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| A White-Hot Christmas | ||||||
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If you're doing business in Sydney during the yuletide season - or even staying through the holidays - slap on some sun block and experience a merry and sunny Christmas. by Leela Jesudason on't think Currier & Ives or Normal Rockwell. The yuletide season in Sydney isn't about sleigh rides and snowball fights. Christmas down under, after all, comes less than a week after the longest day of the year, at the peak of the Australian summer. So instead of long, cold nights, the holidays mean long, warm days with people frolicking on the beach, chatting at outdoor barbecues or picnicking in the park.
While there is no such thing as a "typical" Australian Christmas, you should know what to expect in case your business trip to Sydney spills over into the holidays. Leave your mittens at home, but pack the sun block. As is the norm in corporate circles in other countries that celebrate Christmas, festive dinners and parties are commonplace - and everyone in the office joins in the activities. The most popular way to ring in the holiday season is a hearty meal for the employees and (usually) their spouses, along with lots of beer and excellent Australian wine. Companies that have done well financially often plan little treats along with the meal that take advantage of the wonderful weather, such as dinner on a cruise ship that leisurely makes its way around the scenic Sydney Harbor at sunset. It's perfect during the summer when the sun sinks over the horizon at about 8 p.m. A night out at a popular cabaret, concert passes or a lavish barbecue are other normal expressions of unity during the season. Some businesses get even more creative. The management of one male-dominated company arranged for its employees to have an afternoon of fun at the go-kart track, which was then followed with a big dinner. Hailed a success, the executives vowed to make it an annual tradition. Yet another firm hired well-known local entertainers to croon throughout dinner, sign autographs and pose for pictures. And the few karaoke bars in town are invariably booked during the holidays. While many people cringe at the idea of getting up in front of their colleagues and singing, some staffers relish the opportunity to belt out their favorite numbers.
Visiting Sydney in December? Your business partners or clients would be suitably impressed if you come bearing tidings of the season, especially since it isn't generally expected. It needn't be expensive or flamboyant. A tasteful bottle of wine or a box of chocolates wrapped in the unmistakable Christmas colors show that you respect the season and your hosts as they gear up for the holiday period. One Australian manager was deeply touched when his visiting client arranged for a case of very good wine to be delivered and distributed among the senior managers. A freight-forwarding company has been regularly giving its loyal customers a freshly cut pine tree from Europe to boost the Christmas spirit in the office. Since Christmas in Sydney is usually sunny and warm - and picnics on the beach, by the lake or by the river are common - be sure to bring along some casual outdoor clothes (including swimwear and a hat) in case you are invited to an office celebration. Australians love for the great outdoors comes to the fore during the summer months. New Year's Eve celebration also means donning casual shorts and T-shirts and watching the fireworks over at the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Attending a fancy dinner? Ditch the rented car and take a cab. The spirit of the season takes the form of relaxed inebriation, but police checks for drunk driving are stepped up substantially in these weeks and the penalties are stiff. So don't take any unnecessary chances. If you plan to bring your family with you, don't worry -- there are enough Christmas events lined up for the season to keep everyone happy. Massive stores dedicated to Christmas décor and gift items and street performances of children's choirs, bands, quartets and the like, are abundant throughout the city. Be sure to check out the activities at the Darling Harbor and the main shopping belt at George Street. And then slap on some sun block and experience a merry and sunny Christmas. | ||||||
