So you think you can Christmas: your Canberra Christmas bucket list

Posted on 28 November, 2019

Call yourself a Christmas buff?

Put your festive skills to the test and see how many of these Canberra Christmas bucket list activities you can tick off…

You routinely decorate your tree before December and aren’t apologetic about it.

While most people don’t dream of reaching for the Christmas decorations until December 1, the golden rule according to the true Christmas buff is that red and green can be seen… any time after Melbourne Cup.

You’ve bought matching Christmas pyjamas for your whole family—whether they like it or not.

And you’re considering it for your dog.

You’re still humming along when Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ is played in a shopping centre for the 47999688th time in a week.

Look, it’s a classic, ok?

You’ve done all your Christmas shopping by the first week of December, or at the very least a comprehensive list. 

Extra points if you’re a regular at Handmade’s annual Christmas market.

You’ve sat on Santa’s lap for a photo – and you’re well over 12.

It’s not awkward sitting on a stranger’s lap if it’s Christmas.

You’ve visited a Christmas tree farm.

For Christmas buffs, it’s like being a kid in a candy store (for the intoxicating smell of the pine alone!).

Haven’t tried this one? See our article on where to find a real Christmas tree in Canberra here.

It’s absolutely necessary to drive across Canberra just to search for the good Christmas lights.

You’re willing to cross enemy lines (cough, northside or southside cough) for a decent Santa display.

You’ve made a gingerbread house or—if you can’t cook—bought a gingerbread candle so you can pretend you did.

There’s nothing like the smell of (fake) gingerbread and pine on Christmas Eve.

You’ve hosted a Christmas movie marathon.

Extra points for Love Actually, Home Alone (and Home Alone 2) and The Grinch.

You’re usually front row at the Christmas carols at the carillon.

And you sing your heart out.

Score:

• 0 – 3: Pop on some slippers and an old nightgown, because you may as well be Scrooge.
• 3 – 6: Ho ho ho, better luck next year!
• 7 – 10: Pat yourself on the back and bust out the (Michael) Buble, because you’re the ultimate Christmas tragic!