It was time, I believed and still believe, for us to do something for others during the season of good will.

It was also time, I believed and still believe, for us to have our swine flu immunisations:

(Read to the rhythm of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas):

'Twas the month before Christmas when all through the house,

Was a sense of insanity just waiting to pounce ...

The husband was sitting on the couch with a stare

Whilst the son at his computer was really not there

Then out in the kitchen there arose such a clatter

The men woke from their stupor, `rose to see what was the matter?

"I have it," I said with a twitch in my eye

"We'll volunteer at the Salvos on Christmas Day: That's you - him - and - I

And, before you go spluttering I have a little surprise

On Christmas Eve, boys, you'll get needles to ward off those nasty swines!"

My thinking stayed this way for nearly a week.

Calls were made to the doctors and Captain Rick at the Salvos.

Appointments and details were set.

My daughters thought the idea was fabulous - they're flying to Thailand on Christmas Day.

My workmates and friends were divided: Many thought the Salvos were a fabulous idea, but combining the Salvos with the swine flu jab was going too far, they said.

The men of our family have the unfortunate habit of fainting when they get needles. So the jab didn't appeal to my boys.

Christmas, my family says, is for "bathing in the fun".

I lasted a week.

I did my about face late on Friday.

First I called the Salvation Army and spoke to Kathleen.

The idea had merit, but she knew my dilemma.

The three `C's of Christmas in our house are couch, church and couch again. Shifting my family from "bathing in the fun" to a philanthropic Christmas was not do-able (this year).

It was when Kathleen learned I had combined selfless community service with the swine flu injections she started to giggle.

Then she started to laugh, quite heartily.

Next I called the doctor's rooms and spoke to Linda.

Linda laughed straight away and added that it was probably wise not to risk a fever reaction from the immunisation for Christmas Day.

So, now we have it.

Couch, church and couch wins the day.

I will spend the day cooking and the family will spend the day eating.

All will be well with the world ... until next year.

Ho! Ho! Ho!