Family Christmas "This year, my brother and sister-in-law are coming to spend Christmas with me. They're avid golfers -- like me -- so we're looking forward to that! Then I have 11 houseguests arriving for the New Year, so we'll be having a big party.'' Celebrations have already begun at Chelston, with a large party for American citizens who are working on the Island. "We had a great time, with carols round the piano.'' In the Farmer family, gifts are traditionally exchanged on Christmas Eve.

"Yes, we'll definitely be having a turkey, but we are going out to eat on Christmas Day, so that the staff here can have the day off.'' For Senate President Albert Jackson and Mrs. Louise Jackson, Christmas is very much a family affair.

"Our eldest daughter, Deborah and her husband are spending Christmas Eve at our house this year as we all want to be near our youngest daughter, Susan, who lives next door, with their three children. They are old enough now to know what Christmas is all about, so we all want to be with them as much as we can -- watching them opening their presents!'' Mrs. Jackson, who has just been appointed chairman of the Bermuda National Gallery, said that after they have taken part in the carols at Government House, they will return home for a gala Christmas Eve dinner -- another long-cherished tradition.

"My son-in-law, Monty Nearon, is actually a portfolio manager with Shell, but he's also a gourmet cook, and he usually prepares a wonderful lobster dinner.

Most of our family, and Monty, have American roots, so we are still a bit full of turkey from Thanksgiving. This year, he is going to do the Christmas menu from Bon Appetit, which I believe, is crown rib of lamb, so we're looking forward to that. We will have a turkey in the house, though, to serve cold.'' Hanging up Christmas stockings is a tradition in the Jackson household, and Mrs. Jackson said that her grandchildren "have a lovely big fireplace where they can hang them this year.'' Mrs. Jackson, who has written two books about Bermuda's Gombeys, is hoping that they will dance over in her direction over the holidays. "Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a visit from the Gombeys!''