So, a few weeks ago ...

a few of the Ger-Man's work colleagues (who were visiting from distant, foreign lands) decided to give the Caspi-Man a present.

A large box - all fancily wrapped.

The Caspi-Man gleefully unwrapped it...

How, um, ... seasonal.

The Caspi-Man LOVED it!

Later that night, when I went in to check that he was indeed asleep, turn off his light, and straighten his covers, I discovered he had managed to drag it into bed with him. It has become his new best friend.

"Ah, better a blow up Santa when you're nearly 5, than a blow up doll when you're 35!" commented a friend. (!!?)

"THAT is NOT coming to Australia." said my Darlink Sister. "Full Stop."

I'm dreaming of a humid Christmas!

Just like the ones I used to know...

In a mere 2 days we're making a seasonal pilgrimage to the land of Oz, to celebrate Yuletide with beloved friends and family. It has been 3 years since our last Australian Christmas... and there is much I am looking forward to:

-Sun

-Beach

-prawns, moreton bay bugs, oysters, lobster & mud crab

-people who understand all the verses of six white boomers!

-watching rhino-beetles ricochet off ceiling fans

-cricket and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race

- the afore mentioned beloved friends & family

But it must be said, there is something, well, magical about Christmas in Deutschland. The candles, the elegance, the sparkling golden lights, the famed markets, the scents everywhere of cinnamon and clove and evergreen, Glühwein, and the promise of snow.

Not for the first time, I want to be in two places at once! I also want to know (as I select our suitcases) if Santa Clause et al, can be persuaded to employ a drop shipment policy.

Something (else) I'd never considered in raising a bi-cultural child...

Guess which one of the following options the Caspi-Man believes?

There is a man called Santa Claus who will bring him a present!

There is a man called St Nicholas who will bring him a present!

There is a man called the Weihnachtsman who will bring him a present!

There is a man called Father Christmas who will bring him a present!

There is an entity called the Christkindl who will bring him a present!

There is a man called Kris Kringle who will bring him a present!

ALL OF THE ABOVE EXSIST AND WILL EACH BRING HIM A PRESENT!!!

St Nicholas and The Weihnachtsman, catching up for a chat on German Childrens' Television.

(Presumably ensuring they've got their pressie lists sorted and don't mess up by giving the same child the same gift.)