Telecom Christmas Tree Lighting 2012

“It doesn’t look like many people are going to come to the Christmas tree lighting”?  I said to Kingston. My cousin Hanna, Kingston and I were playing handball at school as the time flew past. I didn’t notice that the bus had arrived until I looked outside and people had gathered in the car park.

As we approached the mob I could see a lot of year 5,6,7 and 8’s all waiting in the car park. “Okay lets head onto the bus now” Mrs Burt instructed. We headed for the second bus it wasn’t as packed as the first bus. We reached the Telecom building and were greeted by one of Courtney who gave us instructions and handed us white bags with our picnic food in it. I thought that was really giving of them.

We arrived at the park and saw a gigantic metal shaped cone-like tree. From the top of the metal tree, lines of metal strings with light bulbs hung from it. The Christmas tree was due to light up at 10pm.

While waiting for the lights we went into this red phone booth which had Santa Line written on it. Mainly kids lined up.  Inside the booth we would use the phone and press the letter A and it would play a recorded message of Santa asking “what is your wish?” Then you say what you want using the handset. We heard some amazing people singing too like Titanium. They were singing “I won’t give up” and “Come on home”, and were the final act for the night. There was also a big tent where kids could color in this wall and get free popcorn from too.

Oscar Kightley from Sione’s Wedding was the last celebrity to speak. He wanted the tree to light up but had to call Santa to help. Everyone in the crowd had to say “ho! ho! ho!” three times and the Christmas tree finally illuminated in the darkness and brightened up the park. By the time the Christmas tree had lit up we took lots of photos. We packed up and all headed back up to the main Telecom building for the bus to arrive and drop us back to school where our cars were parked.

I just wanted to say thank you to Telecom for inviting us to the Christmas Tree Lighting event. A special thanks to Courtney and Katherine for showing us to the park. And Thank you to Mrs Burt too for inviting the 2011 Ambassadors.