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FESTIVE “CELEBRANTIONS” AT THE TCS SYDNEY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2023

TCS Sydney Christmas Party at The Winery in Surry Hills

’Tis the season for celebrant folly

It’s not really Christmas until you’ve sent-off the busy year with some of your best work colleagues. With that in mind, NSW Local Leader Alison Pickel (with some help from party planner extraordinaire Stephen Tasselli – thanks Stephen!) organised her first official Celebrant Society event since taking over the role in October.

With a swipe of lippy to match her red Santa hat, Alison set off on a balmy December evening to rendezvous with some TCS crew at The Winery in Surry Hills.

NSW Local Leader Alison Pickel: Party Mode Initiated!
NSW Local Leader Alison Pickel: Party Mode Initiated!
The festivities kicked off in style as Jo Booth adorned an adorable reindeer hat, fully embracing the whimsy of the silly season. It didn’t take long before everyone was imbued (imbibed?) with Christmas spirit, thanks to some delicious ‘Giggly Rose’ cocktails and sparkling wine. Though Lillian Lyon was upset by the name of the citrusy, slightly salty sparkling wine – “why would you call it ‘sea foam’? So unappetising!”
Jo Booth had her (reindeer) game face on!

As we munched on salt-and-pepper squid, gourmet sausage rolls and truffled fries, it was time to vote for ‘best dressed’.

Competition was fierce, with everyone clad in their favourite Christmas kitsch. Eventually, Bev Carstairs emerged victorious in the ‘nicest outfit’ category, shimmering in her angel-inspired sparkly gold ensemble. Meanwhile, Mary Vevers claimed the title of ‘naughtiest outfit’ thanks to a seductive LBD paired with a mischievous Santa hat.

In her sparkly gold ensemble, Beverley Carstairs was giving Christmas angel, which won her 'nicest outfit' of the night – naturally
In her sparkly gold ensemble, Beverley Carstairs was giving Christmas angel, which won her 'nicest outfit' of the night – naturally
In a saucy sequinned little black dress and Santa hat (not pictured), Mary Vevers fought off some tough competition to win 'naughtiest outfit' of the party.
In a saucy sequinned little black dress and Santa hat (not pictured), Mary Vevers fought off some tough competition to win 'naughtiest outfit' of the party.
A highlight of the evening was the white elephant present swap. Gifts ranged from the highly practical, such as Ben Ager’s battery organiser and charger; Lou Killick’s chic water bottle, and Bec’s BWS gift card (a post-wedding essential!)…
Uber celebrant Ben Ager scored the gift that every celebrant never knew they needed: a battery organiser
Uber celebrant Ben Ager scored the gift that every celebrant never knew they needed: a battery organiser
Louise Killick was thrilled with her stainless steel water bottle designed by an Aboriginal business. Meanwhile, Bec Jackson will be indulging in something a little stronger than water after her next wedding thanks to her BWS gift voucher
Louise Killick was thrilled with her stainless steel water bottle designed by an Aboriginal business. Meanwhile, Bec Jackson will be indulging in something a little stronger than water after her next wedding thanks to her BWS gift voucher
To homeware faves, such as Jo’s festive apron and Alison’s new coffee mug…
Jo Booth wasted no time donning her gay apparel – a Christmas-themed apron accompanied by equally festive ice tray and stubby cooler
Jo Booth wasted no time donning her gay apparel – a Christmas-themed apron accompanied by equally festive ice tray and stubby cooler
Alison was just happy to pick up a new coffee travel mug. But when she opened it up to find a Wish gift card inside, she thought all her Christmases had come at once!
Alison was just happy to pick up a new coffee travel mug. But when she opened it up to find a Wish gift card inside, she thought all her Christmases had come at once!
Not to be outdone were perhaps the most coveted gifts of all – purely because they supported a good cause, of course, and no other reason! Lillian’s adorable puppy calendar, and Stephen’s adorable puppy calendar with bonus firemen.
What's better than Lillian Lyon wearing red glitter reindeer glasses? The look on Lillian's face in those same glasses while unwrapping a calendar filled with cute puppies!
What's better than Lillian Lyon wearing red glitter reindeer glasses? The look on Lillian's face in those same glasses while unwrapping a calendar filled with cute puppies!
Sure, puppies are cute, but have you heard of firemen holding puppies? Stephen Tasselli reckoned he got the best present of the night… but only because the gift supports a good cause, of course…
Sure, puppies are cute, but have you heard of firemen holding puppies? Stephen Tasselli reckoned he got the best present of the night… but only because the gift supports a good cause, of course…

As the drinks flowed and the laughter continued late into the night, promises were made to reconvene for another memorable gathering soon. The camaraderie and joy that filled the air left everyone eagerly anticipating the next meet-up.

Now, the question arises: Where should the next TCS NSW adventure take place? Send your suggestions to alison@thecelebrantsociety.com and let the planning begin for the next unforgettable celebration.

Until then, as the year draws to a close, may this festive season bring you happiness. Here’s to a wonderful and safe holiday season for all! Cheers to the memories made and the ones yet to come.

Can't wait to do it all again next year

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Author Bio

Alison Pickel

Alison is a big nerd and she’s not afraid to admit it. When she’s not getting overly excited by s45(2) of the Marriage Act (how cool is it that it’s the couple’s words that actually make them married?!), she can be found puzzling in escape rooms or smashing the movie round for her pub trivia team.

Hailing from Marrickville in Sydney’s Inner West, Alison has a background in print and digital media. In 2018, she swapped deadlines for ‘I do’s, and has been hitching loved-up legends ever since. She is also a celebrant trainer, ceremony ghostwriter and the NSW Local Leader for The Celebrant Society.

Away from the arbour, Alison likes to eat dumplings, re-watch Schitt’s Creek (again), and take way too many photos of her rescue cats, Pancake and Barney.

FESTIVE “CELEBRANTIONS” AT THE TCS SYDNEY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2023