The Run up to Christmas

The run up to this Christmas was a little different than the usual. It was still filled with present buying and card sending but it minused the food shopping which was great!! Instead, we had a visit to the spa, visits to a zoo, visits to astronomical sites, a visit to a peaceful and tranquil Japanese garden and finally to arrive to a place very much like home to relax and be fed!

We started our journey to Canberra for Christmas from Brisbane on the 19th of December and stopped at Moree, Coonabarabran, Dubbo, and Cowra before arriving in Canberra on the 24th of December. I had hoped to download and edit some photos and post a blog everyday of our journey but found that although the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak and also in this case the internet access was limited. Although we had internet access at most of our hotels, the connection was quite slow. Hence this blog has come first and the holiday blogs will follow later!

We're spending Christmas with my dearest friend Sonya and her family this year. There were 10 of us around the table with a very placid 8 day old baby sleeping just meters away. It is quite interesting how some people just make others feel so much at home. That's how we've felt the minute we step through the door into Pete and Sue's home. Everyone was so hospitable and chilled out that we felt really comfortable instantly. It was I have to say, like home away from home... which was wonderful!!! It really brings into bear the true spirit of warmth and giving.

Even the tradition of opening presents was similar - everyone sitting aroung the livingroom with someone volunteering to hand out Christmas presents from under the Christmas tree and each of us taking turns to unwrap our presents.

Amidst all these traditions, it reminds me of one very important one; something that started more than two thousand years ago. The greatest gift we could have received. It reminds me of the significance of his amazing birth and later an amazing sacrifice. Nevertheless, because of him we know we are truly loved. I hope how I live my life and especially 2010 will be a relection of my appreciation of His sacrifice and love.

With 2009 coming to it's end and 2010 into being in a week, I also reflect on His blessings and I'm thankful for all He has done. I acknowledge that I have plenty to be thankful for. I'm married to an amazing man who is an amazing husband and with him I inherited a wonderful family to add to my already supportive and loving family of my own. We've moved to a city reknowned for it's beautiful weather and we're living in a very sought after suburb close to the city, river and park. We've managed to balance work, relaxation and play quite well this year too.

I end this blog by wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and New Year!!!