By Leigh O’Connor.
There’s something undeniably magical about a Christmas spent outdoors, where the scent of tomatoes on the vine mingles with the crisp fragrance of pine and eucalyptus. In Australia - where December sunbeams replace falling snow - a garden becomes more than a backdrop.
It becomes the beating heart of the celebration. A Very Green Christmas is more than a theme; it’s a feeling. A joyful, barefoot, sun-dappled invitation to slow down, breathe out and let nature take centre stage.
Imagine stepping outside on Christmas morning to a garden humming with life. Bees flit lazily between blossoms, the air carries the soft rustle of leaves and somewhere a kookaburra lets out a cheerful cackle - nature’s own laugh track.
The table is set beneath the shade of a leafy tree, dressed simply with sprigs of rosemary, lemon myrtle leaves and whatever flowers decided to bloom just in time for the festivities. It’s rustic, effortless and utterly charming.
A garden Christmas strips the day back to what matters: connection, sunlight, good food and shared delight. Kids tear across the lawn, leaving a trail of tiny footprints as they chase bubbles or search for hidden treats tucked beneath bushes. Adults sprawl on picnic blankets, icy drinks in hand, while a gentle Summer breeze becomes the unofficial host - cooling, welcoming, constantly stirring the scents of herbs and warm earth.
Food tastes better in the garden too; science may debate it, but your senses won’t. A platter of tomatoes picked minutes before lunch seems juicier. Fresh herbs sprinkled over dishes feel more aromatic. Even a simple garden salad becomes vibrant with the pride of ‘I grew that’.
When lunch rolls into the kind of lazy afternoon where no one watches the time, the garden offers quiet corners for escape - an outdoor armchair, a shady nook, or a hammock swaying like it’s keeping rhythm with the day.
What makes a Very Green Christmas extra special is how naturally sustainable it becomes. Decorations are crafted from foliage, flowers and twigs. Gifts might be wrapped in foraged leaves, brown paper or fabric squares tied with twine. A bundle of homegrown herbs or a potted seedling becomes a heartfelt, living present - one that grows long after the tinsel has been packed away.
Then there’s the evening. As the light softens, lanterns glow beneath the branches and candles flicker on the table, casting little halos of warmth. The garden shifts from playful to enchanting. Crickets strike up their nighttime chorus and the warm air feels like a soft blanket draped over your shoulders. Family stories spill out. Laughter rises easily. The stars peek through and for a moment, the world feels impossibly peaceful.
A Very Green Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence - real presence. Dirt under your nails from picking herbs for the roast. Grass between your toes. Sticky mango juice on your fingers. It’s the unfiltered joy of celebrating in a space that grows, shifts and breathes right along with you.
This year, let the garden be your Christmas muse. Open the back door, step into the sunshine and let nature sprinkle her own kind of festive magic. A green Christmas is a grounded Christmas - and perhaps the most joyful one of all.
