CHAPTER 9 -A FAIR DINKUM CHRISTMAS SHEBANG
The town square was now lit up, and the enormous Norfolk pine glistened brightly against the sunset. The stage is decked out in fairy lights and various decorations, including a giant inflatable Santa on a surfboard and paper mâché kangaroos wearing Santa hats. A huge banner hung across the top proclaiming A Fair Dinkum Christmas Shebang.
"Welcome to the Mistletoe Cay Combined School Christmas Program. The performers tonight are from our three schools. Tonight's program will include singing, dancing, and more. Without further ado, I turn the stage over to our Fine Arts director, Julie Monroe, and Mr. David Sims, music director of Kookaburra Cove Elementary School."
The students' ages ranged from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade, and Elizabeth couldn't wait to see how they managed the vast age differences, though not all students were performing. The ones performing tonight were from the 5th and 6th-grade classes, with a few of the younger ones who were siblings or part of Julie's drama club she sponsored. The curtains opened to reveal students on risers wearing flip-flops, board shorts, and sunglasses. The first song was Dashing through the Bush, and the children were cute, singing in exaggerated Aussie accents. Music was piped in through the speakers.
Dashing through the bush In a rusty Holden Ute, Kicking up the dust, Esky in the boot.
Kelpie by my side, Singing Christmas songs. It's Summer time, and I am in my singlet, shorts, and thongs.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer's day, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmastime is beaut! Oh, what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute
-OOO-
Engine's getting hot; Dodge the kangaroos; Swaggie climbs aboard; He is welcome too.
All the family's there; Sitting by the pool; Christmas Day, the Aussie way By the barbecue.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer's day, Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmastime is beaut! Oh, what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.
-OOO-
Come in the afternoon, Grandpa has a doze; The kids and Uncle Bruce Are swimming in their clothes.
The time comes 'round to go. We take a family snap, Then pack the car, and all shoot through before the washing up.
Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer's day, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmastime is beaut! Oh, what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute! I said oh, what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute!
Next up was a little skit involving a child dressed as Santa in full beard and traditional garb down to boot covers, though at times Elizabeth could see the flip flops he wore. The scene is set up to look like a beach, with children dressed as an Emu, Koala, Kookaburra, and another as a Kangaroo.
Santa came from behind the curtain in a sleigh that appeared to be on wheels. Once it stopped, he climbed out and began acting confused. He scratched his head as he looked around, under the props and risers, which made the audience laugh. He didn't appear very old, maybe in second grade, but he portrayed his character well. Finally, he approaches the Kangaroo, who is sitting by the others underneath a fake tree.
"Where's the snow? I've got more sweat than a chook in a sauna!"
The kookaburra pretended to laugh as the Koala stood up and spread his arms wide, saying, "Mate, you're in Oz; we've got surf, not turf!"
"What am I supposed to do now? My reindeer say it's too hot to work." Santa said, motioning to eight 'reindeer' lounging around. Elizabeth could see that the reindeer were the youngest of the children, and they were hamming it up.
"Here, put on this zinc, and we'll chuck you on a boogie board, Santa!" The kangaroo said before running to grab his board that was propped on the side.
The Koala and the Kangaroo ushered him over to stand on the board, acting as if they were supporting him while the Emu and Kookaburra looked on, poking fun. He pretended to fall off every time they let go. But a few minutes later, he appeared to have the knack only to fall entirely off the board. "Crikey! I'm more of a sleigh guy, not a surf champ! Now, what am I going to do?"
The kookaburra pretends to laugh so hard he is prostrate and holding his stomach while the emu shakes his head and laughs. Santa pretends to be annoyed and looks at the surfboard in frustration.
The Koala and Kangaroo huddled for a few seconds before calling over the Emu to join them. The discussion continues while they occasionally look at him but then shake their head and resume the talking. Then they suddenly nod enthusiastically before the Kangaroo runs to Santa.
"Wait here. I have an idea." The kangaroo said, turning to the side and shouting. "Hey Boomers!"
Suddenly, more students appeared dressed up as six quirky white kangaroos that danced around. At the same time, the lead kangaroo talked to Santa, the kangaroo, Koala, and Emu.
After hearing the problem, the Lead Kangaroo nods and says, "She'll be alright, Santa." Then, walking back to his fellow boomers, he said, "Let's give Santa a proper Aussie welcome!"
Suddenly, a little wombat appeared, stumbling in his haste, saying, "Wait for me."
One of the Kangaroos stopped the wombat. "Whoa, mate, where do you think you're going?"
The wombat stumbled a bit as he grabbed the kangaroo. "Oi, I thought this was a wombat waltz!"
The boomers laughed as they pretended to go toward the sleigh. "We're six white boomers, pulling Santa's sleigh through the bush and scrub on this Christmas Day... if we can keep this wombat in line!"
Then the music began, and a now familiar tune began to play. To Elizabeth's delight, the chorus sang six white boomers while the actors danced around.
In Australia, Christmas comes in the middle of a very hot summer, So when Santa Claus delivers his presents.
He's not taken 'round by reindeer because They can't stand the terrible heat.
He's taken 'round by six big, white, old man kangaroos Called the Six White Boomers.
Early on, one Christmas day, A joey kangaroo Was far from home and lost In a great, big zoo.
Mummy, where's my mummy? They've taken her away.
-OOO-
We'll help you find your mummy, son. Hop up on the sleigh. So up inside the bag of toys, little joey hopped.
But they hadn't gone far when Santa stopped Unharnessed all the reindeer and joey wondered why.
Then he heard a far-off booming in the sky. (Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom)
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers, Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers On his Australian run!
-OOO-
Pretty soon, old Santa began to feel the heat. Took his fur-lined boots off to cool his feet
Into one, popped joey, feelin' quite okay. While those old man kangaroos kept pullin' on the sleigh, hey!
Then joey said to santa, "Santa, what about the toys? Aren't you giving some to these girls and boys?"
"Well, they've all had their presents, sonny, we were here last night. This trip is an extra trip, Joey's special flight"
Six white boomers. Snow white boomers Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers On his Australian run
-OOO-
Soon the sleigh was flashing past, right over Marble Bar. "Slow down there," cried Santa, "It can't be far"
"Hop up on my lap here, son, and have a look around." "There, there she is! That's Mommy! bounding up and down!"
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun!
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers On his Australian run!
-OOO-
Well, that's the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had: Curled up in mother's pouch, feeling snug and glad.
The last they saw was Santa heading northwards from the sun. The only year the boomers worked a double run.
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun
Six white boomers, Snow white boomers On his Australian run! (Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom)
As the audience finished clapping, Mr. Sims thanked everyone and requested audience participation for the final song.
We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, And a ripper New Year!
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a fair dinkum New Year!
Oh, bring us some barbies and snags, Oh, bring us some barbies and snags, Oh, bring us some barbies and snags, And bring them right here!
We won't go until we get some, We won't go until we get some, We won't go until we get some, So bring it out here!
We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, And a ripper New Year!
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a fair dinkum New Year!
The announcer returned, and the applause died down as the curtain closed. Elizabeth pretended to go to the bathroom and circled around to meet up with Julie, Emma, and Colleen. It was amazing how quickly they managed to get all the instruments and students in place in such a short amount of time. The announcer poked his head through the curtain. "You ready?"
Colleen and Emma looked at Elizabeth, Julie, and the students. "Are we ready?" Colleen asked. Upon receiving nods from everyone, Emma told him yes. Elizabeth and Julie took their place to the side of the stage, out of sight.
"Well, we've had fun with the little ones from Kookaburra Cove Elementary, but now let's crank up the volume! It's time for the big kids to show us how it's done! Please welcome the combined choirs and bands from Wombat Creek Junior High and Thylacine Hills High School under the direction of the dynamic duo, Music Directors Colleen Parks and Emma Harper!"
Colleen stepped up to the microphone while Emma stood next to her. "We hope you enjoyed the elementary children's program. They really put in a lot of effort, and it showed in their wonderful program, don't you think? Let's give them another round of applause."
The crowd obliged, and thunderous applause and cheers filled the air. Once it died down, Collen continued. For our first number, we will be joined by two guest performers to honor someone very special. Without further ado, would Julie Monroe and Elizabeth Thatcher join us?"
Elizabeth and Julie moved to stand beside Colleen, drawing the crowd's attention. Elizabeth took a moment to absorb the scene — the faces of the townsfolk lit by the glowing string lights, the children's eyes wide with wonder, and Agatha standing near the front, her expression a poignant mix of pride and excitement.
"If I could beg your indulgence for a bit longer, there is a surprise that my sister Elizabeth and I prepared in honor of our aunt. But if I may, we would like to share a special story about its significance."
"We lost our parents and older sister to an accident two months before Christmas when we were kids. Aunt Agatha, without hesitation, uprooted her life and became everything we needed. She was more than an aunt and guardian. She is a surrogate mother, confidant, cheerleader, big sister, and best friend all in one, and we are so blessed to have her." Elizabeth added.
"As you can imagine, that first Christmas was extremely hard. Suffice it to say there was very little Christmas Spirit, but our aunt refused to let us wallow and completely miss out on Christmas. She reminded us that though we missed them, Christmas was perfect for celebrating our blessings and embracing the joy of being together." Julie continued.
"We took a bit of convincing, though," Elizabeth said, causing the crowd to laugh. "So, she played 'All I Want for Christmas is You' by Mariah Carey. "On repeat." There were groans from the crowd.
Julie giggled. "And we danced, we sang, and for the moment, we forgot our pain and just imagined they were watching and celebrating too. So, in honor of our first Christmas together here in Mistletoe Cay, we dedicate this song to our Aunt Agatha and everyone here who has felt the weight of loss during the holiday season."
As the lighting changed, Julie and Elizabeth ducked behind the curtain, grabbed their microphones, and waited for their cue.
A minute later, the melody began, and their voices, clear and strong, cut through the evening air as they initially sang the lines to each other.
Julie went first, "I don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need."
Then Elizabeth took over. "I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree."
Julie: "I just want you for my own."
Elizabeth: "More than you could ever know."
Elizabeth and Julie together: "Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you."
Then, as the music swells, they blow a kiss to Agatha, and the curtain opens, revealing the middle school choir and band, the children's faces illuminated by the stage lights, their instruments shimmering under the setting sun as they played.
The screen behind them showed their photo from that first difficult Christmas, but now, it seemed almost like a beacon of hope in the dimming light. Agatha's breath caught in her throat, her eyes glistening with tears as the image reflected their love and the journey they had all been through together.
With the chorus singing in the background, Julie began.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need. (And I) Don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree. I don't need to hang my stocking there upon the fireplace. Santa Claus won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day. I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know, make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you. You baby."
The sight of the children singing and the band playing soft, harmonious notes transformed the scene into something magical.
Then Elizabeth starts, "Ohh, I won't ask for much this Christmas. I won't even wish for snow." The audience laughed as she sang, aware that she was from Boston. (AND I) I'm just going to keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe. I won't make a list and send it to the North Pole for Saint Nick. I wouldn't even stay awake to hear those magic reindeer click. Because I just want you here tonight, holding on to me so tight, what more can I do? ohh, baby, all I want for Christmas is you. You baby.'
Then Elizabeth and Julie sang together, joined by half the choir while the other half sang backup. The sight was heartwarming: young voices amplifying the sisters' song, the band adding a rich layer of sound. Agatha's breath hitched, her emotions a mix of joy and bittersweet memories, continued to flow.
Oh-oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere (so brightly, baby)
and the sound of children's laughter fills the air (oh, oh yeah)
And everyone is singing (oh, yeah)
I hear those sleigh bells ring
Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need (yeah, oh)
Won't you please bring my baby to me?
"Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas. This is all I'm asking for. I just want to see my baby standing right outside my door. Oh, I just want you for my own. More than you will ever know. Make my wish come true. Oh, Baby, All I want for Christmas is you. (You, baby)
(All I want for Christmas is you, baby! All I want for Christmas is you , baby! All I want for Christmas is you, baby.)
Then the music stopped, and Elizabeth and Julie finished together. "All I want for Christmas is you."
The applause left no doubt that all had enjoyed it. Elizabeth and Julie turned toward the students, gesturing to the students who did an excellent job offering their own applause. Then, as Colleen stepped back up to the microphone, they exited off to the side of the stage so the program could continue. Julie led Elizabeth to an area, allowing her to see the program from the front without disrupting anyone by returning to her seat.
"Thanks, everyone! We're here to bring you some classic Christmas tunes with an Aussie twist. Ready, Emma?"
Emma Harper, holding a baton, replied. "Absolutely, Colleen! Let's make this a Christmas concert to remember!"
The first song was an Aussie remix of Carol of the Bells. The choirs and bands from Wombat Creek Junior High and Thylacine Hills High School performed it with an energetic beat, incorporating sounds of didgeridoos and clapsticks. The result left the appreciative audience in awe.
"Now, let's see if we can make those bells sound like the Sydney Opera House at New Year's!" Colleen said. "Our next song will be Silent Night." Using the Didgeridoo as a backing created a serene yet uniquely Australian arrangement where the didgeridoo added a deep, resonant tone to the traditional carol.
Emma stepped up to announce the following number. "And now, for something a bit more tranquil, but still with that unmistakable Aussie spirit. We will perform We Three Kings in Surf Rock Style."
"These kings are riding the waves to Bethlehem, surfing all the way!" Colleen added. The audience chuckled in appreciation. The band kicked up the tempo, with guitars strumming like waves crashing on Bondi Beach. The unique selections and the obvious talent of the students enthralled Elizabeth.
"For our finale, we ask that you join us as we perform Jingle Bell Rock Aussie style." The medley resulted in turning the auditorium into an outback dance party.
"What a fantastic blend of voices and instruments!" Colleen said. "Let's give all our performers another round of applause."
When it finally died down, Emma turned to her students and said, "You've all done Wombat Creek and Thylacine Hills proud!" As she and Colleen went to step away, the announcer stopped them.
"Before we close the night, we want to do one last thing. Julie and David, could you also come out here?" the announcer said.
As they appeared, Colleen pulled Julie close. "This show, as you know, is a collaborative effort from our music directors, who worked together to plan all the music and arrangements you enjoyed this evening. I would also like to recognize our Art director, Julie Monroe, for designing and coordinating with our students who made the decorations and backdrops for the show. She and Colleen also wrote and coordinated the mini-play and dancing you enjoyed. Though we are a small town, I think I speak for everyone here, and I believe that this year's show rivaled anything that could be seen in Sydney."
Then, turning to the audience, he asked, "Wouldn't you all agree?" The applause was enthusiastic, and cheers and whistles could be heard.
As it died down, Julie stepped forward. "We all thank you, but none of this would have been possible without your support. You have given your time to bring the children to practices and club meetings; you fed us when we worked long hours on the music or creating sets, and even volunteered as part of the stage crew when needed."
"It is thanks to all of you who, even though you don't have a student or grandchild at our school, continue to support our programs through countless fundraising efforts so that the students have a variety of instruments in excellent condition, sheet music, and most of all, opportunities to perform in front of a large, appreciative and enthusiastic audience," Emma said.
David stepped up and took the microphone. "I echo everything they have said, but I have something to add. Being at the elementary school level, music is not usually considered necessary. I consider myself blessed that not only is it given importance at Kookaburra, but the ability to foster an appreciation of music at the earliest education level is a dream come true. I have had the privilege of helping several sixth graders gain proficiency in various instruments with the help of these ladies."
Rounding out the group, Colleen came forward. Simply put, without our town's support, none of the incredible Fine Arts and Music programs we can provide would be possible."
Once again, applause rose from everyone, including those on the stage, before everyone was dismissed. As people began to mingle and meet up, Elizabeth found herself caught up in her aunt's tight embrace.
"That was such a wonderful surprise, sweetheart," Agatha said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Julie was the one who thought of it and made it happen," Elizabeth said, returning her hug.
Seeing Julie approach, Agatha let Elizabeth go and pulled Julie to her. "What a wonderful thing you did. But wherever did you get that picture?"
"Elizabeth sent it to me," Julie replied. "We were going through old pictures and reminiscing."
"Didn't the kids do a great job?" Elizabeth exclaimed, trying to take the attention away from herself. "I can't believe how talented they all are.
"Colleen and Emma do a great job," Agatha said. Everyone chatted for a few minutes about parts of the program they loved and complimented Elizabeth and Julie.
The sun had set in earnest now, and the lights of the town took on a magical glow against it. Looking at his watch, Scott said, "Why don't we walk through town a bit and then maybe get something to drink before heading home?"
Casting a look at Lillie and Allie's eager faces, everyone agreed. To the matchmaker's delight, Nathan and Elizabeth paired off naturally as the group walked and became deep in conversation, clearly enjoying themselves.
Author's Note: For my Aussie readers, I hope that I have been accurate in these two chapters.
For all my readers, I used AI Chatpt to ASSIST in writing this chapter, as I had no idea how to create an Aussie children's program. I Highly recommend looking up the songs on YouTube, especially 6 White Boomers. For my fellow Love Actually fans I hope you enjoyed the little nod. With the exception of 6 White Boomers all the other carols are sung to the same traditional tune but thewords have an aussie flair. I did not make up these verses.