Being on tour or away from home due to work can be a challenging experience for even the most seasoned of arts worker, but more so at this festive time of year when we usually spend it surrounded by loved ones. You might not get many days off to make the trip home, or maybe flights at this time are too pricey to justify the expense? So you find yourself in a foreign city and not sure how to recreate that normal festive cheer. As we approach the end of the year, I thought I would dedicate my final blog for 2022 to how you can manage the festive season while being away from loved ones and the creature comforts of home.
If you can’t be around the usual motley crew of friends and family at Christmas time, sometimes it’s helpful to turn to your other family - your show family. There’s a very good chance that you won’t be the only person facing the big day alone, and it’s at this time an Orphan’s Christmas might be organised. Get a group together for brunch in the park, or maybe a festive bevvie or two. Your show family is usually up for Secret Santa as you approach Christmas Day too, and if you’re working in a theatre, the traditional Dressing Room Christmas Door Comp can provide you with enough silliness to get you in the spirit.
Let’s face it. Company accomodation isn’t the most exciting place to live when away from home. Did someone say a thousand shades of beige? But it doesn’t take much to turn your bland abode into a festive treat. Hit up the local bargain stores or Hot Dollar shops and invest a few dollars into a tree or some decorations. If you prefer to be environmentally conscious, there are a plethora of craft ideas online to create something seasonal but biodegradable. At the end of the festive period, donate your decorations to charity so they don’t end up in landfill.
If you’re anything like me and love a Christmas chock full of yearly traditions, are there any you and your family enjoy that can be easily recreated while you’re away? Like watching Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve for example? What about a special meal you can recreate, like Nan’s trifle or a Christmas cocktail of Dad’s, or seafood for Christmas lunch that you can indulge in?
While you’re in a new city, why don’t you explore the local traditions and attractions to get you in the festive spirit? Sydney and Melbourne both have Christmas windows in Pitt St and Bourke St respectively. If in Sydney, check out the Christmas events in Darling Harbour, the Martin Place lights, or walk through the amazing displays in the QVB. If in Melbourne, what about the Fed Square display, the Christmas Carnival or the Christmas Roller Rink in Carlton? If in Brissie, check out the City Hall Lights, Brisbane City Christmas Tree or the Twilight Markets.
If all else fails, turn Christmas Day into a day of giving. There are various charities throughout Australia who are always in need of kindhearted individuals to give their time to make the life of someone less fortunate a little bit better. For more information on how you can help, check out https://christmasinaustralia.com.au/christmas-volunteering-opportunities/
And last but not least, modern technology affords us the ability to still share a drink, a bite and a laugh with loved ones via zoom. Although it might not be the same as having our loved ones in the flesh, it’s still an opportunity to connect and enjoy your day as best you can while away.
Centred Stage wishes everyone the most wonderful and joyous Christmas and New Year!
Centred Stage will be closed for the festive season, from the 16th of December and reopening on the 2nd of January, 2023.
And finally, a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported Centred Stage this year. It is deeply, deeply appreciated. See you in 2023!
Sophie x
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