CHRISTMAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR DEBBIE AND ERNIE DI MARTINO, AND THIS YEAR’S WILL BE NO DIFFERENT, EXCEPT IT WILL BE THE FIRST ONE CELEBRATED IN THEIR BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME AT GEMLIFE PALMWOODS.
The fun-loving couple, originally from Victoria, came to Queensland in 1994 to live on the Gold Coast before relocating to be near family on the Sunshine Coast four years ago. They sold their business – an apartment resort in Noosaville – to retire and moved into the over-50s lifestyle resort in August.
“We couldn’t be happier and have already planned our family Christmas. Our tree is up, and we’ll be having our family over for the two days before the big day and then heading off for a family camping trip for ten days to Lake Barambah, which is about 120 km from here. It’s all very exciting,” said Debbie.
Christmas has always been a special time for the Di Martinos, both past generations and now, with the occasion more about family coming together and enjoying each other’s company than the festive fare. However, they do admit the wonderful spread, which each contributes to, comes a close second.
“Christmas to us is definitely family time and the joy it brings to us all,” said Debbie and Ernie who have two married daughters in their 30s.
And what do they get up to?
“One of our family traditions is to watch our favourite Christmas movie, Love Actually and as many other yuletide favourites as possible. We also enjoy playing games and puzzles which we gift to each other. Of course, we do love to eat – baked ham and turkey are among our favourites – and I just love playing Christmas music all day long.”
This year, the Christmas fare is also likely to include baked salmon with pistachios and cranberries on top plus a delicious array of seafood and Debbie’s first-ever Christmas cake.
“In addition, we make some shortbread and gingerbread biscuits which my daughter and I do each year. We wrap them and give them to our neighbours. We love to spread the joy,” said Debbie who, after 40 years of marriage, still waits until all their family have gone to bed before placing the presents under the Christmas tree.
“I think our kids, although all grown up now, still believe in Santa,” said Debbie with a smile.
The couple say they can’t wait to host all the family for their first Christmas celebrations in their new home at GemLife Palmwoods which they say has plenty of room for everyone.
Following the Christmas celebrations, the group will continue enjoying the festive season with a ten-day camping trip to Lake Barambah near Murgon, which Debbie describes as a quiet hideaway by a lake where they can enjoy fishing, swimming and day trips to local wineries.
“We are very excited about spending our first Christmas here at GemLife Palmwoods and then the trip with family afterwards. You can tell because we already have our Christmas tree up in November and, to be honest, I’m already feeling the Christmas spirit.”
Ernie added: “Let’s drink to that. Happy Christmas everyone!”