One of Mr Muller's standout Christmas memories is opening presents under a tree at his grandparents' house in Te Aroha.
It was a tradition that continued for many years, with things taking a new twist when Mr Muller and his three brothers were old enough to enjoy a few drinks with Christmas lunch.
That ushered in another tradition in which the boys invariable crashed out for a couple of hours. "We brought the house down with our snoring,"
When they woke up revived and refreshed, the day kicked off again with a game of cricket or a walk up the mountain before returning to "give it another nudge".
The mantle has passed to the next generation and the family now gathers at his parents' place at Te Puna on Christmas Day. It began with the 9am service at Te Puna's historic Catholic Church followed by a brew of real coffee before presents were opened, one at a time, family by family.
His family's New Year holiday centred on a bach hired in the little Coromandel settlement of Kennedy Bay, about 45 minutes north of Coromandel township.
"Not a lot of people live there - it is totally different [from] the other side of the peninsula."
The beach was safe for children and it was not unusual for them to be the only ones swimming. "It's a best-kept secret."
Mr Muller's New Year resolution will be to get a better work/life balance and improve his fitness.
His goal is to line up for the Tauranga Half Marathon next April.
