A Sydney Christmas - Familytime

Gathering in the apartment of my daughter, we will trade outrageous conservative and liberal political bonmots, devouring the prawns and lobster for which Kirsten and Darren melled in the interminable squash that is the Pyrmont Fish Markets all-night Christmas Eve trade. Washed down by the indupitably first-rate sauvignon-blanc and reisling contributed by Tony, Kirsten's father, and smothered by the fruit flans slaved over by yours truly, the rush to strike the most outrageous social policy stance will invariably be headed by the laterality of son Alastair's brain.

Sated, and ready to declare a social-policy truce until the next gathering, K&D will journey south for an evening meal with the in-laws whereas the rest will repair to my place to install the Wii that the neurologist "prescribed" for my ataxia. Travelling companion, Christine, will join the melee, and the day will draw to a close with a refreshing walk along the sands of Bondi.

May you have a day of laughter, love and friendship in the company of those for whom you care most.

CHRISTMAS DAY The North Wind is tossing the leaves, The red dust is over the town, The sparrows are under the eaves, And the grass in the paddock is brown; As we lift up our voices and sing To the Christ-Child the Heavenly King. The tree-ferns in green gullies sway; The cool stream flows silently by; The joy bells are greeting the day, And the chimes are adrift in the sky, As we lift up our voices and sing To the Christ-Child the Heavenly King.

Bondi Beach looking eastwards from Campbell Parade about 7am

Australian Christmas stamps - 2004, 2005 & 2009