Festive activities have begun in earnest at retirement villages and land lease communities across Australia.
Christmas has officially begun at Aveo’s Fountain Court Retirement Living in Burwood, Melbourne’s east, where four generations of the Lusk family gathered to celebrate the Victorian-era tradition of Stir-Up Sunday.
Cousins Chris and Eddie Lusk both live in the retirement community and were joined by Eddie’s daughters, granddaughter and great-grandchildren, Mabel and Tommy, who rolled up their sleeves to mix this year’s Christmas pudding with plenty of laughter, memories and a generous splash of rum.
Stir-Up Sunday marks the final weekend before Advent, when families traditionally prepare their pudding to mature in time for Christmas Day. True to custom, each Lusk took a turn stirring the bowl from East to West, honouring the journey of the Wise Men and making a wish.
For the Lusk women, Christmas pudding isn’t just a recipe – it’s a rivalry.
“Mum made her special sago pudding for many years, then my sister Jen started making her own recipe, so then I thought I should have a go,’’ Eddie’s daughter Debbie Dannock said.
“Come Christmas time, it was the ‘war of puddings’ and we often had three for everyone to taste, but Mum’s was always the best.’’
Eddie admits he doesn’t have a hands-on role in the puddings.
“I wouldn’t have a clue how to make them … I’m just the professional pudding taste tester,” he said.
With around 50 members of the Lusk clan gathering for Christmas, family time is at the heart of it all and it happens weekly at the Fountain Court community.
Eddie has four daughters, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, and says the new facilities have made it even easier for the generations to stay connected.
“I couldn’t wish for anything better than seeing my family so often at Fountain Court,” Eddie said.
“The little ones love running on the green, we visit the café and we play snooker. Everyone here has been so good to me.’’
His daughter Debbie agrees.
“Dad coming to Fountain Court was perfect timing. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. Dad and Chris have both lost their partners now, so being here together means they can look out for each other,” she said.
With the pudding now set aside to mature, the Lusk family leaves behind something even sweeter – a community brimming with Christmas spirit.