It's Thursday

Being an antipodean, I'm often saddened by the knowledge that Christmas in the northern hemisphere is cold and framed in tiny daylight hours. My birthday in the north is cold as well, which I dance a jig to a month earlier.

Having been born at such a time of year I've recently wondered how Sagittarians born in the north got such a reputation as free and independent beings. Being a naturally born spring child, it feels like it makes much more sense; the free spirited adventurer.

Here in Germany, I'm reduced to hoping for a little sunshine and not to be up to my ears in wool (unless it's from Aussie sheep, and then it all starts to make more sense) or synthetic (recycled plastic bottles anyone?).

Do I sound nostalgic? A little. This time of year does that to me.

It isn't just the seasons that turn me upside down (which sneakily raises the question of which side is up, but I'll try not to mention that Australia is the oldest land mass); it's the whole traditions that surround this time of year. I can live with the gluhwein and cosy corners, but to be wrapped into a sanitised, traditionalised Christmas that reeks with consumerism makes me a little crazy.

Don't get me wrong. Australia has its own horrifying version, but at least you can escape outdoors. You could escape Christmas completely by getting lost in some remote outpost that is unreachable by phone, fax or courier pigeon.

Tradition is something Australians are free of and enamoured by, all at the same time. For a young nation, we have dedicated time and energy into creating myths and stories to create a sense of who we are and what we stand for. Nevertheless, like all true young nations, there is still much room for growth and expansion and this is the part that I miss.

Germany is filled with tradition and in that, one can feel content, meaningful and settled. For a Sagittarian, this can also spell danger.

So, it's Thursday, and I'm getting ready for the months ahead. Grateful for a warm home, food on the table and love. But I’m also planning my escape back home for Christmas 2011. I need open skies, BBQs and Christmas cards with Santa on a surf board. Then all will be well with the world.