Christmas wishes

EARLIER this week, I was dazzled as the sun hit a 'Santa Stop Here' sign that almost sent me off the road.

It's bizarre the way Aussies insist on putting up their exterior Christmas lights throughout this summer festive season. By the time it goes dark enough to switch them off, it's time for bed. But this year, it feels a lot more like Christmas.

I was a tad disappointed last year - there were no festive songs in the shops. There were no festive songs on the radio. In fact, Christmas Day could have come and gone without me noticing it - only for the children giving us a daily reminder on how many hours left they had to wait before Santa's visit.

This year, however, it's different. The lead up to the main event is still a little downsized compared to what we know from our times in the UK but I'm not sure whether it's me getting used to things or if everyone has cranked up a gear into getting into the spirit of things.

Either way, I'm happy. And if husband manages to get hold of a CD that features "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues, he'll be smiling too. Christmas just aint Christmas without the bittersweet and harsh lyrics of Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl.

So all that it remains for me to say is a big massive "Happy Christmas" and a Happy Aussie New Year from us Down Under. I promise not to feed the Big Fella too much Sherry seeing as though he comes here first... can't having him falling off his sleigh before his journey north now, can we??!