Nina Kazmierczak
Photo– pretty much sums up 2020. For as long as I can remember, this has been our Christmas family tradition.
- Biggest lesson/ take away from 2020
Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.
I would never have imagined in January that 12 months later I’d be where I am now. There’s been a lot of change.
I’m thankful and very grateful for everyone I had close by to lean on and that after the year we’ve all had- my family, friends and I are all healthy and together.
- Plans over the Christmas holidays
My Christmas celebrations kick-off on Christmas Eve. This year I’ll be with family in Sydney. We thought we had lost half the tribe to border closures, but thankfully, the whole gang will be back in force to celebrate together.
Early January, a few friends and I are off to the Barossa Valley for a r’n’r wine and dine escape. Hopefully, this will be followed by a trip up north to the Sunshine Coast. Otherwise, you’ll find me with my toes in the sand.
- What I’ll be reading over the holidays
I’m part way through Anthony Kiedis’ Scar Tissue. Once that’s complete, I have 9 Perfect Strangers lined up.
- Favourite podcast/ What I’ll be listening to
I’m currently listening to Big Little Lies on Audible … easy commute listening. As for podcasts- Joe Rogan. He always has someone of interest in areas of expertise that would not normally attract my attention, I’ve been finding myself thoroughly engaged.
Steve ThaxterÂ
Photo- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne – much relief to be scooping up our youngest, William (next to Steve), from Melbourne Uni in early July and getting out just before lockdown.Â
- Biggest lesson/ take away from 2020
When the world changes, we find we’re more adaptable than we think.  On that note I didn’t think I’d enjoy moving from Bondi to Breakfast Point, but I have.  It’s only temporary at this point, mind you!Â
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- Plans over the Christmas holidays Â
Not much, both our boys are working as Christmas casuals at JB HiFi, so unless we leave them to it, we’ll be mostly at home tidying up after them. I do plan on being a difficult customer and testing out their staff discounts though.Â
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- What I’ll be reading over the holidays
Yet another big picture/self-help book. Recommendations anyone? This year I’ve enjoyed Jordan Peterson, Yuval Noah Harari and Mark Manson.  I’m a slow reader so I have to be selective.Â
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Chris Forrest
Photo- Blackhead Beach
- Biggest lesson/ take away from 2020
I’m not sure if it’s a lesson but the adage “Keep calm and carry on” is my takeaway from 2020. It’s all been very dramatic but, if anything, as everything changed, nothing much really changed. We’ve had the unexpected with an exclamation mark so perhaps “Expect the unexpected” is also appropriate.
- Plans over the Christmas holidays
The usual plan is Christmas day with family before heading to Blackhead Beach just north of Forster Tuncurry for a few weeks. Slight change this year as we go up a little earlier for Christmas day up there. There will be beach, pool, golf, fishing, watch cricket, repeat.
- What I’ll be reading over the holidays
It’s the only time of the year I read a thriller or two. It doesn’t matter what it is – it’s easy and entertaining. I’ll also pick up a biography of someone interesting to read at the same time.
Jeffrey Wrightson
Photo-Â a rare family holiday moment which we got the opportunity to enjoy this year, unfortunately without our daughter Hayley.
- Biggest lesson/ take away from 2020
Never stop taking risks; falls are often the best way to learn and grow. Appreciate our amazing country, where you can swimming at the beach one day and be skiing the next.
- Plans over the Christmas holidays
Despite our best laid plans, factors outside our control cannot be anticipated. With the borders reopening between QLD and NSW, we reunite with our daughter Hayley for the first time since COVID hit in March. The break will be spent relaxing and taking some time together.
- Favourite podcast/ What I’ll be listening to
Gary Ward of Anatomy in Motion; What the Foot and Wake Up Your Body.
