This Christmas was the first one that I had to spend away from home, family, and all the familiar faces. While there is nothing like the warm feeling of being back home for the holiday, I’m happy I didn’t completely miss all of our usual traditions which involved putting up the tree, catching up with friends & family, and lots of sugar cookies (more to be found here). This year, I was mentally prepared for a very (quite literally) Blue Christmas, but it turned out that every disappointment is a blessing in disguise indeed. I get to reunite with my best friend who’s home from Adelaide and spend Christmas at hers (my home away from home).

Living in Australia, it can be difficult to find that comfy-cosy feeling of the holidays. Hot chocolate? Too hot. Sledding? More like surfing. But throwing a funky pre-holiday potluck party, a Christmas family lunch (stuffed turkey included), and swapping Secret Santa pressies with friends seemed like a nice holiday hug for everyone and that’s exactly what we did.

While I was practically adopted for the holiday, I couldn’t be more blessed for all the friends and family that make Brisbane home. And while spending the holiday at home is still all so potently irreplaceable, it’s a lovely realisation that Christmas is not only where you find it; it’s what you make of it. Had myself a Merry little Christmas and I hope you did too! X.

Throwback to a potluck party at our place before everybody runs off for their holiday

Rare decent picture with the babyChristmas lunch with the Coopers

Chocolate pavlova with cream, raspberries, and strawberry compoteThe cutest organic essentials from my secret santaHome away from home