In and around Bangers over Christmas.

Little tardy with my blogging here as the decorations are all coming down post New Year, but I did snap away at the increased Xmas activity around town this year.

This is our third Christmas as residents in Bangers and whether it be the increase in expats or just general internationalism there has most definitely been an increase in Christmas stuff. The big Malls have had big trees and decorations since we have been here.....

But the designs and quantity have got more elaborate....

The giraffes among the polar bears in the Santa snow scene were a little confusing....but as no one else seemed in the least bit perturbed we decided to let this one go...

and continue with our Christmas shopping..

Even the little fancy stores down every street had Christmas trees, tinsel and stars for sale.  Not to mention the Christmas hats that even the beggars were wearing come Christmas Eve...not sure if Santa hats upped their takings...

This fancy store is along our road (no progress made since last report) and the half torn down building to the right is an example of the casualties of the proposed road widening. If your property stretches into the new limits of the proposed widened road then a slice is just cut off the front....

Sitting in our family room with the windows open I have been able to hear kids from all over the world humming Christmas songs as they pass by and we have been wished Happy Christmas by people of all cultures and religions and yes that is Happy Christmas and not Happy Holidays!!!

And yes we have had REAL English Christmas cake, mince pies and mulled wine (several times) this year, we did have turkey, stuffing and trimmings on the day....a big thanks to our friends away from home who have made this Christmas special in its own way....