By: womanatthewell
Christmas downunder is very different from those celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere. No snow, sleigh rides, log fires or battles with snow balls for us! We are aware of all those things however with the usual Dickens type movies and snowy scenes of how half the world think things should be done! (Giggles)
When the first settlers (and convicts :o) first came out here they tried to keep the old traditions alive. I can remember when I was young my Mum slaving over a hot stove in 40c + heat roasting and baking! Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! Too silly, although I never thought of it much back then.
Nowadays, we eat salads and cold meat. A BBQ in the backyard in the evening. Those who live on the coast often have Christmas lunch on the beach. Imagine that!! We have Pavlova (yummy) rather than Christmas pudding. Champagne (or non alcoholic wine like Nick and I) instead of Eggnog. Mind you, there are still some traditionalists who have the big lunches and dinners, but not in our house!! Winters the time for all that!
Because this time of year is our summer many families celebrate Christmas away from home. People from the outback often head for the coast for 2 or 3 weeks and relax away from all their cares.
We do have some special events. Carols by Candlelight is a biggie. From the big smoke (cities) to the tiny bush town in the great outback people get together to sing late at night. Everyone holds a candle. Its very special. We also have a big Christmas pageant every year in Sydney. Its hosted by a department store (John Martins). It’s a huge parade with heaps of floats. Its always televised to the rest of the nation. The elf in the red suit comes on the last float in case you are wondering! (Giggles)
Many places at this time also have outdoors concerts which is great on a hot night. We may not have snow and cold and everything that goes with it, but we do have a great time in our dinkum Aussie way! Love and huggies to you all. Joy. xxx