Christmas quickly snuck up on us which was quite obvious as we made last minute shopping trips on both the 23rd and 24th! Talk about stress, why do people do that to themselves!
Christmas Eve we headed to North Sydney to spend the next few days quality Maegan's family, none of which I had met before. Her dad picked us up, we had to cross the harbour bridge and as we were conning up to it he put his tour guide voice on and started telling us all about everything. "Up ahead in that building is where my brother got married..." Meanwhile, Sarah if freaking out about seeing the Opera House for the first time! He started singing 'O Canada' as we passed the Canadian embassy, and we sang the entire anthem as we crossed the bridge.
We were welcomed with open arms by Maegan's aunt, uncle and cousins who were hosting the festivities. Headed to Christmas Eve Mass in summer dresses, arrived a bit early as some carols were being sung. There were three little kids dressed up with santa hats and drums, they marched down the isle as 'The Little Drummer Boy' was being sung, drumming on beat. It was the cutest thing ever! After Mass they served beer/wine and little chicken sandwiches, what a good way to celebrate the birth of Christ!
Christmas morning I woke up first of the kids, and was greeted with many Christmas hugs and kisses. I felt so at home. We had panettone (delightful Italian fluffy bread) and fruit! Opened our presents - Sarah and Jennine got me a few little things, but they said the rest of it was in the mail. I found out later that it was a frisbee!!! Ahhhhhh!! So stoked.
Everyone else arrived around noon, so many aunts, uncles and cousins. I soon discovered what a blast they all are. I got to help Uncle Pat cook prawns on the 'Barbie', Uncle Bernie threw together the legendary haloumi (greek cheese) and chorizo, and grandma Joy brought her famous lemon tart! It was Christmas as it should be: with lotsa food!
Later on after everyone left we went for a swim in the pool. Yeah, swimming outside on Christmas, had never done that before!
Ended the day off by watching the classic 'It's a Wonderful Life', eating popcorn and drinking suuuuper delicious hot chocolate.
Overall, spending Christmas away from home couldn't have been more enjoyable. I quickly fell in love with the Williams family, what beautiful people. What a blessing it was to be apart of their Christmas celebration! It will be the Australian Christmas I'll never forget.
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