How to have an Aussie Christmas overseas!

No matter where you are and how you celebrate, from the RAID team we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

If you’re spending Christmas overseas this year, here are a few tips to help you celebrate the holiday season in “Australian” style!

1. Food

If there’s one thing that’s truly Australian, it’s trying to cook a turkey and roast vegetables on a 40˚C day! If you’re anywhere in the tropics, skip this northern hemisphere tradition and go for seafood. Not only is sourcing a turkey near impossible, but local seafood is likely to be a lot tastier!

2. The tree

The tackier the better! In Australia, my family’s Christmas tree always wilts and half the decorations fall off and when I was in Indonesia my Christmas tree was plastic with branches that flashed like disco lights. So, findyourself a pre-made plastic gem or make up some of those paper chains that you learnt to make in kindergarten!

Plans vs. reality! My friend’s Christmas tree (left) compared to my family’s one (right)!  

 3. Gifts

The joke about ‘jocks and socks’ is more often true than not, as that’s only gift I’ve ever received when overseas for Christmas (thanks Mum!). If you’re after something special stick to local arts and crafts or treat yourself to a holiday at a local destination.

 4. Weather

Hot, hot, hot! If you’re in the tropics, then you’ve probably got this one covered! 

5. Carols

Denis Walter singing at Carols by Candlelight, a Christmas Eve institution you can access overseas thanks to YouTube! So, set up your laptop on Christmas Eve for a sing along with your local friends!

Denis Walter singing Carols by Candlelight (source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHeTGx69Vak)

6. Clothing

Thongs and a santa hat are not only weather appropriate but they’ll put you in the festive spirit as you join in the dress code of Aussies at beaches around Australia.  

7. Entertainment

Feeling a bit weary after your Christmas day celebrations? Then there’s sure to be a bar or venue nearby on Boxing Day that has the cricket on TV. Whether you’re a cricket fan or not, it’ll probably be a cool and relaxing spot to spend the day.

Boxing Day cricket at the MCG after I returned home from Indonesia

No matter where you are and how you celebrate, from the RAID team we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!