The new day has just begun here in beautiful Sydney and we are looking forward to the traditionally hot and sunny day that is Christmas in Sydney.

Summer’s bounty graces our Christmas table, as family gathers for a feast of food that originates from traditions from the colder climates of far away lands, as well as the freshest seafood and summer fruits of our own country. What a blessing!

In our home at Christmas, we bring out the beautiful statue of the baby Jesus that has been in the family for many decades and comes from Bethlehem. As we do so we remember what it is that we are celebrating – the birth of Jesus!

In the northern hemisphere the flower of Christmas is the poinsettia but here in my garden in Sydney, our flower at Christmas is the fragrant and very beautiful frangipani.

To all who read this: gardeners, those who love to cook, followers and visitors, I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas.