Toronto to Melbourne: Merry Christmas from Melbourne

Far from snowy Toronto where families spent the holiday's sipping on hot chocolate and bundled up in knits and wool, Christmas came to Melbourne and we celebrated in typical Aussie fashion: with beers on the beach in 38 degree heat.

For me, this Christmas included two firsts: my first away from home, and my first in a warm climate! As Melbourne enjoyed the hottest Christmas day in 18 years, my cool Canadian heart was required to trade in my boots for flip flops and my cozy sweaters in favour of a bikini. During the days and weeks leading up to the 25th there were times when I struggled to get into the holiday spirit. Without the chilly temps and festive snow, it felt like we were far away from the usual Christmas feeling. But, having my parents and brother here for a visit helped to get me into a more festive mood.

Christmas eve was spent with family and friends, playing board games, watching movies, and trading laughs over beers and spirits as we gathered together at a friend's apartment and cheered when midnight came. Although my parents had to fly out on Christmas day (and landed home on Christmas Day, too) I'm glad they got to experience the unique traditions associated with Christmas down under.

Christmas morning was for sleeping in, before sharing brunch and trading gifts among friends. My brother and his girlfriend Sara were still in Melbourne, which helped make the day feel more special. By the time 3 'o clock rolled around, we roused ourselves from our relaxing mimosa-induced slumber and headed to the beach!

St. Kilda Beach was overrun with travelers, backpackers, and families, who soaked up the sun in earnest and enjoyed each others collective company in the afternoon heat. It was too hot to suntan, so our group sat, swam and floated in the shallows with beer in hand until the sun finally set over Port Phillip Bay, ushering in a much needed relief from the heat.

Suntanned, salty, and covered in sunscreen (SPF 50 - don't worry Mom!) we all retreated home briefly to shower, before continuing our Christmas celebration at our favourite pub into the early hours of the morning.

In the end, Christmas came and went without a drop of snow or reindeer in sight. All in our group of travelers agreed that although we were happy to celebrate the holiday, the big day didn't quite feel the same. Having said that, it was without a doubt the most fun Christmas I've ever had, and I will look back fondly on this years celebration with a smile for many years to come.