zbettyboop

Merry Christmas

Still in UK.

How was everyones first xmas in Australia.
What was it like.
Next year we will be there for christmas.
UK weather is very cold and frosty.

Beth

ShozInOz

On the good side, Christmas isn't so overhyped - more low key. On the bad side, there is no Christmas feeling really - it's pretty much like any other day to be honest. Many people we've spoken to who have been here for decades never get used to the Southern hemisphere Christmas. The occasional winter Christmas songs on the shopping centres "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." etc are just weird.

ozzieeagle

lets put it this way, My 20 year old born and bred Aussie Daughter, just spent her first ever Christmas in the UK. Away from her Brother and Sisters and mum and myself. Although I will admit, she has had some kind of family christmas, with her newly acquainted uncle, (my Brother, and his brood). Said to me yesterday, boxing day. "this is what it is meant to be like"

Even for born and bred Aussies, the UK one is preferable.


We tend to overcompensate in the pressie Dept.

scissors

well this year was our first aussie xmas,and i must admit the build up to xmas wasnt the same,but in a good way i thought,i hate the hype and the crowded shops and the damned traffic at xmas in the uk,everyone fighting for the fresh food right at the last minute,everyone spending far more than they can afford
This year we went to the local supermarket on xmas eve,something i refused to do in the uk because of all the pushing and shoveing,but it was so quiet here,dont get me wrong,it was the busiest ive ever seen the supermarket,we had 2 people in front of usa in the queue at the check out it was wonderful to feel free to shop at our liesure,we even went into brisbane city on xmas eve afternoon,normally at home id do my shopping weeks before so i wouldnt have to go into the city xmas week,but it was lovely not to much traffic,we got parked straight away,The street entertainment was fab.

The entertainment at southbank all week was wonderful , the fire works were great and free,and entertainment was good and also free,and the water was lovely and warm to go swimming in late at night.
Xmas day we had a garden full of friends,we made it very christmassy,we decorated the outside and inside of the house and the garden was very much lit up with fairy lights,we had a fab barbecue and we were in and out of the pool all day,i couldnt think of a better way to spend xmas day than with friends,plenty of food and drink,and swimming nd playing games in the pool,no presure from families to do whats been expected for years
Boxing day we did much the same with plenty of lovely friends down at the gold coast,
we had a fab xmas,and i cant sat ive missed the commercialism of the uk at all

tracey

Hels

I'm a born and bred Aussie who has just spent 3 Christmas's in the UK and I still prefer it down here. I love the warmth and the options it gives you. I love seeing the kids out on the streets playing with their new presents. I love the long Christmas day celebrations that go on late into the night...sitting outside in the garden....

I know we still use "winter" features for Christmas such as icicle lights, fake snow etc....but I wouldnt trade my Aussie Christmas for a real winter one for anything....