I remember the ships on the Mersey on New Years Eve. At the stroke of midnight all their sirens blazing.We lived in Bromborough not far from the River. I was the darkest person in our family and expected to let the New Year in.A few minutes before midnight I was sent outside with some salt and a lump of coal. Mum would say 'Stay there until you hear the ships sirens on the River then knock on the door and wish everyone a very Happy New Year.' I don't know what happened to the salt and coal! After that was done we all settled down to bun loaf and ginger wine,lots of other goodies and-my family being mostly Irish- a good sing song.. To all you Aussie listers I hope your weather is kind to you on Christmas Day. We are hoping for rain!! I have been here since 1965 and will never get used to Christmas in the Summer! Thank you everyone for sharing your Christmas memories,happy and sad. I wish you and your families all the joy and blessings of the Christmas Season and a Happy, healthy and safe 2007 Margaret in Australia.