A Very Aussie Christmas
We had our hearts set on being able to return home to Minnesota & Wisconsin for Christmas to see friends and family and hopefully snow... But we were getting pretty used to disappointment in that regard, as 2020 keeps bearing it's ugly Covid-face. In all reality, we knew we wouldn't be flying home long before we let on to the kids as we mentally tried to prepare. I will be honest, when this news first really sunk in, there were tears shed as this was not the first time our travel plans that had been rescheduled.
The first beautiful thing that happened was when our neighbors invited us to come and have an authentic Aussie family Christmas with them. This was a very uplifting moment as they extended themselves and included us. The tides changed at that moment as I realized the kids would be surrounded by their children, extended cousins and of course their wildly popular Sheepadoodle, Elvis. Christmas Day festivities started at 11:00 am and wrapped up some 11 hours later. It's very Australian to grill a variety of meats and have a whole spread of cold salads followed by lots of desserts. We contributed to the feast by deep frying a turkey, American-style to add to the lamb, ham and salads. Traditional trifle & Christmas pudding was for dessert. That was just the first meal. After a round refreshing cocktails that even Sandals would be proud of, the second meal was underway.
Out came these giant prawns to be thrown on the barbie and of course sausages which is all very traditional for the later meal followed by a new set of desserts. Needless to say I rolled myself home at the end of the evening.
It was unlike any Christmas I had ever experienced. First of all it was hot and by that I mean knocking on the door of 100 F. The kids were able to spend much of the day in the pool with lots of laughing. Being around a large Aussie family for the day was the most unique experience. Aussie's love to cut on one another for a laugh that might make some blush and I spent most of the day in stitches. We are so grateful for their warmth and for such a memorable Christmas.
I mustn't forget our other neighbors who have become like a third set of parents to us. They are always there to answer any question and are so supportive. They were concerned about the amounts of lollies our kids would be getting over Christmas since we wouldn't be going home for them to be spoiled by their grandparents. They brought over the biggest container of candy for each of them. They are really the sweetest. We have been blessed by ending up in Ocean Reef.
Nativity Pageant
We attended Mass a couple weeks before Christmas and we noticed the church bulletin mentioned a rehearsal for a nativity play that was to take place on Christmas Eve. Ali wanted to try out and Ethan said, "Maybe I'll be a sheep in the back." We showed up the following week, with virtually no information on what to expect. I honestly thought it was going to be a small production. We rock up and they had all the older girls put their name in the hat for the part of Mary and same for the boys for the part of Joseph. Low and behold, they pulled Ali's name for Mary which was quite exciting as she got to play Mary at St. Stephen's in Anoka right before we moved to W.A. When they asked all the older boys to stand up, we look around and in a very comical way, I realize that Ethan is the only boy standing. Ethan took it quite well and agreed to do the part with a smile. Everyone around us starting chuckling when it registered that Mary & Joseph were going to be played by siblings. Let me add in here that it took about 2.2 seconds solely due to our American accents.
At this point we moved over to the oval (athletic field) of the Catholic primary school for rehearsal. During this time I found out a few notable items. They were expecting between 2,000 and 3,000 people to come to the nativity Mass, Joseph (Ethan) was to have a prominent speaking role, and there was going to be live animals used. Of course my personal nerves went through the roof, as I am not a fan of public speaking but was instantly also grateful that we were to be part of something so special. All of this information didn't faze either of my children. They were so comfortable that they proceeded to poke at each other and giggle while they were practicing their walk to Bethlehem. You know, in a way that only siblings would act. The priest called down to Ethan and said in a firm voice but smiling all the while, "Now Joseph, you really love Mary and have to protect her and guide her on your journey." More chuckles from onlookers.
Christmas Eve
In the months prior, I had envisioned Christmas to be on the quiet side and maybe a bit somber. But that's not at all how it played out. Christmas Eve day had a busy but fun buzz to the air about it all morning while getting ready. We arrived 90 minutes early since so many people were expected. This was an outside Catholic Mass with the Nativity play built right into the Mass. Parishioners and guests were to bring blankets or low chairs to sit on in the field. Everyone also brought coolers filled with picnic items and drinks to relax with before Mass started. The whole scene was quite friendly, relaxed, casual and of course hot. The high for the day was 40 C (which translates to 104 F). It's very hard to describe being this hot on Christmas.
Ethan then was able to meet his donkey (who's name was Donkey) whom he would be leading (by himself) with Mary down the center of the field on his way to Bethlehem. There was a little bit of confusion at this point as some of the church members thought Mary should ride the donkey being led by Joseph and we should ask the animal handlers. Ali's eyes got a little big at this point as this was completely unexpected.
The woman who was in charge of Donkey, said that no, Mary and Joseph would be walking alongside the donkey. I may have breathed a sigh of relief at this point.
The kids were with staff from the church and I made my way to our picnic blanket to await the start of Mass. A beautiful choir started singing Christmas carols as the priest came in by the usual procession. This was set up as a normal Catholic Mass but just set outside. The procession with the priest came first followed by all the little children dressed as angels and shepherds. The story of the nativity was read during one of the readings and that's when Mary and Joseph walked through the crowd with the donkey. Ali put a large bowl under her dress and looked very pregnant. Ethan did quite well on his speaking role. After they found room at the inn, Mary and Joseph sat at the manger and took turns giving baby Jesus a cuddle.
When the gifts were brought to the alter, everyone turned around and three kings were riding 3 camels all the way up the field between the crowds. It was quite the moment. Once they were in front of the alter the camels all laid down and the kings easily got off and presented their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus. The camels stayed lying down right in the front for the rest of Mass.
During the homily, I felt immersed in the Nativity scene and in the meaning of Christmas. It's something I always strive for every year, but always seem to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Sitting outside on a blanket, in the early evening with the temperature finally starting to lower from well over 100 degrees, I just teared up over it all. We were so blessed to be able to celebrate Christmas with this many people while most of the world was in lockdown. The priest gave a very inspiring homily about hope for the coming future peppered with a few jokes about being thankful for the breeze that came and cooled us off. It reminded me a bit of Father Jim's homilies. I felt at peace and was so thankful to be experiencing Christmas from another culture on the other side of the world.
At the end of Mass, there was one final surprise. An old timey car drove into the oval and out came Santa Claus. All the children ran up to the front to receive their lolly. As festive as this sounds, I had heard that Santa made his appearance the year before by a helicopter landing at the back of the oval.
Our Christmas Eve was complete with a dinner celebrated by just the four of us with lamb, crab legs and a cool Caprese salad. It was a special moment to enjoy for ourselves. Right after dinner started the first of our many family Zoom calls which I'm sure everyone is most familiar with in these times.
We are all in God's hands and everything happens for a reason. Of course we were sad to be away from home, but never imagined we would be given a gift like the one we received on Christmas, 2020 from our church, Our Lady of the Mission and our lovely neighbors.
Peace and love to all. 🙏💗
Below is our YouTube link for the Nativity Pageant.
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