It's the tradition for families to get together around the holidays.

One particular family, however, has decided to have their family gathering here on the Island.

Frank and Judy Metz, who hail from New York, are well acquainted with the Island's splendour, having come here every year for the last 15 years.

"We have been coming to Bermuda for the last 15 years,'' Mr. Metz said. "We honeymooned here. We were married in 1979 and we honeymooned here and we came to love the place.

"We have friends here that we've known and we have made more friends.'' "It's a special place,'' he added, "particularly this time of the year. I love the people; they make it so pleasant and the setting is unlike anywhere I've ever been in the world, and I've been in a lot of places.'' "We come from New York, part of the family is from Washington D.C., part of it's in Chicago, and part of its in California,'' Mr. Metz noted. "It is a lot of fun here but it's also restful.

"There is no pressure to do a lot of things. You sort of live each day as it presents itself.

"There are eleven adults and seven children (in the family).'' When asked what he would recommend to someone who has not been to the Island, Mr. Metz replied: "The first thing... come as quick as you can.

"We're especially fond of the Coral Beach Club. As I'd said before, my wife and I honeymooned here. We used to play tennis and golf. We still play a little bit of golf on occasion, although we decided not to this year.

"We like to get into town at least once or twice to shop and to have lunch at some very good restaurants that are here.

"I'm somewhat familiar with the history of the Island and the Coral Beach Hotel.' Mr. Metz said he believed the best aspect about Bermuda was its climate.

"I love the climate, particularly this time of year,'' he said. "You may catch an occasional shower, but generally speaking it is just very, very nice, not too hot, not too cold. It's perfect.''