy a meal at home. Pavlova with fruit and cream is one popular dessert. The pōhutukawa is often called the New Zealand Christmas tree because its bright red flowers appear around this time of year.
People may decorate a tree, give presents or sing carols. For Christians, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, and some attend a church service. Other people focus on family, friendship or time to rest. Some people do not celebrate Christmas.
Helping others can also be part of the season. People may donate food, volunteer or invite someone to share a meal.
There is no single way to spend Christmas in New Zealand. A gathering can be large or small, traditional or simple. What matters to many people is spending time together and showing kindness.
3Vocabulary
Match 1–6 with A–F.
- celebrate
- tradition
- decorate
- carol
- donate
- volunteer
A. to give something to help others
B. a song sung at Christmas
C. to make something look special or attractive
D. to offer your time to help without being paid
E. to do something special for an occasion
F. a custom passed on over time
Use two words in your own sentences.
4Reading Comprehension
- When is Christmas Day?
- Which season is it in New Zealand?
- Name two outdoor activities from the reading.
- What is one popular dessert?
- Why is pōhutukawa called the New Zealand Christmas tree?
- What does Christmas celebrate for Christians?
- Name one way people may help others.
Answer in sentences. Use the reading.
5Grammar
Plans: am/is/are + going to + base verb.
We are going to share a meal.
Complete with am, is or are.
- I ___ going to visit a friend.
- We ___ going to have a picnic.
- She ___ going to make a pavlova.
- They ___ going to help at a community meal.
6Listening & Speaking
Listen: Your teacher will read a short script twice. Answer these questions.
- Where will the family have lunch?
- What is Dad going to bring?
- What will they do if it rains?
Then discuss with a partner:
- Which summer activity would you choose? Why?
- Compare this celebration with another one you know.
- Plan a kind action for a celebration or community gathering.
Try: I think… because… / We could… / What do you think?
Christmas in New Zealand — continued
7Writing
Write 60–80 words about plans for a Christmas gathering or another celebration. Include who, where, food, two going to sentences and one kind action.
Plan your ideas, then write.
Check capitals, punctuation and verb forms.
8Something New
Summer gathering planner: Put these instructions in a sensible order.
A. Enjoy the food together.
B. Wash and prepare the fruit.
C. Invite your guests.
D. Serve the fruit with the dessert.
E. Wash the dishes afterwards.
Compare your order with a partner.
9Success Criteria ✓
- I can describe some New Zealand Christmas traditions.
- I can use going to to talk about plans.
- I can compare celebrations respectfully.
- I can use three new words.
- I can answer questions about the listening.
Exit reflection: One thing I learned…
One thing I want to practise…
10Show What You Can Do
Final challenge: Plan a summer celebration. Write 6–8 sentences or give a one-minute talk. Include a place, two activities, a wet-weather plan and an act of kindness.