Christmas in Australia

Our Christmas in Australia this year was certainly very different to Christmas in the UK last year.

Last year we hung the stockings on the mantlepiece for the children and snuggled up under our duvets. We awoke to frost on the windows and snow on the Downs.

This year, it was a santa pillow case on the lounge chair whilst we slept under ceiling fants with even the sheets pushed aside. We awoke to the sounds of kookaburras and feel of sunshine.

If you grew up in a climate where it was snowy at Christmas, an Australian Christmas may feel rather strange. Enjoy the novelty, but prepare yourself and your family for the differences.

Here's some tips to enjoy a hot Christmas in Australia:

• Build new traditions that embrace the advantages of a sunny festive season such as watching the sun set (or rise if you're keen) from the beach.
• Incorporate some Aussie summer foods into your Christmas meal. Check out these ideas.
• Many Australians that celebrate Christmas will have a hot meal Christmas Eve and then cold left overs on Christmas Day to avoid putting the ovens on and heating up the house.
• Phone loved ones in your home country and rejoice over the different experiences you are having. We managed to get Skype working for some great video calls on the day.

If you have any suggestions for making the most of Christmas in Australia please share them here by commenting below.