Celebrating Christmas the Local Way

Written By Belinda Young

There's something really special about Christmas in the hills. The local shops are decked out in their Christmas finery, and the smiles on visitors from near and far carry the Christmas spirit with them. Warmer days that often tease the hills with their short but fleeting promises at the start of December become more regular by Christmas too, and the longer evenings spent enjoying a swim at the local (heated) outdoor pool or watching and socialising at a local cricket match signal to us that Summer is finally here.

For my family, Christmas is a time when we look forward to seeing our family from interstate and in the past, from overseas. The house (and sometimes the shed and the occasional borrowed caravan) are bursting at the seams. Last year the cubby house was sectioned off (complete with orange traffic cones) as the COVID test quarantine area but that’s a story for another day. The noise and chatter as we all reconnect is a sound I yearn for.

On Christmas Eve (day of), the kids wait, their ears straining for the sound of Santa driving down the street on the back of the CFA fire truck. The short sharp sound the siren and faint clang of the bell sends the kids bolting down the drive to greet Santa and the CFA crew. You often see an Aussie Christmas depicted as Santa on a surfboard, but seeing the kids talking with Santa under the shade of the mountain ash while our volunteer fire brigade hand out minties, well, I don’t think there is anything more Aussie than that.

Each year on Christmas Day the food and the format might change at our place (besides my late mum’s famous layered salad) but one thing always remains, the Christmas Day cricket match! The kids mow the field the day before, flattening the pitch and removing the tough cabbage weeds which have punctured many a pair of thongs in the past. The match has become a bit of a street tradition now with some of the neighbours strolling down and jumping the fence to the pitch late in the afternoon after our lunches have settled and the heat of the day has subsided. No one knows who wins, although the kids seem to have a good idea. This year with the announcement of La Niña, I am hoping that good fortune allows us a sunny Christmas Day and one epic cricket match. Regardless of the weather however, nothing beats reconnecting with friends and family, and this year, even more than last, we really deserve it.

Christmas lunch in the carport.

The Christmas Day cricket match.

Below I have put together an array of local events and Christmas ideas to help make this silly season a little bit special. Along with our local markets, I've also included the Mums of the Hills local Christmas gift catalogue for those who are still looking for items. Our local businesses have really done it tough this year and so supporting local is a great way to help them get back on their 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 𝟗𝐓𝐇. 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:

and now onto the events, markets and activities….

Christmas Wreath Making

Over two hours, learn how to create a big, beautiful rustic wreath out of locally grown flowers at Olinda Hall. With the guidance of your host Claire - a trained florist - you will learn the ins and outs of floral wreath design. Working with locally sourced native flowers and foliage’s, each variety has been carefully chosen to produce a modern rustic wreath that will look just as beautiful dried as it does fresh. Enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival, soak in the hills atmosphere and experience lovely afternoon creating with friends. To book your place head to the @ferngrovefloraldesign page and send a DM or email ferngroveflorals@gmail.com. There are also other Christmas themed events taking place at Olinda Hall and Olinda Community House. Pop over to our guide to OCH events in our resources section here.

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 and local gift. Please follow the links to find out further details.

Sunday 28 November -

Gembrook Market https://www.facebook.com/events/1507716799607804

and

Seed of Life Market: 34 Main St, Upwey: https://www.facebook.com/events/1157140198150123/

Friday 3 December

Cire Community Hub's Christmas Twilight Market! 5pm to 9pm, Friday December 3rd, 33 Kimberley Drive: https://www.facebook.com/cirehubs/posts/658131275549567

SATURDAY, 4 DECEMBER Cockatoo Country Christmas Market

SATURDAY, 11 DECEMBER Yarra Glen Twilight Market

Friday 17 December Twilight Christmas Market - (at the former Caribbean Market)

Carols

Due to restrictions, there are a limited number of carols taking place this year. I have managed to find these though so you can still sing to your hearts content.

Friday December 10

Bunjil Place, 10:30am: Details here

Saturday December 11

Narre Warren North Christmas Carols - Details here

Knox Virtual Carols by Candlelight, 7:15pm - 10pm: - Details here

Sunday December 12

Montrose Community Christmas Carols, 7:30pm: - 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.

Local Events

Lastly, there are some fantastic events taking place at Bunjil Place. Following the links to find out more.

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

Belinda Young
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