Hannah and Saskia Robinson's first Christmas carols were anything but uneventful.
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''They've kicked someone in the head so far, we've been abused, but we're back here now … it's all good,'' the twins' mum, Tam Robinson laughed.
''We traded the real candles for the fake ones, and it was a really good trade because they were about to light up the picnic basket,'' she said.
''It's the usual chaos, and last night I think one of them swallowed a Christmas decoration, but we're fine, we're here.''
The girls, who live in Deakin, were among thousands who shared in festive cheer at the annual Carols by Candlelight at Commonwealth Park, on Wednesday night.
The carols songbook was filled with the usual Christmas favourites, from Silent Night and Away in a Manger, to Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.
The night ended with the sing-a-long favourite We Wish you A Merry Christmas.
The Woden Valley Youth Choir led the crowd through the songs, with the aid of the Canberra City Band, and guest artists Joanna Heslop, Jenna Roberts and Peter Ricardo.
Hannah and Saskia could only half mumble their way through Jingle Bells, but had no trouble recognising Santa when he arrived.
Their excitement is building for the real thing, now less than a week away.
And, Mrs Robinson said, the girls, this year at least, were not going to be disappointed.
''What they've asked for is really what Santa has in the cupboard,'' she said.
''Santa will deliver this year.''
The carols helped raise funds for the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter.
The event, now in its 68th year, was hosted by Ian McLean as master of ceremonies.