With America and New Zealand sitting on opposite sides of the world, one can understand there being noticeable different in a variety of daily activities. Perhaps there is no greater distinguishing element than around Christmastime.

              While people in the United States are bundled up in hats and coats, New Zealanders are preparing for the Christmas holiday in summer wear including Santa Claus himself.

              "Santa walks around in shorts, sunglasses, and flip flops not in a big red suit with fur on the collar," Fairfield University freshman Joseph Stewart said. "We leave out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots which would be gnawed by the reindeer. We all celebrate Christmas with that child-like wonder though no matter where we are."

              Stewart joined the Fairfield University swimming and diving team for the 2021-22 season and has performed admirably since his arrival. He already chalked up a swimmer of the week award from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) after winning three races in the team's win over Providence College and another pair of events in the Stags' victory over Holy Cross.

              Being around the water has been a big part of Stewart's life, starting when he first joined the Pirates Swim Club as a seven-year old. And, the lake where his family has a holiday home serves as part of his family's Christmas Day.

              "After we open presents, our family gets together for Christmas lunch," Stewart said. "Christmas lunch is my favorite meal of the year because I love to eat. There is roast ham, roast lamb with mint sauce, potatoes, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes."

              While Americans usual gather around a roaring fire following the holiday meal, Stewart and his family find time for outdoor activities on the lake.

              "We spend our afternoon in the sun on the lake," Stewart said. "We have a boat so we can water ski and go tubing which is our favorite thing to do. We go to the beach and just enjoy the sun."

              While the warmth of the summer sun is always welcome, it usually doesn't like to relinquish its place in the sky until late at night. With darkness coming at 8:30 pm or later, you don't see too many Christmas lights hanging around the neighborhoods of New Zealand.

              "New Zealand doesn't do lights quite like America," Stewart said. "Not many people put up lights in New Zealand.  We have sunlight until 8:30 or so there isn't really time to go out and look at lights. When I went out for a drive around Fairfield, I'm was surprised at how much the houses were decorated. All my American friends were looking at me like what he is talking about. But I am sure if they went to New Zealand they would be asking 'where are all the lights?'"

              There are plenty of Christmas lights on the family tree which can often be the center of any family celebration. Stewart and his mother began a tradition just recently that has become something to which he looked forward over the last few years.

              "We have an artificial tree at home at my mom's request to keep the house in order," Stewart said. "But she and I cut down a small pine tree for our holiday home which has become our own Christmas tradition. We go out for a walk and cut down the tree, take it back to the house and decorate it."

              Despite being away from home, a little bit of Christmas has already come Stewart's way. In the last couple of weeks, he received a couple of packages from home that certainly brighten his holiday spirit.

              "My brother in law sent me a Christmas present so it was nice to get something from home," Stewart said. "My friends also sent me a New Zealand care package that had my favorite chocolate which is Whittakers. I gave some to my friends in Gonzaga Hall and they said it was the best chocolate ever had. That was music to my ears. They sent me four bars and I have two left so I am surprised it's lasted this long."

              With New England settled into winter, Stewart doesn't have to worry about his Whittaker's chocolate melting when it's left out, a hazard that could be quite common in New Zealand's December summer sun.