'Home away from home': Christmas Day at Bondi Beach

It's no secret that Europeans love the Australian summer, not to mention the myriad beaches our coast has to offer.

But how do they feel about a hot Christmas Day at Sydney's busiest beach, while their families back home sip mulled wine on a white winter's day?

Natalie Williams from Britain celebrates Christmas at Bondi Beach. Photo: Ben Rushton

"We absolutely love it," says Natalie William, a 23-year-old backpacker from London.

She is busy frolicking on the beach, showing off her full Santa body suit, hat and beard, as we talk about Christmas Day on the other side of the world.

"Normally, I'd just be at home and it would be cold, probably raining. This is so much better." 

But she has to admit, not being able to drink on the beach was a slight disappointment. 

The strict "no alcohol" policy was in full swing, with police guarding every corner, but that didn't stop the sun from shining or the surfers surfing. 

"I mean, I get it. It's probably a lot safer, there's no broken glass in the sand ... it makes sense," said Ms William.  

For many young backpackers who are spending Christmas away from their families for the first time, it's the same story. Bondi Beach has become a home away from home. 

Mike Holdham, 20, says he spent all morning cooking and preparing food; he points to four large backpacks all stuffed with goodies, with his friends who are also backpackers and who met at Sydney Central's YHA

"None of us ever knew each other before, but we're family now," he said. 

"This our first Christmas away from home, but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying the true spirit of the season."

Santa hats, thongs, beach towels and big smiles were everywhere, and no shirts was the unofficial uniform as everyone made the most of the sun and surf.

And drinking or not, everyone looked relaxed and bathed in high spirits.