This Christmas they will be bringing out their rainstick, because like most of us they'd like Santa to bring some rain.

Here are the Skinners' answers to the Daily Liberal's Christmas Q&A.

Abundant soaking rain across all drought-stricken areas of the country and still-burning landscapes to quench the fires, give refuge and respite to our furry and feathered friends caught up in all of this and relief to those affected communities and firefighters and their families.

A time to reflect over the past twelve months and birth new ideas for the coming year.

Spending time with treasured company.

Time spent with treasured company in quiet, simple and uncomplicated ways.

Either, as long as there is food to share.

At home, with simple pleasures and treasures

We would like to include a picture of one of our most treasured possessions...."The Rainstick - A Song to the Spirits".

This is the legend....

Somewhere in Africa, before the birth of Christ, rainsticks were played to remind the spirits that rain was welcome. This rainstick serenades the gods of the Diaguitas, a native Chilean people. From windswept hillsides and barrancas beneath the Andes, artisans with burros collect dead and dried Normata cactus which might otherwise be used for firewood. (Absolutely no live cactus is cut) The thorns are then pressed into hollow shafts. Pebbles cascading over the thorns create the water sound of this ancient instrument which is still heard in the music of the Andes.

Play it. Pray for rain. Or pray for tranquillity and peace.