Merry Christmas from Australia.
Photo of 'THE BOYS'
Our Family Traditions at Christmas time.
We have been fortunate now for quite a few years to have the opportunity to gather as family and extended family in a beautiful and private setting in the heart of the city on the Sunday of the week prior to Christmas Day.
We share food and company for the whole day into evening. Young and old alike taking advantage of this special time to renew family ties and celebrate Christmas as a whole group together.
Peppercorn tree flowers.
Large living Christmas Tree.
We have a Chris Kringle gift giving and each of us wishing to participate, will buy a gift for a designated amount of money to give to the person we have drawn out of the hat previously. The presents are all placed under the big pepper tree and our volunteer Santa will distribute them between food courses.
The Family relaxes casually at our exclusive venue.
Food is usually salads, cold platters of meat and some vegetables. The desserts are pudding of the traditional kind, with home made custard or ice cream to cover it, accompanied by, Pavlovas, fruit salad and Christmas cake all served on the big table set out under the tree.
The weather is usually warm and the younger folk play some cricket or swim in a pool nearby. Mostly it is a good time to catch up and enjoy each others company.
The weather is usually warm and the younger folk play some cricket or swim in a pool nearby. Mostly it is a good time to catch up and enjoy each others company.
Later in the evening some of us attend the Carols by Candlelight service held in the park nearby. For those of us who stay back at our Venue we get to listen to the carols and the choirs and solo artists performing on the night, from the loud speakers as they relay the beautiful music out across the park
St Peter's Cathedral from our Venue at sunset..
The evening comes to an end and we all say farewell. Some of us to have another celebration on Christmas Day. This year there will be Lunches at the beach weather permitting. Yes! we actually do have Christmas at the beach here. For others, family and friends will come for a formal lunch and all of the trimmings. As for my home, here in the morning we will all give gifts and the lounge room will look like a paper factory gone into chaos mode as one and all give and receive their gifts before a family breakfast. Oh! yes, and out side will be 'The Boys' pictured above in their Christmas attire with their other cousin Black Dog, all waiting for some special treats. They too will help celebrate Our Australian Christmas.
The boys are Gilbert, Leonardo, and Lex.
Gilbert and Leonardo belonging to my son and his fiance have attained fame in the last few years in agility training, earning them selves and their proud owners many ribbons, trophies and even state awards for their efforts. The breeds are Gilbert Border Collie, Leo is Australian Kelpie and Lex is a Kelpie Cross.
What a lovely tradition, Milli. I am dying to see the top of that pepper tree. I've not heard of such a thing. Does it grow actual peppers? Thank you for sharing this; you must be anxious for your next gathering as the season fast approaches, yes?
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ReplyDeleteOH! And the boys, LOL! The things we put our pets through! LOL
LOL well there are the boys the children the horses and it is a big family here LOL.
ReplyDeleteI have posted a close up of the peppercorn tree berries and given the botanical name. Which you can google if you wish too. I have some lovely photos actually of old homes in this district and will post them because there are aged peppercorn trees around these old buildings. thanks again Crystal.
The fern like leaves and tiny berries on that peppercorn tree are amazing. It seems that every place besides NY has such a diverse species of trees and critters alike and they're all so beautiful. The back of my property is lined with pin-oaks and they are the ugliest things I ever did see! When I sell my colonial I'm moving, but I'm going to research their animal and plant life first. lol
ReplyDeleteI would love to see your colonial anytime you can share Crystal. I wonder where you end up living?
ReplyDeleteThese trees by the way are an attractive tree and I believe they get there name also from the smell that is peppery in fragrance. I am looking for the photos to upload in an album...