Top End Christmas traditions on display in merry celebrations
GALLERY: See how Territorians made the most of the Christmas cheer as parties took over the Top End.
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FOR Territory families recovering from the chaos of the past two years, small moments of joy marked the holiday season.
Facing uncertain borders, cancelled flights and skyrocketing Covid case numbers interstate, for many it was a miracle to just get everyone around the Christmas table.
For new mum, Jade Byster her best Christmas present was a few extra moments of peace.
“We had a sleep in which was a miracle,” she joked.
This was her and her husband’s first Christmas together with their 10-week-old baby daughter, Emelia.
Ms Byster said her baby would celebrate the day surrounded by loved ones, with their quiet breakfast followed by a busy whole-family lunch.
“I’m sure she’s going to be spoiled,” Ms Byster said.
The new mum said Emelia was too young to be excited for Christmas, unlike her, eight-year-old nephew Jonathan Lake, and five-year-old niece Jayme Lake.
“When they’re old enough to get excited, that’s when the magic happens,” Ms Byster said.
Packed together at her sister‘s Zuccoli home the “magic” of the Christmas family gathering bloomed.
The Byster and Lake family swapped stories and ate as cheery Christmas tunes whispered from the speakers.
“It’s all about family,” Justin Lake said.
But for his children, Jonathan and Jayme there was another reason for the season.
When asked about her favourite thing for Christmas, five-year-old Jayme immediately said “presents”.
“What’s your second favourite thing?” her dad asked.
“Opening presents,” she replied.
Jayme was already in her new Frozen Anna costume, while her brother Jonathan plotted how he and his dad would build the new robotic arm left under the tree.
Ms Byster said she and her husband, Jason, had their old Christmas traditions – including “religiously” rewatching Elf on Christmas Eve and going for a sneaky Maccas trip for Christmas dinner.
But new traditions would also spring up, with Ms Byster saying she hoped baby Emelia would go swimming for the first time on Christmas Day.
Territorians across the Top End celebrated the day in their own unique way, with parties and get-togethers taking over homes.
The party was slightly larger at Darwin’s racing club, Silks, where 245 people joined together for a hearty Christmas buffet.
The reunion of the Campbell, Mitchell, Simon and Gibbs clans spilt over two tables as the family reunited after two years.
The large family had been separated for years due to Covid closures, with great-Grandmother Margaret Jennings meeting some of her great-grandchildren for the first time.
Ms Jennings said four generations were reunited over one Christmas lunch – a meal that required years to plan.
They were one of many friends, families and loved ones sharing a meal at the open buffet.
The quiet murmurs of conversation were interrupted by the snaps of crackers and the laughs as diners tried on their festive Christmas crowns.
Mitchell Brushett washed down his Christmas meal with icy beer on tap as his loved ones snacked on their desserts.
For Rodney Cryer and friends the buffet meal offered the simple pleasure of a great catch-up without the hassle of washing up.
The Silks staff like Josh Dai continued to slice generous servings of Christmas ham while children ran around the tables as their parents slumped back in a food coma.
While many at Silks did not know their neighbours, there was one face that was familiar to all tables, Saint Nicholas.
Despite his busy schedule Santa made an appearance to hand out gifts and pose for photos with all the children.
The spirit and generosity of Christmas will continue into Boxing Day, with the community organising to hand out free meals at Holzerland Park, Malak.
The Sikh family food van is expected to continue its decade long tradition of providing free meals to those in need over the holiday season.
Hot meals, homemade cakes and cold water will be served up by volunteers from 5pm to 6pm on Sunday.
In a day marked by traditions, many also gathered at their churches to celebrate the holy day of the birth of Jesus, and the spirit of selfless giving.
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Originally published as Top End Christmas traditions on display in merry celebrations
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