Dad always insisted on a real tree, so we would go to one of the creek beds and chop one down, decorate it with old glass ornaments and the smell was magical.  Christmas night we were all in bed but not asleep by 8 or 9 pm, we would try and stay awake to catch Santa but never could.  Christmas morn was up and out of bed before the sun came up to open our presents, then visit the neighbours, back in those days you knew all your neighbours for miles around, not anymore, then it was home to eat christmas lunch with family and friends, whoever stopped by.  Lunch was usually under the house, cold chickens, roast pork, ham and lots of salads as it is too hot here for hot roast dishes. Soft drink was a luxury back then also and we only ever got 1 carton of mixed bottles to share between the 4 of us. And the dessert were to die for....
One year though that I remember the most, I was 5, was the christmas day the a huge cyclone hit us. No power, pouring rain and howling winds. Alot of people lost their homes and possessions that christmas morning. Whoever had a house still standing with gas stoves offered their homes to those who did not and the real meaning of the christmas spirit came to life.
What a wonderful little trip down memory lane this is......