Just north of Canterbury, in the rural backblocks of Loburn, lies the Willows Cricket Club.
Since in the mid-1990s, a Willows invitational side made up of many current and former first class cricketers hosts high school 1st XI's from all over the country.
"At secondary school you're sort of living your dreams," said former Black Caps captain John Wright.
"If you're keen about any sport you just want to get out and play."
It's a rare opportunity for the next generation to learn off some of the games legends - like Andrew Nuttall, who's still playing for New Zealand to this day, in the Over 50s side.
"I haven't done too much pumping for six but they've pumped me for a few," he joked.
"But more than anything, hopefully it's a good opportunity for them to learn something about their own game."
"On the field when you're batting they like to tell you what you're doing well and sometimes what you're not doing so well," said Christ's College all-rounder Gus Eglington.
Another Christ's cricketer, Benji Nation said, "you know you're playing against some of the best in the region so you just take a leaf from their book."
"You see them play a shot or smack ya for six and you just go 'oh I want to be able to do that'," said the wicketkeeper.
But 'giving back' is what the Willows is all about. Every Christmas they also host local charities who work with disabled children for a festive fun day.
Bouncy castles, balloons, the Salvation Army band, face painting, pony rides and, of course, presents.
"It's very special," said Vicky Lynch, from the Canterbury Down Syndrome Association.
"To be able to come here and relax as a family and have food put on for our children with special needs as well as their siblings. It's amazing."
And it wouldn't be a cricket Christmas party without Santa invading the pitch for a lolly scramble.
"To be honest with you, it's probably one of the most rewarding things I've ever done with the club," said Willows chairperson Paul Rutledge.
"To see the sheer joy that we're able to give these children, and that was a real passion of Mike's."
Rutledge referred to the legacy left by the late Mike Dormer, who founded the Willows on his gorgeous family property in Loburn.
"Oh yeah, this is a pretty special place," said an emotional Nuttall, who's an original Willows player.
"It's played differently than a normal game, because it's the occasion that's really important."
That's a sentiment the legendary John Wright echoed.
"Any sport, it should be about family, enjoyment. It's part of the whole deal really.
"If you want to play sport, you've got to involve family and well Christmas is that time of year," he said.
Willows matches are played most Sundays during summer. The next fixture is on January 14, 2024, against Riccarton High School.
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