5 sleeps until Christmas!

Well, it is 2pm here and I have finally got the chance to sit down. It has been a morning/day in the kitchen today making cakes, shortbread biscuits and gingerbread men. Kaleb would like to make chocoalte balls so we will do that a bit later. For now though it is time for lunch, for the kids to sleep or have quiet time and for me to share with you my favourite activites of Christmas.

Activity One: Going to the local Carols by Candlelight

There is something so special about spending a night under the stars singing christmas carols by candlelight. Dalby had theirs on Sunday night under the arena at the showgrounds so there was little need for candles but most people still bought them and enjoyed the festivities of the night. The boys weren't as fussed about the carols as they were about the free cars jumping castle and playing in the sand under the arena.

Our Carols by Candlelight was run by the local churches with guest artist Bel Morrison. The gospel message was shared loud and clear throughout the night as we sang carols and songs. There was a rustic nativity scene and beautiful sand sculpture of 2 hands holding a heart. And no santa.

Activity Two-: Watching the Carols in the Domain on TV

We love sitting down as a family and watching the carols. We often tape them so we can watch them again- and so the kids can see them as they are on fairly late.

Activity Three: Christmas Shopping

Now, I know it is madness and crazy and frustrating and makes you want to pull your hair out, but it wouldn't be christmas without it. And having worked in retail in Grand Central I know just how crazy it can get. I try to avoid it now- I am a little bit of a quite country town kinda person now, but most years it just cannot be avoided.

Activity Four: Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day Church

There is a certain thrill in the air at Christmas church services, and it is the one time of the year you get to sing carols and enjoy christmas cake at church. The church is always beautifully decorated and it is just the best place to be. I remember going to 11.30pm church one Christmas Eve with my nana at St Jame's Church in Toowoomba. That was an awesome way to see in Christmas.

Activity Five: Baking/ Cooking

Christmas just wouldn't be christmas without all of those yummy goodies that make it the day of overeating that it is. Shortbread, rumballs, cakes, deserts, roasts... all of those yummy things. I try to do a little each day, other people do it all in one day. I guess it depends on how much time you have, how many things you plan on making, and how much space you have in your kitchen.

The one thing I can suggest about christmas baking is stick to what you know and with what works. Many a tear has been shed over something that didn't work after spending all that time and energy on it. There is nothing wrong with a new recipe at Christmas if your family play guinea pig though :)