One thing I always look forward to at Christmas time in Australia is seeing what creative and clever decorations everyone puts up and each year there seems to be more of an effort, maybe especially in 2020 because we are all looking for a cheerful note to end the year on.  The effort put in seems to be at another level in the rural areas in particular I find. In an agricultural area near where I live, the farmers have used their imaginations this year coming up with some new fun ideas.

The town I live in is bordered with hay, wheat and sheep farms and using large round bales of hay one has created a clever Christmas tree in a paddock. In another paddock it seems that Santa has set up camp with his own tent and camp chair, but I hope he has a spare suit because he has left one hanging on the washing line. Out here he can expect visits from kangaroos and probably the odd snake and lizard.

And far from a white Christmas it seems we are having a pink and purple Christmas this year. At home near the beach, the colours of Bougainvillea, Eucalyptus ficifolia, Melaleuca Nesophila (Showy Honey Myrtle), Mammillaria (pincushion cactus) and pink Hydrangea decorate the outdoor areas around me.

Meanwhile inside, we have decided to bring a little of the outdoor in with a particular Australian touch. As well as having a more traditional looking Christmas tree in one area of the house I’ve also gone Aussie beach Christmas with a Eucalyptus branch decorated with its own pale yellow flowers and gum nuts and shells that we have found scattered along the beach, including my favourite pink cockle shells.

The town of Goolwa always decorates at Christmas time, it’s a popular holiday town especially over summer, so for Christmas it gets an extra touch with some uplifting street decorations.  Bollards around town are dressed in printed covers depicting different scenes of what the area is known for.

The odd tree around town has been yarn bombed too – always a cheery addition. And there are signs all around town wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and even these have their own Australian beach Christmas twist too.

Does your neighbourhood dress up for Christmas? Colour in abundance is such a great mood lifter.

Cheers

Glenys