As I sit wrapped in a fleece (literally and metaphorically) of austerity, it appears as though the future of the Irish population is about as bleak as the Irish weather. The budget may have come and gone but its legacy will long live in the young lives of those it affects worst. At the height of the “Celtic Tiger” Ireland experienced the largest population growth of any country in the EU. Oh, how times have changed. Some 65,000 people left last year, the highest rate since 1989. The Irish Union of Students estimates that 150,000 young people will up sticks and scarper in the next 5 years.
As we enter the Christmas period, many would say ‘tis not the season to be jolly. Whilst some of us dread the visiting mother-in-law, others inevitably rue the decision to get pissed at their Christmas work party, photocopy their arse (just like last year) and throw some cheesy one-liners at the boss in a fickle attempt to get a pay rise. We’re all broke. We plod through snow and ice, get a little ahead of ourselves, think we’ve made it to the comfortable safety of the indoors...then slap, bang, we’re lying on the ground, bewildered and confused. We either pray no-one has seen, or that someone will help. Usually it’s neither. In fact it’s probably been videos and in 5 minutes will be posted on Facebook.
In light of this, there is no doubt that many are green with envy when someone they know updates their Facebook status. “35 degrees and lying on the beach sipping cocktails...bliss!” Nice for some. However, for those thousands of disgruntled Irish who will migrate to warmer climates, it could soon be nice for many. For those who have already migrated to a warm country, Christmas conditions could not be further from the depths of snowy Dublin. Do they long to return to their traditions of Christmas past, or are the soaring temperatures and beautiful beaches just an added luxury to the holiday season? Do chestnuts roast, or just the people?
Ian Mckeown (28) is a native of Belfast. He moved to Canberra two years ago to do a PhD in strength and conditioning, with a view of finding a job there upon completion. (NB At the risk of toning down the extent of his ill-feeling towards Christmas in a hot country, many expletives have been removed.) “It’s not Christmas here, not like how I know it. They play Slade and the usual festive numbers, but it seems ironic when you hear Bing Crosby croon ‘Let it snow’ when it’s 38 degrees outside. It’s all a bit artificial really.”
Whilst many traditions remain (they have the same Santa, send cards and over-indulge on turkey and ham), Ian ponders wistfully on life’s little pleasures. “They don’t have Mark’s and Spencer’s Christmas treats. And of course, Christmas is all about tradition. Spending time with the family. I miss that the most.”
Someone who agrees with Ian is 35 year-old Emma Clarke, who moved to Sydney last year with her husband and two children. “This will be our second Christmas in Australia. Last year was difficult for us, being away from our parents and extended family. But there is no doubt being with my husband and watching our kid’s faces light up on Christmas morning is a feeling that remains no matter where you live. Christmas is all about family, isn’t it? We may not have the snow, but at least we have each other.”
It appears as though Christmas is only Christmas if the family is around, regardless of location. Sure, a bit of snow wouldn’t go amiss, but is it really all that important? If tradition means family, and your loved ones are afar, Brian Lenihan has done you a favour this year. Airport tax is cut from €10 to €3. It’s never been easier to emigrate.
No comments:
Post a Comment