Warm Christmas greetings from my wife, Diana, myself and our sons, James and Alexander who are visiting for the holidays. We are enjoying our first weeks in Bermuda.

To the outside world Bermuda has long conjured up a picture of a mature island society and culture: long established, long prosperous for many Bermudians although I realize not for all, and striking a balance in its search for wealth, for spiritual wellbeing and enjoyment.

I say long established. My first recollection of Bermuda was as a schoolboy coveting and then buying the fine lithograph commemorative stamps which you issued for the 350th anniversary of permanent settlement, in 1959.

Your long standing towns and villages together with your thriving financial services suggest a well-rooted society and a strong economy.

Your cricketers' energetic performances in the World Cup reminded everyone that Bermudians play, as well as earn their pay, with vigour.

These were some of the images with which we arrived in mid-December. We knew that Bermuda was special, from a fleeting visit in September.

Our first fortnight has confirmed it, and how!

Maybe we newcomers are of use in reminding you, or nudging you into remembering, that few people in the world live in such a beautiful setting, blessed with a natural warmth and still making time for the small courtesies of life which make the day go round.

You use this attractiveness to draw in others, whether insurance folk or tourists.

I'm not gong to try to summarise Bermuda in 2007 because, unlike you, I didn't live it. But I did witness your General Election a few days ago.

It was very well run on the day. We arrived well into the campaign and found Bermudians quite self critical of some of the tone and exchanges.

I sat up and took note when one of your most senior clerics, the Anglican Bishop, remonstrated over some aspects of the campaign.

We all sit up and take note when a senior cleric speaks out, all the more so at Christmas.

Your ability to be self-critical is admirable. You set yourselves a high standard.

This self-criticism notwithstanding, Bermuda's election seemed to reject intimidation, either of individual voters or of the community as a whole by over boisterous rallies and campaigning.

You certainly rejected the violence seen so often elsewhere in election campaigns.

Those who ran the voting arrangements on the day did so impeccably from what I hear.

Those who lost did so with very good grace. You proved again that your islands are special.

One or two larger countries will have their own elections next year.

Even they could learn a thing or two from you about the process of holding a vote.

I hope that out there in Russia and the United States they were watching.

Diana, James, Alexander and I are delighted to be among you, reflecting with you on the universal message of Christmas.

We wish all in Bermuda a very good Christmas and an excellent year in 2008.