By Judith Harvey. Our annual family Christmas (Kiss/my/arse) competition is set to commence. Transpiring for six years now, it’s a contest to present mum with the most favoured gift. The winner receives an afternoon of cocktails courtesy of the losing … Continued
By Shaun Treffry There’s a Christmas Party in the park for the families of local Vietnam Veterans. Dad’s hovering around guarding the BBQ like the other Vets and they’re getting into the beers. The kids are drinking sarsaparilla and lime … Continued
By Karyn Rose Baltetsch Yes, that time of the year when everyone is meant to be happy- And l tried to believe, or l wouldn’t receive. How l wish my mother didn’t tell me the truth- A ll l did … Continued
By Sally Fitts. She woke with a feeling of dread. A subtle vibrating tension that solidified into anxiety. Scanning her body, all seemed fine. Reaching over, she fumbled for her phone, squinting to check for messages. None. She lay back … Continued
By Kerstin Lindros. I mutter some four-letter choice words, slam the car door and speed off. Growl at my passenger, although he hasn’t done anything. I make sure he’s alright under his blanket and strapped in safely. Full of envy … Continued
By David Bridge. ‘Blood will have blood,’ says Macbeth, whose meal invitations you might well avoid. I have similar feelings about the festive season and my relatives. Still, a meal’s a meal, and times in the performing arts being what … Continued
By Ian Warren. DING … HURRY HURRY … Must tell them someone happy has arrived who wants to see me! Open the door HURRY … IT’S RAYMOND! I can smell him! Quick let him in! Let him in! I am … Continued
By Abigayle Carmody. I’m hanging up my Santa boots after all these years. No more Merry Merry Happy Christmas HO HO HO for me. Magic’s gone. Kids are onto it early. Probably googling Is Santa real? on their parent’s phones … Continued
by Adrian Brookes. On Christmas morn in Camelot, as dawn was waking pale, There echoed from far dark domains a fraught and fearsome wail— A noble quest! To arms I’d sprung and bid my loyal steed Make thunder of his … Continued
By Geoffrey Gaskill. Christmas 2021 is to be cancelled. Speaking from the North Pole, Father Christmas said, ‘It will come as a shock, but it had to be done. There’s just too much unfinished business. Take COVID for a start. … Continued