Most national holidays revolve around either somber reflections or consumerism. It is time for New Zealand to formally recognise the cultural phenomenon that best captures our national spirit: Crate Day.

This celebration, traditionally held on the first Saturday of December, represents the best of our nation. For the uninitiated, Crate Day involves the sophisticated activity of consuming an entire crate of your local beer while engaging in classic Kiwiana activities. Swimming at the beach, sitting in the back of a truck bed, or watching at least four boys attempting to light one barbeque are all officially endorsed escapades.

The economic benefits are clear. Just think of the local breweries whose products are essential to the celebration. But by making this a public holiday, we would provide support to countless other small businesses. Manufacturers of chilly bins, local dairies providing pies and hopefully water, along sellers of headache tablets (for the day after), would all benefit.

Environmental advocates should also embrace this celebration. After all, what better way to promote recycling than returning your crate of empty and unbroken vessels the local brewery for a $7 return.

Those concerned about health and safety might have some worries about this proposed holiday. And to be fair, they might have a point. But one could also argue that it would be a celebration our wonderful ACC system. It would be a day for our health service to shine. Picture proud Crate Day participants all over the country crying, “hey guys, watch this!” ... before reminding us all why we need ACC so much.

Other critics may worry that turning a grassroots celebration like Crate Day into a formal holiday would diminish its charm. But I say what we really need a holiday that truly celebrates what New Zealand is. Forget the faux summer Christmas adverts with Santa in a swimsuit and jandals. Forget the confusion of lighting fireworks to celebrate the foiling of a gunpowder plot 400 years ago on the other side of the world. Crate Day would be a holiday by New Zealanders for New Zealanders.

In a world of increasing complexity, it is time to embrace this celebration of local industry, summer vibes, and questionable judgment. A day where the most critical thinking you have to do is, “One by One, Two by Two” in the hopes of finishing all 12 drinks by midnight.

Nothing says "New Zealand" quite like turning informal drinking into a national institution.