Merry Christmas

[Sandieh]

Merry Christmas "Everyone"

[shuffy]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year Sandie and to everyone else on the forum. Dedrah

[David]

Ah Christmas, that special time that, when we were all so young, used to come every two years, but now come around every six months or so. [] Of all the times that we have been back to England on vacation, we have never ever returned at Christmas time. I guess it's because we have our own family right here in our area, two grown sons and now three grandchildren, even they are growing up fast now too.Kyle is fourteen already,while his sister Madeline is eleven, and Cassidy their cousin is eleven also.
although we are now quite used to summery, warm Christmases, it still seems a bit strange when we sit out on our porch Christmas Day in shorts and shirtsleeves. The thing that really makes it Christmas like is the way the folks over here decorate their houses with lights and Christmas scenes, some of them just brilliant. And I believe that you Brits are getting into the festive mood by doing the same thing over there now-a-days [8D]
We don't get caroler's coming around singing for us like we did in the good old days back home. We used to go out almost every night and sing our little heads off...until we had enough coppers for chips [}]
Doris and I celebrate our 46th wedding anniversary on the 20th, where did those years go [?][?]
Anyway, here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and let's hope the New Year will bring some lasting Peace around the world. God Bless.

[Sandieh]

[8D]Like you David we`re in a hot climate at Christmas, right now we are soaring towards 40 degree`s Ive been told that Western Australia is very much like California, I do still miss the traditional English Christmas, we dont get carol singers either, the parks have carols by candlelight, in Perth there is a competion for the best decorated house, lights ect, some would give Blackpool illuminations a run for their money. my best effort is to throw some tinsel on a palm tree in the garden, but we still have fun as long as the airconditioners dont go on the blink.[][]

[noel]

Ah no white Christmas over there then David and Sandie , one of my son's and his partner spent the last Christmas over in Sydney and were disappointed with the lack of celebrations, though New Year under the Harbour Bridge firework display made up for it. Their favourite place in Oz was Perth.
There seems to be a fad with the houses decorated, some absolutely smothered in lights. It's brilliant, really do appreciate that sort of thing.

[David]

Noel; A white Christmas is within easy reach of us mind you. The mountains behind our house have been snowcapped for several weeks.
Any you are right about the lack of celebration, at least in the pubs, they all close down early (6:00pm), on Christmas Eve to spend the time with family...just tradition I guess. I hear that that is beginning to happen in the UK too ?? Now New Years Eve is a differnt kettle of fish. How's this....on New Years Eve, several funeral organizations will provide you with a free lift home if you are drunk. Bet that one takes a long time to catch on over there eh ??

[Sandieh]

Now thats a new one on me David, Funeral firms giving lifts home at New Year, but what a great way to make people think ! Its right about the harbour fireworks in Sydney Noel they certainly know how to put on a show.

[Dave L]

Sandie, I live in Adelaide and quite a few houses in my area have quite spectacular Christmas decorations each year. Each evening one of the news services shows a few of the most impressive ones.
Also, the town of Lobethal in the Adelaide hills draws large crowds every year to view it's Christmas illuminations.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.
[8D]

[David]

Most houses here in California are made entirely of wood. Ours is 100% redwood construction except for the chimney, and the front porch which is partial river rock. and being a single story house, (bungalow to you), it is very easy to hang lights on. Maybe that is one of the reasons that there are so many houses decorated with lights. Not to mention the good weather we have most of the time. I just can't see getting up on the roof of our dormer bungalow that we had in Walton le dale, in the cold, damp weather to hang lights every year. Maybe a string or two around the inside of the windows, but nothing like the ones we have here.
what is the main construction of the housing in Aussie Sandieh, wood, or brick ?

[Sandieh]

The houses in Perth are mainly brick David. mostly on one level like mine, although it seems to be the fashion at the moment in my area to build two storey houses I guess being very close to Perth city the land is very expensive now.