Treasuring Christmas Traditions

Across New Zealand, we’re seeing a resurgence of what’s being called grandmacore or grannycore. This trend reflects a movement among younger generations to embrace cosy, nostalgic and practical crafts once associated with grandmothers—think knitting, baking, gardening and sewing.

Grandmacore is gaining traction globally and is widely shared on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest, where young people proudly showcase their creations and projects.
Several factors are driving this revival: post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, economic pressures and a desire for more mindful engagement with social media—moving away from endless doom-scrolling towards creative, purposeful content.

This Christmas edition of SALT carries a similar nostalgic tone. Our feature articles, on page 8 and 20, offer snapshots of Christmases past and present, exploring traditions that have endured and those that have faded as our nation has evolved. It’s fascinating to consider how these changes might also resonate with our friends in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, as social media and global trends influence their celebrations.

On page 24, you’ll find a reflective, conversational prayer imagining what Mary’s mother might have prayed as she prepared to send her heavily pregnant daughter on the journey to Bethlehem.
Also in this edition is January Light. Now in its second year, this special insert returns by popular demand after the warm reception it received last year. We hope you enjoy its slower pace, thoughtful reflection and engaging questions and activities—an invitation to pause and reset for the year ahead.

As we enter the Christmas season, grandmacore reminds us that traditions—whether baking a family recipe or crafting a handmade gift—are more than trends; they are threads that connect generations. In a world that often feels hurried, these simple acts invite us to slow down, savour the moment and rediscover joy in the simple. May this Christmas be a time to cherish those connections, honour the wisdom passed down to us and create memories that will one day become someone else’s treasured tradition.

The magazine can be viewed either as an online magazine on Issuu, or the bulk of the articles, leadership links, news, and shorter reflections (Grace Notes) have been added into their various sections.

I welcome your feedback and suggestions, and also your photos, letters, crafts and stories. Please email: [email protected]

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