Every year the little church in our neighbourhood organises the most awesome street party for us all to enjoy! The promise of real camel rides draws many people, young and old, as well as the good ol’ sausage sizzle and Christmas carol sing-a-long. Our little section of street was completely closed off to traffic and the kids let loose upon the bouncy castles, face painting and very well behaved camels that good-naturedly carted bunches of clamouring children (myself included!) up and down. The experience is not quite like horse-riding – for one, they’re really really tall, and secondly their walking motion is a somewhat disconcerting swaying action! Not quite life-flashing-before-my-eyes material however, especially since one particular camel kept frequently stopping to sample the local foliage.

As the sun was going down, the appreciative and happy crowd gathered to listen and sing along to carols as the church band played. The day’s festivities ended with a resounding rendition of “Feliz Navidad” (I don’t know why but I love that song!) and my family and I settled down to a deliciously Mum-cooked meal of a Burmese chicken noodle dish called moke thee accompanied by my staple carrot salad. (Don’t worry, I got the recipe! And I promise to share it with you all soon!)

Do you have any Christmas traditions? Or any grand plans this year?

P.S. How cute is Nathanael? He’s my nephew and he turns five today! Happy birthday Nattynoonah!