Pohutukawa the mixed blessing Christmas tree in NZ

Mid October pohutukawa in front of Waiheke Island

The pohutukawa remains green all year round here in NZ.  I waited with bated breath to see it flower for Christmas and now it has.  It is a festive deep true red, positively the color of Santa's best 'fly guy' outfit.  When the blooms finally arrived I noted a very bad feeling of sneezing and chest conditions.  Oh right, with the gorgeous flowers there is the glorious pollen and all of the allergic response my body can muster.

But still the trees have a very mysterious way of presenting their blooms where you least expect them on the limbs.  A few will peak out and then seem to call forth their comrades to adorn the whole of the tree.  We will soon have a hedge of them!

Same pohutukawa in December

Pohutukawa Xmas Eve

Row of pohutukawas in our front yard

I love these trees as they harbor the wonderful birds of NZ. The Parson-Bird or Tui, the doves and the king fishers and a myriad of other little flittering winged mammals that will remain nameless here.

My blessings for Xmas are many and of most importance is the good health of my family and friends and their love and understanding of my husband and me. What more can we ask for in life, but happiness, friends and peace.

All is good in my world, not perfect but good! J