| Tis' the Season! This post is aimed at my family. Thanks for the love and support and I'll be thinking of you! December is finally here and that means Christmas is just around the corner! For the second year in a row, I won't be home for the holidays. I'm doing my very best to try to get into the spirit but a tropical Christmas is just not the same! |  |
This year brings a whole new holiday experience for me, it will be my first tropical Christmas! Last year was my first celebration away from my family; it was not a joyous occasion, yet here I am again…in another country and not going home for the holidays. At least last year I managed to find the holiday spirit in the beautiful Scandinavian winter but this year, not so much. Now I'm surrounded by palm trees, beach scenes, and a whole lot of sunshine. THAT IS NOT CHRISTMAS!
Australia celebrates the holidays the exact same way as the rest of the world. Stores are lit up with glittering lights, chiming bells, fake snow, and rich colours. Yet somehow, the atmosphere is not the same whatsoever. Indoors screams traditional holiday season and the second I walk outside….summer. Probably one major downfall of Australia. I definitely miss the cold, cozy, and cuddly holidays I get at home. I'm doing my best to look past this unfortunate issue and embrace the Christmas spirit anyway.
So, that being said. Here are a few of my favourite things!
My Christmas Essentials - If I'm going to survive this Christmas, these are a necessity:
Australia celebrates the holidays the exact same way as the rest of the world. Stores are lit up with glittering lights, chiming bells, fake snow, and rich colours. Yet somehow, the atmosphere is not the same whatsoever. Indoors screams traditional holiday season and the second I walk outside….summer. Probably one major downfall of Australia. I definitely miss the cold, cozy, and cuddly holidays I get at home. I'm doing my best to look past this unfortunate issue and embrace the Christmas spirit anyway.
So, that being said. Here are a few of my favourite things!
My Christmas Essentials - If I'm going to survive this Christmas, these are a necessity:
| Kenny Rogers Christmas Carols // Ever since I can remember, my sister has forced us to listen to the same CD every single holiday season. Now we love it and absolutely need it playing ALL THE TIME. We must own at least 12 copies. Definitely an oldie but a goodie! (I can't find it anywhere in Newcastle, can someone please send me a copy) |  |
Christmas Tree // I don't actually know if I'm allowed to have a real tree in our place but a fake one with a pine air freshener should do the trick! Maybe add in some scented candles.
 | Baking // Shortbread, ginger cookies, or those Pillsbury 10 minute oven snowman. MMMMM!! Starbucks // This might be difficult because there is no Starbucks in Newcastle. However how exciting is it when the Christmas to-go cups come out!? (I'm assuming they're already out…how sad is it that I don't know that!) It is tradition to drink peppermint hot chocolate during the holidays!  |
Lights // Twinkly lights all over my house.
 | Skating // I do this on the regular, but it is way better at Christmas time! Much like everything else in life.  |
Family // Thankful for technology this time of year. Cannot wait to see all my family via Skype! As long as I get to talk to them, that is all I need! At least I have some new relatives here so I have some 'family' to celebrate with!
Dinner // As much as I would prefer a traditional turkey, stuffing, yams, and pumpkin pie….I have the idea that the 'Christmas dinner' menu is a bit different here. But I won't be picky because I'm lucky to even be having a dinner with people who are close to me. PS - apparently we're hosting. yikes.
Holiday Burning Log // Don't know what this is? Shame on you. Basically, a fireplace is taped for hours on end and aired all day long during the holidays. Back home it makes sense because it keeps you warm when it is so cold outside!
Thats it! Those are really the only things I need during the holidays. Number one priorities are to spend quality time with family and remember to cherish the small things in life.
Sidenote:
DIY Wrapping // I Wrap my gifts in used paper bags! Add some simple white ribbon and you're set!
Dinner // As much as I would prefer a traditional turkey, stuffing, yams, and pumpkin pie….I have the idea that the 'Christmas dinner' menu is a bit different here. But I won't be picky because I'm lucky to even be having a dinner with people who are close to me. PS - apparently we're hosting. yikes.
Holiday Burning Log // Don't know what this is? Shame on you. Basically, a fireplace is taped for hours on end and aired all day long during the holidays. Back home it makes sense because it keeps you warm when it is so cold outside!
Thats it! Those are really the only things I need during the holidays. Number one priorities are to spend quality time with family and remember to cherish the small things in life.
Sidenote:
DIY Wrapping // I Wrap my gifts in used paper bags! Add some simple white ribbon and you're set!
Some of my own favourite Christmas memories:
Christmas baking // sweets on sweets on sweets
A table for 20
My sister Cindy and I bake apple pies
Erika and I celebrate in Utrecht last year
D29 family had a two show day last Christmas but we made the most of it!
Missing everyone at home and all around the world. So grateful to have had so many great experiences and such a great family supporting me at home! Happy Holidays! YAYA ITS DECEMBER! Xx
