This year’s Christmas party at the Melbourne Estonian House saw an impressive turnout with 200 guests filling the hall, many missed out. Some came to bid farewell to the house’s final Christmas bash, while others showed up for their annual dose of festive cheer. We got a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into organising the Christmas party and learnt that there’s not one, but three parties!
This Christmas party was special – we all felt it. It was a celebration topped with extra joy and just a pinch of nostalgia. With the Estonian House now up for sale, it marked the end of an era for families who’ve been celebrating Christmases here for over 50 years. Stories of festive seasons gone by were shared at tables and the bar, echoing long into the night.
We celebrated the season and each other
To kick things off, let’s address the question on everyone’s mind: what was on the menu? The brilliant Anthony and Evelin Erm served up traditional Estonian Christmas dishes with a few creative twists. We started by breaking bread – literally – and followed it up with mulled wine that packed a little extra punch (you know the kind).
This year’s Christmas party at the Estonian House in Melbourne featured a heartfelt tribute to Matti Kiviväli, recognising his decades of dedication to the local Estonian community. On Citizen’s Day, 26 November 2024, Matti was honoured by the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs for his outstanding contributions to preserving Estonian heritage and promoting its reputation abroad.
There were lively singing and dancing performances by children and adults. Santa Claus made a rock star-worthy appearance, much to the delight of the 50 or so children eagerly awaiting their turn to perform in exchange for gifts. In true Estonian style, they had to earn their presents – but none of the kids seemed to mind.
We got a behind-the-scenes look
This year, I got an inside look at what goes into organising the Christmas parties, and let me tell you, it’s months of planning and fitting together intricate puzzle pieces. What you don’t see as a guest is that there are actually three parties: the Before Party, the main event on the day, and the After Party later that evening. And no, your money won’t get you into the other two – access is earned through goodwill and volunteer work.
The Before Party took place a week ahead, when the Estonian House was buzzing with what felt like half the Melbourne Estonian Society, plus some eager new faces. We decorated the Christmas tree, set up the tables, and did all sorts of prep work. Performers – both children and adults – were there for final rehearsals, and the house was alive with the sound of children’s laughter and adults’ excitement. At one point, I remember declaring, “I’m having so much fun!”
The After Party unfolds spontaneously, yet with tradition, in the final stages of the Christmas celebration. It’s when the last bits and pieces are tidied up, the Christmas tree is carefully taken down, and placed back in its usual resting spot under the stage at the Estonian House. It’s also when a handful of people make their way to the bar, grab chairs, pass around glasses of something sparkly, and share stories, reminiscing about the Christmas party that’s just come to a close.
Join us next year!
Parts of this article first appeared in Estonians in Australia, titled “Impressive turnout at the Christmas party in Melbourne”, so read more here:
https://eesti.org.au/2024/12/24/an-impressive-turnout-at-the-christmas-party-in-melbourne/
