Merry Christmas - one week to go

Yep, that's all the time we have left to finish the shopping, wrap the presents, post the cards and finally sit back and hope we have not forgotten anybody. This year Christmas seems to have arrived with a rush, probably because we have been away during some of the build up. It was not until we came back from Perth that I realized the city was in full Christmas mode and rather than get organised I figured I still had plenty of time. Fortunately I got my act together last week and I think yesterdays expedition to the shops has finally got it all covered.

The city has well and truly gotten into the spirit of Christmas with decorations appearing all over the CBD. The Town Hall looks very beautiful with large Christmas wreaths & Nutcrackers at every entrance. Across the road the City Square has been transformed into Christmas Square and is a forest of Pine trees with a path meandering through until you get to Santa's house. He was not in residence when we dropped by but all the kids running around were still captivated by the whole thing. At the other end is a large Nativity scene and just in front of it a movie version telling the story. Many children and their parents were watching this too.


At Federation Square there is a large Christmas tree taking centre stage among another little forest of pine trees. I must go and have a closer look to see if anything else is hidden away there as well. Flinders St Station has been dressed this year as well and is looking very colourful. All the shopping arcades are decorated and everywhere you go you are not far from the sound of carols, either from inside the stores or from the many Salvation Army groups singing on corners. You can't help but feel very Christmassy.

And of course the Iconic Myer Windows have everybody rocking along with that favourite Christmas song 'Santa Clause is Coming to town', the theme for this year. Sung by Guy Sebastian and the Australian Girls Choir it entertains the hundreds of people queuing to see the story come to life. Spectacular as always this years colourful display has all the kids trying really hard to read their names on the 'naughty' or 'nice' lists that the elves are holding. And inside the shop the Santa train is doing a roaring trade as it ferries the kids from the station through the big Santa faces to see the man himself somewhere behind the scenes.

Christmas time is also for catching up with friends and we met Susie & Bryce for Brunch on Sunday morning before visiting their new home. It looks lovely and I hope you enjoy your first Christmas with your family. And last night we joined Astrid & Hans at Choi's in Hawthorn for a yummy Chinese banquet and to share a pre Christmas drink or two.

We did manage to steal a morning away from the hustle and bustle of the city spending a few hours at Werribee on Sunday morning before going to brunch. It was a beautiful still morning, though overcast, and the birds were very accommodating.

And so now with only 3 days left all is in readiness for the big day. We are off to Parkdale to spend Christmas day with the family and are looking forward to a seeing everyone again.

So all that's left for me to do is to wish you all a Merry Christmas, where ever you may be in the world. Enjoy your day with family & friends and we'll be thinking of you all as we do the same.

until next time...........