The end of the year was the usual social whirl of events leading up to Christmas.

Another lovely Over 50s Christmas Lunch was enjoyed back in November with lots of delicious food, presents, a visit from Santa, a raffle and good company. Thanks to Annette for coordinating the day and to everyone for bringing the beautiful food to share.

Around 90 kids and adults attended the Christmas Party and Lucia Parade on 7 December, a greater turn-out than the previous year. We celebrated with Christmas music, walking around the tree, presents and a great Father Christmas. Thanks to Per Hansen for stepping into the role at such short notice.

Again we are grateful to Karen Margrethe for delivering the music, and Hella and her helpers for doing kitchen duties and the delicious hot dogs. And thanks to everyone who came to help set up and take down the decorations. We could not have done it without them.

Another of our photos from the evening shows four generations of Edith Christensen’s family: Edith, daughter Ilse, grand daughter Katy and great grand daughter Bianca, a 2014 Lucia girl. Ilse, Katy and Bianca have all taken part in the Association’s Lucia Parade over the years.

Our Christmas celebrations concluded when Bente Holdgaard, the Danish priest based in Sydney, came over for our annual Christmas service and we enjoyed a gathering after the service in the new church hall in Northbridge, chatting and buying lollies, over tea, coffee and cookies.

One of the Christmas elves has done some work at Nordic House over the holidays, so next time you visit for coffee and cake, or maybe to take a roster, see if you can see what has been done.

And so a new year has begun and our first social event will be to celebrate the children’s festival Fastelavn on 15 February at Nordic House. Come along to hit the barrel, play some games and eat delicious fastelavns boller. And, if the kids want to dress up, they can do that and add to the spirit of the occasion.

A specially-convened subcommittee has been preparing a survey for members about the future of Nordic House. This will soon be sent out to all members and we encourage you to send your response and have a say in Nordic House’s future viability.

As always, we look forward to your active participation at Nordic House and your attendance at the many events planned for 2015.

With best regards
The Committee