Christmas

We left a smoky Melbourne and arrived at an even smokier cottage. I spent most of my time quietly inside and on Thursday a huge bank of smoke rolled in from the bushfires to the east of us. Visibility was greatly reduced and the cows looked quite eerie in the gloom as they came in for milking. Friday brought a change and then on the weekend the rain came. Here is the storm approaching from the south west ...




The countryside has dried off so much.

We spent a wonderfully relaxing few days away, returning on Christmas Eve. After a lovely afternoon tea with dear daughter's in-laws we had a light meal and then went into the city for the 9 Lessons and Carols at St. Paul's cathedral.


It was a beautiful service with crowds and crowds of people. I was so pleased for at Christmas a multitude of joyful worshippers singing carols is just right. After a quick look at the Myer Christmas windows - so lovely - an Australian bush nativity from a book by Mem Fox, we returned home to the final present wrapping and mulled wine by the fire.

It was a white Christmas in the hills where only a few days before hand the fires were raging. We experienced the coldest Christmas Day on record (we have had the strangest weather of late). After bagels and coffee or milo, we attended church returning to open presents, then enjoyed a late 'brunch'.

We all gathered in the evening for Christmas dinner with a couple of extra guests who kindly joined us. It was a memorable meal. I had a book on the table and encouraged all present to write about something that happened this year for which they are thankful. It is good to ponder and give thanks.

This Christmas season has been so pleasant. Maybe it was that I was better organised, or perhaps because we were away from the city during the really busy time or was it due to our Christmas dinner being in the evening allowing a more peaceful, unhurried day. I don't know but it was wonderful to be with family and friends and I climbed into bed with a contented, thankful heart.