Christmas in Sydney
For my first Christmas away from home, spending it in Australia was strange and exciting in so many ways. It was the first time I’ve spent December in the sun, and despite starting my Christmas shopping early (in October…), Sunday afternoons making finger painted Christmas cards, and a night of enforced fun putting up an artificial tree and untangling lights, and I can’t say it ever properly felt like Christmas. The constant sunshine and heat won, and having mango croissants for Christmas Day breakfast was just too new and confusing. That said, it was a blast. I was very lucky to be taken in by my boyfriend’s fantastic family, with the drama of slow cooking joints of meat on the barbie, the Doctor Who present for his sister that he’d said she’d “freak out” over (Me: Freak out in a good way right? Him: Yeah, in a good way. Her: Actually terrified of it! Me: Oh gawd!) and the discussions of whether this year was warm enough to try out the pool (the answer being yes of course)! Thankfully, their kindness and the bustle of so many people meant I barely had a chance to miss home (bringing its own mixture of guilty feelings).
So having thoroughly enjoyed my first Christmas in Oz, I thought I’d share a couple of experiences in case you’re looking to make yours go more smoothly:
Post international presents early! Apparently the first week of December wasn’t early enough to get a 2kg package (posted with AusPost) through UK customs and to my family. Nobody thought to mention my complete failure as a loving daughter and sister though, so I only discovered this on the 29th, when a message arrived thanking me for all the lovely presents that had just been delivered.
The parcel had been held up at Customs as Import VAT was due and had to be paid by my mother. For rules regarding gifts and goods, see Notice 143 from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs. In a nutshell, any items (except alcohol and cigarettes) are classed as “goods”, whether they’re new, used, sent as gifts, for personal use, or for re-sale. If they have a combined value of up to £15 (about A$30), you don’t have to pay Import VAT or Customs Duty. If they cost £15.01 - £135, you have to pay Import VAT. If they are valued over £135, the importer (or recipient) has to pay both Import Tax and Customs Duty. (Check the HMRC site for up to date information).
Ways to get that Christmassy feeling Head to the Strand Arcade and Queen Victoria Building on George Street. Climb up to the higher floors or take the beautiful wood-panelled lifts, and enjoy the plush carpeted arcades and twinkly lights of a magical Victorian Christmas. The tree that takes centre stage at the QVB is an impressive concoction, absolutely filling the space and towering high up to the domed ceiling, there’s something to it that inspires child-like awe and excitement. I recommend enjoying a hot chocolate at one of the many cafes scattered along the QVB second floor, and peering through the railings to people-watch the Christmas shopping hubbub below. Then step back outside into baking sunlight and be bewildered!
If you're on your own for Christmas Day Look out for free events around town. A friend staying in Melbourne found a fantastic free breakfast and film screening in Federation Square. In Sydney, Taronga Zoo opens its doors on December 25th, or head to one of the beautiful beaches to make the most of that sunshine.
