What I like about Christmas in Australia
Dec 21st 2007, 11:50 pm
#1
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What I like about Christmas in Australia
There is no media induced mass hysteria which however hard one tries we all get sucked into the feeding frenzy of buying. We went to our local Woolworths last night after work and it was just like a normal evening any time of year. I mentioned to my wife that had we been in a supermarket on 21Dec back in UK it would resemble a riot with stressed families pushing trolleys groaning with a months worth of food for the 2 day break! When we were at the checkout I looked up the aisle to the other end of the store and there was not one person in the entire length of it.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Dec 21st 2007, 11:53 pm
#2
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
There is no media induced mass hysteria which however hard one tries we all get sucked into the feeding frenzy of buying. We went to our local Woolworths last night after work and it was just like a normal evening any time of year. I mentioned to my wife that had we been in a supermarket on 21Dec back in UK it would resemble a riot with stressed families pushing trolleys groaning with a months worth of food for the 2 day break! When we were at the checkout I looked up the aisle to the other end of the store and there was not one person in the entire length of it.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Dec 21st 2007, 11:58 pm
#3
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
We've noticed that too. Much less stressful and enjoyable.
Dec 22nd 2007, 12:03 am
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
I agree - fantastic to go to the shops and although here it was the busiest I had ever seen yesterday it was still nothing like back home - still plenty of free (in both ways) parking spaces in the car park. The kids have been too busy playing outside to watch TV and ask for everything advertised - no requests for a Wii or PS3 they asked for riding lessons and roller skates instead.
Despite missing the cold christmas feel I wouldn't swap at all - it makes much more sense to have all those public holidays in weather you can enjoy and make the most of.
Despite missing the cold christmas feel I wouldn't swap at all - it makes much more sense to have all those public holidays in weather you can enjoy and make the most of.
Dec 22nd 2007, 12:26 am
#5
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
21Dec back in UK it would resemble a riot with stressed families pushing trolleys groaning with a months worth of food for the 2 day break!
You made me laugh, could hear my dad saying the exact same, always wondering why people need so much stuff when they'll be shopping at TESCO EXTRA on boxing day and the shops are only shut two days. My dad at times can be a real Victor Meldrew type.
Jane
You made me laugh, could hear my dad saying the exact same, always wondering why people need so much stuff when they'll be shopping at TESCO EXTRA on boxing day and the shops are only shut two days. My dad at times can be a real Victor Meldrew type.
Jane
Dec 22nd 2007, 12:37 am
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
Totally agree - Christmas here is about celebrating the day - not knackering yourself running round the shops weeks before.
I went late night shopping last night and it wasn't too busy, no big ques or people barging into each other.
I don't buy half the crap I used to. Thought about buying a big box of roses but then thought when would we eat them? We'll be out most days next week on the boat or jetski - can't see us with a box of chocolates on the beach in 38 degrees
As for people who say there's no Christmas spirit in Oz - I beg to differ. There's loads of Christmasy things going on - we're going to a carol service tomorrow at Sandalfords winery. We'll be sat on the grass with a glass of wine listening to the carols
I went late night shopping last night and it wasn't too busy, no big ques or people barging into each other.
I don't buy half the crap I used to. Thought about buying a big box of roses but then thought when would we eat them? We'll be out most days next week on the boat or jetski - can't see us with a box of chocolates on the beach in 38 degrees
As for people who say there's no Christmas spirit in Oz - I beg to differ. There's loads of Christmasy things going on - we're going to a carol service tomorrow at Sandalfords winery. We'll be sat on the grass with a glass of wine listening to the carols
Dec 22nd 2007, 1:43 am
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
We went to Sandalfords Winery when on our hols to WA. We loved it there esp the room with the oak barrels. Wouldn't might going myself but a bit of a way for us. Have a great time.
Dec 22nd 2007, 2:25 am
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
There is no media induced mass hysteria which however hard one tries we all get sucked into the feeding frenzy of buying. We went to our local Woolworths last night after work and it was just like a normal evening any time of year. I mentioned to my wife that had we been in a supermarket on 21Dec back in UK it would resemble a riot with stressed families pushing trolleys groaning with a months worth of food for the 2 day break! When we were at the checkout I looked up the aisle to the other end of the store and there was not one person in the entire length of it.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
I went shopping last night for a few last minute pressies and expected it to be absolutely heaving and there was hardly anyone there. It would have taken me an hour just to park the car if I was in UK!
Even the Xmas food shop was painless (mind you picking up the seafood on xmas eve is always fun!)
Dec 22nd 2007, 2:45 am
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
As much as I miss the festivities of an English Xmas (even after 7 years) I have to agree that what you mention is a definite bonus.
I went shopping last night for a few last minute pressies and expected it to be absolutely heaving and there was hardly anyone there. It would have taken me an hour just to park the car if I was in UK!
Even the Xmas food shop was painless (mind you picking up the seafood on xmas eve is always fun!)
I went shopping last night for a few last minute pressies and expected it to be absolutely heaving and there was hardly anyone there. It would have taken me an hour just to park the car if I was in UK!
Even the Xmas food shop was painless (mind you picking up the seafood on xmas eve is always fun!)
Dec 22nd 2007, 3:05 am
#10
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
It's true, its remarkably laid back. People are so good natured too, the shops are ticking over, its possible to find a (free) parking space, there's a good range of produce on the shelves......we managed to get a Wii 
..... there was even a Santa in Bunnings today giving out treats to the kids.
I put it down to the weather: too hot to get bothered about anything.
..... there was even a Santa in Bunnings today giving out treats to the kids.I put it down to the weather: too hot to get bothered about anything.
Dec 22nd 2007, 4:52 am
#11
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
Couldn't agree more. I went out today to buy a couple of bits for a friend's birthday expecting it to be murder in Melbourne, but didn't have to queue in any of the shops I was in. Result! I would be completely avoiding such a shopping trip in England!
Dec 22nd 2007, 4:56 am
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Re: What I like about Christmas in Australia
There is no media induced mass hysteria which however hard one tries we all get sucked into the feeding frenzy of buying. We went to our local Woolworths last night after work and it was just like a normal evening any time of year. I mentioned to my wife that had we been in a supermarket on 21Dec back in UK it would resemble a riot with stressed families pushing trolleys groaning with a months worth of food for the 2 day break! When we were at the checkout I looked up the aisle to the other end of the store and there was not one person in the entire length of it.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Christmas is celebrated in Australia but in a much more laid back way which after a couple of years here (this will be our 3rd Aussie Xmas) makes you really appreciate the holiday.
Dec 22nd 2007, 4:57 am
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Dec 22nd 2007, 5:06 am
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