No barrage of Christmas carols. No massive bombardment of merchandising designed to encourage all to excessively buy, decorate, and celebrate. What a relief! Welcome to the South Island of New Zealand. Not that we have anything against those who celebrate Christmas. Why, just last year we spent an entire week in Naples, Italy, home to one of the world’s most extreme Christmas celebrations, albeit a religious tone. But all the lengthy, over-the-top Christmas hype in the States wears the soul thin for many of us. The South Island of New Zealand offers shelter from the storm. The only hint of the Holiday we notice is a small, ignored Christmas tree in the corner of our gym.

Christmas tree at Almost Fitness, Cashmere, New Zealand

We fall in love with the people of New Zealand instantly. Beyond friendly, they engage us in unsolicited conversation everywhere we go. Whether in a super long check-out line at the grocery store, passing a worker on the street, or buying a beer at a pub, smiling banter ensues. While the Finnish people we recently met in Finland shun small talk, New Zealanders embrace it.

Our Hut on a Hill, Lyttelton, New Zealand

A tiny Airbnb that clings to a mountainside in the small town of Lyttelton, New Zealand serves as our home for the month of December. This seaside village sits at the end of the longest tunnel in New Zealand and offers more shelter from the storm. Windows climb from the floor to the ceiling and show views of the town next to one of the busiest harbors on the South Island. We spend hours watching the workings of the trucks, ships, and trains and the ever-changing sky.

Our Cozy Cabin, Lyttelton, New Zealand

Lyttelton Harbor, Lyttelton, New Zealand

Lyttelton Harbor at night, Lyttelton, New Zealand

Sunrise, Lyttelton, New Zealand

Our laidback, open-minded neighbors, who also happen to be the architects that designed our current Airbnb, invited us to their holiday luncheon. The only thing “holiday” we noticed was one wrapped present. Along with grilled steak, fresh smoked salmon, and an array of salads and sides, we enjoyed relaxed conversation, laughter, and good humor over glasses of “bubbles.” Perhaps New Zealand should be designated as the true “happiest country in the world.”

What a perfect location. We can walk out of our door and up into the mountains behind us on a choice of different trails, over the summit and to Christchurch, if so inclined.

Trekking to Christchurch Gondola from Lyttelton, New Zealand

Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch, New Zealand

Or we can walk into downtown Lyttelton. Either way feels like a strenuous hike as it is straight up and straight down on this mountain island. The perfect place to prepare to hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Views from Downtown Lyttelton Eateries, Lyttelton, New Zealand

We are training for a five-day wilderness adventure that includes three days trekking the Milford Track, a grueling but beautiful thirty-four miles (54K) through fjords and among Alpine peaks and dense forests, often in challenging weather. That is, if we survive the training!

Come walk with us while we prepare.

Godley Head Loop Track, From Sumner, New Zealand

Lyttelton Coastal Walk, New Zealand

Crater Rim Trail, Christchurch, New Zealand

Governors Bay Heritage Trail, Canterbury New Zealand

Cooper’s Knob, Christchurch, New Zealand

Views from Quail Island, New Zealand

Hiking, eating, and socializing fill our days. Saturday becomes our favorite day of the week as the jovial farmer’s market closes the main street and fills with people, fresh produce, meats, fish, and unique clothing and crafts. The balcony of the Eruption Brewery provides a perfect place to watch the action and imbibe in tasty libations.

Farmer’s Market, Lyttelton, New Zealand

Farmer’s Market, Lyttelton, New Zealand

View of Farmer’s Market from Eruption Brewery, Lyttelton, New Zealand

Warning:  Those of you who loath pineapple on pizza should close your eyes for this next photo. The wood-fired pizza shop in town serves our favorite pie, topped with cold-smoked Akaroa salmon, mozzarella, olives, capers, cherry tomatoes, dill, mascarpone, micro rocket and preserved lemon oil. Our favorite restaurant meal.

Smoked Salmon Pizza

Back in our kitchen, I cook fresh lamb chops one day, and green lipped mussels the next. Two items that are hard to find back in Phoenix.

Lamb Cutlets

Green Lipped Mussels from China Town Market, Christchurch, New Zealand

Most recently we hiked over eleven miles (16K) toting loaded backpacks. Our toughest test yet. The next day, we watched my Steelers, via DAZN on-line, lose another football game, while sipping “Bloody Marys” at 0700 hours New Zealand time. A welcome rest and relaxation, with a “you cannot win them all” attitude. Or at least an attempt at the “attitude” part.

Steelers Football at 7 am New Zealand time

Stay tuned as we ramp up our attitude to not only make it through, but totally enjoy the experience of the upcoming Milford Track hike. After all, attitude first begins with your choice, the rightful place where you find shelter from the storm.

Thank you, Abundant Universe!