December is my second favourite after September (fall+bday month). I love how everything turns Christmas-ey this time around. The experience is more accurate here in Australia, where no other holiday could even come as close, compared to the potluck culture in Singapore.
Another highlight of this month is Christmas, which means Christmas tree (up since the first day of December), Christmas events, office Christmas and Secret Santa, or Kris Kringle here in Australia. We also have been attending either Christmas dinner or party every weekend since the beginning of the month.
So, all in all, December/Christmas rocks!
Except maybe for the delayed deliveries due to the peak shopping season. I intended to send Christmas cards to my beloved ones and blogger friends from all over the world; unfortunately, I only received the order couple of days ago 🙁 So, guys, some of you will get a very belated Merry Christmas from Melbourne next year.
Still, about postage, I thought I left my philatelic soul back in Indonesia when I chose to leave the stamp collection behind. Temporarily. But I couldn’t resist seeing the appropriately themed Christmas Island-Australia Christmas edition stamp when I stepped into the post office today to collect the glittery gingerbread man Christmas ornament I ordered online.
Work has been the most pleasant this month since people are already in the holiday mood. Also, it’s just three workweeks with the last one without the bosses who went on an early holiday. So the past week had been pure bliss at work. Starbucks stop in the morning for the delicious Toffee Nut Latte, long hour lunches, mid-workday errand running, a glass of wine, and going back on the dot. I needed this wind down at workweek so severely, and I thank the Universe for giving it to us.
Last Friday night, we attended Fafa’s office Christmas party. The theme was Havana, which I kept pronouncing as Havaianas (like the sandals) by mistake. At first, I planned to wear something pre-owned, you know, being born again minimalist and all. But while helping Fafa shop for his outfit, I got an adorable, totally re-wearable-to-many-occasions-in-the-future, flowery dress from Dangerfield. It turned out to be a super fun Christmas party. His colleagues were friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was finger-ey and delicious. We ate, talked, drank and finally started dancing. I even danced with the party costume winner, the pineapple lady. We finally went home by midnight and immediately passed out on the couch. So much for being young professionals, eh?
So what’s your office Christmas party’s theme this year?
December is also our anniversary. So I got Fafa a weekend bag for Christmas and a photo album for our anniversary. Meanwhile, I got a generous-sized Miaw teacup from him, which I like. But it also means I must donate my current teacups (the minimalist one-in-one-out rule).
More This and That…
Today marks my 9th month in Melbourne (though I am not technically there). I have been in Melbourne for 3/4 years!
A Brazilian TV show called 3%, which I finished in two nights and rediscovered the joy of board games. It started when I told Liz I would bring a board game instead of a cooked meal to her hot pot Christmas dinner (it was delicious, FYI). That early commitment puts me in a board game store in Melbourne called Mind Games, surrounded by hundreds of types of board games. I asked the store guy for help, and he showed me a few good ones. Ultimately, I settled for Sushi Go because the box was so cute, and up to 8 people could play it, the exact number of people attending the dinner. Sushi Go was a hit that night, so I am trying to incorporate it into my life. Do you think people would be interested in board game night, or is it just reversed for young people?
Lastly, I know I am on my first day of vacation, and it’s not even midday, but I feel a strong need to do comprehensive research for next year’s agenda. Ugh! This need is fueled by Che, who has been sending me planner options, such as Bando, Kikki.K, and InkVolt, for a week now so we can decide together, like how we did last year when we chose Passion Planner. Che, I blame you for this! Btw, how about you guys? Do you use a planner that you would recommend? Che and I are desperate for the “it” planner.
Once again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you! Don’t forget to share your recommended board games and planners with me. I am looking forward to Christmas-themed everything, including setting up our Christmas tree!
Time Machine
Read more about last year’s happenings.
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