Exchange to Oz: Feeling Like Christmas?

37 days and counting ... wow it is hard to believe. Time is flying by and now that report card writing and Sam's exams are finished, it feels like we need to start preparing for our return home. Little by little, I am starting to clean and organise. We are also starting to think about how we can possibly begin to say thank you and good bye to the many wonderful friends we've met.

The weather has been getting hotter and hotter. We experienced +38 yesterday and the days are getting longer and longer. That is why, I stood with shock in the hardware store last weekend when the realization that Christmas is only 5 weeks away smacked me on the head. It just doesn't FEEL like it! As I was standing in line, I happened to glance outside at the shop window across the street and noticed Christmas peel and stick decorations. That was when it hit . You may say it is because we are busy and we are looking forward to returning home and I guess that is part of it. But, it is also the fact that the weather does not make it feel like Christmas to me.

I think of the cooler temperatures, the darker days, the first dusting of snow - those are the elements that start to get you in the festive mood. You start to whip up hot chocolate and snuggle under the blankets. You put on that sleigh bell music and get out the Santa hats. You are spending more time inside, decorating and playing games. Christmas is about being cozy and celebrating with family and all the rich foods (YUM) that go along with this time of year.

In Australia, you spend more time outdoors, specifically in the creek or in the pool. You are eating salads and other light cool foods and eating freezies or popsicles - not warm rich foods.

Yesterday, Jack and I were in a mall and Santa was there greeting children. Jack was of course THRILLED to see Santa (not that he went to see him, of course but he did wave from a distance). While we were standing there watching, Jack asked why Santa was there. I explained that it is nearly Christmas and that Santa is starting to visit the children to see what they would like. He couldn't understand that it was nearly Christmas because there was no snow and all the rest. I don't even see the elaborate displays in the stores that we are accustomed to at home.

I've asked the students in my class as well as parents I see about Christmas customs here. Some families do a traditional "baked dinner" at Christmas, complete with all the trimmings. It's hard to imagine in 40 degree heat cooking turkey or lamb and all the side dishes. Many families seem to be moving toward a barbeque or a cold seafood buffet - Yum! I asked kids about gifts that Santa brings and a lot of outdoor toys like blow up water toys or bikes etc... seem to be popular. It also seems that a lot of families go camping over the holidays along the river and spend time with family and friends outdoors, waterskiing and taking part in other water activities.

As for us, we may take part in the festivities in Sydney this year. I've heard that a lot of travellers and "ex-pats" head down to Bondi Beach to celebrate on Christmas Day. That may be where we will be as we prepare to fly out on Boxing Day. The boys have been assured that Santa will stop by our home in Kenora as our luggage is going to be pretty full as we leave Australia. All in all, it is interesting to see how other countries prepare to celebrate this world wide holiday - how boring if we all did it the same! No matter what, we will still have our traditional Christmas climate when we return.

Below are some photos of a lovely evening we spent at the home of Jacinta. They have a beautiful spot on the river, complete with a nice sandy beach. They treated us to a sausage sizzle and yummy pavlova for dessert. It was a fun night and the company was even better! Thanks!