‘Tis The Season: Staff Activity Picks for the 2023 Holiday Season
Our team have assembled a collection of top picks for making the most of the holiday season. Whether it's savouring quiet moments of contemplation, embracing the spirit of giving, exploring passions and hobbies, or discovering exciting adventures - Our team has curated a diverse range of activities to spark some holiday inspiration.
Jessica Hamilton’s Pick
My favourite thing about Christmas is thoughtfully picking out gifts and coordinating a family meal. I enjoy this activity because I love hospitality and I show love and appreciation for my family through cooking and arranging for them to have a good time. Additionally, I prefer to thoughtfully pick out gifts because, for me, it's not about the monetary value of the gift but rather the thought behind it that matters.
Senior Recovery Coach, Western Australia
Emma Chapman’s Pick
My favorite thing about Christmas is spending time with my family and friends, having fun, and enjoying the little moments. I am a big believer in appreciating the little things, being present in the moment, because that is a PRESENT. I prefer buying my family experience gifts rather than material presents. When my adult children were in their late teens and constantly out partying, I used to tell them that I didn't want a gift; I would rather go out for dinner with them. I did this to have their undivided attention and to cherish valuable time with them because it is precious. To me, my family and friends are everything. I appreciate, value, and respect the time we spend together. During Christmas, I like to play silly games to laugh together and create memories. I also insist that everyone wears their dodgy cracker prize crowns, much to everyone's initial horror.
Support Coordinator, Western Australia
Nick Marcinkowski’s Pick
Though family time is important to me, I love to put a unique twist on a typical Christmas Day lunch with friends. The day revolves around gift-giving in a Kris Kringle style format. However, all gifts must be purchased from Wish (an online store). The wide variety of gifts and knick-knacks available on the online store make for some very unconventional but humorous presents. We refer to it as Wish-mas. I adore this activity because it brings both laughter and joy to the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas. Additionally, it offers a level of financial relief, as some items from Wish are relatively inexpensive. This can be a relief during a time when people often feel stressed about purchasing presents for other family and friends.
Recovery Coach, Victoria
Jace Arlow’s Pick
Camping and being outdoors are my go-to activities. During Christmas breaks, the sun shines, the weather turns warm, and the water becomes crystal clear. There's no better time to head out for a beach, lakeside or dam camping trip. Going for a drive in the 4WD and doing some exploring during the days, and wonderful music, company and scenery while you watch the sun go down over the ocean. Getting away from busy nature that Christmas usually invites, is what I'm all about. I'll gather my closest friends and family and we can all escape the city life for a moment. There's nothing better or more grounding that having your bare feet touch the sand, while your favourite tunes are playing and the wind is coming off the ocean to cool you down, along with an ice cold bevvie in hand of course.
Senior Recovery Coach, Western Australia
Jacob Millar’s Pick
During this Christmas period, I enjoy volunteering with Mission Australia's Christmas in the Park and at Perth Children's Hospital. This is my way of giving back to a community that has supported me through some of life's challenges. Contributing to the community gives me a sense of belonging. For the past four years, I have volunteered with several organisations during the Christmas season. As a child, I was fortunate to have elaborate Christmas celebrations with my family. As I've grown up, I've felt a responsibility to give back, striving to provide others with the same experiences I cherished during my upbringing. For more information about Mission Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park and how you can get involved as a volunteer, make a donation or to attend the lunch click here to visit the website.
Team Leader - Support Coordination, Western Australia
Kaylah Whitehead’s Pick
Going to the beach is my favorite holiday activity! One of our favourite adventure activities is finding new beaches to go swimming and snorkelling. Our favourite places are Yanchep lagoon and Mettams Pool in the North, or Omeo shipwreck and Point Peron in the South. Swimming and Snorkelling is a great way to refresh when the weather is hot. The feeling of peace and quiet you experience while looking for interesting objects and fish underwater is a feeling like no other. Snorkelling is really good for anxiety as it teaches you to regulate your breathing and keep calm which enables you to enjoy the experience even more. We always take some food and drinks with us, some shade to sit under, and invite our friends to join us, often making a day of it. Also remember, if you have a beach and you have a body, you have a beach body! Go and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air!
Manager - Service Delivery, Western Australia
Frizza Antonio’s Pick
Hiking is one of the activities I love to do during holidays, as this is usually the season when my friends and I have loads of time to catch up with one another. I enjoy exploring in general and hiking is just one of my favorite ways to explore. I like navigating my way to the top of mountains, crossing rivers, and traversing different terrains. Additionally, hiking has a calming effect on me. You've got to always be mindful of your steps and where you place your hands when climbing; you wouldn't want to end up heading home in a stretcher or with a bloody leg! 😅 I guess the best thing about hiking is that it allows you to be alone and reconnect with yourself, even when you're surrounded by friends or other people. While you may be walking the same path as your companions, your personal experience of the journey will be unique.
Recovery Coach, Western Australia
Karolina Kozlowska’s Pick
Visiting my family overseas and spending quality time with my loved ones is my favorite festive holiday activity. Since the majority of my family resides in my home country, I do not have opportunities throughout the year to see them, and I miss them dearly! I miss the traditional Christmas with real snow, temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees, and 12 traditional dishes. Christmas Eve marks a day of fasting followed by a feast :) The celebration begins after the appearance of the first star in the sky. Among the traditional dishes are beetroot soup with mushroom dumplings, cabbage with mushrooms, various fish dishes, poppy seed cake, baked cheesecake with homemade raspberry sauce, gingerbread cake, and more. I cherish Christmas time with my family and friends as it brings us closer together! Everyone feels special and magical!
Recovery Coach, Western Australia
Tamrar Hansen’s Pick
Handmade gifts— I absolutely adore getting creative! Whether it's sewing, drawing, photography, scrapbooking, making jewelry, writing poetry, woodworking, or digital art, the joy of crafting something by hand is incomparable. It doesn't have to be flawless or expensive; a gift crafted with love for someone special holds far more significance. Taking time out to be creative or spending quality moments with a loved one while being creative together is truly rewarding. Pinterest is often my go-to for ideas. I usually follow it up with a Google or YouTube search to see how others have created similar things, and then I add my personalised touch. I acquire my supplies from various places like Spotlight, Red Dot, Kmart, Ikea, thrift stores, or the local $2 shop. There's something inherently calming and meditative about handcrafting very small pieces.
Business Administration Associate, Western Australia
Fery Jafari’s Pick
For my holiday, I prefer relaxing and sleeping, reconnecting with friends, watching my favourite series, enjoying swimming, and having delightful moments with my family. After a year of effort, both my body and mind deserve a well-earned break to recharge for the upcoming year and my future plans. As time passes swiftly, taking advantage of public holidays becomes a valuable opportunity to spend quality time and have some fun with my son. The joy I find in swimming not only brings me happiness but also helps me find a sense of calm. There's always a collection of series waiting for me to enjoy on my couch, providing laughter and entertainment. I plan to continue my love for music and dance as they contribute to my overall happiness and relaxation. Additionally, with the arrival of various festivals, I look forward to participating in community events and having more moments of enjoyment.
Support Coordinator, Western Australia
Andrea Bernard’s Pick
Christmas time is the best because I love catching up with friends and family for a lavish lunch feast and organising a kayak party on the Swan River. The Christmas season offers a chance to unwind and prioritise connections with loved ones. I have a fondness for the peaceful qualities of water, and kayaking serves as a therapeutic escape, allowing me to relax amidst the chaos of my busy life. Our usual way to conclude the festivities is by playing cricket in the park, where laughter fills the air as we admire each other's catching and running skills. This year holds particular significance as we are incredibly delighted to be spending time with extended family and eagerly anticipating our trip to North India.
Team Leader - Mental Health, Western Australia
Fadzai Matambanadzo’s Pick
Family time is my favorite activity during the holiday season. I enjoy booking a cabin or a short-stay house in the southern region of WA, which is about a few hours drive away, and spending a few days with my immediate family, extended family, and close family friends. The year tends to be quite busy, making it challenging to allocate quality time with family. I prefer choosing places with no internet or phone reception as it forces us to spend time together, disconnect from stressful distractions, and allows us to reconnect. My favorite part is playing board games that engage both adults and kids. It's quite entertaining—there are usually a few sore losers and arrogant winners, but it's all part of the fun! Our preferred board games are Monopoly or Game of Life, but I would recommend any board game that is inclusive for most people.
CEO, Western Australia
If you would like to speak to our friendly team about Support Coordination, Psychosocial Recovery Coaching or Plan Management, call us on 1300 208 594, or email hello@avenuesaustralia.com. Alternatively you can submit a Request for Service form and we will get back to you shortly.
