Written by Jon van Wyk
Growing up in Australia, I often heard the tired old cliché, “Family is everything!” It was a phrase that often felt like a warm hug—which sometimes turned into a headlock! Funnily enough, our parents usually used this phrase to guilt us into attending family events.
The point here is that there’s nothing quite like an Aussie family gathering, where the usual cast of miscreants comes together for a grand performance of love, chaos, and slightly questionable decisions.
To start with, there’s always mum, a queen of organisation, with a weekly planner that could rival any corporate executive’s schedule. Events range from “kids footy,” to “weekend party”.
Then there’s dad, a master of burnt BBQs and bad jokes, armed with puns that can make the most hardened guests roll their eyes and groan in misery at the cringe accompanying the weak humour. Having eaten, these guests inevitably leave faster than a seagull swooping on your chips at the beach.
Let’s not forget the siblings, god love ‘em, who oscillate between trying to kill each other, binge-watching the latest series on Netflix and blaming everyone else for that broken vase of nan’s ashes.
Don’t get me wrong; family has its golden moments too. Like when we decided to go hiking one weekend – a quaint idea that ended up with a broken down car in the pouring rain, four hours from home. Yet, amidst the chaos, we shared laughter that echoed like a cricket match on a warm summer night.
As with most families, the flip side can get a bit messy. Take, for example, those heartfelt conversations. You know the ones where you sit down, ready for some genuine chat about life. Instead, it morphs into an unplanned roast session where you are mercilessly reminded of the first time you tried to surf and ended up face-first in the sand.
Thankfully there are usually more highs than lows – spontaneous road trips? Heck yeah! We embarked on a trip from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast once. Let’s just say we ended up in a small town wondering if they had any other direction than “head towards the big gum tree.” Still, the car karaoke – ripping through classic Aussie songs accompanied by thrumming wheels – made all the wrong turns worth it.
I’ve learned this. Navigating family life is a wild ride filled with laughter, unexpected detours, and the occasional foot-in-mouth moment, especially at this time of the year. Through the highs and lows, I’ve learned that while family might be a bit of a circus, it’s my kind of chaotic. After all, what better way to embrace life’s beautiful mess than with the people who will always keep you grounded and remind you of home…
Have a wonderful Christmas, from my family to yours.
Album of the month
The Lonesome Jubilee by John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp’s “Lonesome Jubilee” is a superb tone poem of earthy values wrapped in a blend of rock, folk, and country influences.
Released in 1987, the album captures the essence of ’the heartland’, characterised by Mellencamp’s personalised storytelling and relatable lyrics. The stand out tracks like “Cherry Bomb” and “Paper in Fire” resonate with themes of nostalgia, youthful angst, and the struggles of everyday life.
Mellencamp’s ability to evoke powerful imagery through his songs is remarkable, painting a vivid picture of small-town existence and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. Instruments such as the violin and mandolin add authenticity, garnishing what would otherwise be a traditional rock sound. “Lonesome Jubilee” feels timeless throughout, gently inviting listeners to reflect on the rhythms of their own lives while immersing them in the rich tapestry of American culture. It’s a culture that resonates deeply with many of the values that we can all identify with. Overall, it’s an album that stirs the soul, solidifying Mellencamp’s status as a true musical storyteller.