Ah, John, we need you.

So this is Christmas, and what have you done
Another year over, and a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear

And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones, the world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas for black and for white
For yellow and red ones, let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear

And so this is Christmas, and what have we done
Another year over, and a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear
War is over if you want it
War is over now...

We have had a simply marvellous Christmas. An abundance of comfort and joy, good food and drink and cheer in a magnificent natural setting, family gathered 'round the fire and all that. No kidding, it's been great.

Even the boat got a present (well, more than one really, but this one is worth blogging). Enigmatically labelled as being "From Admiral Nelson" to... well, you don't get to know the name of our Shilling yet, I (Courtney) couldn't think what it might possibly be. And what to my wond'ring eyes should appear? When Tara was in England, she picked up a little bit of Victory. As in, H.M.S. Victory. Yes, that H.M.S. Victory, the one from the Battle of Trafalgar and Admiral Nelson and "Kiss me Hardy" and all that.

So our little Shilling will incorporate a bit of oak from Victory. Check it out:

Anyway, I've been thinking about presents, and hoping everyone finds some resolve this Christmas to do like John says, you know, and start making the world a better place for everyone. 'Cause love is a good place to start, but I think the man himself knew something about getting down to the business of changing minds and then changing the world.

Merry Christmas, and all that.