By Chloe Booker
Melbourne has had a tough month. We were shocked when Bourke Street again was the scene of unthinkable violence and devastated when we discovered beloved restaurateur Sisto Malaspina had been its victim.
We then relived Bourke Street's earlier tragedy when mass murderer James Gargasoulas was convicted and were fearful when we then heard of foiled terror attacks that had been planned for our city.
All this while we have been barraged with political messages and campaign controversies ahead of the state election on Saturday.
We're in the midst of these extreme times right as we're gearing up for the holidays, when we hope life will be light and carefree for a while.
And so it should be. Let’s not allow the actions of a few to rob us of our joy.
Our city has a penchant for the new and edgy. But it’s in times like these that our truly Melbourne traditions can bring the most comfort, just like slurping a warm bowl of spaghetti at Pellegrini's .
Here is a list of very-Melbourne things you can do in the lead up to the Christmas and holiday season:
1. Take a trip up the coast or just down Beach Road
Melburnians love packing up and heading to the Mornington or Bellarine peninsulas to unwind in the sun (or not, you're still in Victoria) after the long working year.
But if you're not among the holiday house-set or lucky enough to score a rental in time, taking a drive down Beach Road for a day trip on a scorcher will help you forget your worries.
We recommend Half Moon Bay.
2. Start planing to go to one of our many excellent festivals
From Meredith to Rainbow, festival season is upon us giving us a host of opportunities to forget about the news, switch off and live in an alternate universe for a few days.
Melbourne is famous for its coffee and food, but the festivals we organise are another thing to be pretty damn proud of, too.
3. Sink a beer at the new Espy or another one of our glorious pubs
What better way to celebrate Melbourne culture than at one of our many great pubs.
The Espanlade Hotel is back just in time for summer. Its extensive restoration includes three live music stages, 12 bars and two restaurants.
The attention to detail the team have brought to the beloved hotel is breathtaking and is well-worth checking out.
The Tote in Collingwood, The Corner Hotel in the Richmond and The Prince of Wales in St Kilda, also recently revamped, have iconic status as well.
4. Pat an animal at the Collingwood Children’s Farm
You petted rabbits there when you were a kid, now you can take your child to experience the rite of passage.
And what's more comforting than being with animals?
These days the farm is very hip and has a cafe serving delicious food. There are more cafes and a farmer's market at the equally-as-cool Abbotsford Convent next door.
5. Comfort eat at one of our many iconic eateries
Unlike many other famous cities, Melbourne doesn't have a cuisine, but we still have food and eateries that make us feel like we're home.
These include Jim's Greek Tavern in Collingwood, the European and Flower Drum in the CBD, France Soir in South Yarra and grabbing some dimmies at the South Melbourne Market or hot jam donuts at the Victorian Market.
And, of course, Pellegrini's. It might stir up our emotions for a while, but never will we stop going to that romantic corner for coffee, pasta and granita.
More recently, dumplings at HuTong and gelato at Pidapippo have made it to the list.
6. Shop from one of Melbourne's dazzling designers
Gorman, Scanlan Theodore, Alpha 60, aesop, Obus, Kuwaii and Nique are among our most notable Melbourne designer brands.
While we advocate supporting our many talented up-and-coming designers, these brands have all added to our collective Melbourne style over the years.
7. Immerse yourself in some of Melbourne's world-renowned art
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum of Art, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art or Linden New Art to get lost in some of the best art in Australia and the world.
See the mind-bending work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher at Escher X nendo | Between Two Worlds, which opens at the NGV on December 2.
8. Take the 1000 steps or run The Tan this summer
Now some might not find these activities relaxing and that's quite understandable.
But for those of us who find exercise is a good way to clear the head, completing the 1000 steps in the gorgeous Dandenong Ranges National Park or running The Tan Track outside the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens in South Yarra will do the trick.
9. Go to the theatre or catch a live show
We are spoilt for choice for theatre and live music in Melbourne.
Some special venues for plays and gigs include revamped The Forum Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne and Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
10. Read a book or laze in the sun at a Melbourne park
We aren't called the city of gardens for nothing.
You could instead skip the run and head straight inside the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Other lovely gardens to spend an afternoon in include the Queen Victoria Gardens along St Kilda Road, UNESCO World Heritage Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne, Rippon Lea in Elsternwick and Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy.
11. Get in the spirit of Christmas
For some travelling to Bourke Street might be stressful and it is understandable some will take time to return.
But one truly Melbourne Christmas tradition is taking children to Myer's windows – seeing the joy on their little faces could help melt away your fears.
This year's theme is Alice in Wonderland and it runs until January 6.
Federation Square will house a 16-metre tall Christmas tree and a Gingerbread Village, featuring 560 kilograms of gingerbread, 420 kilograms of royal icing, 185 kilograms of marzipan and about 900 miniature Christmas trees.