Whilst people in the far Northern Hemisphere dream of a white Christmas with lots of snow, here in Australia we hope for a different white to enhance our Christmas days.

We had beautiful weather this year for the big day. So, Paul and I headed around to the bays north west of Dunsborough, starting at beautiful Meelup Beach. Meelup is a beautiful family beach, that usually has moderately good surf. Just up from the sandy shore there’s picnic tables and free gas barbecues under the shade of dozens of beautiful peppermint trees. We expected a few people to be there, but we hadn’t expected there would be many.

Were we surprised when we managed to find the last available car park at only 10.30am. We had misjudged the pull of the beach on a sunny Christmas day in the south west.

Children were trying out their new boogie boards.

And Surf Life saving were taking no chances on someone coming to grief on a Christmas Day. They were there in force, all donating their time to keep us safe.

After leaving Meelup we headed around to see some of the other beaches. All seemed to be well occupied, with an equally good Surf Life Saving Presence.

Mental note to myself – next time I see Surf Life Saving shaking a tin I must remember all the equipment in evidence this wonderful Christmas Day and donate accordingly.

I love watching families at the beach. All having fun, laughing, and just ‘doing stuff’ together. And the young lovers, holding hands and enjoying each other’s company. And the oldies (like us) people watching as we enjoy our own sedate beach activities. People, walking, swimming, surfing, eating, sun baking and just enjoying the great outdoors in perfect weather, on perfect beaches, on a perfect day. What a pleasure!