I don’t know about you, but I have been busy soaking fruit and cooking Christmas cake and pudding. Making lists of all that is needed and making sure when Christmas Day arrives it will be fun for all, and mostly stress-free! In true Australian style, we have prawns and mango, then the inner Brit comes out and we indulge in roast turkey, ham, roast vegetables, salads and silly hats, with even sillier jokes! The kids all hop in and out of the pool and play cricket on the lawn.

I’ve been thinking about how very different our Christmas is to many around the world. At this time of year in Europe, the Christmas markets are on, the air smells of gluhwein (mulled wine), there is a buzz in the air with the anticipation of what is to come. You stand around roasting chestnuts in open fires, and cook up a feast. North America too, is focused on keeping warm and indoors. Everyone is dressed in jumpers, hats, scarves and gloves – there may be a sprinkling of snow outside. The traditions have been passed down through the generations for hundreds of years. The last cold Christmas I had was in Brittany, France... True to form, the days were short, the wind was blowing, the fires were alight in the hearth and we all ate and drank far too much! Such a time for indulgence.

A cold Christmas is certainly different to our Aussie barbeque and the beach. With our wonderful multi-cultural diversity, many of us don’t celebrate Christmas but rather enjoy a mid-summer break. Whatever our feelings about the festive season we seem to have fun and exchange gifts of joy and love. I particularly enjoy the rituals my family have embraced over the years – mainly down time with friends, opening our house and playing a few games. What do you do for Christmas?

A number of people head away for a holiday – some to catch up with friends and family and others to escape to new places. Giving the gift of travel is also popular and we have a number of clients who purchase travel gift vouchers and others who book a surprise trip for loved ones.

Talking about rituals and celebrations, this week is Black Friday… What’s that I hear a lot of you ask? Another US tradition is Thanksgiving (their annual equivalent to Australia Day), which is always held on the last Thursday in November. The Friday after Thanksgiving has become Black Friday, and this is when all the traders have their busiest sales, and shoppers can find amazing offers. Australia seems to have adopted this – any excuse for a special offer! So, if you are looking for an amazing holiday special, this is the week to lock something in for travel next year or beyond.

I just booked some people on a two-for-one special to Antarctica!

Contact Travelling Places for information
P: 07 5545 1600
E: travel@travellingplaces.com.au

Join us for a FREE TRAVEL EXPO
Friday 2 Dec from 2 to 5pm

2.00pm Regent Seven Seas – luxury all-inclusive small ship cruises

2.30pm Insight and Trafalgar – sister companies that offer wonderful touring options worldwide

3.00pm Aurora Expeditions – Australia’s own expedition company specialising in the polar regions

3.30pm Collette – travel the globe with this established touring company

4.00pm Uniworld – luxury all-inclusive river cruises

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