The 2024 Sydney Estonian Christmas Party (8 Dec 2024) was an unforgettable event filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of our vibrant community. This special day brought together Estonians and friends to celebrate the festive season while honoring our cherished traditions.
The centerpiece of the celebration was a sumptuous feast, featuring a variety of delectable Estonian dishes—many lovingly homemade by our incredible SELTS Committee and generous volunteers. Special recognition goes to Juta, who traveled all the way from Estonia to share her culinary talents, helping prepare traditional Estonian delights that truly elevated our festive table.
While the adults enjoyed a peaceful relaxed lunch in the main hall, our enchanting elves worked their magic upstairs, creating a world of wonder for the children with face painting and games.
We owe the success of this event to the tireless efforts of the SELTS Team and our selfless volunteers. From weeks of planning and meticulous preparations to cooking and organising every detail, their hard work shone through in every aspect of the celebration. Your dedication is deeply appreciated, and this event wouldn’t have been the same without you.
This year’s Christmas party also provided a moment to recognise an extraordinary achievement within our community. On Citizen’s Day, November 26, 2024, Kristi Barrow and Matti Kiviväli were honored by the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, for their remarkable contributions to preserving Estonian heritage and fostering its reputation abroad.
Kristi Barrow was recognised for her visionary leadership in founding and advancing the Estonian Australia Media Project (AEMP), as well as her invaluable voluntary work with the Estonian Cultural Foundation and the Estonian Archives in Australia. Her efforts have strengthened the bonds within our global Estonian community and ensured our cultural and historical narratives remain alive and celebrated.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us at the Christmas party! Your presence made the event truly special, and it was wonderful to see so many members of our unique community gathered to share in good food, meaningful conversation, and merriment.
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Photo Gallery
As we wrap up the year, we wish everyone a season filled with love, laughter, and holiday magic. Here’s to more beautiful memories together in 2025!
Credits: Written by Esmee Okamoto
