I'm Dreaming of an Off-White Christmas (Haiku for an Aussie Xmas)
John has been writing poetry since his school days. He was awarded "Poet of the Year 2014" Hubby Awards and has had two poems become songs.
www.watoday.com.au
Christmas in Australia
Many of my friends in the Northern Hemisphere cannot fathom what it's like to celebrate Christmas in the middle of Summer. Well, here in Australia that's exactly what we do. Sometimes, we do want to experience the feeling of a Winter Christmas in which case we may have a special "Christmas in July" celebration just for fun.
But, for many Aussie families a barbecue, game of cricket, and fun on the beach and the waves is part of Christmas. No such thing as making snowman (unless out of sand... and then that's a sandman anyway), snowball fights, tobogganing, skating on a frozen lake etc.
Anyway, to celebrate our Aussie Christmas and give everyone else a little taste of what it's like in the Land down Under at this time of year, here is a collection of haiku. I hope you enjoy.
The First Christmas
Wise Men travelled far
To seek the saviour boy-child
To a virgin born.
No Snowmen
In the Land Down Under
It is a Summer Christmas
No snowmen in sight.
Christmas in the Waves
The seaside beckons
Crowds flock to the coast
Christmas in the waves.
Summer Rain
Summertime is here
Passing Spring's colourful bloom
Welcome rains ahead.
John Hansen 2014
The Christmas Tree
Christmas approaches
Look for the perfect pine tree
Place a star on top.
Nature Comes Alive
Bright and warm the sun
Gone is Winter's chilly gloom
Nature comes alive.
My Perfect Christmas
The beer is on ice
The turkey is in the oven
My perfect Christmas.
Backyard Cricket
Backyard cricket match
Friends and family gather
Grandad hits a six.
Off-White Christmas
Is your Christmas white?
Have you ever felt the snow?
Never seen it here.
© 2014 John Hansen
Comments
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 06, 2019:
Thank you Tiyasha, glad you could relate to some aspects of our Christmas.
Tiyasha Maitra from Gurgaon on December 06, 2019:
Such a lovely collection John. A Christmas so different yet familiar in certain aspects. Enjoyed the read.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 04, 2019:
Thank you, Nithya. Wishing you a joyous one.
Nithya Venkat from Dubai on December 04, 2019:
Lovely haiku describing Christmas in Australia enjoyed reading.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 19, 2015:
Thank you Swalia, your comment is much appreciated.
Shaloo Walia from India on December 18, 2015:
Beautiful words celebrating the festive spirit!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 08, 2015:
Read enough of my hubs Bill and you'll be speaking Aussie like trooper before you know it. Could idea coming here (New Holland) for half the year and the other in New England. Our dollar is currently only worth about 73US cents, so your money will go further than you think...a few thousand should do it. I'm sure you will fit right in and be christened a "true blue fair dinkum" Aussie in just a couple of weeks. Glad you enjoyed this article and especially the Aussie 12 Days of Christmas.
Bill Russo from Cape Cod on December 08, 2015:
I love everything in this article John especially the Aussie 12 Days of Christmas and I only need a translator for about 20 per cent of it! How bout the flies? I believe I have learned many things from you including the fact that if I had enough money, I could have an endless summer by spending half a year in Australia and the remainder in New England! I am pretty sure I'm in - just as soon as I make a few thousand extra from Hubpages or somewhere.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 28, 2014:
Hey Linda, looks like Florida weather is similar to ours here. Glad you had a beautiful sunshiny Christmas.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 28, 2014:
Hi Dianna, thanks for reading. I hope you had a wonderful off-White Christmas there in Florida.
Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on December 28, 2014:
We had an Off-White Christmas in Orlando...a beautiful day filled with warm sunshine. Some Floridians complain about the weather not being cold enough for Christmas, but not me! :)
Dianna Mendez on December 28, 2014:
I certainly do live out your Christmas here in South Florida. The only snowmen are made of sand. Hope your Christmas was a good one (we had turkey also!).
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on December 27, 2014:
Hi Mary it sounds like Florida's climate must be similar to our own here. Yes, it is a cool Christmas tree. Hope you make it to Australia one day.
Mary Hyatt from Florida on December 27, 2014:
I love that Christmas tree! I'm so happy to live in S. Florida where we can go to the beach on Christmas day instead of making snowmen!!
Australia is on my bucket list for sure!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 29, 2014:
Thanks peachpurple, glad you enjoyed this.
peachy from Home Sweet Home on November 29, 2014:
beautiful pictures, fitted well with the words
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 26, 2014:
Exactly Lawrence, you manage to adapt if you have to.
Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on November 26, 2014:
I used to enjoy Christmas in winter but having a Barbie for Christmas is great. Though it does take some getting used to
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 26, 2014:
Thanks Chric, I imagine our Xmas would be quite a shock to anyone who has always had snow at that time. Have a good one.
Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on November 26, 2014:
Well John, last winter in my little hometown, we had over 220 inches of snow, and we're off to a good start already this year. Thanks for showing us what it's like in your part of the world. I can't even imagine a summer Christmas, but I'm sure it's just right for you. Happy holidays.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 26, 2014:
Thanks Harishprasad, glad you enjoyed this. It was fun to write and find the photos to suit. I appreciate the vote up and share too.
Harish Mamgain from New Delhi , India on November 26, 2014:
John, I got to know about Summer Christmas first time here in this beautiful hub. I loved reading all haiku poems. Photos are just wonderful. Enjoyed reading this fantastic hub, vibrating with great spirit of Christmas. Voted up and shared.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 25, 2014:
Hey Lawrence01, thanks for reading. The pohutukawa tree with built in candles, wow! We have a crepe myrtle (also known as NZ Christmas Tree) which gets pink or purple flowers at Christmas.
Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on November 25, 2014:
The pohutukawa tree (a kiwi native) is special at Christmas. It had it's own candles built in! great hub.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 24, 2014:
Thanks Jamie, I look forward to reading yours.
Jamie Lee Hamann from Reno NV on November 24, 2014:
Great fun Jodah. I love the idea of Holiday Haiku. I may give it a try myself.. Jamie
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 22, 2014:
Thanks for your kind comment Dana. It appears there are a lot of other hubbers who haven't experienced a white Christmas, but most places aren't as hot at that time of year as it is here. Hope you get to experience a white one sometime.
Dana Tate from LOS ANGELES on November 22, 2014:
Beautiful and colorful hub: Living in California I never had a white Christmas. I had a rainy Christmas or a cold Christmas but never a white one. That is my dream though it looks so beautiful on t.v... and cold.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 21, 2014:
haha Genna...no it's "hot". thanks for reading and leaving such a generous comment. We always long for the opposite to what we have don't we. Here it's perfect sunny beach weather...and I have grown up pining for a white Xmas like on all the cards and movies on tv at Christmas time. I suppose we just need to experience the other once and we woud appreciate what we have. Glad you enjoyed this Aussie Xmas expose enough to bookmark it. Thank you.
Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on November 21, 2014:
I loved the title…”an off-white Christmas.” Your words and photos pull us into your world with such a vivid, joyous feel. I bookmarked this so that I could journey back – not to Australia in 3-D, but with the mind and imagination with which you have gifted us. (Especially as the temps continue to drop and bitter snow promises to visit us soon.) Thank you for this delightful page out of time and place. This is cool!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 21, 2014:
Good one sassy, yep that;s pretty much the same as here.
Lisa René LeClair from the ATL on November 21, 2014:
Throw some "skrimps on the barbie" - that's pretty much what Christmas is like every year in Atlanta. #NoSnow :-(
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 21, 2014:
I am sure a Caribbean Christmas would be a wonderful experience Jo. Funny how you miss what you have grown u with when you don't have it though. Thanks for reaing, glad you liked the haikus and sandy Santa.
Jo Alexis-Hagues from Lincolnshire, U.K on November 21, 2014:
One of my best Christmas Days ever was in the Caribbean. We lit a massive bonfire on the beach on Christmas eve, with steel drums playing carols in the background. Christmas day was spent between home and the beach, later we took a friend's sailing boat to the keys. However, in the four years we spent in the islands, I really missed the traditional Christmas and the snow. Loved the haiku poems, great hub as always, sandy Santa.... priceless.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 21, 2014:
Thanks fr reading georgescifo, me either...bring it on.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 21, 2014:
Thanks for the invite Cris. Yes climate seems to be changing everywhere...early snow in places, heat waves in others. I will have to spend one Christmas in the snow some day. Thank you for the vote up and share too.
georgescifo from India on November 20, 2014:
Can't wait for the Christmas day to come at the doorsteps..
CrisSp from Sky Is The Limit Adventure on November 20, 2014:
Very nice hub! So delightful indeed! Come here up north. We have plenty of snow already and it's only November.
Enjoyed the video too and the images are great.
Up and sharing.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 18, 2014:
Thanks for reading Audrey, you have a good one too.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 18, 2014:
Thanks for that interesting comment Jaye. People who deny climate change is real just have to open their eyes to what is happening around the world, to all the changes taking place. Maybe you'll get your first White Christmas there. Have a great one whatever happens.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 18, 2014:
hi Kim, thanks for your comment. Would love to share some of your White Christmas snow, just for one Christmas. I hope you get your Aussie holiday too. Thanks for the vote up and share.
Jaye Denman from Deep South, USA on November 18, 2014:
John - I'm learning to never say, 'never', following several days of below-freezing temps in my Deep South city. I can't recall such cold weather in central Mississippi during November before--at least, during the times (yes, plural) I've lived here. I haven't checked the weather records, though. Perhaps I should sneak a peek at the Farmers' Almanac, the book my farming grandfather studied religiously. Who knows what lies in store for this usually-mild-winters area in 2014-15? (Yes, I believe climate change is a reality and is already affecting our weather.)
If it should snow in Mississippi for Christmas, it will be such an unusual event that I'll record it in photos for posterity!
Jaye
Audrey Howitt from California on November 18, 2014:
No snow white Christmas for me either--have a good one anyway
ocfireflies from North Carolina on November 18, 2014:
Would be more than happy to share mine. It is snowing as I write this response. I do not mind the snow as much as the wind. I would love to go on an Aussie holiday. Excellent hub and lots of fun. V/H/P
Looking forward to visiting down under--someday,
Kim
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 18, 2014:
Hi drbj, I imagine in Southern Florida you may not get much snow either. Glad you got a chuckle out of these Haikus. Thanks for reading.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 18, 2014:
Thanks for reading Flourish. I'm sure snow is one of those things that people enjoy at certain times and hate at others. I have never experienced it so don't really know.
drbj and sherry from south Florida on November 18, 2014:
These are lovely Haikus, Jodah, with beautiful photos to match. Love the turkey one, y'know. And the clever video. Thanks for the chuckles.
FlourishAnyway from USA on November 18, 2014:
I'm fine with no snow. It's pretty but such a hassle to shovel, drive in, etc. I enjoyed your haikus.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 17, 2014:
Thanks Eddy, I think that's my favourite too. Thanks for the vote up.
Eiddwen from Wales on November 17, 2014:
In the Land Down Under
It is a Summer Christmas
No snowmen in sight.
Loved this hub especially the above Haiku. Great work my friend and voted up.
Eddy.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 17, 2014:
Thanks for that insightful comment as to what Christmas means to you Marie and the important memories. Pity about the Mickey Mouse watch though. I remember that I used to love the Mickey Mouse Club as a child and want to be a Mouseketeer so one Christmas I received a set of Mickey Mouse ears as a present.. :)
Marie Flint from Jacksonville, FL USA on November 17, 2014:
I never really thought about how Christmas would be in Australia. When living in southern California, we had no snow, either, but there was family. I love decorating the Christmas tree, hanging stockings, and wrapping Christmas presents (someone else can handle the outdoor lights).
A few nights before Christmas eve, I enjoy riding through the neighborhoods and seeing all the Christmas lights.
As a child, midnight mass was always special. The priest would turn off the lights near the end of the mass so the parishioners could enjoy the full effect of the tree lights.
My mother would always make wonderful baked goods at Christmas. She called one "nutsovniki." Ground, spiced nuts were baked into sweet dough. Another favorite of mine were the prune buns, again spicy and sweet. The prune buns usually had a light, vanilla glaze on them. She, of course, made pies, too. Mince meat pie was traditional--and the fruit cake, oh, the fruit cake! Delicious!
My elder sister often saw to it that everyone had about five gifts to open Christmas morning. There were five children in the family, plus Mom and Dad, of course. Stockings were not a big tradition, though.
Some of the gifts became traditional: a book from Grandma and Grandpa, a sweater from my sister, a scarf and mittens from Mom and Dad, a jigsaw puzzle (100-1,000 pieces), a board game (shared by all the children), and a surprise (some other kind of toy, such as a Chinese wooden puzzle, a weaving set, or a model kit).
Christmas as a child was such fun. My Mickey Mouse watch didn't keep time, though! ***
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 16, 2014:
Thanks Carter...lucky you being on the beach for Christmas...unfortunately we are a little further inland...but will still be enjoying our outdoor bbq with son and family. Have a good one.
Mary from Cronulla NSW on November 16, 2014:
Love your photos on this one Jodah..we sure are one lucky nation here aren't we with our beautiful beaches and fresh seafood at Christmas time..we are with our daughter at Kingscliff this Christmas & while the humidity up there at times tends to make me dream of a cool white one I love that part of the world..thanks for a refreshing enjoyable hub..
Cheers
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 16, 2014:
Thanks Eric, glad you found these an enjoyable read.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 16, 2014:
Hmm good idea Will, something to consider. Thanks for the vote up.
Eric Wayne Flynn from Providence, Rhode Island on November 16, 2014:
Thoroughly enjoyable, majesty in simplicity.
EWF
WillStarr from Phoenix, Arizona on November 16, 2014:
Hmm. I hadn't considered that! Maybe you should move Christmas to the 4th of July?
Voted up!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 16, 2014:
Thank you SAQIB, much appreciated.
SAQIB from HYDERABAD PAKISTAN on November 16, 2014:
picturesque expression , lovely
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Hi Jackie, the "Case of the Missing Snowman". That was a nasty thing to do..steal a snowman and upset the kids. I suppose it was rare to have snow there so everyone wanted to take home some snow...still that wasn't nice. Thanks for reading.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thank you prasetio30 for reading and commenting. You have a nice day too.
Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on November 15, 2014:
One Christmas when my son and daughter were in grade school we had moved south but there was a rare snowstorm so my husband and kids built a snowman and the next morning when we got up it was gone; it had been stolen! Though the kids cried at first we explained how much more special it was to those who had never seen a snow man and they were told by friends later that everyone took some and stuck it in their freezer to go admire now and then. Made no sense.... but to each his own! lol
prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on November 15, 2014:
Nice poem of Christmas between beautiful pictures. Thanks for writing an sharing. Have a nice day!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
You are right of course William. How could I not mention Bing Crosby. I have got his 'White Christmas' album in my collection and grew up istening to the King of Crooners. BING CROSBY, BING CROSBY, BOB HOPE...oops...BING CROSBY. Thanks for reading.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Oh yes MsDora, I'm sure a Caribbean Christmas is similar..bring out the snow cones.
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on November 15, 2014:
Jodah, I'm sharing your summer Christmas. There's a calypso here with a line that goes, "The only time I see snow is when I buy snow cone down the street." I can relate to many of your verses. All good as usual.
William F Torpey from South Valley Stream, N.Y. on November 15, 2014:
Enjoyed this hub, Jodah, but you can't talk about dreaming of a (White) Christmas without mentioning Bing Crosby!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thanks Jaye. I guess we all have different Christmas experiences and weather. Pray you have a dry Christmas this year. Thanks for the vote up.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Glad you enjoyed these haiku Faith. Hope your Christmas is a joyous one and you don't get another freak snowstorm.. Unless you want that.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Exactly travmaj. My wife sometimes did not look forward to slaving over a hot stove in the heat of Christmas Day and has cooked the night before so we had cold meat and salad Christmas Day. We usually bake a ham, sometimes with Turkey etc.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Hi Shauna, it sounds like Florida's climate is much like ours, just the otherway around. Sounds like Christmas is a fun time of year there though. Thanks for reading.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
.thanks for reading Phyllis. Yes that sandman is cool. I had to use that photo.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Hi Rachael, yes it would be good just to have snow only for those two days. When I was a kid I always wished we could have snow at Christmas. People seemed to have so much fun in the movies making snowmen, sledding, skating on frozen lakes etc. thanks for your kind comment and wish you a great Christmas too, whatever the weather.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
No problem Bill, thanks for reading. Hope you have a good Christmas no matter what the weather.
Jaye Denman from Deep South, USA on November 15, 2014:
I enjoyed your verses and photos, John. While the temperatures of Christmas where I live (southern USA) vary widely, we never have snow. Sometimes there's sun, but it's more likely to rain. I even suggested that 'I'm Dreaming of a Rainy Christmas' should be the holiday song in Mississippi.
Have fun on the beach and at the backyard barbie, John. Enjoy your upcoming holidays!
Voted Up++
Jaye
Faith Reaper from southern USA on November 15, 2014:
Delightful haiku poetry here. I tend to forgot that other countries are in different seasons than we are here. It is just starting to get a bit cold here in the deep South in the US. The leaves are starting to change color too. We rarely get snow here, but last year, we did have that freak snowstorm.
Enjoy your barbeque.
travmaj from australia on November 15, 2014:
Greetings John, enjoyed these haiku and, of course, connected. I recall so many Christmas mornings where I cooked a traditional lunch for around 20 people. Phew! No matter what the temperature it had to be turkey and all the trimmings. Love the photos...
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on November 15, 2014:
John, it sounds like Christmas in Florida. Although Christmas falls in the dead of winter, you can still go to the beach (if it's not too cold out) or dress up in your best shorts ensemble for the holiday dinner.
I've lived in snow-bound states and I'll never forget my first Florida Christmas. It felt weird to be dressed in summer wear on Christmas day. That's about the only day I want to see (but not feel the cold of) snow. Now, 38 years later, Christmas feels like Christmas. The houses are brightly decorated, towns put out their Christmas displays and Santa Claus comes riding down our street on his sleigh with the help of the local fire department.
Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. on November 15, 2014:
Greetings of the season, Jodah. I love that 'sandman' - great substitute for a snowman. Your haiku poems are great and photos, too. The video is funny, very entertaining.
Rachael O'Halloran from United States on November 15, 2014:
I've spent Christmas in all kinds of climates over the years. I love living near the warm regions of the USA, but always enjoy snow ONLY on Christmas Eve through to the end of Christmas Day.
I sometimes wished for a button to push to make it disappear before the day after Christmas arrived, because after it falls and people and vehicles trample it up, it isn't pretty anymore.
We BBQ year round when we live in warm climate regions.
It is only then I miss Christmas snow.
For about 5 minutes, then I get over it. lol
Loved your haikus, great imagery. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with tolerable weather :)
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 15, 2014:
That kind of Christmas is looking pretty darned good right now, John. Damn cold here. Thanks for the fun look at heaven on earth.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thanks Ruby,We never get snow in the state I live in Queensland. Today was about 40 degrees celsius, supposed to be hotter tomorrow...up close to 100F.
Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on November 15, 2014:
Do you ever get snow? It might be fun to be on the beach for Christmas, I can't imagine it! It is cold here 29 degrees. Love your haiku's..
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thank you Eric......pray for some rain for us too. Severe fire danger here at present.
Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on November 15, 2014:
Well done friend. You write my favorite Haiku's. Around here we just pray for rain everyday. Merry Christmas John.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thank you Suzette. It snows in the Southern States ACT, NSW , Vic and Tasmania in the Alp regions in Winter. You have a great Christmas season too.
Suzette Walker from Taos, NM on November 15, 2014:
I love all your haikus. This is an interesting and amusing hub. A Christmas barbeque - I love it. I miss Christmas without snow. I spent two Christmases in Naples, Fl. and it sure is different. Downtown Naples makes snow (out of soap bubbles) and that is a hoot to experience. But, I miss the good old snow and cold around Christmas. Now, I spend Christmas in Ohio because I miss the snow and cold. I love your photo of Santa on the beach and the sandman instead of a snow man. Does it snow in Australia during your winter months or are you too close to the equator for snow? Just enjoy the Christmas season no matter what the season and no matter what you will be doing!
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thanks DDE...should be a good one.
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on November 15, 2014:
I like snow on Christmas. You have such a lovely image here for the festive season.
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 15, 2014:
Thanks for pointing out I forgot to mention "the shrimp on the barbie" Frank. Thanks to Paul Hogan also..but we actually call them "prawns" not "shrimp" in Australia. :) Gad you enjoyed these Frank.
Frank Atanacio from Shelton on November 15, 2014:
shrimp on the barbie.. and star on the tree.. an off white Christmas? LOL love the little collection of Haikis... :) Frank
John Hansen (author) from Queensland Australia on November 14, 2014:
Thank you ladyguitarpicker. That's what we get every year. Wouldn't mind experiencing a "white Christmas" just once.
stella vadakin from 3460NW 50 St Bell, Fl32619 on November 14, 2014:
Hi, My idea of a great Christmas is no snow and plenty of sunshine. Nice Hub.
