Ah! The popular images of Christmas! Santa and his reindeer, snow and its gentle flakes cascading down from the sky to gently blanket the earth. Families sitting by the fireside opening presents, drinking hot toddies. Even our Chrissie wrapping papers and cards commonly depict these European images.

Of course, in the Land Down Under things are a bit different. Here in Perth, the capital of Western Australia (a 4-5 hour flight from Sydney on the opposite side of this great continent) I see crystal blue skies with not a cloud in site. There is a breeze and I can feel the rising temperature. The airconditioner is on to keep our house super cool. The forecast for today (Christmas Eve) is 35°c, Christmas Day 38°c and Boxing Day looks like it is going to be a corker at 40 °c. For our American friends those temperatures are 95°F, 100°F and 104°F respectively. Yes, just another typical Christmas.

Families here will be gathered in many places to celebrate. Either at home, in parks, down the beach, by the beautiful Swan River, in Church. Our meals may be traditional, with the hot roast turkey and pork with vegies, but typically there will be barbeques, or meals with cold meats and hams, seafood (lots of it!), salads. Fridges and eskies will be overflowing with drink both of the alcoholic and non alcoholic variety.

For some here, the experience will of course be a great religious celebration, for others its just a holiday. For me personally, I celebrate peace and goodwill to all mankind....a time for all the family to come together, to be able to experience that wonderful feeling of giving to others. My thoughts will also be with others who are not so fortunate or are destitute.

So where ever you are in this big world, I truly wish that you have a happy and peaceful Christmas and if your circumstances are not so great, remember the ancient saying "this too shall pass" and I hope that good things will come to you in the future.

Fran