We wish you a Mere Kiritimiti

If there’s anything Pacific families love, it’s the chance to come together and celebrate.

Although Christmas may be an adopted tradition, it’s an excuse to bring the extended family around the table, give thanks, and tuck into festive and Pacific fare.

So, what do you say when your cousin brings a new partner from another Pacific culture?

You might know all the words to Feliz Navidad, but do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Tuvaluan?

We’ve got you covered with Christmas greetings from across the region.

Aotearoa: Meri Kirihimete

Cook Islands: Mere Kiritimiti.

PMN Cook Islands producer and host Jeannie Pera says these phrases are “if you want to sound flash”.

Kia perepere kavana ta'au [singular] kiritimiti

Kia perepere kavana ta korua [two] kiritimiti

Kia perepere kavana ta kotou [3 or more] kiritimiti

Fiji: Kalougata nomuni siga ni sucu

Hawai’i: Meli Kalikimaka

Kiribati: Tekeraoi n te Kiritimati

Niue: Kia monuina e Kerisimasi

Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas

Palau: Ungil Kurismas

A nativity scene featuring tapa designs. Photo/PMN News/Khalia Strong

Republic of Marshall Islands: Meddi Kirijmoj / Monono ilo raaneoan

Rotuma: Kesmäs Lelei

Sāmoa: ‘Ia Manuia lava le Kerisimasi

Solomon Islands: Hapi Krismas

Tahiti: Oaoa I teie noera

Tokelau: Manuia le Kirisimasi

Tonga: Kilisimasi Fiefia

Example: ‘Ofa ke mou ma’u ha Kilisimasi fiefia!

Tuvalu: Ke Manuia Te Kilisimasi

Vanuatu: Bonane (bone-AN-nay, after the French “Bonne Année)

Wallis & Futuna: Ke Manuia Te Potapu