An Outback Christmas

Hang your tinsel over the boughs of the ghost gums; observe the scarlet of Sturt's Desert Peas. If you celebrate Christmas, the time is now. And even if you don't, fill these days with cheer if you can. The end of the year is passing, and it has been filled with memories, both good and bad.

In outback and city alike, December is cracking along. Look out at the landscape wherever you find yourself, and know that you survived. If you are in Central Australia, the desert brings you red earth and secret waterholes. May you find yourself among friends and family, and may you celebrate the good.

Jesse Gap in the East MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia

All across this wide brown land are people looking beyond the next few weeks towards the impending new year. We don't know what it will hold, but here in December, we can pause, some of us receiving closure from the festive season as we draw a line in the sand and celebrate for religious or cultural reasons. For others, it is a time to draw near to those around us and enjoy the closeness of precious ones. Some say Christmas is best seen through the eyes of children; no matter your age, may you lift your eyes and see hope.

The famous hospitality of those outside our cities is on display at this time of year. Christmas Day is often accompanied by food and laughter as we connect with those usually separated from us by distance. A cool drink, a swim, or just a glance at the stars in the night sky for a moment's respite all help to centre us. 

An Outback Christmas is usually spent together. People scattered all across the interior of Australia celebrate differently, but as a nation, we know that time passes inevitably. So, take a moment, stop, reflect, enjoy if you can - and then press on.

We made it this far.