Come on, Aussies

We have room to breathe, room for recreation, room to get away from it all, room to relax, room to enjoy the vast beauty of our vast land while accepting its expanse as a 'norm.' That is a gift from our lifestyle and character, and Santa rightly bestows the title, "Lucky Country," on us.

But a huge population has grown here with many disdains and racial intolerances, in some cases bordering on the xenophobic. We, who were all immigrants, apart from our truly original Australians, now often look down on those who want to join us.

Sure, we could argue that in the 'beginning' the British Government forced us here against our will, yet like many of today's arrivals, we came in hope that somehow, things would, or could, get better.

Today's arrivals come because they want to escape the wrongs of their countries and know that Australia is generally a tolerant, prosperous land. So what's wrong with a bit of generosity and understanding on our part?

Santa is as welcoming of a newcomer as a local. His stocking may have some hummus and some rice, mixed in with the chokies and cherries, but a gift is still a gift, and is as welcomed by a migrant, as a mainlander. Sharing, including the mutual enjoyment of other cultures, can mean a big plus from Santa.

Yet political (read cultural) power is what lies at the heart of much of the present's incompatibilities.

"We will decide who comes to our country!"

This dictate was a powerful trigger for racial intolerance to be unleashed. It tried to put us in the position of decision-maker on other's lives, a knee-jerk reaction against compassion, and humane understanding. "I've got all these toys, and you aren't having any!" Intolerance is king, and re-inforces attitudes of resentment – the haves versus the have-nots. At this point, Santa probably takes away a gift from the nation.

But, on the other hand, there is the huge field of scientific, social, and agricultural research and successes we have achieved. We have discovered a vast number of new technologies and behaviours, particularly in medicine. Our researchers are dedicated, committed and amongst the best in the world and what they do will benefit everyone on this planet. It's like a continual Christmas gift. Loud applause from Santa!

We seem to compare very well to the other kids on the global block. We have a can-do attitude, we are young enough to have bypassed many of the staid complacencies of a thousand years of other nation's histories, with the result that we can react economically, politically and socially far better and faster than many others.

I think that Australia stacks up rather well on Santa's gift list. Perhaps I detect a little envy from another nation which was formed from British stock, but which seems to have swung too far into the 'Wantit? Grabbit!' realm.

A lot of their national Christmas culture was encapsulated by one of their brilliant comedians who penned this yuletide version of the traditional "Deck The Halls:"

"Deck the halls with advertising, tra-la-la- la –la, tra la-la-la.

'Tis the time for merchandising, tra-la-la-la-la, tra-la-la-la."

Now, Santa, doesn't that just sleigh you?