Each year thousands of people leave Northern Ireland to start a life somewhere new.
But as the saying goes, there’s no place like home - especially at Christmas.
The Irish News spoke to some Northern Irish natives living abroad on what they miss most about the festive season across the Emerald Isle.
Tyler Ross from Portrush urgently appealed for the festive staple Shloer to be delivered as he celebrates Christmas Day in Australia.
“As I sit here in the Australian summer, surrounded by palm trees and sunshine, my heart craves the magical Christmases of my childhood in Ireland,” he said.
“I miss the twinkling lights of my walks up the west Strand beach, getting battered by the winds around Ramore head, the warmth of a fire in my mum’s house on a cold winter’s night, and sipping a well-poured pint of Guinness in the SpringHill bar listening to trad sessions.
“Most of all, I miss sharing the holiday with my loved ones, surrounded by the familiar traditions and warmth of a proper Irish Christmas. Until I can return home for the holidays, I’ll hold onto the memories of Christmases past and cherish the spirit of the season, no matter where I am in the world.
“And ma, if you’re reading this, send Shloer!”
40-year-old Jacqueline Bell moved from Belfast to Toronto in 2018.
She has decided to ditch the snow-covered Canadian city for the sandy beaches of Miami with her partner George this Christmas - but admits she will miss her mum’s famous stuffing.
“I am usually happy to spend Christmas Day in the snow and minus-degree weather, but this year we decided to treat ourselves to a little sun,” she explained.
“We are planning a lot of the usual activities for this time of year in the run-up to the big day – Christmas markets, festive films, time with friends - but on Christmas morning we will be flying to the east coast of Florida.
“The plan is to spend five days in the sun, enjoying the beach, hiking, eating and maybe a day trip to the Everglades.
“I’ve never had a sunshine Christmas before so I’m looking forward to it, although there is plenty I do miss about Christmas in Northern Ireland – namely decent selection boxes, Christmas TV and my mum’s stuffing."
Belfast couple Niall Quinn, 31, and Meadbh Murphy, 29, spent two years in New Zealand before moving to Australia in 2020.
Speaking to the Irish News from Cairns in Queensland, Meadbh said they are still adjusting to Christmas in the sun.
“Being on the beach in 30-degree weather with a Santa hat and a bikini is the strangest feeling,” she said.
“Some nights we will stick the Christmas tree on, get the blankets out and turn the icon down to 18 degrees to make it feel more normal.
“Aussies are a lot more laid back about the whole holiday. As much as I miss the hustle and bustle of Belfast city at Christmas time, it’s a lot less stressful with even gift giving being second to a good BBQ.
“The thing I miss the most is being around family on Christmas Day and sharing a few mimosas with my mum. Of course, you can’t beat a good Guinness at the pub while you belt out the hit song ‘Fairytale of New York’ with a load of people you never met before.”
Niall said his mum’s Christmas wish is for them to come home, but he’s adamant he won’t swap the sandy beaches for Christmas in the cold anytime soon.
“As a chef I work Christmas Day, but don’t feel too bad for me because once I finish at 4pm I’ll be heading straight for the beach for a BBQ with a lot more seafood than turkey,” he laughed.
“What I miss most is catching up with family as we all gather at Granny’s on Christmas Day.
“Being off work and having the day to eat, drink and relax with loved ones at home is definitely the best part.”
