It seems right. It's been an unsettling year and we're looking forward to ending it on a high with a gathering in our home on Christmas Day.

This year will be all about what each of us can bring to the celebration. My Mum has a list of treats she and my Dad will bring. My sister and I have been planning and ordering the cold meats and fruit. We picked up a spare bar fridge from our eldest this weekend and have decided it'll house the pavlova and trifle. Others will be responsible for filling the Esky with their favourite tipples.

There'll not be a lot under the tree and what's there will be things people have asked for. There are few surprises but that's OK. We've had a year of surprises. Some have rattled, some delighted; many have bound us together in ways none of us could have imagined.

Cards will soon be filled with messages from the year past and well wishes for the year to come. Friends will celebrate around our table or at events organised to bring far-flung folk together and many will part with gifts we've made to share, a cutting from from the garden or a bunch of fresh herbs. It's the way the season should be.



I'm looking forward to this Christmas. I really am.