With nothing particularly to achieve today, we have a relaxed morning before getting the train down to a Westfield shopping centre, in Miranda, in the south of Sydney. We have brunch and people watch; it seems remarkably calm in comparison to Christmas Eve shopping in London or Jersey.

When we eventually find our way out of the shopping centre we get the train back to Stacey and Jaypee's place in Carlton. We have a cup of tea (luxury!) and pack up our bags, before Christy appears at 5.30 to give us a lift to our hotel for the next 3 nights. This is a very kind gift from Christy's dad, Chris, and we are very much looking forward to it!

At the hotel, it's a quick turnaround before Chris arrives to take us to his place for Christmas (Eve) dinner. We are welcomed by Chris' partner Kaiko and plied with bubbles, which makes us feel much more Christmassy! A Christmas meal of turkey, salads (including a very tasty Japanese potato salad) and prawns (of course) was enjoyed.

After dinner, presents are exchanged (thank you guys!) and Chris pulls out a few photo albums to show Alex some photos of his mum, dad and older brother, which Krystyna had sent to Chris a year or so before Alex was born.

Taxi home!

AB