Sunday, December 27, 2009

A Very Aussie Christmas


So, how was your Christmas?

We enjoyed an Aussie Bush Christmas, with loads of family and friends, just as it should be.

My siblings, parents and I were together for the first time in years, plus we had loads of extended family and friends around as well.

My sister and hubby were our gracious hosts, and as usual, they went all out to ensure everyone were comfortable, fed and watered. (Or alcohol-ed. Though I think I may have just made that word up).

The kids spent most of the time in the pool, playing with their cousins, and eating and drinking far too little.

While the adults spent most of the time OUT of the pool, and eating and drinking far too much.

Just as well Christmas comes but once a year!
Christmas Eve was spent, in the main street of Wondai, for the 60th annual Christmas Street Carnival.
Each year, we say never again; Each year, we go again anyway. There are the ham and turkey wheels, the merry-go-round and jumping castle, plus free ice-blocks for the kids from Santa. Not to mention the drinks at the RSL a bit later. Hey, it's tradition!
On Christmas morning, it's church, again in Wondai. This year, Uncle O. was the layreader, and we giggled as one of his grandchildren yelled out: 'Hello Pop!' Then it was back to L and O's for champagne, pina coladas, and beer ... and mountains of food.
L's special muscat-glazed baked ham, barbecued chickens, prawns, bugs, crabs and loads of salads. Then unmentionable desserts.
All washed down with good Aussie wine and beer, plus softies for the kids and the drivers.
The next morning, we enjoyed a barbie breakfast on the deck at my parents' home, before taking the long drive back to Brisbane, and discovering that Santa had visited Nana too!
Much to my surprise, I discovered the kids had been Very Good all year after all.
Ah ... it's the magic of Christmas.
(Pic: Santa and a Very Special Reindeer, photo courtesy of Husband).

6 comments:

Jan said...

Sounds like you had a great Chrissie. I did too. Glad it's over though for another year! :)

Kelley @ magnetoboldtoo said...

What a wonderful Christmas!

Next time I am totally crashing yours.

Unknown said...

Belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! sounds like you had a great time. As somone who has always lived far away from extended family (and in recent years, even immediate family!), I have often envied those who have great big family gatherings at special occasions...it always sounds so warm & rosy & storybook wonderful...although I'm sure the reality in many cases is a lot more stress & arguments than anything else! :-) But your family sound lovely. Glad you had such a great time. Loved the picture of the kids on the beach in the previous post - I have to admit, as someone who was born & grew up in the Northern Hemisphere, the "summerness" of this time of year Down Under always makes me really struggle to feel Christmassy! :-)

Hsin-Yi

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

What a fabulous menu and that's such an Australian Christmas isn't it! :D Sounds like you had a wonderful one :)

Niki said...

Good post. Thanks

Liezuvautoja said...

Good post. Thanks ;)

Fire and ice ...

You can take the Brissie girl out of New Zealand, but you can't take NZ out of the girl. Or something like that. What I mean is that al...