Australian Christmas Traditions

Australia celebrates Christmas on December 25th. But there is one difference with Christmas celebrations in the other parts of the world. Christmas is celebrated in summer in this smallest continent. This difference can be attributed to its geographical location in the southern hemisphere. Summer is the time when educational institutions and offices shut down for the summer break.

There are many Australian Christmas traditions and customs that have been followed over the years. Although the customs followed are same every year but these traditions will never make you bored.

 

Attending prayer services in churches and exchanging gifts among friends and relatives is definitely one of the main traditions followed over the years. Children eagerly wait for Father Christmas to bring presents.

 

Christmas Eve in Australia

 

Christmas Eve as such is not celebrated but on this day one of the Australian Christmas traditions that is followed is Carol by Candlelight. It started for the first time in the year 1937 in Melbourne. On this day, people gather in a central park where they enjoy and take part in Christmas songs and carols. This usually takes place by candlelight.

 

Oftentimes a stage is constructed and local artists, bands, and dancers perform on the stage. There are onlookers who enjoy every moment of this event. This prepares everyone for the grand day – Christmas.

Christmas celebrations on the beaches

 

If we have to describe the activities of Australians on Christmas, we can do so in just 4 words – sailing, swimming, surfing, and riding bicycles. The beaches are crowded and you can see children and adults enjoying Christmas to the brim. Activities like beach cricket, swimming, and people sunbathing are quite common. The Bondi beach in particular is a favorite hub for locals and visitors.

 

Celebrating Christmas with food in Australia

 

Most of the restaurants and food joints are crowded and do brisk business. A traditional Australian Christmas meal will include – pork, turkey, ham, lamb, pumpkin, and baked potatoes. Desserts include – plum pudding, apple pie, and custard. In fact any food that is suitable in the hot weather is preferred. Another favorite food of Australian is “Barbie”. It refers to the grilled meals that Australians love to have outdoors on barbecue.

 

Decorations in Australia

 

Decorating houses is also one of the Australian Christmas traditions. Houses are decorated with hanging ornaments, bows, and ribbons. Ranging from the windowsills to fireplaces every single corner in the house dresses up to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

 

Christmas bellflower and Christmas bush are mainly used to decorate houses. You will also find the houses decorated with evergreens, palm leaves, and ferns.

 

Australian Boxing Day

 

Boxing Day is enjoyed by all. It is celebrated on December 26th. It is a public holiday when people visit friends, laze on the beaches, swim, play, surf, and engage themselves in fun activities. It can also be enjoying a picnic on the beach.

 

On this day, 2 significant events take place – Yacht race to Hobart from Sydney and Boxing Day Cricket.

Last updated on 14/07/2011