Christmas down under was the second Christmas I’ve spent outside the states…and the first in 24 years that I’ve spent without my family, so for many reasons it was quite different than usual.  The other Christmas spent out of country was last year in Taiwan, and I’d have to say it felt a bit more like Christmas there than in Australia.  Not that people in Australia don’t celebrate Christmas…on the contrary.   It wasn’t so much that it was sunny and hot instead of dark and cold.  Its weird…the thing I love most about Christmas is the buildup to it throughout the entire month of December..and that’s what was lacking ‘down under’.  There was quite a buildup in Taiwan–decorations everywhere, Christmas music, Christmas cards…and granted not many people celebrated the actual day, but still…there was more of a Christmas feeling in the air.  It was quite the opposite here–very little buildup, but it seems everyone celebrated on the day.

There didn’t seem to be as many decorations on the street, although there was a big Christmas tree in the center of town.

But here’s an idea of what the houses looked like along my street:

And this is Christmas Eve! Everyone’s supposed to have Christmas lights up and twinkling!

Luckily I’m staying in the only house on the block that actually does display some Christmas spirit

There were no Christmas songs to be heard in stores or on the radio.  There were really no Christmas movies or Christmas specials on TV.  No one was wishing anyone a Merry Christmas until Christmas Eve!  So, for me at least, it didn’t really feel like Christmas.

BUT…I do have to explain how a typical family celebrates Christmas in Australia.

And we’ll start at 13 Dalgety St.

Christmas Eve consisted of sitting around the Christmas tree and watching carols on TV.  

Every year, from mid evening to about midnight, the botanical gardens are filled with people holding candles and watching live singing performances by famous Melbournians.  So we sat and watched TV, sang some songs, and got ready for Santa to come.  Harrison and I made cookies earlier in the day, specifically for Santa’s enjoyment.  We also left the usual glass of milk and a carrot for the reindeer.  Finally Harrison was off to bed, so excited for the next morning.

He woke me up at about 6am (the earliest I’ve ever been up on Christmas Day) and we rushed downstairs to see what Santa had left. And joy among joys he left Harrison a cool bike with flames all along it and a bell! He also left an entire sock (huge-ass stocking) filled with goodies.

It really is an experience to watch Christmas day through the eyes of a child.  I remember wanting to play with everything I got, all at the same time. It was precious.  

Christmas day itself wasn’t as hot as it can be in Melbourne.  It started off really overcast and a little chilly–which was fine by me because that meant I could still drink my hot chocolate and cuddle up in a blanket.  We were supposed to go the beach, but it really wasn’t nice enough, nor did we have enough time.  Some of Darren’s family were coming over for a Christmas lunch, so we had a lot to prepare before they came over. 

Darren and Marion preparing a feast

I guess our Christmas feast wasn’t too abnormal–its nothing my family ever has for Christmas. It seemed more like a Thanksgiving meal to me, but it was still pretty good.  

There were crayfish and shrimp (not my idea of Christmas dinner, but ok)

I wanted to get a shot of shrimp on the barbie, but unfortunately they never made it there.  

Then there was turkey (this one made it on the barbie) and ham, roast potatoes and veggies, stuffing, cranberry sauce, parsnips and carrots.  And then plum pudding with custard for dessert.

After lunch everyone went in separate directions.  Darren, Marion and Harrison went on their way to a friend’s beach house in southern Australia to surf and build tree houses and drive 4WDs.  What a Christmas vacation!

Ah well…the joys of Christmas in a different culture!

Happy Christmas everyone!  Hope it is filled with family, friends, food and hot chocolate!