Merry Christmas

I treated myself to coffee at our local cafe this morning.  The front window is decorated with leafless branches hung upside down and adorned with cute handmade decorations.  Rickety reclaimed wooden tables with old miss-matched chairs were Christmasified with colourful centre pieces of tall clear drinking tumblers filled with pretty baubles - very cheerful and attractive, matching the service and food.  It's a lovely place. 

Christmas doesn't have to be an over-the-top stressful and expensive affair, but according to news reports, it appears to have become somewhat of an Australian way to spend money we don't have and expend mental and physical energy beyond healthy limits at this time of year.  It really is a shame to spoil festive occasions with stress and debt.

Christmas is different things to different people, and with Australia's expanding multiculturalism, will grow more varied as families from far off cultures mingle and interweave with our established Aussie  population and practices.  Festive customs from around the world are merging with our home grown traditions, and with appropriate tolerance, all should benefit.

For me, at this stage in my life, Christmas means having fun with my family, followed by spending quality relaxing time with my husband, and sharing joy with others.  We've had simple outdoor fun with all the kids, and enjoyed a casual meal together with all the noise and laughter that children bring to a family.  Now, Grahame and I will spend our first Christmas in our new home at Baradine, after I've shared my cooking with the townsfolk at Baradine's community Christmas Eve gathering tonight.

Merry Christmas to all - and for those people who are unwell, lonely, down on luck or low in spirit, may you stay safe and comfortable, and find reason to smile.

My family enjoying the outdoors at our family

Christmas gathering at the town pool