Merry Christmas for 2025
As I sit in sunny but inevitable Central Otago evening, I’m aware that we have just two nights and one day to go before Christmas Day. I’m feeling a little under pressure, as I had intended to have this blog well on its way by now.
We’ve just returned from Auckland, and it was wonderful to catch up with friends and family. We thoroughly enjoyed our Grannie and Grandad time with Asher and Emme — which included the school sports day, a ferry ride from Birkenhead into the city for gelato, the school picnic, and an early birthday celebration for Asher with his friends.
Our suitcase full of plants found a happy home in Richard and Holly’s garden, where we created an instant garden in one afternoon. We are the visiting grandparents who fly in and out — sadly not around as often as we’d like for extra help — but always grateful for the time we do share.
The flowering pōhutukawa trees were magnificent in Auckland. They are such a stunning and iconic Christmas tree for New Zealanders. However, the white flowering rata in Richard and Holly’s garden was a glorious and unexpected surprise.
2025 was certainly a busy year: Four fabulous tours — Victoria in May, Italy in June, France in June/July, and Turkey in September. Along with our own travel to Spain and Rhodes. I truly have the best job in the world, travelling with such amazing people who make each tour unique, full of fun and surprises. We couldn’t wish for better groups, and I love how many stay in touch with each other long after the tours end.
Celebrating our 70th birthdays with 70 friends and family was a real highlight of 2025. Not so sure about the age itself, but we certainly began our 70s with a great party — a perfect way to honour and remember the year.
We’re now looking forward to a summer in Central Otago. The weather hasn’t started particularly well; however, slow days, a good book, and harvesting from our vegetable garden will be just what we need. This region is very busy with holidaymakers, and Tarras feels pleasantly isolated from the busyness of Wānaka.
Our 2026 tours are already two-thirds full. We’re excited to be returning to Puglia, Abruzzo and Umbria, and to add Emilia-Romagna in June 2026. The return to Burgundy, the Loire and Normandy in June/July will be completely special. I’ve continued with the theme of a masseria and a château for a week on each tour, which allows us to create experiences that are truly unique.
Please do get in touch soon if you’re interested in either — or both tours. : judith@judith-cullen.com
We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. The years pass far too quickly, and we must make sure we’re truly making the most of our time and our lives. This year we’ve lost some very dear friends and neighbours — many far too young to suffer and to lose their lives. Remember, you owe it to yourself to fulfil your dreams and make memories.
I promised myself I wouldn’t buy any Christmas decorations this year. Apart from a few candles, I’ve foraged and cut from the garden to create very simple decorations — perfect for two people at home together., when its our year for our families to enjoy the ‘‘other side “ It’s been fun and has made me think about what’s already around us that can be used to create a festive atmosphere.
Kia kaha.
Enjoy our summer.
Make 2026 another year to remember.
XXX
Judith