Christmas in Australia

For anyone expecting Santa arriving in a sledge, Christmas in Australia is a different affair.

If you are used to white snow, cold weather, buying a fresh cut fir tree, gathering around the dinner table on the Christmas Eve for a big feast, forget all that.

And open your mind to a new experience.

It is a holiday season but not just a short break over a week.

It is the big summer holiday.

Imagine a beautiful, sunny morning, with light blue skies. Your family gathers around the richly decorated artificial tree (better for the environment) to open all the gift boxes and bags.

Then imagine a big feast but not indoors and not necessarily for dinner.

It is for lunchtime and happens on the beach, in the park or on the deck of your home. And it happens on the Christmas day rather than on the Eve.

Lunch comes with prawns and lobster, as the famous Australian actor Paul Hogan was recommending in his "throw another shrimp on the barbie" ad.

The treat also includes the traditional ham, turkey and the Australian Christmas pudding.

Christmas in Australia -
The Preparations

Shops start decorating as early as October. It's the big spending season so it's worth creating the right setting and atmosphere to get those impulse buys.

Huge trees dressed with golden and red glittering ornaments, bows, ribbons and lights spring in various spots. The largest Chrissie tree in Sydney is in Martin Place.

Australian Christmas is not only about shops and trees. It is also about dazzling house decorations.

Families compete with each other to embellish their homes. The more lights and trimming the merrier.

It is the silly season where everyone wants to stand out, dress up, put on reindeer horns or sparkling earrings and party.

Merry Christmas!

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