Celebrating Christmas: Come what may
We already know it will be a season with a difference. It’ll be wet
Is Christmas just around the corner? Surely not! With the rain falling outside, I try to envisage Santa on a surfboard, all the while grateful for the warmth of our log fire. The weather is really trying to dampen our spirit. The local villages are determined to bring back the festive vibes after 2 years of uncertainty with festoon lights, twilight markets and carols by candlelight. Despite this normality, we all pretty sure it’ll be a Christmas with a difference. It’ll be wet and a bit lean.
Many know I grew up in Townsville. I say it alot as it's a big part of why I am who I am today. Growing up in North Queensland, our seasons were marked differently. There was stinger season, cyclone season and the wet season. Winter was that week in July usually coinciding with the Townsville show when the skivy came out and you could see your breath. For us, Christmas coincided with cyclone season, and while the thought of a cyclone clashing with Christmas may sound foreboding, my childhood memories of that time were 100% positive.
A cyclone at Christmas meant a few things. The supermarket shelves would be cleared of tinned food and the queue at the drive through bottle-o would be that little bit longer. Batteries intended for gifts were saved for torches and radios and the bathroom was prepared as a shelter. The cyclone warning siren would create a rush of adrenaline fuelled excitement that my parents capitalised on, tasking us kids with strengthening the house windows with masking tape. But Townsville has historically been spared the brunt of cyclonic winds with the last epic hit being cyclone Althea in 1971. Cyclones for Townsville therefore almost always guaranteed one thing. It was going to be wet. Really, really wet.
My favourite memories of wet Christmases involved epic water slides made from tarps lathered in dishwashing liquid and riding my bike through waterlogged gutters. I loved sitting on the bottom of the pool looking up at the world beyond watching the rain splash and splosh as it hit the pool surface. Our resident green tree frogs overjoyed by the wet joined in the thunderous ruckus with croaking so loud it would make Pavarotti proud. There were still all the smiles, all the warmth, love and laughter of a dry Christmas and we knew that sooner or later the sun would come out and the previously dry, brown lawn would be green and lush once more. Yes Christmas presents were a thing but our gifts were always modest. It was the people that counted and we always made the most of it. Cyclone Christmases were different, but still good.
A cyclone at Christmas in Townsville meant one thing. It was going to be really wet.
Me and my brothers with mum proudly wearing our ‘good’ clothes that she lovingly sewed.
This year, as we continue our uninterrupted waltz with La Niña, I am anticipating a wet Christmas, but it’ll be ok. I know my kids will be making memories like I did and love every minute of it. Sun (and Summer for that matter) will return but I sincerely hope that the lack of it at Christmas won’t dampen your spirit.
Below I have done my annual search of local Christmas activities guaranteed to help even Grinch find his Christmas cheer. Please let me know if there are any I’ve missed. I've also included the Mums of the Hills local Christmas gift catalogue for those who are still looking for items too. Supporting local business is a great way to help them and our community get back on our feet. Regardless of your plans or where you are, I hope your day is filled with wonderful memories, smiles and laughter. Bx
Christmas Gift Appeal
Before we go into the events, a reminder of our Christmas Gift Appeal. This year, even more than last year, gifts for those doing it tough are really needed. MotHs is once again supporting the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service Inc's Christmas Gift Appeal. If you haven't heard of DRERS, I would highly recommend checking out their website. They have been helping local families in need since 1998. Their Christmas gift appeal is highly tailored and local, respecting the needs and dignity of those that use their service. For those in our private Facebook group, please find our pinned post that details the volunteer gift collectors for your area. Our volunteers are collecting until December 7th. Gifts can also be dropped to either the Christmas tree in Belgrave Library or at the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service shop.
Thank you again to our volunteers and thank you to all who are able to donate.
𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏?
The DRERS can really help those in need and not just with Christmas gifts. They can provide fuel vouchers, aid with rent, food and other assistance. Please reach out to them. To be able to receive gifts, you must be first registered with their service. It's a simple text or phone call. 0468 468 430.
To learn more about DRERS - check out their website:
Christmas Activities
Kokedama Balls - December 9, Olinda Community House
Learn how to make your very own Kokedama balls, perfect Xmas presents wrap plants in this beautifully creative way and have the knowledge to create these masterpieces at home. 1pm – 2pm. Price: $30 Materials included
Book here: Contactus@och.org.au
Christmas Wreath Making
For those of you that feel like getting into the Christmas spirit, this Friday evening, November 25 from 7.30-9pm, the Eco Soul Collective is running a Christmas Wreath making workshop on the main street of Belgrave. If this Friday doesn't suit you we also have a list of other dates to choose from. The class is $109 and you get to not only create but also take home an amazing 30cm diameter Christmas wreath. Complimentary Bubbles and Christmas hits included. Full details here https://classbento.com.au/dried-floral-christmas-wreath...
Where to Get Your Real Christmas Tree
The smell of a real Christmas tree is something that really can’t be beat. The whole experience of choosing and collecting your tree is a memorable event in itself for kids young and old. With the hills dotted by Christmas tree farms and many Scouts Associations selling them too. Here are a selection of Scouts and Christmas farms to make finding the ‘real McCoy’ easy.
Supporting the Scouts
The Scouts Christmas tree stalls are always a great spot to pick up a real Christmas tree. I’ve found a selections of fliers by the local groups detailing locations and dates. Click on the images to be taken through to their Facebook pages.
If heading to a Christmas tree farm is more your thing, Montrose Christmas Tree Farm in Montrose, Cobradah Christmas Tree Farm in Wandin East, Seville Christmas Tree Farm in Seville, Ports Christmas Farm in Belgrave South and Maybloom Christmas Tree Farm in Narre Warren East are just some of the Christmas tree farms in the area.
Santa is Coming on the CFA Fire Truck
A special part of living in the hills is that Santa loves visiting locals with the help of the Country Fire Authority. When Santa visits, you’ll hear the CFA fire truck’s siren announce is arriving in the street along with the sound of Santa’s bell. The kids race down to the street to say hello, wish Santa a merry Christmas and receive a special treat. Each CFA station will have a different schedule for Santa so please be sure to visit your local CFA Facebook for updates on Santa’s local itinerary. One final small request, the CFA relies on donations and so if you can, please consider donating to the CFA this year.
Christmas and Twilight Markets
Here is a selection of local markets to visit to grab a unique local gift. Please follow the links to find out further details.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27
TTHA 'Weihnachtsmarkt' German Christmas Market, Bayswater.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 2
Cire Community Christmas Twilight Market, Chirnside Park: Details here
SATURDAY DECEMBER 3
Christmas Market and Lighting of the Tree @ Bunjil Place, Narre Warren: Details here
Christmas Twilight Market, Cockatoo: Details here
Ringwood East Christmas Market: Details here
SATURDAY DECEMBER 10
Ambleside Park & Homestead Twilight Market
SUNDAY DECEMBER 11
SUNDAY DECEMBER 18
Seed of Life Twilight Market - Upwey
Carols
This year we can sing to our hearts content at these great local Christmas carols.
Saturday December 3
The Basin Carols by Candlelight: Details here
Maroondah Carols, Croydon: Details here
Saturday December 10
Carols on the Mountain, Ferny Creek Reserve: Details here
Knox Carols by Candlelight, 4pm-10pm: Details here
Sunday December 11
Montrose Community Christmas Carols, 5:30pm - Details here
Friday December 16
Emerald Carols by the Lake - Details Here
Supporting Local Businesses
If you have yet to finalise your Christmas gift shopping, I highly recommend our local Christmas gift catalogue. It is full to the brim of gift ideas from local shops that support local artisans and makers. Click on the image to be connected to this online and interactive Christmas catalogue.
Once again, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season, full of fun, laughter and joy. If you hear of more events that I have missed, please let me know. I will add them as fast as I can. All the best everyone. B x
