Holdfast, or don't hold at all!

Blog of Kip McGrath Education Centres - Holdfast Bay

A Season for Traditions

December 01
by Annie 1. December 2013 21:10

Amazingly, a year has passed and it is once again the 1st December with Christmas Day just around the corner. Across the country eager little hands are breaking through the paper restraints of the first day of their advent calendars, a tradition that I hope never dies.

I am not particularly religious, but every year I look forward to this little ceremony, which as far as I’m concerned is the true countdown to Christmas. That little window of mystery awaits me every day (yes, I still have one – Smiggle this time!) with a tiny little present just for me. Today was a plastic whistle, just what every full-grown businesswoman needs! I am sure that it, and its little friends, will probably find its way in to the eager hands of our nieces and nephew, but the present itself is almost irrelevant; it is the anticipation that matters. Of course, I did read about a beer-themed advent calendar this week, complete with actual samples that might just change my perspective on that!

All of which brings me to Christmas itself. Mark and I grew up in countries that had occasional snow (me, UK) or were deluged in it (Mark, Canada), so for us making merry without the white stuff can be a challenge. Even after more than 7 years, finding the Christmas spirit in 40 plus can be a challenge. Having plenty of family nearby helps of course, and it is hard not to be inspired by the way kids are still able to enjoy the simple things, even now, surrounded by every electronic  diversion they can get their hands on.

Nevertheless, this year I am determined to be less ‘ba humbug’ and get more proactive with my merriness; I will enjoy Christmas or die trying beneath a weight of candy canes, crackers and cake! I nearly ran a group of kids from Lions when I spotted them selling Christmas puddings in our street. When I say ‘ran over’, I was actually driving at the time and launched on to the curb lest I miss the chance to buy the one thing that everyone dreads eating at this time of year! Who invented Christmas pudding and why did they have to inflict it on the rest of us?

One tradition that we are both very looking forward to is our annual get-together with friends in McLaren Vale over steaming bowls of Moules Frites, otherwise known as muscles and chips, a simple yet wonderful meal that combines with flagons of wine and endlessly mad conversation for a great evening. Our good friend, and founder of this tradition, is returning to us from the UK for the Christmas season and we can’t wait to catch up.

I will of course again this year be singing with the Tutti Choir, and you are all welcome to join us for a concert of Christmas favourites. The venue and ticket details are below. http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=68280

Perhaps it is unseasonal weather we have been having recently, but I do feel more ‘Christmassy’ this year than I have for a while. I have even finally broken open the box of candle-making supplies that have been in the closet since my course last year and a few friends and rellies may be getting a bit of fragrant light in their lives this season!

 

Our Christmas newsletter is on the way, along with Christmas cards and lolly bags for all of ‘our kids’. The countdown has begun! Rediscover your old traditions, or make some new ones, and enjoy this wonderful time of the year. Just keep your hands off my Christmas pudding!

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