Nick Winter spends most of his days in Adelaide, but for two months he calls Melbourne home as a Renegade in the Big Bash League.
All the while, the Winter family is gathered in Canberra.
Nick Winter of the Melbourne Renegades.Credit:Getty Images
Winter has spent the last three and a half years interstate, so he is getting used to spending Christmas away from home.
The 23-year-old says while being away can be difficult, at least being a part of the BBL is a fair trade.
"That's just part and parcel of the job," Winter said.
"In all honesty it's nice to have Christmas with your family, but I'm sure when my cricket career is done I'll have plenty of time to catch up on that.
"For the opportunity of playing Big Bash you're happy to sacrifice those little things like that. They realise that as well and it's just part of the job I guess."
The former Eastlake fast bowler left the nation's capital in June 2013 to link up with the Redbacks, and a lack of domestic cricket in the capital leaves little opportunity to see the family.
Throw in Winter's part-time studies at Adelaide University, where he is completing a degree in international studies and politics, and the window closes even further.
"I don't get home too often to see them which is a bit disappointing but I think they may come across for a game or two throughout the tournament and check out Melbourne and see how the Big Bash operates," Winter said.
"Obviously Canberra unfortunately doesn't get too many games - they had the final there a couple of years back but they don't get too much Big Bash so they'll try and get across at some stage."
Winter is using the BBL as an avenue to relaunch his career after losing his South Australian state contract at the end of last season.
Injury plagued the final year of Winter's deal which ultimately saw him miss out on a new contract, and he admits he was lucky he had something to fall back on.
University studies offered Winter balance in the demanding arena that is professional cricket, and losing his state contract paved the way for a fresh start.
He moved across to Adelaide University to ply his trade in grade cricket and it has given him a fresh perspective on the game, just as his studies offer a new look on life.
"My dad was always telling me, just reminding me that cricket is a really good job but it's not going to last forever," Winter said.
"If you don't have a balance in your life then something may happen, which it did last year - I got injured.
"Being a state away from family, away from connections, if you're 22 or 23 without anything behind you, you're in a bit of trouble there.
"Obviously playing professionally, it's quite demanding and there's a lot of pressure, and if you get too attached to the game it can drive you the wrong way."
The Renegades will look to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they host the Scorchers at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night.
Caden Helmers is a sports reporter for The Canberra Times