Cloncurry, Queensland, AustraliaYou know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?
As a blended family of nine, there were enough of us to complete the most famous reindeer herd for the inaugural Police Citizens Youth Club PCYC Cloncurry Christmas Lights Family Bike Ride.
Christmas celebrations start early in Cloncurry with the school year finishing at the beginning of December. Both of our blended family mums LOVE Christmas and they were determined to participate and experience everything Christmas, especially the Christmas Lights Family Bike Ride!
We have to thank Jill, who on a shopping trip to Mount Isa, sourced our family Christmas outfits, lights and tinsel to decorate ourselves and our bikes. We didn't care that she ran out of time to buy groceries that week...
We have to congratulate the PCYC on a fabulous evening cycling around Cloncurry, complete with police escorts and flashing police lights. Santa even accompanied us on an ATV with a local policeman. The cycling route took us past some of the town's best decorated shops and houses, with many of the occupants handing out lollies and ice-blocks. This was in additon to the water and chocolates that the police had in seemingly endless supply. The police ensured that all traffic was blocked as we cycled around town, although we doubt anyone had trouble seeing us all! Ultimately, the blended Smith/Ujimoto family reindeers came away with the best dressed family award! Thank you Jill and the PCYC for a most merry and festive evening!
The children were kept busy rehearsing for the St Joseph's end of year Christmas concert.
Each class performed a Christmas song and Abigail and Audrey were extra busy on stage having volunteered to be part of the Christmas choir. Jackson's class sang and danced to Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas". We are not sure he ever wants to hear this song again!
The last day of school saw each and every St Joseph's student act and sing the story of Christmas, a timely reminder to us all about the real reason we celebrate this special time of year. Abigail was also one of the few students selected to read at the Farewell Mass and assembly.
We didn't plan on attending a different school on our trip; however, we can't thank everyone at St Joseph's enough for making us so welcome and part of the school community for the almost five months we have been in Cloncurry. We have both benefited immensely from our schooling experience in north west Queensland. There were tears as our entire family joined other departing families on the stage for an Irish blessing.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Ironically, Jill and the many other Irish friends we have made from living in Cloncurry (there are many Irish in Cloncurry!) say that this blessing isn't used frequently in Ireland. Nevertheless, we think that it is a lovely and appropriate blessing for a cycling family!
The Cloncurry Shire council also went all out by hosting a Christmas Festival and Christmas Markets in the town precinct. The local schools were invited to participate, with both Abigail and Audrey singing in the Christmas choir. We all enjoyed the carols while feasting on the free BBQ and drinks. There were many talented and creative people in Cloncurry selling their wares at the Christmas Markets as well.
Jill also organised a children-led Anglican Church service where they re-enacted the story of the Nativity. Jackson was thrilled to be in charge of the PowerPoint slides while Abigail, Audrey and Emily loved the limelight!
We celebrated the Christmas season with great joy, but also with sadness as we all knew that this meant that our time in Cloncurry was drawing to a close. Since our arrival in July, we have embraced everything that this small country town of 3,000 has to offer and we are all the richer for it. Not to mention how lucky we are to have such an amazing family who kindly offered to share their home with us. We have all simply had the best time living as a blended family - there was never a dull moment with five kids and four adults in the house!
2025-05-22