Katie Holland: Holiday magic on doorstep

Katie Holland.

No matter how much you love your job it's never fun returning to work after a holiday.

I joined the hordes of people around Rotorua this week waking up with a sigh as they return to normality and routine.

For those lucky enough to be on holiday a while longer, enjoy it. Eke every last second of relaxation and fun out of it. Resist the temptation to check your work emails, even when that phone just keeps on beeping. Easier said than done, I know, but I discovered it was well worth it.

Instead of travelling far and wide, this year I made the most of what we have on our doorstep.

With visiting family I did the lakes - Taupo, Rotorua, Tikitapu, Tarawera and Okataina - choosing a favourite was impossible.

With friends I did the beach, where else but the beautifully blissful Ohope? And with them all I did the Whakarewarewa forest, having finally become the proud owner of a mountain bike (thanks Santa!).

With all the outdoor fun and great weather (even the rainy days were fun), I had zero urge to join shoppers spending up large in Boxing Day sales.

My contribution to the $368.8 million spent across the Bay of Plenty in December consisted largely of mountain bike accessories and a daily supply of onion soup, reduced cream and chicken chips.

Thankfully the honeymoon-phase enthusiasm for the new hobby went some way to offsetting the copious amounts of Kiwi dip.

As we enter 2016, thoughts turn to the year ahead. If you have made New Year's resolutions, good luck. I'm taking a more forgiving, bigger picture approach.

To be fit, healthy, appreciate what I have and by the time 2017 rolls around to have made at least one positive change to my life and perhaps even the lives of others. That'll do just fine.