A very joyous Xmas to you all – may it be a celebration of faith, family and friends in any order and to the degree of complexity or simplicity you desire. A time to enjoy each other’s company and raise a toast. To mucking in all together in the kitchen and running to Jamie Oliver to avert that last minute panic. To those choosing a quieter time, may it be one of reflection and comfort and planning for the year ahead.

It is different here – but no less celebratory and wonderful. So having Santas cavorting in the grass is a fine way to think alternatively about our Santas.

Activities leading up to Xmas are also special- this one taking place just up the road where young ones become familiar with crocs if not reindeer.

All around me in my hood I see and enjoy the colours of the season. An amazing succulent in red and gold, delicate flowers of both white and red – nature is the ultimate painter.

The decoration of street trees with baubles swaying in the wind and the summer skies in this land of drought and flooding rains as the poem says.

Wishing you all the very best time. I will be back in the New Year.