Back to traditions with breakfast down at Shelly Beach with Caroline et al.

We set off in the sunshine walking through the Oval grounds at 8am and on to the Corso to meet Caroline & Co in front of Coles.

Before we’d walked a few steps along Manly beach who should we bump into but Santa Claus himself taking a break before his busy night. What a lovely guy and so funny he had an Aussie accent.

We even got early presents from Santa who gave us each a shiny bauble for our Xmas tree.

Out walk down to Shelly has become a daily affair over the last few days and it’s so lovely to stop and grab a photo over the sea pool.

We then stopped again at Fairy Bower Beach along Marine Parade for a team shot of the ladies of Manly.

After placing our brekkie order at The Boathouse it was then time to marvel at the egg and bacon sandwich that they conjured up.

Post nourishment it was time to snorkel at Shelly Beach.

With not a cloud in the sky we swam, snorkelled and sunbathed for a couple of hours enjoying our special time down at the beach with friends.

We then headed back to the apartment to start the Xmas Day food prep and the cooking of pigs in blankets and other delicacies that Michelle was conjuring up.

After an afternoon of running, cooking and drinking, it was time for the Manly Alternative Nativity and the arrival of the Three Wise Men…..

Once inside St Matt’s it was a packed house ready for the arrival of the young performers including one rapper by the name of Charlie W!

After the church service we headed across the street to the Ivanhoe pub for a few early Xmas tipples and chips and dips. Again this has been one of those traditions we’ve done over the last few times at Xmas.

Once home there was just enough time to watch Home Alone before it was bed and the big day tomorrow.

On the 25th it’s Xmas on the beach before heading off to friends for an English Xmas Day dinner with all the trimmings.