Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

Christmas, 2019

I thought I'd open this posting with the response from Francis Pharcellus Church, newspaperman for the New York Sun on September 21, 1897 to the Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon.

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

This being our first Christmas in New Zealand, we have to examine the question, perhaps, as did Mr. Church. Is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge."

"Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, ..."

Let's start with the run-up to Christmas

Christmas Cards from Maori Students:
We spent time helping the 6th and 7th students with their reading. The last day of class before the Holiday break, they gave us hand-made Christmas Cards. These kids are so sweet. Here is a sample of one.

December Christmas ("Santa")  Parade
Our branch council wanted to enter a float into the Towne Christmas Parade aka "Santa Parade". Apparently it is a annual event which travels about 800 Meters down the main street and ends at the High School where the evening festivities are held. It was not solely our work. Two great women did the majority of the planning and work to promote the idea, gather the materials, and organize the helpers.

Our theme, The Nativity,  was the only religious-themed entry. All the others were secular or even commercial entities. Of the dozen or so floats, I think three were from the local fire brigade. There were a couple from clubs and I know the one in front of ours was from a real estate firm. We were met by a panel of three judges who could barely contain their optimism.

As the parade started we moved at a comfortable walking pace. We had the two missionary sisters from Taupo and the Senior Missionary couple from Taumarunui join us. There were also two or three sisters from the ward plus Ruth Ann and I walking alongside passing out candy and invitations to our special Christmas worship service. We delivered over 200 invitations. Unfortunately, none came to our Sunday service. They did, however, know who we are. In fact, we were judged first place and the award was given at the celebration that evening in front of, perhaps, 3000 people.

The parade participants

We Won First Prize!

The float builders. No, I'm not held at gunpoint.

Nativity Float complete with  angels, shepherds, and wise men bearing gifts

Really good fireworks in
 the evening

Building the Float

Float Participants

Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve day we drove to Rotorua for a Missionary District Council Meeting. We had training, a nice luncheon (Pizza and Fruit), and a "White Elephant" gift exchange. I needed the laughs that resulted from the exchange. It was comical that many had never participated in a white elephant exchange; and those that had, had differing rules. However, the game was hilarious, the gifts and  wrapping were creative.

Following that, we went to a rest home to do some caroling. The residents sang along with us. I had the impression that Christmas caroling is not a normal activity for them. They all sang along and clapped. I suspect it was the highlight of their day.

White Elephant Exchange

There were some reluctant participants

And perhaps some questionable gifts!

Caroling at the rest home

After Rotorua, we were invited to a wonderful Christmas Eve Dinner at the house of our good friend's, Kim and Jim. We had a familiar roast beef meal and excellent company.

Jim and Kim and RAB

Feeding the Town on Christmas Day
We arose early on Christmas Day to help prepare for the community Christmas Dinner. It was extra special considering our float winnings were donated to the church that provided the meal. The meal was sumptuous consisting of ham, turkey, roast pork, potatoes, cole slaw, roasted vegetables, gravy and apple sauce.

A ham serving the ham.

Around 200 served

Volunteers. There were about 20.

Feeding ourselves on Christmas Day at the Tokaanu Hotel! The Metekingi whanau were so kind to think of us on Christmas Day. True to New Zealand tradition, a family 'barbie' is in order. With immediate and extended family plus a goodly number of guests, I would estimate there were 30 people there. We felt extremely welcome. The meal was definitely New Zealand cuisine. We had smoked trout (no doubt locally caught), lamb, beefsteak, many delicious salads, and traditional desserts like: "Ambrosia",  Pavlova, custard pudding, and some chocolate eclairs.

President Metekingi is an
AWESOME Barbie Master

Merry Christmas from the Metekingi's

Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a new holiday for us. It is the holiday celebrated here on the day after Christmas. For us, it was another day to do our missionary work.

It may be winter where you
are but it's garden time here.

Our Boxing Day Guest.
He is a good friend.
Ruth Ann served a waffle brunch.

Yes Virginia, we found that there is a Santa Claus in New Zealand. Even though we hardly saw lights, house decorations, or decorated trees, we did see the manifestation of true Christ-like love, generosity, and devotion to those who have little resources at this time of the year.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families. We wish you a prosperous New Year (Tau Hou koa).

Elder and Sister Baxter