quicko: further thoughts on christmas

--There are cars riding around with antlers and Rudolph noses.  This seems very American to me, but I'm in Australia.  I can only imagine it is a distinct effort to make me feel welcome.

--The pubs were packed on Christmas Eve -- absolutely pounding.  You could argue that had to do with the fact Christmas Eve was a major public holiday on a Friday, but you could also argue it had to do with the fact that Christmas Eve was a major public holiday in Australia.