CHRISTMAS THE FILIPINO WAY

I am originally from the Philippines and I grew up celebrating Christmas as early as 1st Sept. That’s right, we Filipinos celebrate Christmas for 4 long months. Once the “Ber” months start, we traditionally put up our Christmas tree at home. You can start to hear Christmas Carols playing over all the radio stations and shopping centres, and most streets are decorated with lights. Apart from Christmas trees and lights, Filipino homes and buildings are adorned with star-shaped lanterns, called “parol” from the Spanish farol meaning "lantern". These lanterns represent the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings. Parol are as beloved and iconic to Filipinos as Christmas Trees are to Westerners. Being a strong Catholic society due to Spanish influence, Filipinos go to church on Christmas Eve before the big celebration with family.

I came from a very close-knit family and during Christmas we gather together on the 24th December (which is already a public holiday) and bring gifts and food to share. My Mum would be very busy preparing large amounts of food for us to share and to give some to friends and neighbours as well. Typical food on the table will be roast chicken or beef, Pansit (Filipino noodles), ham and fancy cheeses, lots of seafood and loads of desserts (rice purple cake, leche flan, fruit and coconut salad). On Christmas Eve after we come back from church, my Dad would always dress as Santa Claus and distribute gifts to everyone followed by our Christmas dinner, “Noche Buena” as we fondly call it. Christmas celebrations would not be complete without karaoke singing which is very typical in every household.

Christmas was always the time to celebrate with family, as well as extended family members, and friends. It’s that time of the year when I get to see relatives/cousins/friends that I haven’t seen for ages.

Even though Australia is my home now, we still keep the tradition of putting up our Christmas tree in mid-November (not in September which is a bit exaggerated), we still go to church, exchange gifts (my hubby plays Santa), share a Christmas feast and of course do karaoke singing.

Florescita, Library Administration Officer

THE GRANDEST BOOKSHOP IN THE WORLD BY AMELIA MELLOR
Until 31 January

Join the indyreads Summer Book Club and read along with thousands of people across the state. Amelia Mellor has created a magical world within a bookstore, set in the late 19th century. Her writing is quite cinematic and will appeal to today’s readers. Fans of movies such as Jumanji will revel in the imaginative exploits and time-trip....and a gorgeous gift for any reader, of any age. This book is suitable for the whole family to read and enjoy. Click here to read.

LOCAL HISTORY: CHRISTMAS

How many surfing Santas does it take to break a world record? 320, according to Guinness World Records, which awarded the prize for the world's biggest surfing lesson at Bondi Beach in December 2015. Organised by RedBalloon, Let's go Surfing, and surf charity OneWave the event was held to raise awareness of mental health. You can read more about the event here.

Craving a crafty Christmas? Waverley Library's eMagazine collection can answer the call. Our magazine collection includes crafting classics like Christmas editions of Better Homes and Gardens, Prima Makes and Mollie Makes. Featuring patterns and plans for festive friends like reindeer, elves and penguins these Christmas maker magazines will bring you holiday cheer by the sleighfull. Available now through Libby by Overdrive.

THE SMURFS CHRISTMAS BY PEYO

There's no peace on earth when Christmas comes to the Smurfs Village, at least not while Gargamel is lurking about! In this special collection of frosty fun and frolic, before The Smurfs can stuff their stockings and open their presents, they have to deal with dragons, a kidnapped Santa Claus, and a reindeer chase through the starry night sky! Click here to read.

THE DOWNFALL OF SANTA CLAUS

This is obviously bad news for Santa Claus, who has begun to realise his fading position. He has been forced to lay off all his staff due to the lack of submitted wish lists and hence lack of assignments. There is only one gift he has to deliver, namely, the one for Vetle. The clock is ticking; Santa Claus needs to find Vetle before his view is tainted by the grown-ups' opinion over the reality of Santa Claus. Click here to watch.

TWAS THE NIGHTSHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS BY ADAM KAY

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat... but 1.4 million NHS staff are heading off to work. In this perfect present for anyone who has ever set foot in a hospital, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking peek behind the blue curtain at Christmastime. Click here to read.

A PRINCE FOR CHRISTMAS

After running from an arranged marriage, a handsome prince finds himself in small-town USA during Christmas. He soon falls madly in love with a young waitress longing to travel the world, but can their love survive his meddling royal family and her jealous ex-boyfriend? Click here to watch.

THE BRIGHTEST STAR BY FERN MICHAELS

Christmas is more than just a celebration for Lauren Montgomery. For generations, it's been her family's livelihood. Their Christmas shop, Razzle Dazzle Décor, has seen seasonal fads come and go, but there's one trend they can't escape. Online superstores are swallowing their sales, and this Christmas season will need to be their best ever if the store is to stay in business. Click here to reserve.

THE CHOCOLATE LOVERS' CHRISTMAS BY CAROLE MATTHEWS

Christmas is just around the corner but the women of The Chocolate Lovers' Club have more to worry about than present shopping. Lucy loves running Chocolate Heaven but she hasn't spent time with her boyfriend, Aiden, in weeks. And then her ex-fiance turns up and things become even more complicated. Click here to reserve.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Classical performer Andre Rieu treats his fans to 23 festive tracks with this Christmas release. Rieu celebrates the holiday season with songs including Jingle Bells, Slumber my Darling, and Winter Wonderland. Click here to reserve.