We were lucky to celebrate Christmas with the whole family as well as a cousin from Switzerland. We celebrated on Christmas Eve like they do in Switzerland. The girls like this because they can go to their husbands' parents on Christmas day if possible. The young ones bought all the food and prepared it in our kitchen. We had a simple Aussie meal of prawns and Moreton Bay Bugs (a type of crayfish) with some ham, potato bake and different salads. For dessert we had Pavlova and/or Plum pudding with custard and fresh fruit.
All hands in the kitchen, Simon at left is a cousin from Switzerland, he came to Australia some years ago to be Fox and Banjo's live in carer (manny). He stayed for a year and Sonya was sad to see him go because he was good with the boys and did cleaning and some cooking. He has returned this year for a holiday. He is staying with Sonya and family. Once again keeping the house clean, cooking and helping Bernie with the house renovations.
Our Christmas Tree went past its 'use by date' and I wasn't keen to buy a new one so Carol decorated our fake bamboo. David and Carol flew from Melbourne to be with us for 11 days. She came early to drive me to the eye specialist because I wasn't to drive after they dilated my pupils. The result is I need cataract surgery in February and March. David's parents live in Brisbane too. Carol also organised a silly Secret Santa game. It was loads of fun.
Bill liked his present and nobody stole it from him (as the game goes).
Then it was time for the buffet.
Our wonderful daughters. Poor Carol has a damaged thumb from too much mousework.
After dessert it was time to exchange presents. There was a pile of them under the tree (bamboo).
The boys gave out the gifts.
Fox lends Granddad a helping hand.
Simon loves the beach and was happy to get a beach towel.
Bernie likes entertaining and he was happy with a big grazing board. Carol likes her new pyjamas.
Bill enjoyed my joke. He had six teeth removed recently and he is still waiting for false teeth so I gave him some teeth for Christmas. They were jelly lollies (candies).
It was a fun Christmas Eve. We hope you all had fun too.
Ooops! Forgot to add the little family photo.
What a wonderful Christmas. My son and family arrive tomorrow so we are getting ready for lots of fun and chaos then.
ReplyDeletesuch a lovely post Diane, so glad you had the family with you.
ReplyDeleteI needed a laugh and your family gave me several. love the teeth joke, and so did the whole family. the food looks yum and so happy you could all be together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gathering. Merry Christmas one day later from New Hampshire.
ReplyDeleteMerry after Christmas, Diane! Your family celebration made me smile. Looks like you all had fun. The feast looks delicious! You and I might be having cataract surgery around the same time. I need to have a consultation with the surgeon before scheduling. Hugs for the New Year...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Christmas you had ! The boys have grown too ! The false teeth gift was a great idea. Our Christmas was strange (for me ) First we celebrated on the 21st, they had to go to the mother and father (divorced) in Holland, I got my gift, but they left theirs home of course. It was OK for me, I was happy that they did the 3h drive just to see me and spent a nice time. Christmas without Rick is no Christmas and I am happy when all these festivities are over. The "girls" here preferred also to be alone on Christmas Eve, but we got together in the afternoon 25 and that was real nice.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Christmas photos and so pleased you had your girls and their husband and your grandchildren there with you both. A fun time Diane.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and may it be a good one.
Oh, this looks like such a wonderful celebration time...especially when the whole family can be together.
ReplyDeleteThe teeth gift is so funny. I love the big "belly" laugh.
Wishing you a Happy New Year too.
Sue
That sounds like the Christmases that I remember long ago, wonderful to celebrate with the family. We are now just two and it is hard to work up a lot of enthusiasm. Take care and enjoy the family while you can. Happy 2025 and wishing you both a happy and healthy year. T'other Diane
ReplyDeleteCarol, looks like you had a wonderful Christmas holiday with family all around, delicious food and fun gifts too. Thanks for your comment on my recent post and to answer your question about the penguin dryer balls, these wool dryer balls replace dryer sheets. I have other white ones and have been using them for several months.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. I have cousins in Chur and Bern. I live in snowy Canada but more rain now with climat change. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, I can see you had a joyous Christmas. I have decided to shut down my blog permanently but will try to pop by every now and then to catch up with you and your family. I hope the pain improves in the new year so you can enjoy it to the full.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have so many family members join you and Bill for Christmas. The dinner looks divine. Happy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great family gathering, and nice for you to not have to do too much preparation. The lolly teeth is too funny.
ReplyDeleteAn incredibly uplifting post. I hope that the year goes forward in an equally positive way.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post.
ReplyDeleteSending my good wishes for this New Year of 2025.
All the best Jan
What a wonderful blessing of being surrounded by your beautiful family this Christmas. I hope the cataract surgery goes smoothly and with an improved back, you will be able to fully enjoy 2025.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos Diane, a great celebration for you all. Thoroughly enjoyed looking at all your photos and seeing how your grandsons have grown. Laughed at those teeth you gave Bill, and all that yummy food. Happy New Year to you all my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to self-advertise, but my latest post is called "Migrants welcome to Australia - Bonegilla". My bloody blog is still showing my last post :(
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Family togetherness was important during and after WW2, and is even more important now.