2018 celebration of Christmas Eve at the Wellshot Hotel next door to the Ilfracombe Caravan Park with a visit by Santa, the morning in the Church on the corner, the evening at the Ilfracombe caravan park camp kitchen, was very different from past years of chaotic activities at home preparing for, and hosting Christmas.
On my own, away from family & friends for the first time since 1969, this has been a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas for me and to let go past expectations and assumptions.
Travelling through the Outback with AB Patterson's poems about making it home for Christmas echoing in my head, I thought how much times have changed since he wrote that poem.
My Christmases at home have been evolving over the last 49 years into something more simple and doable, but it was also good to step back to reflect.
My only connection with family this year was limited to travelling around the globe on Face-time, sharing a little of all my kids & grandchildren's hot and cold Christmas'.
I forced myself to reach out and share time with people I did not know, which was not the same as the ease and comfort of being with old friends and family, but it was ok.
My secret hankerings for homemade Christmas cake, rum balls were satisfied by the welcoming, delicious spread provided after Mass by local stalwart Janet.
Led by a skilful organist and singing Mercy Nun, we had sung Silent Night and Little Babe of Bethlehem - singing Carols was something else I was missing.
Moroccan stew shared by Polish Christos and South African Carol, the Aussie rissoles made by Rosanna & her bloke, and my rice & ham salad made up a very different fare for Christmas night. Mindful of the need for an early night for long days driving on Boxing Day we enjoyed our dinner while sharing stories of Christmas's past. Another Christmas slid by- I wonder where and what 2019 Christmas will bring...