When Father Christmas came to town!

There aren't many things in life that will have me bounding out of bed when the digital clock is screaming a '5' at me. There are the obvious, kids, toilet, dog. And then there is the Credit Union Christmas Pageant. 

Did you know it's the largest in the southern hemisphere? That's big.

King William Rd at 7am. 

The Christmas pageant marks the official coming to town of our good old friend, Father Christmas. It also marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

I think so anyway.

Christmas pageant day is no small feat. In fact, it requires one to be in town by 7am at the latest in order to secure a good spot. I am not along in this. There are always other, brave souls, who arrive early to mark their territory and wait for their families to arrive. Some people think I am crazy. But I arrive at 7am, lay out the blankets, sit in my deck chair and drink coffee whilst reading the paper.

The men bring the children, along with the rest of Adelaide, on the train. And they think I'm crazy.

Who's the smart one?

Entourage of space savers.

 But, apparently I am not a hardcore, experienced and knowledgable Christmas pageant space saver. There were people who were there at 2am to reserve their space. And it was taken.

Ok, there is hardcore - and there is sad. I'm voting sad in the case of the 2am space saver crew.

But maybe, secretly, I am a bit jealous that there are bigger Christmas fans than me. You'll never know.

As the sun moves higher in the sky, friends and family start to arrive - and it's a real and true street party. Sometimes the wait for the parade is just as much fun as the parade itself. Children are allowed to play in the road without fear of being mowed down. They create impressive chalk masterpieces and get chalky bums.

 They eat chips and chocolates before ten o'clock. Because it would be mean to say no on this Christmassy day.

This year, Adelaide broke the record for the biggest choir. Or something like that. We sang four Christmas carols and the record was done! I mean honestly, how tough is that! Adelaide, city of churches - and giant choirs. Tough. Hardcore. Awesome.

And see those three women singing their little hearts out? They were on the news. Yep! Channel nine felt we were talented enough to broadcast us to the state...but with no sound.

Shutup.

Darcy and Matilda lost sleep for excitement of the day. And they wore their elf hats, finished with bells, in the days leading up to this most special event.

And what I love most? Is that my Dad, and my Nanny, they still aren't too old to arrive early and wait it out with the rest of us. All bubbling with excitement about catching a glimpse of the big man himself.

And that Adam, who would normally repel other men - will cuddle up under a pink umbrella, with my brother Ash. All in the name of Christmas.

And when it starts! There is magic in the air. The kids and adults all laugh, clap and wave to all. Strangers kids will huddle in your lap to get a better view and the anticipation grows!

Dad sitting amonst the kids

And when he arrives...everyone is on their feet to welcome him. Kids have tears of excitement and jump up and down on the spot. Adults shout 'Merry Christmas'. And big kids take 53 photos of him on the Nintendo DS.

Which, by the way, is the cutest thing I've ever heard.

And Christmas has truly come to town.

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