In this issue

All too soon we find ourselves rushing from pillar to post, trying to get everything done before the year draws to a close. Endless lists dictate our every move - from our social calendar to ‘things to do’ and ‘things to buy’.

In this issue, Merise shares a few tips on how to prepare your home for the holiday season. Look out for great bargains at the pop-up sales, where goods are available at largely discounted prices if you are willing to buy on the spur of the moment.

A new collection of sun-smart playwear for kids has recently been launched, especially designed with the Australian summer in mind.
We bring you a taste of the collection.

There is much to do in the weeks ahead! Embrace the festive spirit by baking delicious gingerbread people for the entire family. Find our recipe on page 3. Cricket fans can look forward to seeing the Perth Scorchers in action against the England second X1 team at the new Stadium in December. Start the New Year with an extravaganza of circus, music and magic. See page 8 for details.

We hope that this has been a good year and that a well-deserved rest is in store for you. If you are going away, please travel safely and enjoy every moment.

Thank you for your continuous support. May you enjoy a wonderfully blessed festive season. Merry Christmas!

Merise Magazine Description:

Merise is a digital family magazine initiated in 2011 to encourage and assist others, as well as to offer advice in facing the challenges of settling and integrating into our new community together. We talk openly about the different aspects of our lives that are under strain through the migration process – from helping our kids adjust to their new school environments, to leaving our parents behind and to changes in the dynamics of our personal relationships.

We provide valuable information about financial and visa requirements, encouraging specialists in various fields to submit articles on topics which we feel may be beneficial to our readers. Merise captures the beauty of our new countries by featuring different geographical areas in Australia and New Zealand, thereby giving would-be migrants or readers who are planning holidays or an interstate move, a better understanding of what to expect in their new domain.

Merise will become a friend to you and your family.

The ascending aircraft in the Logo is symbolic of our desire to reach for the stars. Even the name itself has meaning. By dividing the word ‘Merise e’ in two, it becomes ‘Me rise ’, accentuating our aspiration for life improvement. Merise embodies support and friendship and is such an essence in our lives that we feel inclined to personify the magazine. Merise is who we are.

It is important for Merise to support ‘her’ friends, not merely those who have recently arrived, but all expats in Australia and New Zealand who have left their home countries to find new direction ‘Down Under’.

Merise lends a hand in almost every way. Like anyone who has been through the immigration process and experienced it first hand, Merise is thoroughly aware of difficulties that may arise for both newcomers as well as experienced expats and knows how to help overcome, or should we say “survive”, these difficulties.

Merise explores different avenues and is vivacious and enthusiastic, living life to the full and is always on the lookout for new challenges and encounters. Merise's experiences and pleasures are shared with her friends, always encouraging and inspiring them.

Merise is fully bilingual and has English- as well as Afrikaans-speaking readers with whom time and information is equally shared.

It’s not that easy to find a friend as special as Merise . . .

Both versions of the English and Afrikaans editions of Merise are available on www.merisemag.com.