It's Christmas!

Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is way, way different from the snow and ice, huge hot meals round a fire, sledding etc that one might find at the top of the world.

Here it's a day for the beach, for cold food and outside time (except for the past 2 years which have been strangely chilly), the odd family cricket match or "kleilat" if we're at the grandparent's farm (stick a ball of muddy clay on the end of a smooth bendy stick and let fly at your victim, who is generally hiding in the bushes or behind someone else). None of that huge roast turkey with heavy side dishes. Yeah, we eat a lot, but it's light and cool.

But something I've always wanted to do is have a winter Christmas. I experienced one in Idaho a long time ago - snow all around, houses decked in lights, candles in paper bags lining the drive, and all the "traditional" Christmas trimmings.

So I'm thinking... what about a 25th of June Christmas celebration at my house? It's snowed nearby and is very chilly - we could go the whole hog on comfort foods and make it quite an occasion! No need for extravagant gifts, but I can haul out the decorations and tree. The 25th is a Friday, it's payday, and Friday night a lot of folk are free - the timing is just right.

It's a good excuse to get family and friends together. I think I may just do it!