In a world of winter Christmases, Aotearoa New Zealand stands out.
Although local Christmas traditions include those seen in Britain and North America, a summertime setting has had a strong influence on how we spend the holiday.
In the Christmas 2025 stamps, universal Christmas iconography is juxtaposed with the summery touch of a Kiwi Christmas.
$2.90 Snowflake/Sun - Unlike the cozy, indoor events north of the equator, Christmas Day proceedings can be enjoyed al fresco here in the South Pacific. If you're in one of the more reliably sunny parts of the motu (country) a ‘Christmas on the beach’ with a picnic feast or a festive barbecue might be on the menu.
$4.00 Holly/Pōhutukawa - Known as Aotearoa New Zealand’s Christmas tree, the red blooms of pōhutukawa trees are unique to a Kiwi Christmas. Although present in Aotearoa New Zealand and recognised as a symbol of Christmas, European holly does not fruit in summer.
$4.20 Stocking/Gumboot - Presented here as a playful alternative to the traditional Christmas stocking, gumboots are strongly associated with farming and were made iconic in Aotearoa New Zealand by comedian John Clarke (aka Fred Dagg) and his song Gumboots. You might spot a pair of ornamental gumboots on a Kiwi Christmas tree.
$4.70 Bauble/Cricket ball - Since Christmas Day takes place just a few days after the longest day of the year, there are plenty of hours of daylight to enjoy. Cricket is our most popular summer sport and a fun pastime for families on holiday.
$5.50 Pudding/Pavlova - Originating in New Zealand (or Australia - but probably New Zealand) the pavlova was named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who had toured Australasia around the time of its invention. The light and airy meringue-based dessert is ideal in hot weather, and a perfect vehicle for summer fruits.
