A Beautiful Bush Christmas #bushchristmas

6am

A shiny new bike stands at the window, a white helmet hanging from its bars. Towels line the pool fence, a newspaper lies out on a chair and the tarp is still across the lawn from the slip and slide game yesterday. We have enjoyed a week of visitors, so much good food, lovely gift giving, afternoon naps and games of cricket. 

Having little voices in our home again is such a treat as we play with flying fairies, a ball that bounces across the water, a remote helicopter that has wheels and new dolls. My girls smell of new perfume and arrive at breakfast in new summer dresses. We make another cup of tea , as preparation for a birthday party is now underway.

I really felt the spirit of Christmas this year and played Christmas music in the car and the home as we decorated the tree, set up fresh flowers, filled sweet jars and wrote long grocery lists. We have cooked BBQs, salmon dishes, roast meat and vegetables, salads and desserts. Just when you think you have had enough its time for another gathering around the dining table.

Last night we all reflected on what our highlight is this Christmas. There was mention of horse riding, Santa bells ringing Christmas Eve, all the good food and taking Nan and Pop for a ride on the bike around the hay shed on Christmas day. For me one of the highlights was receiving a hand made book filled with lovely quotes, artwork and inspiration. It was a gift made from the heart and it didn’t cost a cent.

We have celebrated a true bush Christmas as both sides of the family came together. The girls put a lot of thought and preparation into making it special for everyone. As the visitors start to repack their car and leave, I feel like the spirit of Christmas will stay with me into the New Year. It’s a good feeling to know you have opened your home and helped create laughter, love and relaxation in your home. This is a Christmas I will remember. It was busy but all worth it.

(A special thankyou to all my helpers. For those who picked up a tea towel, fixed the pool pump, hunted the cows out of my garden, fed the dogs, patted little children to sleep, took out the rubbish, offered the cool room, swept the floor, put the bike together, joined in the cricket, picked up the Christmas wrap and carried chairs from one verandah to the next. A special thankyou to my husband who did every little job I asked him to, with barely a mumble under his breath and to our lovely daughters who cooked and cleaned, filled the house with music and fun stories. And a final thankyou to my friend Ang who turned up yesterday with a cold bottle of champagne just when I thought Christmas was over. It looks like the spirit of Christmas really is here to stay!)  

Merry Christmas to you, thankyou for visiting my blog. I hope you have some special memories you can cherish this Christmas too. )

I think I'll head back to bed now.....