Bill Lane and his wife, Jean, have fond memories of Christmas down under in Australia.
When he served as the U.S. ambassador to Australia from 1985 to 1989, he packed his Santa suit. The only other personal items the Lanes took were his Presidential rocker, a gift from the Sunset staff, and Jean’s harpsichord.
The Lanes hosted a festive and memorable Christmas party on the embassy grounds in Canberra in 1988, Australia’s bicentennial.
Ambassador Lane arrived as Santa and played the role he had perfected stateside.
And Jean Lane played the piano for the sing-a-long and orchestrated the instrumental chorus for some Christmas carols. Guests received a bamboo musical instrument from Thailand, called an “angklung,” that they shook when the appropriate number appeared on the poster board.
The Lanes brought to Australia this musical tradition that they had used for many years at Christmas in their home.
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