There will be no White Christmas for some Cumbrians
It’s getting cold and dark here but in Australia it’s the opposite, the days are getting warmer and summer is on it’s way. What do folk do on Christmas day when it’s over 30 degrees? A roast seems excessive so we decided to check in with a few Cumbrians who’ve made the move and will be spending the festive season down under.
Sally Mitchell
Sally moved from Holmrook to Adelaide in 2002. She often thinks of life back home at Christmas. “My thoughts turn a lot to my sisters celebrating in the Lakes. I used to love getting rugged up and mooching round Cockermouth or Carlisle and looking at the lights and the shop decorations. Going up the fell to choose a Christmas tree is also something I miss.”
A few years ago an Australian family welcomed Sally and her boys into their home to share Christmas with them. They eat out in the sunshine and the children play in the pool. It’s not a very old tradition but it’s one Sally has come to love.
Colin Noble
Colin moved to Australia from Aspatria in 2011 and now calls the Sunshine Coast home. Christmas will be spent at home in North Brisbane with family who are visiting. It’s not quite the same admits Colin. “Christmas eve is normally a seafood feast spent outside in the garden relaxing. Prawns, oysters and calamari are usually on the menu and a few cheeky white wines or XXXX. It still feels weird with the temperature anywhere from 30 to 45. For Christmas lunch (that’s a bit of local lingo he’s picked up) there is always a cooked ham, roast pork and turkey with all the trimmings. Pigs in blankets are welcome in Australia too.” Boxing day will be a 4WD adventure on Bribie Island.
Laura Elliot
Laura and her family moved to the Sunshine Coast last year from Moor Row. It’s their second winter away from home and still feels strange. “As much as we love the all year round sun, it doesn’t feel much like Christmas at the minute as the temperature is creeping up. Last year we were at the beach and it will be the same again this year. We are looking forward to it although it’s not the same.”
Laura thinks in Australia there are so many things to be doing outside that Christmas takes a backseat. “I miss putting the fire on and burning my yankee candles unlike the citronella candles I use here to keep mosquitos away.”
Roger Harrison
Roger grew up near Maryport and travelled a lot before finally settling down in a small town called Capel which is just North of Margaret River in Western Australia.
“Down this side of the world it doesn’t feel all that festive. I still think it should be cold but it is nice to celebrate by hitting the beach and not rugged up in front of a fireplace.”
Roger will be spend the day relaxing with his fiance and a couple of other Cumbrians that have moved to town. It might not be the same but Christmas dinner will be a BBQ and a few beers in the backyard.
