OUG:

Sometimes you do surprise me! But I suppose Australian spirituality is understated, and ultimately characterised by "a serious quiet reverance, a deliberate silence...an inarticulate awe and a serious distate for glib wordiness..." I suppose that part of the problem is that some people tend to judge themselves by the ostentatious religiousity of American Protestantism. Still others are looking for a form of expression which is sensitive to the spirit this land has within it. Australia does have a vast and silent spiritual heart ...
(now I'm beginning to sound like Oprah Winfrey).;-)

Christmas to many people is the happiest and busiest time of the year because it does involve family. People of different backgrounds celebrate Christmas in various ways depending on their cultural background, national and local customs. We usually go to midnight-mass on Christmas Eve, we decorate our tree with ornaments, tinsel, and coloured lights. We join hands and say a prayer before the meal,
we sing Christmas carols, the sound of bells and carols fills the air,
and so on. Our youngest son is spending this Christmas in London, they've booked places for the evening Church-Service in Westminster Abbey, which should be awesome. I can't deny it. I love Christmas and
what it stands for. Joy and Peace, Goodwill on Earth ...

I'm not into Christmas and I'm not a Christian,
but you don't have to be to appreciate this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

Plenty of joy there!

Not a Christian, don't need to be. The christmas season lost all relevance to Jesus along time ago.
For me it is family and especially my children. 11 and 10 year old twins, so we are really in the prime of xmas fever. The day is always a pleasure with presents first then a yum breakfast. Late lunch normally cold with lot's of Mum's home made products.
The best part is that xmas means the long summer break, i have my kids to myself for six weeks of holiday, fun and adventure. It is always great to be close to them and watch them develop then cry as they go back to school knowing that in weeks they will return to the horrible monsters that school social life produces.
Have a good one all of you and treasure the family time. This will be our first xmas without Dad so it will be a little sad.

Talisman:

Thanks for that. It is much appreciated!

Nairbe:

So sorry to hear about your family's loss. The anniversary of my step-father's death was in October - so yes, our Christmas will have an empty space at our table. Still, I'm glad you've got the kids and family times ahead. Children bring so much joy, and of course you love them unconditionally. Enjoy your time with them - and wishing you and them every possible Happiness and Joy!

That was very cool Talisman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQLCZOG202k

I love flash mobs!

Thanks for a happy thread Lexi.

Jewely:

Thanks for your kind words. I thought we all could do with some cheering up. Before I forget,there's a lovely picture book that might be worth a look for anyone interested in giving a book as a stocking-filler to a young child. It's title is, "Wombat Divine," by Mem Fox. It's a lovely Christmas story about a wombat who loved Christmas. He loved the carols, candles, presents, pudding, but most of all he loved the bush Nativity play. In this story wombat auditions for the Christmas play. The story features many Australian animals - and is quite a hoot. I strongly recommend it for a young child.