Merry Christmas
To each and every one of you wonderful neighbours,
Merry Christmas, Chag Hanukkah Sameach, Nollaig Chridheil, Nollaig Shona, Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnachten, Felix Navidad, Vrolijk Kerstfeest, メリークリスマス, 圣诞节快乐, З Різдвом Христовим, Счастливого Рождества, 3īd mīlād majīd, Khag Molad Sameakh, seasons greetings and peace to us all, throughout the years.
And humblest apologies to all I may have missed. So many languages, such big fingertips, and such small keypad.
We only have a tiny little live tree (it’s taken about 4 years to reach approximately 50cm) but it’s the meaning, for us, that makes it special. It’s a little tree that symbolises surviving against the odds and even thriving, in its own quiet, understated way, just like us. And my son put a lot of effort into decorating it, just right, and it’s beautiful.
So, if you feel your year has been nothing but struggle and stress, as many do, remember, you survived it, and that matters. From all, you will learn and grow, and, realise it or not, thrive, in your own way.
Peace, love, and a tipple. I shall raise a glass to you all.
Share your most delicious (but affordable!) go-to meal...
Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.
Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
Daily riddle time!
What is full of holes but still holds water?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
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