This year, Friedel and I hosted her family’s Christmas lunch at our home. ‘Twas a very German Christmas, with her parents bringing most of the food up with them from Tasmania. The sauerbraten was amazing, to be sure.

Walter gives me his best hardman look, but wearing Oey’s tiny glasses, it was a tough one to pull off.

Not so hard.

Pia’s boyfriend Oey proves his feelings by making out with her dackel, Jeronimo.

The first drops of Christmas rain come in…

So, yeah. We had a few cameras on hand.

As the youngest, Pia was the first to receive her gift.

…which annoyed Jeronimo a bit, as he’s the youngest overall. The family dog, Sienna, sent him a tin of treats up from Tasmania.

Friedel’s gift from her Secret Santa, her grandfather Heinz.

Pretty good haul for me, I have to say. Some rad Vanishing Elephant socks, and a pair of Ray•Bans.

Of course, it’s now Boxing Day and it’s still pouring with rain, so I’ve got no reason to wear my new shades. Curse you, Melbourne.

Not too big a mess…

Then we all headed back outside for more drinks and laughs.

Friedel, meine Liebe.

Damn paparazzi…

Oey figures out how to use his camera.

Here comes the rain, right on time.

Friedel’s father, Walter, aka “The Lord”.

Did I say rain? Better make that hail.

Even The Lord is wise enough to wear a helmet when braving the Melbourne weather.

My helmet took a beating…

Frosty.

Dinner. Oh lawdy lawdy lawd, this was an incredible meal. Friedel’s mum Christiane can really cook.

Jeronimo, all tuckered out.

A great Christmas and a great day with the family. Now it’s onto a birthday dinner tomorrow night, then a wedding the day after, and finally down to Tasmania for another wedding.

The Summer of endless commitments…

If you’re so inclined, you can also check out my photos from Christmas in Tasmania, last year.

v.