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Yes, our Christmas and New Year celebrations were very different in 2009 in Australia. While you were singin g carols at the Candlelight Service in Epsom (which I am informed was very enjoyable) we were sitting on a grassy hillside along with the family, friends and about one thousand other people in the Swan Valley. This was an open air Carol Concert arranged by the local Church and in the grounds of the local winery which was a beautiful setting. Upon arrival with our picnics, etc., we were all given candles and once the singing began as the sun went down we all lit our candles. It was a wonderful sight and experience, the singing was hearty, full of life and joy, and all the children – and there were lots of them – joined in, and it was a real party atmosphere. When the carols ended there was a magnificent firework display over the lake, and the evening ended with everyone wishing each other “A Happy Christmas”. Our two grandchildren fell asleep in the car on the way home and were carried in to bed!
Three days before Christmas Day we all went into Perth by train to see a “Nativity Play”. My, what a play it was, with over one hundred in the cast ranging from small children to senior adults. The stable was set high in the main square, a real wood and brick structure. Before the play began we were entertained by a Gospel Choir from the local Church and an angel on stilts sprinkled fairy dust over the audience. Mary arrived at the stable on a live donkey, the shepherds brought live sheep and goats with them, and of course, the kings arrived on three camels! The stable was the home for the evening for chickens, a cockerel and some ducks (all very well behaved). From my description it all sounds a bit brash, but not so: all the characters were played with great sincerity and feeling. The main square was packed with people of all ages who obviously thoroughly enjoyed the performance. It did one good to see so many people enjoying such a lovely occasion.
It was lovely to share Christmas with our grandchildren and one that we shall remember for many years, although it did seem strange to be in the warm sunshine and swimming in the pool on Christmas Day.
Now back to Epsom - we were very sad to hear the news of Lynne’s passing while we were away. We have listened to the Thanksgiving Service and what a fitting tribute to a lady who, although only small in stature, was a larger-than-life character. We shall miss her.
This last week has been a sad one. We think of Daphne losing her daughter, Pam, after a long illness, and we remember Daphne, Andrew and Ryan and all the family in our prayers. We also think of Alfred who lost his brother this week in Ghana. Alfred will be travelling to Ghana soon to be with his family and our thoughts and prayers go with him for safe journeys.
Editor: in contrast with George and Sheila's sunny Christmas, I show these two reminders of the season in Epsom!
 
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