The perfect Ballarat Christmas

IF the thought of Christmas being only five weeks away makes you feel more stressed than usual, never fear help is near.

No need to head to Melbourne armed with a long list of gifts, spending days in search of the perfect present.

And You don’t have to wander from website to website shopping online.

The perfect Christmas is right here in Ballarat.

Sit back relax, with a little planning and some local retail therapy Christmas Day will be easy, wonderful and joyful.

The kids are awake

The day starts early for a lot of families with excited youngsters eager to discover what’s under the tree.

Sue Fothergill, Ballarat Toyworld manager, said her staff take special care to help mums, dads, and grandparents, choose the best toy for toddlers and kids.

“We have a range to choose from bigger than most department stores and the added bonus of parking at the front of the store,” she said.

“A lot of families are very organised and take advantage of our six-month layby plan for Christmas, picking up the presents on Christmas Eve.”

If there is a mountain bike, in fact any type of bike, on Santa’s list then Shaw’s Cycling is the place to be.

What Pat Shaw doesn’t know about bikes is not worth knowing.

“We build our bikes and our relationships with our customers the same way, with dedication and care,” Mr Shaw said.

“Our name is on the building, we are an old school family business and we are very proud of that.”

Where there is a man in lycra in the house then also talk to Mr Shaw about nix, gloves and jerseys.

The only place to shop for the 14-year-old princess who knows all the words to diamonds are a girl’s best friend, is Alexa’s Treasures.

An Aladdin’s cave of jewels, gemstones, gold, silver and collectables on Sturt Street which makes your head spin has “the widest variety of jewellery in Australia,” owner Kim Sascia said.

Ms Sascia, who opened the store 19 years ago, works with her mother Gaby Mills to handpick every piece.

“We only sell the things we love,” she said. “We do not sell via catalogues, we offer the best price and old fashion service with a smile.”

What’s on the table?

With the scrunched-up wrapping paper in recycling, and after a quick cuppa with shortbread and mince tarts, its time to think about lunch.

The hour spent with Liz Green and her team at The Foundry paid off big time.

Not only does the table setting now look spectacular with the new platters and glass ware but it was fun getting inspiration from the beautiful merchandise in the store.

Updating the tree with some of their decorations was an easy decision while grandma and pop, always hard to buy for, are sure to love their trinket box and leather wallet.

Ms Green said her store carries lots of unique items ranging in price from $5 to $450.

“You’ll find clothing, jewellery, homewares, books and lots more plus we make great coffee,” she said.

“We have what Melbourne has but more, and I can personally tell you the story behind every piece in here.”

Getting a carpark out front meant just a one-block walk to check out what Danielle Hunter had at Woolshed Clothing for auntie Sue and uncle Scott.

Ms Hunter, who three years ago took over the shop her mum started in 1995, is revamping some of the labels in the store.

“Mum catered for more of the over 60s customer where as I am now offering some younger looks for customers in their 40s,” she said.

“Although, there will still be the long-time favourites we are known for.”

When she suggested a Threadz t-shirt with the little dragonfly print for Sue and a pair of Geelong made Emu ugg boots for Scott it was a done deal.

Lunch is ready

Whether it is a traditional roast lunch with all the trimmings or Christmas Aussie style with seafood and salads galore, Melanie Fulcher from Wilson’s Fruit and Vegetables said they’ve got you covered.

“We strive to make sure the quality is the best it can be and the food spread on the family table is perfect,” she said.

Hams, other meats and seafood, at the Lucas store, are available together with those special taste treats such as cranberry sauce for the turkey or marmalade to glaze the ham before it goes in the oven.

Ms Fulcher is the third generation in the family business that has been serving the community for 50 years.

“We taste everything we sell, nothing comes into the store without passing the Wilson family test,” she said. “We can even help out with gifts for people like uncle Bob who has everything with our gourmet hampers which start at $40.

“They can be tailored to suit even the pickiest of eaters.”

Cherries, berries, mangoes, papaya and pineapple make a refreshing fruit salad to serve alongside or instead of the traditional pudding and fruit cake.

However, if you want a delicious new decadent twist to round off your Christmas lunch then Noor Hassan at Lilly Love Cakes is the go-to-woman.

Ms Hassan, who has only been baking in Ballarat for five months, uses local ingredients in her French inspired desserts such as petite gateau, tarts, panna cotta and her cakes and cupcakes.

“I am taking orders now for Christmas cakes and puddings ready for pickup on Christmas Eve,” she said. “I can also help with catering, both sweet and savoury.”

If you are having another mob over on Boxing Day and the thought of spending time in the kitchen is beyond you, Lilly Love Cakes could just be the help you need.

End of a long, happy day

The bon-bons have been cracked, the paper hats worn, and the dad jokes read out.

Everyone is feeling replete.

The dishwasher is stacked, the empty bottles are in the glass recycle bin and the neighbours aren’t due to drop in until late this afternoon.

So, it’s time for a game of back yard cricket, a snooze on the lounge on the back deck or simply put your feet up and relax.