The Christmas Orphan 🎄

Merry Christmas everyone!!! I thought while it is Christmas, what better time to write my blog about, well Christmas. First of all I hope you have all had a fabulous day, ate lots of yummy food, that Santa came (only to those who haven’t been naughty this year); and have a happy new year and good luck for 2018.

My dog Mia getting into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas to me felt a little weird this year. Why, you ask? Well it was my first Christmas alone without my family, not only that I was too sick to meet up with some other Christmas orphans here in Edinburgh. So I spent most of my day in bed. But not to worry. Upcoming to Christmas I still got in the spirit and visited not one but two German Christmas Markets. One here in Edinburgh and one in Birmingham.

These markets are pretty spectacular (better than any I’ve seen in Australia, my home country, Sorry Australia I still love you). Mind you they definitely make me want to take a trip to Germany next Christmas just to see the original markets. Who’s coming?

My favourite part about both of these markets is, no not the cold, but how decorative the stands/buildings are. Many of the buildings had Christmas displays and lights on them and if that didn’t put you in the mood, Christmas music was playing in the background. There were a lot of German food options to snack on and my favourite, the colourful German houses which I’m dying to go see in real life. Here are some photos below.

Birmingham Markets

Birmingham Markets

Birmingham Markets

Edinburgh Markets

Edinburgh Markets

So which market did I like the best? Well the Birmingham one was a lot bigger and had more decorations and stores, however as an adrenaline junkie, the Edinburgh one tops the list as it had a few thrill rides for the older children (ie me) and a whole area designated for rides for children under ten. The location prize by far goes to Edinburgh, while I won’t give anything away (as I will be writing a blog on Edinburgh) seeing the market against the ‘Old Town’ Edinburgh is definitely a site to see.

Edinburgh Markets

Edinburgh Markets

Lastly, as I have travelled much of the UK these last two months, I did enjoy the many small Christmas displays that the small towns and villages did. Unfortunately I didn’t manage to get many photos of these but here are a few below.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

A quaint little town in the Scottish Highlands

One of the biggest differences between having Christmas in the UK and Christmas in Australia is... yep you guessed it, the weather. I must admit although I am having an amazing time over here, I do miss the weather. When I first got here I sometimes forgot it was cold outside and sometimes went to go outside in a t shirt and thin pants! ‘Face palm’.

My first cold Christmas

Ok it was really cold

So how do I usually spend my Christmases? With family of course. The majority are spent in either Sydney, Wollongong, Brisbane or the Gold Coast, depending on which family member is hosting. Sometimes they are large gatherings, sometimes not as partners need to have Christmas with their families as well. Below are a few photos of Christmas back home in Australia.

My parent’s house, Gold Coast, 2016

Aunt’s house, Sydney, 2014

Parent’s house, Gold Coast, 2015

Aunt’s house, Sydney, 2013

So, you still ask what are my thoughts on Edinburgh and Birmingham alone? Well you are just going to have to wait for my Edinburgh and Birmingham post, so keep your eyes peeled. To finish off, below are some photos of my family at Christmas time. Enjoy.

Aunt’s house, Sydney, 2014

Parent’s house, Gold Coast, 2016

My brother and I, Sydney, 2014

My brother, sister and I, Gold Coast, 2016