Happy Chrissy (even if its a bit late)

When we first moved here we both wondered when we would get homesick. We figured it would happen around the holidays. So, I braced myself for thanksgiving, but we were both working and no one here celebrates t-giving (duh), so we didn't really have time to think about it. I've been much more homesick in the states not being with my family than I was here - since no one is with family you're reminded you aren't, if that makes sense.

We talked about leaving Sydney for Christmas for this very reason. Instead we opted to stay in Sydney and I have to say it was the best decision we made. Here is what our day looked like:

Everyone enjoys the sun and goes to the beach. On our bus to the beach (at 10 AM) there were two English bros rocking out to Bob Marley and drinking vodka slushies. #stralia

Started off at Coogee beach with the Pisca's 

It was a picture perfect day. And I got to Skype with my mom from the beach :)

Everyone was in santa hats and red 

People set up with their Christmas trees on the beach

In true Australian fashion Christmas is actually just a drinking event. As you leave the beach and walk up to the grass you see where the real parties are. This was about 11:30 and people were going hard already. This takes planning because EVERYTHING is closed on Chrissy - I mean everything, you can barely even get a coffee. And that goes for Boxing Day, the day after Chrissy as well.

These guys were crossing the street to get to their party with all the important things, cases of beer, propane and a BBQ....no shoes, no shirt, santa hat, check.

Then we heeded to the Dean's for a proper family Christmas celebration. We ate dinner outside, thats right, Christmas outside!

The Chrissy spread - seafood on seafood! 

No Christmas celebration is complete without poppers 

The table aftermath 

Then we transitioned to the backyard, where we played some games and continued generating with sparkling red wine. The Australians were outnumbered out there - only 2 of 8. So we had an American country sing along. It was great fun!

The "kids"

Fun with Lollies aka candy 

Love these guys! Wine teeth much?

As always, thanks Oscar & Jules and their families for welcoming us into their homes and making us feel right at home in Australia! And I can't forget that Greg had an Australian Quiz prepared for all the Americans, which was awesome!