New years day barbecue
Last year Kristin and I took advantage of the time off work around the holidays and high tailed it to New Zealand. With my office closed for 2 weeks, it seemed like a natural time to escape the grind of the city and capitalize on our proximity to such an amazing place. But this year we found ourselves in a different situation; having just been to New Zealand for vacation earlier in December and now living in a more relaxed, less urban beach suburb of Bronte (instead of inner city Potts Point), we thought we would stay closer to home and try something truly unique: an Australian Christmas.
If you never set foot in a mall in December, you would never know it was Christmas time in Sydney. The usual clues of thanksgiving, snow and long chilly nights are noticeably absent, replaced by long sunny days, ocean breezes, and talk of surfing and boxing day cricket matches.
Without the usual clues to frame the season, the Christmas/New Year holiday takes on a completely different character in Australia. Coinciding with school holidays (their summer break), the city virtually shuts down over the new year and it becomes much more quiet. Many people take a whole month off to go overseas to travel, or in the case of many expats (like us), to visit family in snowier places. But I would say the bulk of Australians stay closer to home. They lather their kids up with sunblock, strap the surf boards to the car, and drive along the coast to a campsite or holiday house they’ve rented for a week or two. The Christmas holiday here is about relaxing with friends and family, barbecuing, and playing in the water.
And that’s exactly what we did over our break.
Today marks the end of our two week holiday… our first (and last) Christmas in Australia. It included a few days in a quiet beach house with friends Jen and Michael over christmas, a couple days in Hunter Valley wine country, and a week back in Bronte (our beach suburb in Sydney) with swimming, surfing and entertaining.
New years eve
It also included a memorable New Years Eve party at our friends Russell and Geoffrey’s apartment, with high rise views of the $6million fireworks display over the city and harbour.
While neither of us are ones to set new years resolutions, we did take advantage of the time off to establish new routines; most notably our morning swims in the Bronte rock pool… one we both intend to continue after work starts tomorrow.
Click here for the best of our holiday in photos.
Happy new year to you all.
I love the fireworks photo. That’s an amazing shot and so much color for a night photo.
I sure could use an Australian Christmas right about now. It’s in the teens or below right now with little relief in sight. Do a few laps in the pool for me. I am way too busy hunkered down in the indoor heat right now.
I agree with Amy; I’m tired of winter already, and those beautiful surf and rock pool photo’s don’t help! Glad you have company and wonderful dinner parties. I also think the fireworks images were amazing.
Along with the excellent photo’s, thanks for the insightful description of the holiday season down there. You two are learning so much; sharing it is appreciated.
It was back to work today, after a big New Years weekend. I needed not one, but two naps to make it thru the day.
I just love your pictures – your life seems so laid back and beutiful except the bigg ass spider.
you guys are having a pretty good time there! are you sure you want to leave?
The party scenes look festive and fun. It looks like you two have many friends. What a special part of your life this time in Australia has become.
I always love the beach and vineyard sceneries, but the fireworks pictures are spectacular because of the city skyline and your very good camera.
It will be fun to have you do slide shows with more detailed commentaries when you are back with us.
You are doing a great job journaling and picturing your eventful times in that far off, sun drenched land!
Great fun to look back at all the good times we’ve had. I don’t know what Michael and I are going to do when you both leave. Cloning perhaps?
this is a year old little bro – time to start the newlywed blog!
yeah where is Kristin & Galen this Christmas – never hear about them?!