Christmas Carols are not my thing. Yep, I said it – I don’t do Christmas Carols.
It’s not that I’ll NEVER do them, in fact I’ve been to a few in the past too. But in this season of life that I’m in right now, Christmas Carols are not for us. And that is more than ok.
While the thought of attending Christmas Carols might seem very ‘in the spirit’, the reality is often far from it. Huge crowds, late starts, long nights, lines for food, lines for toilets, bored children and car park chaos. I know that in a few years my season will have changed and we might be able to once again enjoy a night at the Carols, but for those who are in the same season as me – don’t feel that your kids are missing out if you don’t go!!
Instead, I’m choosing to get ‘in the Christmas spirit’ in ways that work for us. We’re making memories and forming traditions that fit our season in life. And spoiler alert – you can stop and start traditions at any time!! It’s still a tradition if you only do it for the next 5 years, and you can start a tradition even if you haven’t done it in the past. There are no rules.
With two weeks until Christmas, I thought I’d share a few items on our list of things to do this Christmas so you too can make the memories without the Christmas Carol chaos!
1. Christmas in Broadbeach (on daily until 17 December): see Broadbeach Mall transform into a magical gingerbread village and join in FREE festive workshops like gingerbread decorating, Christmas craft, storytime theatre and Santa’s post office. I love that this runs from 12-4pm daily so you can visit at a kid friendly time that suits you!
2. Santa’s Putt Putt at The Club at Parkwood Village (on daily until 2 January): the opening hours here have always gotten my tick of approval, and add in a Christmas themed 9 hole mini golf course – a perfect Christmas outing for the family. Open from 8am daily, this really is a family friendly festive option.
3. Fire Truck Santa: not only the name of my favourite children’s Christmas book, I love celebrating with our Rural Fire brigades as they share the spirit through their Fire Truck Santa Runs. The Ormeau Rural Fire Brigade runs on Sunday 17 December, Coomera Valley Rural Fire Brigade runs on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 December, and Mudgeeraba Rural Fire Brigade runs on Christmas Eve.
4. Helicopter Santa: if trucks aren’t your thing, how about Santa in a helicopter?? The Gold Coast Christmas Markets are back for their 10th year running, 4-10pm on 15-17 December. Each night of the markets at around 5.30pm Santa will arrive in a helicopter for FREE photos with the kids! This is a relaxed Christmas shopping experience over three nights filled with festive fun for the whole family. Take a stroll under fairy-lit trees, grab some unique gifts for those hard-to-buy-for and delight in delicious gourmet yuletide treats.
5. Jingle Jam & Free day time Christmas movies: While I love the free Movies Under the Stars that the council puts on, again, that’s not for us in this season of life. But The Junction Café at Burleigh Heads is always thinking of the kids! Not only do they have a free day time screening of The Santa Clause (Tues 12 Dec, 9.30am) and The Star (Fri 15 Dec, 10.30am), they are also hosting The Jingle Jam! A 30 minute Christmas show featuring engaging games, music, storytelling and more – all for just $10 per family. On both 16 Dec and 20 Dec at 9.30am. Gotta love a day time (and early morning!) event.
