A Karaka Christmas - Bayly

Christmas at the home of Tina and Andrew Bayly is a traditional affair. In the corner of the family room there’s always a real pine tree, which is decorated by their three sons − James, twelve, Daniel, eleven, and George, seven. Tina says the tree is typically trimmed with their collection of Santas, snowmen and balls.

 

 

“Every year we get a few new ones,” she says. “I think that Christmas decorations ought to evolve rather than be bought all at once.” George, the youngest, still believes in Father Christmas, though Tina is bracing herself for the day when a child in the school playground dispels that myth.

 

The boys’ Santa stockings are filled with smaller presents, such as books and CDs, and Tina and Andrew give more substantial gifts.

 

“I think we should get the credit for the big presents,” says Tina with a laugh. A sensible stance, considering a two-seater go-kart is on the boys’ wish-list this year.

 

Gifts are ritually opened over a glass of champagne before lunch. Tina, who is keen to instil a sense of gratitude in her sons, ensures that this is a measured and orderly process.

 

“We really try to make sure every gift is looked at and appreciated before ripping into the next ones,” she says.

 

A convivial Christmas lunch, which typically features the dining room table laden with turkey, ham and vegetables fresh from the Baylys’ own garden, is usually shared with members of Tina and Andrew’s extended family.

 

A pudding of pavlova and strawberries is followed by a siesta for all and a relaxed dinner is simply a matter of feasting on the leftovers as the mood dictates. 

Flowers supplied by Jodie Coldicutt from Lotus Pod 027 5308 725.