Christmas Greetings from New Zealand ... the first country to see the sun and the first to welcome Christmas Day of 1998. Santa Claus came directly from the North Pole to visit us and was right on time as he flew out in his sleigh over the Tsman Sea towards Australia. By now we have been to church, exchanged gifts and opened our presents. The barbecue lunch is over and we are enjoying a rest in the bonds of family on this balmy summer afternoon. Santa Claus will have passed through many time zones and be reaching Europe as we prepare a light evening meal.. May your hearts be filled with the joy of Christmas and may you carry that spirit of love with you throughout the year. 'God bless us, every one.' Vanya Rothwell in New Zealand's Paradise, the West Coast