by Dina Zavrski-Makaric

Most people spent Christmas with their families. On Christmas Day many Australians traveled to another suburb, town or even state to be with their families and relatives. Christmas 'down under' falls in the middle of summer, with high temperatures and long days at the beach. But how is Christmas for those who associate it with the snow, minus degrees temperatures and short days spent near a heater? How do people from 'up above' spend Christmas in Australia, when their families are tens of thousands of kilometers away, and closest friends and relatives are not two suburbs, but two continents apart?

I spoke to four expatriates who recently relocated to Sydney and experienced a very different Christmas to what they are used to in their home country. Here are their stories.

Anke op de Woerd (29), was relocated by her company to Sydney from The Netherlands in October 2005. 'My first impressions of Sydney were really positive; great city and fantastic weather. I also met some really friendly people. What I've seen of Sydney and Australia so far is even more beautiful than what I expected. I was a little bit surprised that people were less open than what I expected. Those who I met through the Newcomers Network were very friendly, but I expected that Australians would be more open towards newcomers, and invite them to their social circles.

People who relocate to Australia from the Northern Hemisphere can't associate Christmas with hot weather. 'It felt like August, not December, and seeing Christmas decorations was strange. I did not feel the Christmas mood, but I did enjoy myself. Especially since this time I didn't have stress around buying presents for the whole family. I had no obligations whom to visit and when, like I would at home, and I could choose what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. It was a nice change.

Anke celebrated Christmas Eve with a group of friends from different countries: 'Everybody brought food and gifts, and we played games. On Christmas Day I volunteered for the Salvation Army lunch. Doing something for others really brought me into the Christmas spirit. I spent the rest of the day with my 'newcomers' friends at the beach.

'I am really grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a completely different way. I realized that my family is very important to me, but I was not the only one whose family was far away. The most important thing is not to feel sorry for yourself, and organize something with like-minded people. You can still have a wonderful Christmas even if it doesn't feel like Christmas!'

Stefan Haverkamp (23) arrived in Sydney from Berlin, Germany, in August 2005. He was interested in finding some work in advertising and media, and to further his career opportunities. 'My first impressions of Sydney were that it was very American-like, not British-like as I expected. Also, I think that the people are the hardest working people in the industrialized world, and are everything else than laid back. I love Sydney because it is very friendly, international and multi-cultural.'

Stefan, like Anke, didn't have a feeling of Christmas: 'I am living an endless summer! For me Christmas feels right when it's cold, snowy and the sun goes down at 4.00pm. It was quite odd to see Christmas decorations, which I find very American and somewhat kitschy. Having said that, it was definitely an experience that I wouldn't want to miss.

'In Germany we celebrate Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day I had a lovely time at the beach with my German friends. I was surfing and wearing a Santa Claus hat and board shorts! I thought to myself what a great time I was having, as normally I would be wearing at least three layers of clothes, hanging out with my family and relatives.

'I was very grateful for having my friends with me from all over the world whom I met in Sydney.'

Next year Stefan is planning to check out what Christmas is like in Cape Town, South Africa. 'Whilst family and old friends are important, one can have a great time with new friends. It is the thought that unites us all. I really enjoyed the different customs, but I get an impression that Australians try to adopt too much of the foreign customs. It's a great country, still young, so I'm sure it will develop its own cultural identity.'

After three and a half years of working experience in Connecticut, USA, Lesley Doig (41) was transferred by her company to Sydney in February 2005. Originally from Scotland, Lesley also worked in the UK, so has a world of experience. 'My first impressions of Sydney were that it was great, vibrant, diverse, laid back and somewhat cosmopolitan city, with friendly people and beautiful locations. After almost a year of living in Sydney I realized that it is not as cosmopolitan as I originally thought in terms of diversity, service and professionalism.'

'I find that socially people are friendly, but I also had experiences when people were fairly abrupt, rude and unprofessional, especially in the service areas. This is quite different to UK and USA, where as a customer I was always treated with respect.

'Although this was not my first Christmas in Australia, it was the first one when I have not been the guest of my family in Perth and have stayed in my own home. I did not feel particularly festive. In the Northern hemisphere it is a celebration in an otherwise glum, dark and cold time of the year but it can be exhausting getting organized for it. Here with the gorgeous weather and everyone laid back, I didn't feel under huge pressure to go and buy presents or stock up with all sorts of heartwarming food. I put effort into decorating my house with lights, to make it seem festive and although it was nice, it really didn't have the same effect as back home - tree lights on dark, cold nights.

For Lesley, Christmas Day was also spent with friends, relaxing and enjoying a typical Aussie bbq: 'Lots of champagne and lots of laughs! We all missed our family and loved ones, and it was strange but somehow I enjoyed that lack of pressure to go rushing around to see everyone. I didn't particularly miss being back in the UK, but I did miss being with people who are special to me. All my friends here are 'new' friends so relationships are not as strong yet.

Lesley also had some time to reflect on what was important for her. 'Being away from my family and friends for almost a year now I realize how important they are to me. However, I am also grateful for the opportunities I have and meeting new people.

'I'd like to spend next Christmas with my family. I think family is important whether we 'like' them or not. I am also very conscious that Christmas can be a sad and depressing time for many people who don't have what I have.'

When an opportunity came up for Adina Vizireanu (23) to study in Sydney, she immediately grabbed it. Originally from Romania, Adina arrived in Sydney in July 2005, after completing her law degree in Strasbourg, France.

'My first impressions of Sydney were not too good. I had a very unpleasant experience with the backpackers I was staying at, and had a hard time finding a job as an au pair. Finally it all worked out well.

'Sydney is an amazing city, it has a lot to offer and there are a million things to do, especially in summer. This is such a multicultural society, with some common threads - people are generally easy going, friendly and relaxed.

'Leading up to Christmas it was very tough to get into the right spirit - with the sun shining brightly and everybody in their beach attire! I've been away from my family before at this time of the year, so I guess the only 'obstacle' to getting into the Christmas spirit was the absence of snow. But I did manage to eventually surpass that with all the Christmas decorations in the city, the carols, putting up the Christmas tree at my house, going for the Christmas shopping. By the time Christmas came, I was in a Christmassy mood!

Like many Europeans, Adina celebrated Christmas Eve: 'I had a nice dinner with some friends, drank champagne and I also discovered the 'crackers' and wore the party hat. I thought it was really different, but at the same time I enjoyed that difference. It still felt like Christmas, especially the next day, when I opened the presents!

'I am really grateful for the opportunity to be here, and I already learnt so much from my experiences. Still, next Christmas I will probably be with my family in a very snowy scenery.

'I consider myself very lucky to be able to meet a lot of wonderful people who have something to offer and teach me. I am glad I can now say I've experienced the Aussie Christmas!'

--

Dina Zavrski-Makaric is a professional and personal development coach, mentor and facilitator. A member of the International Coach Federation and a business member of the Newcomers Network, Dina is also a host of the 'Welcome to Sydney' social events. Dina's articles have been published in The Emigrate Australia News UK, and on numerous global expatriate websites.

Information: www.challengingdirections.com
Contact: dina@challengingdirections.com.