And just like that, it’s Christmas.
A year ago, I was in the snowy mountains of Austria, in Saalbach. A year ago, I surprised my family at home for Christmas. Now, that feels a bit more difficult to do — not impossible, just very far away. It’s not my first time being away from home during the holidays.
It is my first time, though, celebrating Christmas in summer dresses and thirty-degree weather.
You can probably imagine how much of a Christmas mood I’m really in. Because it’s summer where I am, it feels like June or July — a long, long way away from Christmas. And yet, everywhere I go there’s “Last Christmas” playing through the speakers, and people have decorated their houses with lights, reindeers, and inflatable Santas — surfing or riding beach buggies.
It’s weird, I’m not going to lie. Sometimes it feels like a bad joke. From what I can say so far, the Christmas season is just not the same when it‘s not dark at 4.30 in the afternoon, cold temperatures and a slight chance of snow. But then again, that‘s not what it is all about, isn‘t it? It‘s about the people you spend it with. Well, it‘s not going to be my family this year…
Anyway… Betty and I are doing great. So great, actually, that we decided to take Matteo on the road with us. How good is it to have him here for a bit? It’s awesome — it feels exactly like old times. The rooftop tent is holding up really well: easy to set up, easy to fold down, and plenty of room for two people to share.
My first camping trip was a solo one, just a little south to Patonga and Pearl Beach. It was so good to be out and about again — on the road, living that simple camping life. Enjoying sunsets and sunrises, bushwalks and swims, and not needing much more than that.
Matteo and I also enjoyed a weekend away in Nelson Bay. A lovely area with beautiful beaches. It was just a tiny bit smoky, though — because, well, it’s summer, it’s hot, and bushfire season has started.
We also checked out a koala sanctuary, which was really interesting. Now we actually know what to look for when trying to spot them high up in the trees. They’re nocturnal, though, which makes it a lot harder to find them during the day.
It’s definitely nicer to explore, camp, and travel with someone else — someone you can share all those experiences with. Matteo and I might have another camping trip planned around the start of January, before he leaves again. I’ll keep you updated on that.
Last weekend, I went to a Christmas market with Willow. They even had a stand selling mulled wine — but nobody was there. It was kind of sad to see. It felt a bit out of place.
When I think of Christmas, I think of snow, warm drinks by the fireplace, and board games with the family. I don’t think of cocktails and the beach. This isn’t meant to sound like complaining — it’s just… different.
On the same day, I reunited with the girls from Café Fred for Michelle’s fiftieth birthday party. That was a really fun afternoon. It was so nice to see everyone again and properly catch up.
I also went snorkelling again with the Wholesome Adventure Club, which is based around the Central Coast and hosts these kinds of events once a month for women of all ages. Usually it’s snorkelling, snacks, and chats — pretty wholesome, just like the name suggests. It’s also a really nice way to meet new people and make connections.
Otherwise, not too much has been happening. Work is still going great. The Rumbels haven’t thrown me out yet. And I’m not tired of the beach — and honestly, I don’t think I ever will be. I’ve been busy with Christmas shopping and still fixing up the truck for camping bit by bit. With every weekend away, I notice what’s missing or what could be improved. But really, it’s already pretty perfect the way it is. There are bits and pieces, but all in good time. I’ve added a small video below that shows part of the process of getting Betty to where she is now. As you can see eye, ear and hand protection is of utmost priority to me, not so much when it comes to my feet – haha. I‘ll blame the hot weather down here.
The dates are slowly getting closer to when some of my favourite people in the world will come to visit me — Mama and Papa. I can’t wait to show them around and explore a little together. Two months to go, and I’ll be picking them up from the airport in Sydney.
For now, I’m incredibly grateful to have found a family away from home with the Rumbels, and I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas a little differently this year — but surrounded by lovely people.
I already got my Christmas present as well: about three weeks ago, a package from the motherland arrived, filled with goodies like salami and other treats that tasted exactly like home.
All about weird Australian Christmas and New Year’s traditions in the next chapter. Until then, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones and a happy New Year!
marie louise travels 