Judith at Warrigal Albion Park Rail. Photo: Warrigal.
Long before Boxing Day became synonymous with bustling sales and shopping centres, the heart of the post-Christmas holiday for families like Judith’s in Wollongong was simply being together.
While the traditions and the world around her have changed, the Warrigal Albion Park Rail resident said one thing remained the same — the joy of gathering with loved ones each Boxing Day.
Born in Coledale and raised in Wollongong, Judith fondly remembers her childhood Boxing Days spent riding bikes, swinging on vines in the escarpment, and splashing at the beach at Corrimal or Wollongong alongside her siblings.
“Our fun was mainly going to the beach — we didn’t live far from the beach,” she said.
“We rode our bikes and did all the things children do.
“We lived near what was called an incline and we used to walk up there and we would swing down on the vines.
“It was on the escarpment and it was just train lines. It was good fun.”
Judith graduated and became a hairdresser, with a long line of Wollongong hairdressers in the family, including her grandfather, two uncles, her father, a cousin and a nephew.
Once she was married with two children, the focus shifted to making Boxing Day a special day for the younger members of the household.
“The little children were always looked after first,” she said.
As years passed, the spirit of the day remained constant, even as traditions evolved and Boxing Day sales were introduced.
“I do know that the sales are on and it has changed, but it’s about having a relaxing day for us and eating Christmas Day leftovers,” she said.
“Boxing Day is about being with the family and always has been — and it’s happening again this year.
“I’ll be at my daughter’s house and the whole family will be there — probably about 16 of us. This year we have two great-grandchildren.”
Known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Juju, Judith said she found joy in seeing her family together each year.
It’s also a chance to spend time with her husband Adrian, who visits her most days at Warrigal Albion Park Rail with their dog AJ.
The pair recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Judith’s family stretches across NSW and even to Adelaide, making the family focus of Boxing Day even more important.
Looking back, Judith’s fondest Boxing Day memories are simple yet profound: “Just family. We’re very close in our family. It’s always been a family day.”
As traditions carry on, Judith treasures the continuity — and the laughter that fills the house on Boxing Day.
“We’re together, and we’re very happy about that.”
