Holiday plans in question?
As the year comes to an end, family reunions, holidays, and celebrations are on many people's minds. Members of several Support Groups across Australia shared their plans for the upcoming festive season.
Lois and Graham from Tumbarumba are looking forward to a trip to Sydney and Kiama to spend time with their children and grandchildren. Their Support Group held a Christmas party a few weeks ago, featuring an enjoyable lunch at a local hotel. Detailed plans for their holiday were still being finalized.
Melissa from Castle Hill is planning to spend her holiday with her pets and family. She will take two weeks off work and travel with her husband, two dogs, and three daughters to the Mid North Coast. The family is planning to attend church on Christmas morning and participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange, where each family member pulls a name from a hat to buy a thoughtful gift within a predetermined budget. The holiday table will be the setting for another Secret Santa gift exchange, characterized by playful and sometimes chaotic exchanges among family members.
Di from Lismore is taking her family on a trip to Cairns slightly ahead of Christmas. There, they will decorate the Christmas tree for their 5- and 8-year-old grandchildren and celebrate with them. After returning from Cairns, the family plans to attend a low-key and peaceful Christmas gathering.
Kristin, a Speech Pathologist from the Eastern Suburbs Young Onset Support Group, enjoyed her group's Christmas gathering at a local pub. She intends to visit extended family in Adelaide for Christmas, followed by a holiday in Italy and Finland.
Vivienne from the Nepean Blue Mountains Support Group is looking forward to her group's Christmas lunch on December 15, expecting more than 30 attendees. The ladies usually wear festive attire for the event, and two lucky door prizes will be given away. Vivienne's family has a tradition of observing Secret Santa on Christmas Eve, while their children receive gifts under the tree.
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Lois and Graham, while finalizing their holiday plans, are excited to travel from Tumbarumba to Sydney and Kiama to spend time with family.
Melissa, from Castle Hill, is planning a home-and-garden themed travel experience with her family to the Mid North Coast for the festive season.
