I will probably (at some point) rework this a bit to make it more of a picture book-type manuscript - so I would love any feedback along those lines. Hope you enjoy the story (and that I didn't make too much of a fool of myself!).
A Wild Aussie Christmas
By Joanne Sher
December
in Australia is very different than America. Instead of snowmen, they
build sand castles. Rather than sitting by the fire, they get a tan.
December
is summer Down Under, and it's often sweltering on Christmas day. But
one Aussie Christmastime was very unusual indeed.
The
Durvan family was preparing for their annual Christmas eve barbecue
on the beach – making dessert and salad and preparing chicken to
grill – when little Debbie Durvan darted into the kitchen.
“Mum!
Dad! It's snowing outside. It looks like a snowstorm!”
“Snowing?
In December? It can't be!”
“Come
look.”
And they
did.
“Snow
for Christmas. Imagine that,” Mum said.
Dad
couldn't believe it. “What now? We certainly can't have our family
Christmas barbie, or pile the presents under a palm tree in weather
like this.”
Mum
sighed. “We'll have to try something different.”
“But
we've always had a beach Christmas.” Debbie crossed her arms.
“It'll be weird to do anything else.”
“Maybe,”
Dad said,” but it might be lots of fun. And perhaps we'll find a
new tradition.”
“I
know!” Debbie piped in. “Instead of making sandcastles, we can
build snowmen. And we can sled instead of surf.”
Mum
nodded. “And we'll have a fire in the fireplace instead of on the
barbie.”
“Of
course. I'm guessing he won't be in his swimmers this year, though,”
Dad said. “And he might need a snowboard to get here.”
“But
how about all the presents?” Debbie asked.
“Oh –
maybe a sleigh.” Mom piped in.
Pop's
eyes twinkled. “Maybe.”
“It
sure will be cold for caroling by candlelight,” Debbie added.
Pop pat
Debbie on the back. “We can just wear our winter gear.”
“But
what about poor baby Jesus? Won't he be freezing out in the manger
this year?” Debbie's eyes dropped.
Mum
smiled. “He will have His love to keep Him warm. And besides, He
grew up a VERY long time ago. You know that – right?”
Debbie
nodded. “And He loves us whatever the weather.”
Even
during an Aussie Christmas blizzard.
**
Make sure you stop by Susanna's blog and read some of the other entries.
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1
Hi Joanne, I love the Psalm you quote on your sight. And, no you definitely didn't make a fool of yourself. I love all of Debbie's worries and how she works her way through giving up traditions, presents and finally to the reason for the season. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa! You are such an encouragement :)
DeleteChristmas in Australia...what fun! How sweet of Debbie to remember the baby Jesus in the manger. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa :)
DeleteLove you Aussie story -- it's nice to hear a positive spin on a warm weather Christmas and a huge turn of event. Clever.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patricia - was a fun one to ponder (and write!)
DeleteSo glad to see all of Debbie's concerns ironed out. I get the sense that that snowy Christmas is pretty special to her in the end. Yay!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I think too, Alayne! Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteI enjoyed the comparisons of an Aussie Christmas with one in the north. And I loved how you incorporated the true meaning of Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Tina! Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteJoAnne, What a great spin. I love how you let others know how Aussie's celebrate.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracey! Was a fun one to come up with for sure :) Appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteWhat a fun idea. Very thoughtful too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Johnell - for the encouragement AND for stopping by!
DeleteThis is a nice turnaround from the usual Aussie Christmas, I would guess. :) Nicely told.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn :) I appreciate your encouragement!
DeleteGood Aussie tale and great comparison - I would try to carry the comparison of the 2 Christmases even further in your PB. I enjoyed reading this.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kathy! I definitely plan to expand the comparisons (and do more research!) for the PB version. Glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteNice twist on the Christmas in the tropics theme. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sylvia! I appreciate your encouragement!
DeleteLove your reverse twist on wild weather for Christmas, Joanne! Very convincingly delivered from the POV of a child whose Christmas reality is so very different from what we experience here in the Northeast. Love that Debbie was worried about baby Jesus being cold - how thoughtful, and what a kind heart... what Christmas is all about :) Thanks so much for joining the holiday fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks so VERY much, Susanna, for motivating me to write it - and for your encouragement. You are a gem. :)
DeleteWe hear lots of stories of kids who want snow for Christmas, so this was neat to hear a child that misses the sandy traditions instead. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie - it was definitely fun to turn American kids' wishes on their head :). I appreciate you stopping by!
DeleteHas it ever snowed in Oz at Christmas, I know we always get a cold patch early december and sometimes it snows for a few minutes but Christmas? found one "In 2006, a snowstorm hit the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales and Victoria, arriving on Christmas morning and bringing nearly 30 cm (12 in) of snow in higher areas. This was an especially rare event because it occurred during Australia's typically warm summer."
ReplyDeleteWow - cool, Cecelia! Thanks for sharing! I appreciate you stopping by!
DeleteI love that you wrote this from the down under perspective. Great twist. Have a Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mishka! It was a fun idea to play around with. I appreciate your encouragement.
DeleteJoanne...I know i've visited here before...but perhaps you have a new banner or I didn't notice it before...I LOVE the Bible verse about writers...and LOVE the Jane Yolen quote...it struck a chord with me...so thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you for a wonderful Aussie Christmas story...it's fun hearing how other parts of the world celebrate Christmas...glad the family were able to go with the flow...I mean, snow. ;) ;) ;)
It isn't a new banner, Vivian - you just noticed. I THINK the Jane Yolen quote is from PiBoIdMo LAST year - and I've read that verse so very many times, but only in the past year or so did I make the connection. Guess I'm slow :)
DeleteThanks also for the encouragement. I SO appreciate it!