December 3: 29/11/2020 Christmas Tree Day

In the one weekend we started a new tradition, a Murri Christmas gathering, and kept one going, Christmas Tree Day. We celebrate the beginning of the season by putting the tree up, eating, and being merry. Aunty Di has been a guest of honour since we had the girls and this year JJ and Tim joined us. There was Christmas music and the four massive boxes of Christmas decorations were out making a mess of the space. The boxes capture an ever-growing collection of beautiful handmade ornaments, arts and crafts that the girls have created over the years. The decorations become more and more precious over the years. The day runs very much like Christmas but without the presents. It was a tradition born from not having friends and family close at that one day of the year, and also it takes a lot of pressure off of Christmas Day itself. There is less pressure for that one day to be ‘all the things’ and ‘meet all the expectation’. It is a very special day so here are a few things I want to remember:

-          Kaiya and Kirra dressing up for the occasion. We have been intentional about reduce, reuse, and recycle so the outfits this year were preloved dance costumes from the Op Shops (aka Charity / Second Hand / Opportunity Shops). We had a Nutcracker outfit (Kaiya Kelly Puggle) and a Ballerina’s Tutu (Kirra Isla Kubbi). The girls did each other’s makeup, and Kirra did my very, very, very glittery eyeshadow. For two days in a row, I am not wearing black, with matching rainbow earrings. Michael always goes festive in a Portland Blazers t-shirt.

-          Kaiya Kelly reacted in horror then in pout at the thought of not being allowed to open her Christmas present from Aunty Di, until Christmas Day. Kirra Isla then comforted Kaiya in her state of sadness by giving Kaiya things of comfort. In the end Kaiya got lucky! I want to remember Kirra’s kindness but also elation at opening her present. They both played with the presents for the rest of the day, just like you would on Christmas.

-          The effort Michael is going to, to keep as much as possible Vegan, and even will all the food, our little fruit bats still asked for a fruit platter. We are so lucky to have beautiful fruit like mulberries, blackberries, mango, lychees, cherries, raspberries, and grapes.

-          The gift giving, Advent Calendars featuring chocolate from Tim and Sam, and reciprocal gifts of food prepared by Kaiya. It featured a tart to take home with decorations on top.  Just in case no one knew, Gift Giving and Receiving is one of Kaiya’s dominant appreciation languages.

-          The festive drinks, Christmas Spice and Ginger Beer from the Bundaberg Ginger Beer Company (all non-alcoholic).