Unlike other parts of the world, Christmas falls during the summer months in Australia. This means instead of snowmen, ice skating, hot chocolates, roast turkey, and woolly jumpers an Australian Christmas will consist of warm weather, swimming, BBQ’S, backyard cricket, and outdoor festivities taking advantage of the good weather. Christmas in Australia has a more relaxed feel, but that is no different from the rest of the year! Here are some of our favourite Christmas festivities.

Carols by Candlelight: Melbourne hosts an annual Christmas Eve tradition, "Carols by Candlelight." Families and friends gather under the stars on a balmy summer night, enjoying a picnic and singing carols by candlelight, featuring live performances accompanied by a symphony orchestra. The event is also televised for those singing along at home.

Christmas Carols Aussie Style: Speaking of carols, Aussies love to bring their own flare to carols, with slang and humour. “White Christmas” or “Let it Snow” the traditional winter songs can feel out of place on a hot summer day, instead you’ll hear songs like “Six White Boomers” featuring lyrics;

“Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.

Six white boomers, snow white boomers,

On his Australian run”

Or an Australian take on “Jingle Bells”

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Christmas in Australia on a scorching summer’s day, hey!

Jingle bells, jingle bells, Christmas time is beaut.

Oh what fun it is to ride in a rusty Holden Ute.”

Food: It’s a hot summer day, no one wants to sweat over a hot stove, heat up the room even more with the oven on, and who wants to eat a hot roast? Australians are more likely to have an afternoon meal with seasonal fruits like cherries and mangoes, seafood like prawns, and the iconic and delicious pavlova “pav”, which is a meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Outdoor Eating: Australians love the great outdoors, and Christmas Day is no different. Families flock to parks, and beaches, or stay in their own backyard for a BBQ or picnic, making the most of the beautiful summer weather.

Beach Celebrations: Similarly, many Australians will head to the beach on Christmas Day. Whether it be a morning dip, a beachside picnic, or a friendly game of cricket.

Backyard Cricket: Aussies love fun and a bit of friendly competition. You will find families playing cricket in their own backyard or down by the beach with a makeshift wicket wheelie bin. One of Australia’s biggest days in the sporting calendar is the Boxing Day Cricket held at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). Many Aussies can be found at home relaxing after the Christmas Day festivities, watching the cricket.

Christmas in Australia is mostly about making your own traditions! Do you and your family have your own favourite tradition?