“Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.” – Augusta E. Rundel
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Certainly memories of my own very happy childhood Christmases return to me powerfully on Christmas Day. We often drove down to the beach after Christmas lunch. It was an agony as we were forced to wait an hour after eating before we were allowed to swim. That hour was like an eternity!
I love Christmas. Rob and I surround ourselves with the whole family. Families are busy during the year, as I well remember when Rob and I were the parents, so it is always precious to share a day and time together. Christmas is the perfect excuse.
Thankfully we limit Christmas presents to KKs, as each family has more than enough Christmas presents to open before they arrive at the family lunch.
A decision about where Christmas will be held each year is top of the list. Each home offers a totally different experience of Christmas, from an in-ground pool at one to the bush at another.
A third has playground equipment and water bomb fights galore, and a fourth has the park down the road for the traditional cricket match.
However, as I write this it all appears so trivial and inconsequential.
This week I read that thirty people are arriving in Australia as immigrants fleeing violence from gangs in El Salvador, following a deal between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and then-US President Obama.
Alternatively we are sending some Manus and Nauru refugees to the US. What a ridiculous farcical roundelay. Why can’t those refugees have safe haven in Australia?
They are treated like the flotsam and jetsam they have so recently experienced when escaping by sea from violence and war. They have no status and no power.
These are men, women and children just like you and me. They have the same dreams and aspirations you and I have.
While enjoying your Christmas lunch this year, please spare a thought for those refugees still languishing on islands to our north, who are still Australia’s responsibility.
It is heartbreaking to think there remain a number of families who will wake on Christmas morning on those islands believing there is no hope for any future; they must feel unwelcome anywhere in this world.
Our glorious Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, soon to be retitled Home Affairs Minister (straight out of some dystopian novel), that paragon of generosity and kindness who has been criticised by asylum seekers, the UN and human rights groups for Australia’s off-shore detention system, brays ‘the Turnbull Government has restored integrity to our refugee and humanitarian program’...and claims to sleep like a baby every night.
Domestic violence also rears its ugly head at Christmas time. Suffer the women and children who face that every year.
Years ago I suggested our family put in money and give a nominated charity a donation instead of KK presents.
Our grandchildren in particular could be made more aware of the many families who have nothing or very little on Christmas Day. They are old enough now to choose the charity themselves.
Perhaps we could revisit that suggestion. It’s worth another round table discussion.
May your Christmas Day be peaceful and safe.
