Maybe I haven’t mentioned this before, but this year I hosted a student from Sri Lanka in my home. She had come to Australia to pursue study and work opportunities, paving the way for her husband and children who planned to join her later. Though her stay with me was temporary, we quickly became friends, bonding over shared jokes and the common experience of motherhood.
She told me that moving to Australia had always been a dream of hers, but never in her wildest imagination did she think she’d be the one sent ahead on her own to prepare the way for her family. We laughed about how the roles had reversed—her husband was now the one managing the day-to-day responsibilities with the kids. Meanwhile, the photos she sent home to Sri Lanka were full of beach outings and breakfast adventures at Newcastle’s amazing cafes. I imagined her husband seeing those photos and perhaps wondering if he had made the right choice sending her ahead! But for Tj (as I nicknamed her), those moments were a rare and refreshing taste of freedom from the demands of motherhood.
By October, life began to feel more real for Tj. She had started working and faced the daunting task of finding rental accommodation for her family and setting up a home in a new country. It was a challenging time, but we laughed through the stress and leaned into the generosity of others. Together, we scoured second-hand stores and visited countless potential rental properties. I got a firsthand look at the struggles of securing suitable accommodation in Australia but was also moved by the kindness of strangers. On one occasion, we went to collect a second-hand bed, only to leave with good-quality saucepans, cutlery, and plates that the family graciously offered once they learned of her situation.
Now that her family has settled into their own home, I’ve been pondering how to share Christmas with them in a way that considers their cultural and religious beliefs.
The story Ken Robinson shared in the latest Christmas Herald really struck a chord with me. He spoke about their family support lady, Dechan, from Bhutan, who had just returned from caring for her elderly father. When asked to help decorate their new Christmas tree, she eagerly agreed, saying, "I like decorate Christmas tree."
Not only did she take great joy in decorating the tree, but she also accepted Ken’s offer to borrow a smaller tree for her own flat—a touching symbol of friendship and shared humanity. Despite their differing beliefs, the Christmas tree became a bridge, transcending cultural and religious boundaries (below find some photos of Pat, Dechan and their trees).
This Christmas, I’ve been reflecting on simple yet profound ways we can connect across cultures, beliefs, and traditions. Whether it’s laughing together while furniture shopping, witnessing the generosity of strangers, or finding joy in decorating a Christmas tree, these moments remind us of the beauty of human connection.
As I think about how to celebrate with Tj and her family, I’m reminded that the essence of Christmas isn’t about the packaging—it’s about the spirit of giving, inclusion, and love. Just as Ken’s story beautifully illustrates, small gestures can bridge gaps and build friendships and unity in our diversity.
This year, let’s celebrate not just what we receive but what we can share—time, kindness, and the gift of presence. After all, isn’t that the heart of Christmas?
How might you wrap up Christmas this year in a way that bridges differences and celebrates connection?
Anne Bonnefin
Communication Co-ordinator
Community of Christ Australia
