How Christmas is Celebrated in Australia

Are you familiar with Christmas celebrations in Australia or have you ever been to Australia during Christmas time? If not, then let me tell you that like in the other developed countries of the world, Christmas in Australia is celebrated with great enthusiasm and vigor. In Australia, considered to be a Christian nation, Christmas usually falls during the summer vacation which starts from the middle of December and continues till early February and hence, children also indulge themselves in lots of fun and merry-making along with their parents during this festive season.

As part of Christmas in Australia, people decorate their houses beautifully, buy presents for their near and dear ones, throw Christmas parties at home, cook some special Christmas recipes, bake cakes and cookies, and engage themselves in several other activities.

Christmas in Australia

Since Australia is regarded as the land of kangaroos, people decorate their houses with the figurines of kangaroos and koala. Moreover, in Australia, different types of colorful flowers bloom throughout the year and hence, flowers are also used by people for decorating their homes during Christmas. Some exotic plants found in Australia include Illawarra Flame tree, Christmas Bells with red flowers which have petals shaped like a funnel, Western Australian Christmas tree with beautiful yellow flowers, and so on. The Australians also make use of ‘Christmas Bush’ for decorating their house during Christmas. The tree has green leaves and produce flowers which are cream in color. During summer, the color of the flowers changes to deep shiny red. Moreover, real as well as artificial wreaths are used by the Australians for indoor as well as outdoor decoration. Strands of tiny white lights are used for decoration during Christmas time. There is a tradition among the neighbors to visit each others house in order to look at the light decoration which looks more beautiful at night.

Christmas in Australia is incomplete without a Christmas tree. People decorate their Christmas trees with tiny bells and silver and golden stars. Carols by Candlelight service is held in each state capital. There are many popular Australian singers who help in singing these carols. Carols by Candlelight service which are held across cities are broadcasted on television throughout Australia. Large Christmas pageants are also held in every state capital city and these pageants are also broadcasted on television. Majority of the cities and towns organize parades and in some places, you can watch beautiful fireworks display in the local parks.

As part of Christmas in Australia, the family members try to spend some quality time together during this time of the year even if they are staying outside Australia for some reason or the other. The main food is usually taken during lunch with the family members. The Australians prefer having different types of seafood such as lobsters in addition to the ‘conventional English’ food. If you ever visit Australia during Christmas, you will find people queuing up in fish markets for purchasing fresh seafood for this special day!