69 days ago

Christmas creep: The silly season now starts in spring

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Opinion columnist Lyall Macfarlane has been shocked to see Christmas decorations start appearing - what do you think?

“Christmas comes but once a year.” But based on recent experience, the festival takes up about a quarter of it.
I saw my first Christmas retail displays last week – 3 of them, in early October.
A couple of days ago, my local mall’s walkways were festooned with trestle tables groaning under the weight of Yuletide novelty goods. You know the thing – archangels, elves, Christmas trees and Father Christmases/Santas in various poses. Some jolly old gents were capable of doing a wee jig while ho, ho, hoing or singing a jolly old festive ditty, far too early.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 0% Yes! New Year, New Me
    0% Complete
  • 0% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    0% Complete
  • 0% Nah - not for me
    0% Complete
0 votes
7 hours ago

From rugged campsite to 7.5ha resort

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Grant Kilby has always loved camping. His mum was director of health at the YMCA, and he would attend YMCA camps in the school holidays. “I think it was mandatory that I was there,” he jokes.

He went on camping holidays with his parents, and later, took his own kids.
“Camping’s been in my blood.”

Image
7 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

Image
Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.7% Complete
  • 21.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.3% Complete
1224 votes