1. It's Summer! I probably don't need to explain to you that it's summer in Australia when its winter in the US (or anywhere ''up north''). This is probably the most bizarre and awesome difference. It's bizarre because during Christmas in the US there is typically about a foot of snow on the ground - which makes everything look like its decorated and ready for Old St. Nick to come dashing in with his reindeer sleigh. You almost forget that it's Christmas time here until you head to the Mall and see the Santa display - it must be pretty hot in this summer weather for a man in a big red snow suit.
2. Real decorations seem odd and out of place. As I just mentioned - snow seems to be the biggest holiday decorations around this festive time of year and since Sydney seems to be in short supply the snowflakes and frosted pine trees just seem a bit displaced. It's sunny and warm, i'm wearing flip-flops and board shorts, I walk in the mall and suddenly I'm surrounded by snowflakes, christmas ornaments and wire-framed reindeer...awkward.
3. Work Christmas Parties! I may have mentioned before that I work with a lot of young people, many of whom are from Europe and can understand the ridiculousness that is Christmas down under. Well one of the great things about this is the [legendary] Christmas Party that my work hosts. Unfortunately I didn't bring a camera to work that day but I was able to snap a few shots with my phone. It took place on a boat circling the Sydney Harbour. This wasn't the first time I've done this - but it was the first time on a party boat with an open bar, full catering staff, massive buffet lunch and even a mechanical bull. Yup - that's right, a full-on cowboy buckin' country style bull for our personal use and entertainment. How do I find myself in these places?? Of course I had a go on the bull and of course I did the red, white and blue proud by schooling the Europeans on how to get buck-wild! USA! USA!.. alright, i'm done.
4. Beach Barbies! No, not the plastic disproportionate plastic Mattel doll, I mean Barbecues of course! It's tradition to have a big BBQ with friends/family and head to the beach for some fun in the sun. I have to tell you it's really nice to have Christmas break during a time of year when you can actually enjoy it. I really feel like I'm on some exciting Spring Break vacation until I realize "oh yea...I live here" :)
5. It's Summer! Okay, I definitely already used this one but I couldn't think of a worthy fifth point so I thought i'd repeat this one. I'd like to emphasize again how it doesn't really feel like Christmas, after the coldest start to summer sydney has had in 50 years, christmas day was legitimately perfect weather! Clear Skies and 28C (82F) with a light ocean breeze. Also, please notice the plethora of Santa hats - everyone's showing that good ol' Christmas Spirit!
Well that was all five (ish) points. I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and took some time to relax and step away from the stress of schoo/work/life. It will soon be 2012 and who knows how much longer humanity will survive! haha. See you next year!
Hurray for you and Rick being able to hang out :D I'm really excited to see you in a few weeks!!
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