Christmas Abroad: Family reunion will make for "very special" Australian Christmas this year
Kenneth Foran is from Ballycowan, outside Tullamore and moved to Australia in 2012 when Ireland was in recession.
He spent the next few years working with a construction company all across Australia, including Darwin, Perth and Alice Springs, before finally settling in the scenic New South Wales coastal town of Port MacQuarie, where he is currently building his first home. He married his wife, Saranya in 2018 in Bali and the couple have a two year old daughter, Danika.
The family has obtained Australian citizenship.
What is the biggest difference between Christmas in Ireland and Christmas where you now live?
The weather – you are basically going from one extreme to another.
Usually in Ireland you would wrap up and stay inside but in Australia you would do the opposite – put on sunscreen, go to the beach and have a BBQ.
What is the hardest thing about being away from Ireland at Christmas?
Connecting with loved ones – family and friends.
Best parts and worst parts about living at your current home?
The best is the weather and the worst is being away from family.
How will you spend Christmas Day?
Usually, we go home every year or worst-case scenario every two years.
Our travel plans were interrupted with COVID and the birth of our daughter so we haven't been home for four years now.
This Christmas will be very special for us as our family are coming from Ireland and Canada to reunite at my home in Port Macquarie. This will also be the first time Danika’s grandparents Vin and Bernie will hold their first grandchild, and her uncle Damien is also making the trip from Canada to eventually hold his godchild.
Best memory about Christmas past in Offaly?
I have many great memories, but the best one is waking up on Christmas day to see what Santa brought – he never disappointed.
What has the build-up to Christmas been like where you now live?
It’s similar to Ireland – lighting of Christmas tree, school choirs singing Christmas carols, shopping, listening to Christmas songs in the shopping centre etc.
What is your favourite festive tradition where you live?
Going to the beach.
How will you ring in the New Year?
Our dog ‘Coco’ is afraid of the fireworks so we usually don’t go out on New Year’s Eve.
My wife (who is a Chef) would cook a nice meal for everyone. On New Year’s day we go to Hat Head for a swim, some kayaking and a BBQ.
Who would you like to send Christmas greetings to back home?
All of my family and friends but in particular my sister Valerie, brother-in-law Nigel and my little nephew Jack who won't be able to make the trip over to Australia this time but no doubt we will have plenty of video calls so we can all be united.