If you are looking for nuts and bolts at Christmas, Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront homeowner Gail Hartigan has jars filled with them.

Of course, it’s Christmas and we are not talking about the metal variety of nuts and bolts but the more delicious crunchy, tasty, sweet and savoury snack that is great to nibble on all day long.

Gail has already started to make the popular treat for the festive season using a traditional family recipe handed down to her by her mother.

“I’ve had it for over 40 years and can remember mum making it when we were kids. It’s a little different to the normal recipes making it something you just can’t buy,” said the enthusiastic home cook, who has built up quite an impressive following from residents who like to buy her jars of Nuts and Bolts to give away at Christmas.

“They make delicious nibblies that can be enjoyed throughout the festive season or on Christmas Day itself.”

Gail and her husband Gary, who met when they were both in the Navy, have two children, and three grandchildren aged from 7 months to six years old. They moved from Burrum Heads to live at Living Gems Caboolture Riverfront over five years ago and couldn’t be happier.

“We are here for the long haul. Just love it!” said Gail.

When their kids were young, the family had a six-foot Christmas tree for which Gail, who loves to sew, made all the decorations. She has now gifted all of them to her youngest son and his family to carry on the tradition for future generations.

Christmas is often celebrated at their eldest son’s place and it’s a big affair with more than 20 attending each year.

“We all prepare something to take along and, of course, my Nuts and Bolts is a must while Gary, who is a retired Navy chef and even cooked for Prince Andrew and Fergie at the 75th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy in 1989, does the ham,” said Gail, who makes sure everyone gets a jar of her Nuts and Bolts to take home.

Her festive spirit also shines at the resort where she often gifts her special treat to some of her friends and neighbours whom she says just love them.

Gail is a great lover of Christmas and always puts her tree up, a Christmas lantern that lights up on the front porch, and a wreath on the front door on 1 December.

What is it that Gary and Gail love most about Christmas?

“We just love seeing the grandchildren happy and having all our family together to enjoy the occasion. We look forward to Christmas every year. It’s so special!”