
Are you curbed to the idea that this life, in 2025 is NOT a great time to be alive? Well, I think it depends on what you’re looking at. Do you remember the kaleidoscope - that toy with the magical displays of different colours that you could spin around and new patterns would emerge and it was just all so mysteriously wonderful? As a little child we could be so mesmerised by these magical moments of wonder.

Long-gone are the days when “Get your stocking out” meant to pull out the biggest sock you could find, from inside your undies drawer, ready to wake up on Christmas morning with an orange stuffed in the toe part, plus a red netted bag of nuts that you couldn’t really eat unless you had a nutcracker (or muscles that no six-year-old had!) However, there were a few lollies in there and some coins and one special light up or moving toy of some description so it was all good.

I have heard people say, "Oh, its about family..." "Look, its all about the giving..." "Ha, it's just all about the kids really..." and "Well, its about being happy, you know...joy, joy, joy and all that..." Well, what if I don't have kids or I'm far away from any family or I'm poor, with nothing to give or I have really good reasons to just, actually, feel sad? What is Christmas then?

Yep, I took a trip over to the Land of Oz. Namely, the Southern Coast of Western Australia (where one can swim with a dolphin) and the Northern Coast of Far North Queensland (where a crocodile can decide to suntan on the shore of the beach!) Anyway, I met up with three very inspiring people in my travels, who each agreed to come on the radio and share their story. I hope they inspire you.