Happy Gravy Day to all who celebrate. See, Gravy Day is a time honoured holiday tradition dating all the way back to 1996. When legendary musician Paul Kelly penned the unusual Christmas song, "How to Make Gravy". Unlike most carols, there's no mention of snow capped pine trees or a winter wonderland. Instead it talks of the scorching heat of Australian Christmas Days. The songs fictional narrator, Joe, sits in prison writing a letter to family on the 21st of December, lamenting the fact that he won't be there for Christmas and questioning who in his abscence could possibly be tasked with making the titular gravy.
As Joe gives his love to family members and delivers the hallowed gravy instructions, we are struck by the carceral system's ability to rip families apart. Every year the song gets more popular and as such, Gravy Day becomes more and more integrally linked to what it means to be Australian. As we sit on the 21st of reflecting on the family we're going to build and the country we want to become. Also the song is just really bloody catchy. So happy Gravy day everyone and remember with good behaviour, Joe will be out of there by July.
Join me at The Gravy Spot, 34 Lydiard St, Ballarat for a spot of lunch or just a catch up.
Reflect on what could be argued has become Australia's Christmas song/ballad. "How to Make Gravy" by Paul Kelly.
If you have a favourite gravy recipe, and are willing to share it, please bring it along.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Merry Christmas.