I suppose it’s a bit strange that, as an Australian, I would be thinking to spend Xmas in a cold location because Xmas time in Australia is HOT!. But even though Australia is a relatively new nation in terms of European settlement we still definately have our own traditions for that time of year and they are quite special.

The excitement starts around mid to late November with everyone getting stuck into their shopping and buying gifts. A popular way to buy everything, especially for the kids is the ‘lay by’ system where parents start putting away their purchases at the stores and they pay them off every week before collecting their parcels just before Xmas.

In the lead up in December start the ‘Carols by Candlelight’ services that are held in nearly every suburb and city. People gather in a park in there early evening with picnics etc and sing carols. As it gets darker they light candles, in holders, and sing by candlelight. It is a very special time and the really big ‘Carols’ services are held a week before Xmas in the Domain in Sydney and, on Xmas Eve, at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. These are televised and a ‘must’ to attend if you are visiting Australia at this time of year.

Xmas Eve is all excitement for the kids. The TV stations run all the usual Xmas shows. Many people attend Midnight Mass, even if they don’t go to church all year. The news broadcasts always announce Santa’s departure from the North Pole for the kids and some give updates on his progress towards the southern hemisphere.

Xmas Day is spent a variety of ways. Some people get up and go to church, if they didn’t go the night before. This is after the kids have been up since 5am opening their presents and on Xmas morning the suburban streets are full of kids trying out their new bikes, skateboards or whatever. Australians have been moving away from the traditional turkey dinner for years now and Xmas dinner these days can be a BBQ, or a seafood meal with salads, or a picnic at the beach or in a park and most often Xmas dinner is at lunchtime instead of the evening. But one thing is that families all get together at this time.

The next day, everyone gears up for the Boxing Day sales at the shops!.