1st XMAS in Australia

**caz2048** · 01-11-2011, 09:07 PM

Hi
I'm 25 and from the uk and this will be my 1st Xmas in oz (brisbane) and I would love any hints or tips on how to make it good/enjoyable as not looking forward to being away from family back home!!

Would also love any suggestions on what Xmas presents are good to send family back home, so things that are easy to send (not too big or break)

Any info would be great :-)

**3FatCats** · 01-11-2011, 09:11 PM

Hi! This is a good thread for us new Ozzies. Do you have friends to spend it with? I don't know what we will end up doing, and tbh it won't really feel like Christmas to me personally so I probably won't be bothered. I guess the best thing would be to make the most of the weather and get out and have a bbq somewhere? Would love to hear what some of the more established Ozzies do, will you have family over?

**caz2048** · 01-11-2011, 09:22 PM

Hi
Yes I have friends luckily with me, but I love my family Xmas at home!! I dont think it will really feel like Xmas to me either

**scottishstacey** · 01-11-2011, 09:24 PM

Have a bbq and a few drinks :) i'll find xmas's weird in oz, im far too used to having the cold and snow, not saying i enjoy it tho lol

**MARYROSE02** · 01-11-2011, 09:45 PM

I usually spend Xmas in Sydney with my brother's family which usually means going to his mother in law's house. He married into an Italian family so food is both important and plentiful. I remember the first time I went, after the first course, Emma asked me if I wanted any more and I said, 'no, I want to leave some room for the dessert.' She was shocked, 'That was just the entree!' I can't remember what the term is, but we just buy the one present for one member of the family?

I prefer to send picture postcards of Australia in lieu of Xmas Cards as I think they are easier and more 'Aussie' than winter pictures of snow-bound villages although you can get cards with Aussie themes of course.

I don't know about what kind of presents to send to UK - perhaps something small that would fit into a card & envelope? A fridge magnet for eg? Maybe those fridge magnets featuring the recipient's name on an Aussie car rego?

I'm not above using beer coasters from a pub or club as postcards either, especially if they say something like 'Xmas greetings from such and such club or pub!'

BBQ on the beach is popular but I'm pretty sure that at Bondi/Bronte/Coogee, the most popular beaches, there is a booze ban. Pick a more family-orientated beach like Neilsen Park and there's no problem taking booze.

I don't know what I'd do if I was spending Xmas on my own - probably just go to a club/pub/restaurant for a meal. Some people in Sydney like to volunteer to help at one of the homeless hostels which I've never done before but seems like a good way to get out of your own loneliness factor.

You are in Brisbane? Why not book into a youth hostel for a few nights - sure to be something on there or go to Surfers' / Noosa if you can get a room?

You know, if I was spending it on my own I would just go to the beach with my own little picnic and be happy to be amongst all the families.

**Norfolk Gal** · 01-11-2011, 09:59 PM

I think our first Christmas is oging to be odd, we won't know anyone, won't be near family etc.... but it can't be as bad as last years which could be summed up as
Snow
Snow, traffic, snow
stuck, hotel,
ferry,
sick child 1
sick child 2
an 8 hour drive from Dublin to Cork
No running water
No heating oil
Annoying family members
more snow

Thank god for baby wipes, talc and hair straighteners!!

Sarah

**scottishstacey** · 01-11-2011, 10:06 PM

i agree with you norfolk gal, although snow and frost is definitely more xmasy i actually dread winter, i worry my family wont be able to travel here at christmas in the snow and the transport is always distrupted and last year the running water went off for most the village. It'll feel very strange being in the sun but i think i'll enjoy it, well i hope so anyway!

**Norfolk Gal** · 01-11-2011, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by scottishstacey

i agree with you norfolk gal, although snow and frost is definitely more xmasy i actually dread winter, i worry my family wont be able to travel here at christmas in the snow and the transport is always distrupted and last year the running water went off for most the village. It'll feel very strange being in the sun but i think i'll enjoy it, well i hope so anyway!

Stacey, I am sure you will, and so will I!
S

**scottishstacey** · 01-11-2011, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by Norfolk Gal

Stacey, I am sure you will, and so will I!
S

I hope so!

**harpodom** · 01-11-2011, 10:24 PM

Hi there. I'd make it as different as poss from your normal xmas experience, that way it'll be more fun and more memorable, especially if you're spending it with friends.

Personally, my first Xmas way from home was probably my best, spent at Lake Toba in Sumatra

.

These days, Xmas is spent with my in laws.........