To get into the Christmas spirit when our three children were very young, we would take them on a “night trip” to see the Myer Christmas windows.
They would have an early bath and dinner then, dressed in their dressing gowns and slippers we would head off from the Surf Coast to Melbourne so that we arrived when it was dark.
Going out in dressing gowns and slippers added to the occasion.
The Myer Christmas window lit at night was even more magical than seeing it during the day.
We continued doing this as they grew expanding the occasion to include seeing all of Melbourne’s decorations, having dinner in one of the laneways to enjoy the buzz of the city.
The era of fully decorated houses was emerging and by the time they were teenagers we would zig-zag our way home seeing showstopper houses reported in the paper.
Myer has presented their wonderful Christmas windows for 66 years and they have enchanted everyone, adults included.
Once again this year Santas Claus is “in the house” until 10.30 each night, however, you must book to see him.
Should Santa entice, also plan to “pop” up to the sixth floor to see the Mural Hall that has been refurbished to its former 1935 glory.
The grand formal dining room has one of Australia’s most famous art-deco interiors with its 10 large murals painted by Napier Waller.
If going to Melbourne for a “night trip” is too far from Seymour then go to Euroa and see their decorations and lights.
Create your own pre-Christmas tradition.
Another Melbourne family favourite was going to the Royal Botanic Gardens to see the annual children’s theatre.
If it is very hot when you are there, a channel of cooling water is in the nearby children's garden... I didn’t tell you.
After Christmas, while some might have planned a day trip to Melbourne to watch the cricket, others have already planned to see the an exhibition at the National Gallery Victoria.
Day trips and night trips are so much fun and there is never enough time. There is so much to do you might need to go more than once.
I hope everyone has a very happy festive season.
— Suzie Pearce
