My Aussie Christmas

It’s a week to Christmas and two days before I fly to Sydney and I have yet to clear my desk. There’s a book I agreed to update, magazine articles to edit, a terminal report that isn’t quite complete, and a major paper I must begin to research on. But all I can think of is packing my bags for my annual Australian Christmas. It is summer Down Under, but like Manila, the homes and shops are decorated with snowmen and holly. It has been my kind of Christmas for a decade now.

In the little time I have left before I fly, I must shop for as many presents as I can because everything is more expensive in Sydney. More than presents, I am so looking forward to being with my three growing grandchildren, and Jack, their black Labrador, in a cozy house in the suburbs that has become too small for the entire family when all of us are present during the holidays. Besides last minute shopping, we will be cooking and baking, and, if we can get the kids to put down their digital gadgets, playing board games. On Christmas Day, we’re all scheduled to sing with the choir at Mass, host a couple of homeless children for lunch, and party at my brother’s house in the evening.

In anticipation of Christmas Eve and perhaps to be sure no one receives a white elephant, my daughter has created a private family Christmas wish list on Facebook where we are encouraged to list our preferred presents. Predictably, the boys, both in their teens, have listed games and other techie stuff I don’t recognize. I tried to do the math on the boys’ esoteric wishes and wondered if someone who is already paying for her airfare to be with them is still expected to shell out for the expensive presents they have listed down. Mercifully, my daughter clarified, the list is just a suggestion; there is no guarantee that what is written will be given.

It is easier finding presents for Maya, who at five years old still has simple needs and is easy to please. There is only one caveat: Monica has asked us not to get her presents with small parts that tend to scatter and get into small spaces all over the house. 

Our gift giving is not one way. The boys are reportedly getting stressed trying to make their small allowances fit to buy presents for everyone. I can’t wait to see what gift teenage boys will find suitable for their grandmother. From Maya, who likes creating with paper, scissors, pentel pens and sticky tape, I expect an endless stream of greeting cards and colorful artwork.

I fear having to choose presents for my two daughters who, even when they were children, preferred to choose their own clothes, and do their own thing. Although they have listed down their preferences, I am not sure they will approve of my taste. I will have to consult each one on what to give the other.

Off-hand, I couldn’t think of what I want for Christmas. All I really look forward to is the joy of being in one place with my entire family. At my age, I can’t think of accumulating more material things. But not wanting to end up empty-handed, I thought deep and hard until I settled on something that I can carry with me for a long time. I chose a road trip to a quiet beach or mountain retreat, overnight, if possible. I want quality family time away from the suburbs, shopping malls, laptops and PS4 games. It would be better if there was no wifi so we can actually do things together such as have real conversations, play word games in the car, take long walks, explore, swim, sing, or just watch the sunset in silent awe.

Before you think Christmas in my family is all about presents, every Christmas the grandkids are part of a young people’s choir that performs at Mass and goes caroling to raise funds for their chosen charities. Two years ago, their fundraising went to victims of typhoon Yolanda — to buy tables and chairs and library books and school supplies for two schools in Leyte. Last year, they bought a chalice and Mass wine for their parish church. This year, they’re raising funds for refugees.

I’m all set for my Aussie Christmas, but I have one last concern: How early should  I leave my house for the drive to the airport five days before Christmas? Things are never simple here, especially during the holidays. I can’t wait to leave the traffic and Manila’s other aggravations behind.