For Vanessa, who dared me.

I'd forgotten how quiet December can be in blogworld. At least for a littleblog like this. Last year, I spent the month spewing in secret. It was very liberating.

In dogblog park, everyone's getting into the Christmas spirit.

Everyone, that is, except me. The Grinch.
This pic from here.

But I'm determind to get with the programme.

After a little encouragement from my good friend Vanessa, here's my contribution to the holiday cheer. 

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So far, this is my favourite Christmas decoration in Sydney. It sits on the aquarium roof at Darling Harbour.

I pass it 3 times a week, on my way to capoeira class in the city. The 1st couple of times, I refused to believe my eyes. But I've come to the conclusion that it really is what it appears to be.

A very crabby Santa.

Sorry. I just had to say it.

How bizarre, you're thinking. But have a look at these other Chrissie decos that I found on the internet. I present only the animal ones, as befits a dogblog. Children should look away now.

These happy fellas from here.

This beauty from here. 

These 2 from here.

To quote The Grinch - "What's that stench? It's fantastic."

This pic from here.

This year, hardly anyone on our street has bothered to put lights up. It could be the imminent collapse of the euro that's getting everyone so down. But I think it more likely to be the constant rain, wind and chill. We may dream of a white Christmas here in Sydney, but I don't think we really mean it.

The street party on Saturday night was even quieter than last year's. But at least it didn't get rained out like the doggies' Christmas picnic at Punch Park last weekend.  

Georgia put in a late night appearance and had a great time with [the littledogs next door] Indie and Millie, and some salmon dip. Unfortunately, since no one had bothered to put lights up, it was too dark to take any pictures.

I didn't make it to the party myself, thanks to my 2nd bout of flu in 5 weeks.

Maybe we need someone inspiring like this to move into our street!

This and MORE cool decoration ideas from here.

Though I have to say, my heart is with Ditto, who managed to make a most memorable display with very little effort, time and money.

I really hope he's a sperm donor because we need more bright sparks like that around.

This pic from here.

Many years ago, I heard a story about a Christmas store display in Japan that purported to look like this.

This pic and other unusual Japanese Santas here.

O.M.G! I do love Japan!

As it turned out though, it was just another urban legend.

We Who Live DownUnder are not beyond some quirky Chrissie ideas ourselves.

Many involve Santa in various states of undress.

These 2 pics from here.

This pic from here.

Of course, we can be serious too. Check out these Australian takes on Christmas by some of our country's most celebrated artists.

Including this conversation starter by Archibald Prize winner, Adam Cullen.

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I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, 2 weeks from Christmas, not an ornament is stirring in our little house.

I haven't put a tree up since Jordan and Rufus were with us. We used to do a yearly family picture in front of it. Sometimes, they got pressies. They always got an extra special Christmas lunch.

When Georgia arrived, she was so destructive, I didn't think it'd be a good idea to put up something flammable, full of breakable glass trinkets, garlands that could trip up paws, and soft stuffed rippable Santas.

Besides, what if she peed on the tree?

These days, I have no excuses not to put a tree up because she's become Such A Good Girl.

I'm just too lazy to do so.

Am I the only person who feels this way? It's very lonely being A Grinch at Christmas.

But enough of that!

Despite my distinct lack of seasonal cheer, I'm looking forward to a nice peaceful Christmas. And you know what?

I hope you have one too.
This pic from here.

Or, as The Grinch would say,

"Are you having a holly, jolly Christmas?"

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p.s. Hey Ness! I dare you to leave a comment. Be polite please.


UPDATE a few hours later!
My friend Vanessa says she tried to post a comment but was unable to. Likely story, Ness!

However, 2 other people have since said they had problems as well. So maybe, just maybe, Vanessa is telling the truth [in which case I'm sure Santa will duly reward her with another Chanel scarf].

I love hearing from you, so please send an email if you have something you're dying to say and Blogger won't let you, okay?
This pic from here.


Yet Another Update 15th December!
For Sonia and other lovelies who mentioned poinsettias, here is our New South Wales native Christmas bush which makes a wonderful and lasting display.

This pic from here.

Apparently, there's also a Victorian Christmas bush - something I learnt only this morning :)

This pic from here.