These catastrophic times call for different responses to the festive season. Mine is below. The community reaction in our part of the Southern Highlands (as yet untouched by fire) has been heartening. Donations are flowing, people are looking out for each other, and even grey-haired respectably clad ladies are openly railing about the lack of national leadership.

The tone of the seasons greetings is quite different too: more spontaneous, angrier, political. Will this be a turning point in the climate debate, the PMs recalcitrance notwithstanding? To document this sentiment and perhaps that turning point, I am hoping to create an archive of 2019 Christmas cards and messages. If you would like to contribute, please contact me atfmbeddie@gmail.com

Bushfire Haiku

Red sun smoky skies Surely not the new normal Though its been weeks now

Stop checking the app Blue diamonds are not that close Cant just hope for rain

Have a bushfire plan Know what to take, when to leave Impossible choice

Life goes on, prepare Pre-Christmas celebration Down at the seaside

There too fire invades Its acrid smell permeates Nostrils, then psyche

Smoke wakes me at 5 Reach for the phone, Fires Near Me, No danger here, yet

The suns not up but Turns the sea-mist apricot An ominous dawn

Whitest sand in world is grey under smoky sky The water is still clear

The sea is calm now An easy swim brings relief Tiny shells sweep in

Childhood memory Collecting dozens of shells Making necklaces

A short-lived respite Further along the bay its Not shells but embers

Black gum leaf fragments Mark the pattern of the waves No escape today

Social media: Hawaii holiday snaps ScoMo with Aussies

Cave Beach next morning Ripples catch the orange light Burnt leaves fall from sky

Surfing with embers Finishes the holiday Pack up, leave early

Hot and dry at home No more the green oasis Water gutters, plants

Evening news: fire kills Two young men, fathers of babes Where is the PM?

A Facebook call out Our local firefighters need Chapstick, lozenges

I can help out here Drop off a bag of supplies Add mince pies as thanks

Family of firies Deputy captain and son Battling deadly blaze

Smoke in nostrils, dreams, In every room: cannot sleep Start the to-leave list

8am, gym class Keep up the normal routines Walk dog, exercise

Festive fun-filled class Christmas yoga, breathing smoke Downward dog with flies

Catastrophic day A waiting game: should we leave? Nerves fray, we are mute

Inside try to work 39.6 degrees A new fire, closer

Panic scrapes my throat Finish packing, spray the house Check the app, again

Papers in the car Along with clothes, did I pick well? Plus some precious things

5pm, 20 The fire 20k away Down to watch and act

Sky is grey, briefly Teased that it might bring moisture Now a sallow glow

Variety show Yes, life must keep going on Scrooge, angels, bagpipes

Talent, cheer and hope Hat goes round for firefighters Its time for Christmas

Francesca Beddie is a member of the Professional Historians Association (NSW and ACT). She serves on the PHAs national executive. You can contact her atfmbeddie@gmail.com