Christmas on the other side of the world

I always wondered what in the world folks down-under do for Christmas? I mean it is the hottest time a year for them. It would seem that some traditions die hard and they do actually have pine trees for Christmas trees and they pile the presents underneath. Many traditions like the aforementioned they inheirited from Europe and American cosumerism (their word not mine). Some families actually still do a heavy and hot meal (roast beef or lamb) but most do what they call a Damper down under Christmas meal which is cold meat and salads to keep cool.

Santa gets an upgrade though. He gets cake not cookies and since it is too hot for reindeer he gets Six white-boomers (kangaroos). The patriarch of the family passes out the presents to everyone on Christmas morning, which is late morning due to most families going to midnght mass, wearing a Santa suit or a Santa hat.

The biggest difference though is the celebration of Boxing Day which the Aussies adopted from Britain this is a sporting holiday to relax, hit up after Christmas sales (similar to Black Friday), and watch or play criket games and yacht races.

A similar tradtion that the Aussies take to the next level is Caroling. They have a tradition that started in 1937 called Carols by Candellight. Families gather around all over and regardless of the weather sit out by candlelight and sing carols. This is done teh week before Christmas and it is a celebration of promoting "Peace on Earth and goodwill towards men"

The last tradition that they in a way share with us is "Christmas in July" Theirs just happens to look like our December one.

Info courtesy of http://www.santaswarehouse.com.au/history_of_christmas/christmas_in_australia.shtml