Do they know it's Christmas?

It's Christmastime; there's no need to be afraid.

At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade,

And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy

Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

But say a prayer

Pray for the other ones

At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun

There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear

Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom

Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime...

Or in fact in a lot of places, sad though it is. To name another, Australia.

Interestingly, this is probably the only Christmas song which I haven't heard played in the shopping malls of the Sunshine Coast; there's been Sleigh Ride, Santa Baby, Winter Wonderland and yes, even Let it Snow. But no Band Aid.

Last night I went to Carols on Kings, which is a community event of carol singing on the beach. Or as it turned out - next to the beach where the stage was. As the crowds congregated, in true Christmas tradition, it began to chuck it down. A nice touch I thought, others were less impressed for some reason. Soon enough however, the clouds cleared and the proceedings were underway. It wasn't just carol singing though, we were entertained by the very finest artists including the Silly Billies and Domino the Christmas Elf! In addition there were two dance performances, the second of which was performed to "Santa Wear Your Shorts". Make of it what you will.

But anyway, it was a nice evening and put me somewhat in mind of a Leeds Girls' Christmas Assembly. Which leads me back to Band Aid. To me, this song has become an important part of Christmas and of what Christmas means. Sadly, there doesn't seem to be much 'meaning' to it over here - it's just an excuse to party! Which is good but it does leave me feeling slightly homesick for the traditions of my family and friends and those which may have been lost from society altogether.

And even though Do they know it's Christmas? doesn't appear on any of the playlists in the shopping centres, it does appear on my iPod Christmas playlist, so all is well. Some songs which don't appear on it, aside from Santa Wear Your Shorts, include Slade - Merry Chirstmas Everyone and the Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping, both of which I am feeling the lack of.

Thank goodness for youtube.

(P.S. Especially for Katherine - I went to Mooloolabah the day before yesterday, how's that for a made up name?)