This is our first Christmas in Canada, and I'm not feeling homesick, but I am missing my friends and family. My dad's been declared unfit to fly, so I've had to accept that my parents won't be coming to see us as planned in 2008. I miss my friends too.
I think Christmas highlights it because for me it's all about people.
Doesn't mean I won't enjoy it, but it does make for a few tears, particularly after the Boxing Day webcam with my dad......

We're having Christmas lunch on our own, then we are going to another family late afternoon, and there'll be a fair sized group there, which I'm sure will help keep spirits up.

I don't think it helps that I'm not working either. I had a long commute and demanding job in the UK, and, although OH is working long and hard so there's plenty for me to do at home, it isn't the same.

But onward and upward, it's snowy outside, there's sledding to pop off to, and fudge to make. Will make sure it's a good one, and I'm sure you all will do so too.

My husband and I are on our own. In the morning we are heading up to the mountains for some skiing. Then in the evening we are heading to our Canadian friends place for some nibbles and drinks. Boxing day some friends from the Uk arrive and we head off to Whistler for a week, which will be fantastic .

I came to Canada to have these new experiences. It really does get better after a while. I definitely feel more settled this Christmas than last. 12 months ago our house was still empty and undecorated. Our jobs were still relatively new. This immigration lark isnt easy.

I hope those of you that are feeling homesick feel better soon.

Take care

Well, I'm not in Canada, and spending Christmas in my own home however -

It's just me and my mum - will hopefully get to skype my brother in Houston Christmas Day morning.

It's not homesickness, however I am already thinking of next year - Either in Houston with brother and mother, or in Canada (skiing ). Then it will be with more family than this year.

I also must commend some of the posters / members of BE who mistook my recce dates to be Dec and not Jan, and I was kindly invited to join them for Boxing day / or w-end activities!! Very humbled by such offers!!!

Anyway - I hope those who are feeling a bit blue are made bit happier soon!

Bye for now! And Merry Christmas!!

Well your post made me think of how it should be.....friends and family.
Looking forward to it all!!!

This year for me has been the hardest, I am not sure why as it will be my third. I wouldn't say I am homesick....more just missing my mum & dad and all the family things that go with this time of year.

My parent's who are in Tenerife have no telephone at the moment, so I haven't been able to speak with them daily as I always have done, so thinking about it I know this hasn't helped. I know they are safe and well as I have contact through my sisters, who lives there too, but it's not the same as the daily chit chat, we normally share. (not spoke for 4 weeks )

Today is one of my favorite days......and I'm going to try and make sure it's a happy one for my two kiddies.... I'm not sure they (9 & 7) will understand that at 37 I miss my mum!!!!

Merry Christmas, let's all make the best of what we have, not matter how hard!!!!



Linda

Its not really homesick I feel, more displaced.

We have been here two weeks, and they have been manic!

We now have the house and car, and I have I done a minimalist Christmas shop. Everything is new, everytime I cook or wash I have to refer to the manual. We only got the internet today, so I have missed out talking to family and friends.

I got my first mail, in our mail box, a christmas card from my best mate, left behind in the UK, I cried. Its not that I miss "home", more that I dont feel at home yet.

It has taken so much effort to get here and our emotions are running high; so ask me again next year and maybe I'll give a better reply.

To everyone waiting to get here, the place is great, people are warm and friendly; but remeber to hold your resolve, the hard bit starts now.

Heres to a Happy 2008!

(Hope that turkey has defrosted!)

Homesick? You bet. I'm sitting here on the wrong effing continent wishing I was over in Canada and in Toronto right now. I'm gearing towards becoming citizen as soon as I possibly can, once I'm out there and my family knows this full well so they know that if they want to see me once I get my butt out there, they will have to come see me.

You lucky ones who are already landed - stop complaining!

Right, I'm going to go do the meatballs now.

I think that's the key! We spend so much time and energy getting here, but your arrival day is just the beginning, not the end of the journey!!

Happy New Year to you all!

Hi Linda

Would do anything for us all to be together


Merry Christmas everyone and all the very best f0r 2008

Gaynor
xxxx

Hi Gaynor.....

I love Canada......but at this time of year it 'sucks' being so far away from them.

Where in Tenerife have they gone?

Linda