Julie McCourt crowned NT’s biggest Christmas fan 2023

A Karama Primary School teacher has been crowned the NT’s biggest Christmas fan. Here’s why Territorians voted for her.

Julie McCourt has been crowned the biggest Christmas fan in the NT. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s more than decorations and lights, it’s about what you can give.”

Karama Primary School teacher Julie McCourt has been crowned the NT’s biggest Christmas fan.

The new Queen of Christmas said it was her son who had nominated her for the title after her household’s holiday spirit “got bigger and bigger” each year.

Julie McCourt donates to the Foodbank – and volunteers with other organisations – each year for Christmas. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

But Ms McCourt’s festive cheer extends beyond herself and her family, keeping her Top End community at the forefront of her mind each year.

“I started (at Karama Primary School) back in the late 1990s, early 2000s, and every single classroom had a blackboard,” she said.

“I would go around to each classroom and do a blackboard picture... and the kids loved it.

“We would dress up in crazy outfits for them – there was about five of us ladies.”

Ms McCourt said the drawings ranged from traditional Christmas icons such as Santa coming down the chimney or Christmas lights as well as a blend of Aussie fun.

“I did Santa in a dinghy, I’ve done an aquarium with fish and candy canes in there,” she said.

“One I liked too was wooden boats upside down on a beach and it spelled out ‘NOEL’, and then had the palm trees.”

Ms McCourt said she expected about 30-40 people to visit her home on Christmas morning for a big breakfast.

But she said it was important to remember the festive season wasn’t always a joyful experience for everyone.

“Enjoy it but remember not everybody has a family – so if you can, invite somebody or donate something to someone who’s on their own,” she said.

“Remember, it’s more than just the presents under your tree, it’s all about your kids, your family, and your grandkids.”