If you are planning to take a trip to Australia in the recent future, it might be a good idea to brush up on the holidays in Australia. Below you will find a list of holidays in Australia, and you will notice that many of them are the same as ours!

™

New Year's day in Australia is celebrated on January first.

Australia Day is celebrated on the twenty sixth of January each year. It is celebrated on this day because this was the day when the first English settlement was formed in 1788.

Labour Day is celebrated on various days depending on the area of the country you live in. It could be either the first Monday in October, the first or second Monday in March or the first Monday in May.

Easter does not fall on a fixed date. It will happen on a Sunday in between March and April.

Anzac Day is celebrated on the twenty fifth of April every year. It was created to remember those who have fought in wars.

Christmas day is also the same as ours and lands on the twenty fifth of December each year.

Boxing day is the day after Christmas.

Some other interesting holidays that Australians celebrate include Melbourne Cup Day, Proclamation Day, Canberra Day, Queensland Day, Geelong Cup Day, Recreation Day, Adelaide Cup Day, Foundation Day, and Picnic Day.

If you have been planning a trip to Australia, knowing when the holidays are could help you with your venture. Many holidays in Australia are the same ones that we celebrate in North America, but it is still good to know about the ones that are celebrated only in Australia, so that you can prepare yourself for fun, parties, and celebrations down under.

Every other year, I spend Christmas alone in my little house in the suburbs. I am divorced, without children, and all my family members live in another part of the country. Some time ago, I fell into the habit of flying out to join them only every second Christmas, and I've actually come to look forward to my "alone" years.

I'm not a social recluse, but I've discovered, through trial and error, how to enjoy the holidays as a single woman on her own.

1. Realize being alone at Christmas is not a tragedy. The first year I did it, the situation did feel strange, because other people react with concern if it comes out in conversation that you'll be on your own. But the reality is, it's not nearly as difficult as other people think, especially if you're accustomed to living alone.

2. Recognize it is vakantie gran canaria a 'season', not a single day. Enjoy everything the season has to offer. When it's a year I know I'm going to be home alone, I enjoy dressing up for pre-holiday office/personal parties: holiday music while I shop, or wrap gifts; and sending out cards, notes or e-mail greetings.

3. You MUST decorate your home. Put up a tree. Go the extra mile, and put out special candles, potpourri, tablecloths, finger towels, etc. Make your surroundings festive.

4. Plan special meals for yourself. I plan and shop for my Christmas break, and I make sure I have:

* bacon for breakfast (a seasonal treat for me);

* tangerines and chocolate set out in crystal bowls;

* and a Christmas Eve dinner that includes a stuffed turkey breast, mashed potatoes, gravy, crusty bread, veggies, and a special salad that I love and have come to make my own Christmas tradition.

Plan your own treats and meals that feel "Christmasey" to you.

5. Recognize you don't really have to spend "Christmas" alone, even if you are alone on Dec. 25. In the past, I have:

* planned an 'open house' for friends prior to the big day;

* Invited another 'single' for dinner on Christmas Eve;

* volunteered on Dec. 25 at a local soup kitchen;

* accepted invitations for a Christmas brunch at a friend's home.

6. Treat yourself well. Take a walk and admire the neighbourhood lights. Curl up with a good book or a movie. Spend your holiday time indulging in favourite pastimes.

7. Spread the love. Attending a church service or volunteering at a soup kitchen is a great way to connect spiritually with others. Let your heart fill with joy and count your blessings. Reach out to friends and family with telephone calls and warm greetings for happy holidays.

The key is to plan your holiday for one, with lots of self-love. Decorate, celebrate, and be thankful for all the good things in your life.