As always, this Christmas my favourite poet wrote a special poem for me and our friend Roly. Happily, I happen to be married to the poet and over the years he has chronicled the major events of our life together. (One day I might publish them all.)

Oh, and Happy New Year to you all!

 

“JOY” AT CHRISTMAS!

 

I’ve often wondered how they spend their Christmastimes in  Oz

and if it’s even possible to celebrate, because

there ain’t no snow, there ain’t no frost, there ain’t no chimney pots

for Santa Claus to do his stuff and give out presents (lots!)

And how in all that blazing heat when you’re as warm as toast

can it be possible to eat a mighty Christmas roast?

So there I was, still thinking that there’d be no Christmas cheer

for us and all the family and friends we have round here

and chances for a get-together party  there were none

there seemed to be no prospect of us having Christmas fun

But suddenly a Christmas tree with glittering lights appeared

together with a Santa, all complete with flashing beard

 and, equally, to my surprise, all round that pretty tree

a jaunty pile of Christmas presents clearly I could see

“It must be Christmas!”  then I shouted joyfully with glee

“And this must be the place where Christmastime will surely be”

Yes, I was right, and, thanks to all the kindness of our host

and all the clever notions of “the Hostess with the Most”!

A proper Christmas was at last to be within our grasp

the speed with which the idea came together made me gasp!

and with enthusiasm and zeal these elves had set about

effecting all that one could need for Christmas, without doubt

The grass was mown, the fridges all were full of festive fare

prepared in readiness for all the Porches to appear

The tables were made ready, reconstructed for the day

And funny hats and jokey things, much more than  I can say

had put in an appearance  for the fun of one and all

and, for the fancy dress, there was a mirror in the Hall

 

And so, I sat and pondered on the way that things can be

I realised it wasn’t just about that Christmas tree

And soon I came to understand that Christmastime itself 

is not to do with where you are or if you have great wealth

Instead, it’s all about the friends and family that you love

Down Under in Australia, or in England up Above

and in the warmth of Christmas love and friendship where we are

This could just be the best of Christmas  Joyousness by far!!