The family conclave has met and the decision has been made. This Christmas we’re all going to gather at the beach - something we haven’t done for many years. My brother has organised the accommodation and has just sent me this link.
It looks very pleasant. The beach could hardly be more convenient.
Watch out for the drop bears. They’ll have sandy claws.
Drop bears? Don’t be silly. They live in the bush.
We’ll just have to steer clear of all the venomous sea creatures.
Looks a bit flash for my tastes really. Beach Christmases for the Buckta Clan usually involve signing up for a ‘ballot’ to get a campsite at one of the National Parks (sans showers, freshwater and dunnies mostly).
Of course, it’s always a blessed relief to come home again. 
Have a wonderful holiday. Oh, also, heed the warnings about the dropbears. A lot of their natural habitat has been lost to logging/forestry and intensive agriculture over the last few years, and they ARE moving towards the coastal fringes. Don’t forget the urine (dropbear repellant) as well as the Aerogard and the 30+ Sunscreen etc.
Enjoy yer’self. 
At least you don’t have to worry about snow snakes…
I don’t know if I accept this. As far as I know, the last loggers who tried to log in Dropbear Country were never heard of again.
I’ll be the one on the Isle of Pines.
I wish you well but I couldn’t think of anything worse than Christmas at the beach on a stinking hot day.
An objection that I also raised.
I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed that we have a coolish Christmas, like last year.
In Brisbane it is always hot. I hate those family Christmas dinners where someone cooks a hot dinner and there is always a blue somewhere along the way between family members. Gave those away years ago and have been going to the Hilton and have a meal prepared by someone else in air conditioned comfort.
So, how was the beach and cottage, Cunctator? Hope you and your family had a good Christmas.
And were there any drop bears? and what are drop bears, anyway?
Lovely thank you Mr Piper. The weather was just perfect. Around 25-27 every day, with a gentle sea breeze. And the surf was good too. We didn’t do anything very much. Early morning Christmas mass, followed by lots of eating and drinking. On Boxing Day we were a little more energetic. In between bouts of watching the cricket, we played a bit of beach volleyball and went for walks in the adjacent national park.
I trust that your Christmas was enjoyable too, in a cold sort of a way.
No, there weren’t any drop bears. What are they? They’re an imaginary animal that Australians use to fool the more gormless tourists. We did have a very real brown snake though.