For most people Christmas is a time of tradition and togetherness yet, for one Lurgan woman, Christmas 2024 has given the gift of change and opportunity – and everything that comes with it.
Just four, short months ago, 27-year-old Eadaoin Moore made the brave decision – together with her boyfriend James – to up and relocate on a two year IEC working visa to Downtown Vancouver, Canada.
While moving overseas may seem like an exhilarating adventure to most young people, for Eadaoin it was a big and unnerving step.
But, to her friends’ and family’s astonishment, she and James took the leap and, together, they have embraced all the Land of Maple has to offer.
Speaking to Armagh I, Eadaoin explained: “I think a lot of people back home are surprised that I got off the plane, never mind am still here.
“I never did the whole ‘living away’ experience, like when people go to Belfast for university, so the idea of leaving was a big step for me. But I also knew that, in years to come, I’d look back and regret not giving it a go.
“You’re only young once, so why not make the most of it? Plus, we had no real ties back home—no house, no mortgage, no kids—so it felt like the right time to try something new.”
There was, perhaps, a comfort in knowing that they wouldn’t be entirely alone in The Great White North.
With three friends from home already living the Canadian dream, they were given ample reassurance that the move would be the “best experience of their lives”.
And, so far, it hasn’t disappointed.
Living in the Downtown area of the city brings with it a hive of busy bars, clubs and a bustling night life.
Said Eadaoin: “Vancouver has a much more ‘work and play’ vibe compared to back home.
“People here don’t wait for the weekend to enjoy life. There’s always something going on.
“You can go to work and then hit the slopes for skiing straight after in the winter, or head to the beach for some volleyball and a BBQ in the summer. There’s always something to do, and the city has a more relaxed, outdoorsy pace to it.
“Also, cafes and restaurants tend to stay open a lot later here than they do back home, which adds to the sense of flexibility and freedom in the way people live. It’s a nice change.”
The past four months have flown by and now the young couple are approaching their first Christmas away from home.
Instead of attempting to tailor their Canadian Christmas to resemble what they are used to back home, the pair have decided to use the holiday as another way to accumulate new experiences.
“Most of our friends are heading back to Ireland for Christmas,” continued Eadaoin. “So James and I are doing something a bit different this year!
“We’re flying to Kelowna on Christmas Eve and will be spending both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on the slopes.
“It’s going to be such a unique experience for us — definitely a very different kind of Christmas, but one we’re both really excited for.”
A Christmas with a difference, no doubt. But Eadaoin admits that – while it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of snowboarding, skiing, ice-skating and light shows – it’s still a time of year when the heart hungers for closeness of friends and family.
She added: “Homesickness definitely hits harder at this time of year.
“It’s tough seeing everyone back home with their families, getting caught up in the holiday excitement, or watching TikToks of people flying home to surprise their loved ones.
“The time difference too — eight hours behind Ireland — makes staying in touch a bit tricky, and it can feel like a bigger distance emotionally when you’re missing out on those familiar family moments.”
Being approximately 4,395 miles away has enhanced her appreciation of the holiday season.
Already, she recognises the immense value she places on “the little things” like “the food and the comfort of being around loved ones”.
A true homebird, Eadaoin holds family very dear: “At home, although we don’t have any major traditions on Christmas Day itself, I absolutely love just being with my family.
“My big sister Aine is obsessed with Christmas, so the holiday always felt extra special with her enthusiasm.
“I cherish the quiet moments we’d spend together—watching Christmas movies, playing games, and just enjoying each other’s company.
“It was those little moments that made Christmas feel magical, even without big celebrations.
“And of course, there’s my little pug, Holly, who’s an important part of the fun as Santa brought me her one Christmas.”
It has to be said, there’s nothing like a homecooked, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. It’s something we do well across the island of Ireland. No matter whether it’s a sausage meat stuffing household or sage and breadcrumbs, it’s the home oven that makes the difference.
And despite everything that Canada throws her way – this is one area that Eadaoin says just can’t be beaten.
“One thing I’ve noticed is that it’s surprisingly hard to find a good roast,” said Eadaoin. “Especially mashed potatoes in restaurants here, and if you do, they’re usually served with garlic, which isn’t quite the same.
“But my absolute favourite part of Christmas dinner is the stuffing, and nothing beats my mummy’s stuffing.”
Most read today
Operator’s Licence Notice
