After tough times with bushfires in the Blue Mountains last year we locals may have dreamed of celebrating Christmas in some exciting, faraway spot in 2020. Well, it was not to be.
Time to hunker down in our own little world! 😍
DECK THE HALLS….
Who needs northern hemisphere holly and ivy….although regrettably I have a lot of the latter in my garden. Christmas bush is so beautiful, just look at those bunches in the following photo;
Hydrangeas are at their peak at this time of year….and crimson lilies.
Among the few visitors we have are our feathered friends, and they don’t have very far to come.
I invited this fine fellow to come back with his partner for a pre Christmas lunch.
Here is a special, local Christmas tree decorated by my associate Editor Des. It’s called Lycopodium, and comes with its own little candles. I’m not sure Des had permission to raid my garden for those ornaments 😨 but in the sprit of the season I will overlook it.
Oh yes, and we grow our own Christmas bells, Gastrodia sesamoides, commonly known as cinnamon bells.
SHOPPING LOCAL IN 2020
The C.W.A. Christmas stall is always wonderful. This year it was held over the railway line at the R.S.L club. I was a bit late getting there, but I bought some wonderful jams, including a raspberry and liquorice combo for my husband. The very fact that it’s from a recipe by the delectable Nigella Lawson will impress him. 😍.
Opposite is Blackheath Creative, a store which bravely opened its doors just as the fires impacted. They have lots of interesting gifts made by Blue Mountains people, including impossibly cute koalas.
When your shopping is complete you can call at the Blackheath Bar and Bistro for a festive cocktail called Pavlova. Good grief….that looks absolutely amazing!
You know what? When it comes down to it, there are not many better places to spend Christmas than dear old Blackheath. It’s a bit cool and wet this year, but few of us are complaining.
FAREWELL 2020 🤬MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 💙🎄🎁🎈💛
A REMINDER OF THAT 2019 CRISIS CHRISTMAS.
I do miss the Christmas bush here in cold old Ballarat. Even lit a fire last night.
Well Christmas bush should grow there really well Simon, and I’m sure it’s colder in Blackheath!
Thank you for all your wonderful posts this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful festive season.
My pleasure Linda. Thanks for taking the trouble to leave your sweet message. Happy Christmas to you too! 🎄
I love the lavender/mauve coloured koala! Very best wishes to you both, and to all in your lovely community, sent with sincere wishes that 2021 will be a vastly improved year worldwide.
Have been thinking of you so much Marcia. Yes, let’s hope the New Year brings positive news. 💛