The farm’s 140 cows had been moved closer to the farmhouse for the occasion, making them easier to bring together for milking yesterday, with the help of his farm dog, collie Jill.
As usual Mr Robinson rose about 5am to start with the milking, and was back again in late afternoon for the second milking session, also of about three hours.
"The cows don’t know it’s Christmas, and they’ve still got to be milked," he said.
And 25 friends and family members were hosted for a noon Christmas lunch at a lodge on the farm, and the special visitors included daughters Helen, of Wellington, and Rose, of Christchurch.
The day also had religious significance, apart from a chance to get together again with family and friends.
"It’s the birthday of the King, as Elvis Presley would have said."
His wife, Claire, had done a lot of preparation for the Christmas lunch, and the day still felt a bit like a holiday because, despite the milking, no other farm chores had to be done — "we don’t do anything else for the day".
"Most people can take Christmas off.
"We just do make the best of it.
"It’s a special day with our family and friends."
