Kiwi soldiers spend Christmas in Antarctica

Being far from his children on Christmas Day is hard for Major Brett Grieve, but he knows it's all part of his duty, he says.

He is one of eight Defence Force personnel deployed at Scott Base, Antarctica, and it's the second time he's been deployed over Christmas.

He has two sons aged 8 and 9 and a 5-year-old daughter.

He said while it was difficult being away from his family, Antarctica was a good place to be for Christmas.

"I know they're going to be having a good time, there's lots of love in the family. It's also an immense privilege to be in Scott Base, it's a New Zealand institution. If you have to be away for Christmas this seems like the way to do it."

He said he was the only person in the unit with kids.

The whole team at Scott Base enjoyed a Christmas meal on Christmas Eve.

The meal of turkey ham and salmon was followed by dessert and a Secret Santa present swap.

"It was quite a decadent meal, really," Major Grieve said.

Christmas Day would be spent relaxing, taking part in some activities including a running race, and calling his family back in Gardenpark, Christchurch.

"I just received a letters from the kids and photos and stuff, that really brightened my day just a few minutes ago."

Major Grieve said being deployed over Christmas was part of the job.

"I don't hold on to it too tight. If it really grated you, you'd be looking for a new job. If i had a choice I'd choose to be home for Christmas, but if duty calls then I've just got to deal with it."

Major Grieve expected he would be home in February or March

He is based there with Antarctica New Zealand, where he oversees schedule operations.

"It's cold for sure, but it's very bright. I don't feel like I'm missing summer as such."

In 2008 he was deployed to East Timor over Christmas.

When he served in Afghanistan he was sent back to New Zealand on December 21.

He said it was snowing today in Antarctica, and it his first real white Christmas.

About 170 NZDF personnel will be deployed on operations at this time.

On the other side of the world, seven New Zealand Defence Force personnel are spending Christmas in Afghanistan.

They're part of a multinational group mentoring and training Afghan soldiers at the National Army Officer Academy near Kabul.

Captain Tom McEntyre says the men they're working with know a little about our Christmas traditions.

"They're actually very considerate and kind and want to be part of our celebrity which has been a good surprise."

Captain McEntyre says the job is slow but rewarding, and he's hoping to experience a white Christmas while he's away from home.

- additional reporting Newstalk ZB