Carols by Candlelight

Ive just sent out the weekly email, and I was prompted to write about MY meaning of Christmas. For me, so much of Christmas is about family and friends, and over the years thats come to be reflectedin my yearly Christmas 'Traditions'. Some of these I have been doin for a long time, some are much more recent. But these are the things that make Christmas for me.

Going to see the Myer Windows. I know its a kiddie thing, and it was something that was there throughout my childhood. Every year Mum would take my sisters and I into the city for a day, to visit Santa at Myers and then line up and see the windows. I got too cool for it in my teenage years, but started going again when I turned 18. The night in at the windows, queueing up for the animatronic story is always fun and remiscient of what Christmas used to be about - innocence, joy and good company. Plus, we always go out for some good goofing off afterward.

Carols at Whitehorse. Ive gone to this each year for at least ten years, and with various groups of people. Each year its great to be there, I always run into my sister and her friends (until last night, which ruined that), kids I work with at the high school, most of the families from the primary school, people from churches, people I know from working at the service station and people I went to school with. All these people come together, regardless of how 'religious' they are, to share food and drink with each other, and sing Christmas Carols. Not Christmas songs, but proper Christmas Carols. Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. We see the kids choir sing, we see the cool nativity with real animals and baby Jesus. We Love Dennis Walter. And on that night, we all love Jesus.

The Christmas lights. It's cheesy, but I do like to see the Griswald-like efforts that some people go to, lighting up their homes with Christmas spirit. We search out the ones that actually reflect a Christian Christmas, we pause whenever we find carollers or teenage girls playing recorders and violins badly. But its always a good experience with friends. The boulevard in Ivanhoe is one the biggest, but there's some good sets to see in Dingley, Lilydale and Rowville as well. More and more seem to be doing it these days, with houses lit up everywhere.

Free Golf on Christmas day. Someone pointed out to me last year that Golf clubs are all closed on Christmas day, but are happy enough for people to play. Nervously, Owen, Rich and I headed out onto the course. The first time we saw a staff member, we got ready to hide, but he waved happily and we kept playing. It was a nice relaxing way to spend a sunny evening, and I hit my best 9 hole score in a long time.

Late night shopping at Chadstone. Back in the days of 90 hour weeks at Hungry Jacks, I rarely had any time to do my shopping, and Chaddy started 24 hour trading on the 23rd. It became a novel thing, a late night out with some mates. Two years ago it peaked, with 30 000 people piled into Chadstone at 2am. The foodcourt is pumping the whole time, people go out there with no intention of shopping at all - just dressed up to 'strut'. These days its the way I do the bulk of my shopping.

Carols by candlelight rehearsal. The cheap way to enjoy the Carols at the Sidney Myer music bowl. Its much more relaxed, a family atmosphere, and you get to sing some of the songs several times over. And the whole thing is worth if for Hi-5 and Humphrey. I wonder if plucka will be there this year? Maybe Fat Cat as well.

Christmas Day. Church with my church family in the morning, and a time spent in praise and worship. Lunch with the extended family, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunties and Uncles, and this year Baby Jack. Good food, almost civil conversation, a pretty nice time. Then in the evening I get together with my friends, we have supper and share gifts, and watch the panel Christmas special. A nice way to end the day.