“Oh, Christmas … weed, oh, Christmas … weed, how richly Queanbeyanites have decked thee!”
Those lyrics might sound a little unusual at first, but if you live in or around Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra or Googong, that might be the exact tune you’ve been singing this Christmas.
That’s because there has been a strange phenomenon taking place.
It all started with this post on the Queanbeyan Community Notice Board Facebook page, which has more than 3000 members.
Image: Facebook
As of right now, the original image has over 400 reactions and almost 500 shares.
Shortly afterwards, this image popped up in the comments, of an undisclosed location but also believed to be in Queanbeyan.
Image source: Facebook
Then on my morning run this week, I spotted this in a suburban street of Googong (in true Googong style, our weeds appear to be *actual* Christmas trees …).
Image by the author
And finally, while driving to work last week, I drove past this sparkly little gem on Lanyon Drive, just near the turnoff to Tuggeranong.
What’s going on? Did Santa come to Queanbeyan early? Are these trees part of some kind of guerilla Christmas decoration plan rolling out across the region?
Is it happening anywhere else?
And isn’t it fabulous?
It’s no secret that Queanbeyan has historically been the target of ridicule and mockery from some of its Territory neighbours. The nickname ‘Struggletown’ still draws a cringe from most residents.
Therefore, it’s great to see locals pushing back, by owning and embracing that reputation of being the down-and-out end of town.
While other suburbs share maps of Christmas light displays and details of carol-singing events (and we do, too), I for one am thrilled that the mischievous residents of ‘Quangers’, ‘Jerra’ and ‘The Googs’ have found a way to bring a little low-key Christmas cheer to their daily drive.
Good on us, #TeamNSW! The spirit of Christmas is well and truly alive in our big little town.
Do you have any more info on The Christmas Weeds of Queanbeyan? Did you see any other – er, unofficial, or less orthodox – Christmas displays in your neighborhood? Share your pics with us!
And a gentle reminder to those clever citizens who are responsible for these displays – love your work, but please do make sure you remove the decorations after the silly season. We don’t need any more litter floating around, and tinsel and baubles can be dangerous for wildlife.
Likewise, please drive extra carefully around these locations, in case any children or animals are checking out the display.
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