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The big, Christmas bear + local gifts

Welcome to The Nugget, a 24k gold newsletter about Castlemaine's people and events

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The Nugget
December 20, 2024

★ HOLIDAY HUG ★

Smile at the thumb! This is what my Dutch brother-in-law says to my kids when they are in a Mood. It is impossible not to smile at the thumb. It works literally every time. So, if you find yourself in a funk these holidays, give it a whirl. Then, go visit this XXXL bear at Maine Food Store. The staff are very patient with idiots like myself who come to hang out with this jolly, huggable creature.

With less than a week to go til Christmas Day, I wanted to share a few last-minute local finds that might come in handy.

Food & Drink

  • Gingerbread croissants from Johnny Baker - only available until Christmas.

  • Mulberry’s Deli is open every day until 3p on Christmas Eve. Stop by for the queen of cheeses: the Kaserei Tufertschwill’s Chällerhocker. Delight your people by serving this fromage while pronouncing the name with the enthusiasm of 1,000 unicorns.

  • Go for glory with three award-winning cheeses from Long Paddock Cheese. Say the magic words: Global Winners Pack and the team will help you sample the famous Banksia Reserve, Riverine Blue and Driftwood cheeses.

  • The Boomtown Wine cellar door is open with extended hours through to Christmas Eve. Pick up a special bottle to share with your favourites. My current fave is the sparkly, sulphur-free, 2024 Pet Nat.

  • Curious Cabinet shrub syrups and lime dusting, perfect for the cocktail fan and delish in soda for a summer refresher. Available at Tribe.

  • Cherry pie from Ice Cream Republic, sold frozen so you can cook it fresh on Christmas Day.

Volunteer

The best way to feel more of the festive spirit is to help others

  • Make paper chains to decorate the Town Hall for the Christmas Community Lunch. Drop off your creations to CCH before 3pm Monday 23rd Dec, or to the Town Hall between 10am and 12pm on Tuesday 24th Dec.

  • Drop a gift in the basket at the Community Christmas Lunch tree at Maxi IGA

  • Register to volunteer at Community Christmas Lunch. Call CCH at (03) 5472 4842

Wee gifties

  • Shopping totes from Made by Claire, a smarty-pants local teen who won the People’s Choice Award in the Good Op Shop’s Upcycling Awards back in 2022. Reach out to her via Instagram to make a last-minute purchase.

  • Castlemaine Icons tea towels at Corner Store Merchants

  • Rose & Santal Perfume Oil (or literally anything) by Mimosa Botanicals. Available at the Vintage Bazarre at the Mill.

  • This killer bandana from Forest Creek Tattoo.

  • A Jane Austin plate from Dusty Pots. Message her on Instagram to buy.

Move

Prioritize your health this holiday. You’ll feel way better about all the things.

  • Powerbar is on Tuesdays and Saturdays (9:15 AM) and happening through the holiday period except 24 and 28 Dec.

  • Aqua aerobics is on at the Chewton Pool on Wednesdays (2:00 PM) and Sundays (1:00 PM)

  • Castlemaine Run Club’s Workout Wednesday (6:30 AM) is for everyone.

❀ STARE AT THE SKY ❀

And keep looking for rainbows. Trace Balla caught an incredible one lighting up Djaara Country. The good stuff can be found absolutely everywhere, when you go looking for it. xx

♡˖ EVENTS ˖♡

𖥔 TALK TO MOI PLOISE 𖥔

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  • what you’re making for dinner,

  • about your event, so I can include it

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