Santa either didn’t get my email written with a fountain pen or his GPS ran out batteries. Just because Christmas marks the day of his birthday, doesn’t mean he can be irresponsible.

A South American Christmas for this Struggler and to say he struggled was an understatement. In recent years I thought of myself to be a bit grinchy towards Chrissy and thought that being away for it wouldn’t be an issue. I was wrong.

No Christmas carols, no Christmas tree, no tinsel, no bells, no Santa, no presents, no friends, no family, no bon bons (which means no dad jokes and crowns), not even a Christmas vibe. I hated it. I didn’t even have a someone called Eve I could say on the night of the 24th, ‘Merry Christmas, Eve!’

Chrissy Eve was torture knowing all you lot were with each other and your families enjoying a long wet lunch and having a blast (pun not intended for the upcoming recount). I know my family was introduced to the members of the Dee Why Fire Brigade at Grandma and Grandpa’s house because the power lines rubbing against a tree in the rain made some explosions.

As for me, I spent mine with two Venezuelan blokes and tried to have as close to an Aussie Chrissy as possible as nobody here seems to celebrate Chrissy as much as at home – keep in mind I’m in a hostel and not in a house with one hundred Christian or Catholic Brazilians. Had a swim a the beach, had a bit of lunch and finished off the day with a walk and gelato.

I have very quickly come to the conclusion that I am not in fact the grinch or anything like him. The realisation I came across last night is that I am a family man and am never in my life having Chrissy away from my friends and family. At least them I’m guaranteed a few presents !