30+ Ways Christmas Is … Different, In Australia

The celebration of Christmas can take many different shapes and sizes—and celebrating with another family can feel a bit off. Most things are just different enough to make you feel a little unsteady.

The food will undoubtedly not be what you’re used to, and the music is whatever the host fancies, even if that’s the Chipmunks Christmas on repeat. Not to mention, the guests can leave much to be desired, and being a guest yourself, it can be difficult to have the confidence to interrupt a person spewing nonsense.

I imagine the celebrations on the other side of the Earth are just like that, but on steroids. The blazing heat, Christmas dinner barbecue, Santa strutting around the beach in shorts, spiders in your Christmas tree, maybe even a massive python popping in to wish you happy holidays.

Yeah, besides the giveaway title, we all know that’s Australia we’re talking about. We’ve gathered a collection of tweets from Aussies to help educate how one of the most popular holidays is celebrated in the Southern Hemisphere.

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, their weather is the opposite of those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere. With that being said, Christmas in Australia arrives at the start of the summer season.

According to WhyChristmas, one of the largest Christmas information websites, children have their summer vacation from mid-December to early February. So, you might even catch some people camping for Christmas.

"The temperature is normally in the mid to high 20 degrees Celsius (about 68 degrees Fahrenheit); this makes it good weather to head to the beach or just enjoy the outdoors generally at Christmas time," James Cooper, the founder of the website and Christmas aficionado web designer, told Bored Panda.

On his website, Cooper shares that Christmas in Australia is celebrated in a pretty similar way to what we’d consider traditional Christmas frills: Christmas trees, wreaths, Christmas lights, and even fake snow. "Although the latter is rather odd, it's also part of a proper Christmas for many Australians."

It's nice to have some koala-tree time

Twitter: ScaryDropbearAu

Ditched the tree for a fan

Twitter: SwedishCanary

Koala turned up at the wrong party

Twitter: Australia

Gettin' topsy-turvy in Australia

Twitter: Hekas_

"Hold My Beer" not this guy, apparently

Twitter: 7NewsAustralia

Natural decorations

Twitter: NorannV

Do you think it wanted his autograph?

Twitter: RussellCrowe

I'd sit on this Santa's lap

Gretchen Rubin, happiness researcher, emphasizes the unique experience of celebrating Christmas in Australia: "The warmth of the holiday season can feel quite different from the traditional snowy imagery often portrayed in media. Many Australians enjoy large meals with hot, traditional foods, despite the heat, which can be quite a contrast!"

On Christmas Eve, local fish markets become bustling hubs as families prepare for their festive meals. "It's a tradition for many to line up for fresh seafood, like prawns and oysters, which are essential for a true Aussie Christmas," noted Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician. "Our fish markets are open around the clock leading up to Christmas, catering to the high demand for fresh seafood."

"Depending on the weather, families often celebrate outdoors for their Christmas lunch, but air conditioning is a must if it gets too hot," Dr. Karp added.Twitter: ThisThrive

"Six White Boomers" rings a little different in the U.S.

Twitter: cindyrellapr

Even Christmas movies are different

Twitter: Brocklesnitch

Looks like everyone partakes in those awkward Christmas family photos

Twitter: Australia

Can you even drink eggnog without liquor?

Twitter: suelapp

You can do it, it's just not comfortable

Twitter: IAmChrisRamsey

Gotta warm up those muscles before hitting the cold Northern Hemisphere

Twitter: slazo

So hot. So dry.

Twitter: QT0ri

Crustacean feast

Some Australians will have a cold Christmas dinner, while others will barbecue with seafood such as prawns and lobsters, along with the 'Traditional English' food.

For dessert, there are those who like to have the more traditional Christmas pudding, but there may also be cold desserts like pavlova and trifle.

Twitter: DarkWolfized

Cheers, mate

Twitter: bobbychallton

What a gorgeous day

Twitter: coffeeandfic

Making do the best they can

Twitter: NishoYoru

Do the kangaroos pull the surfboard?

Twitter: elmakias

Nice and toasty

Twitter: geo_genesis

Of course there are beetle invasions for Christmas; it's Australia

Twitter: lesleygaunson

Not everyone is on board for Christmas seafood dinner

Twitter: Lauren_Southern

That's WAY too hot - 104 degrees!

Twitter: jaysivyer

Nothing like sweaty balls to unite people

Twitter: B4MCORE

Holiday AND National cheer

Twitter: GlendaIkundi

Spiders even hide in Christmas trees

Twitter: DCypherPup

That's about 61°F here in the States

Twitter: billytae_cyrus

Doesn't sound very appetizing at all

Twitter: femmocollective

Winter Snow = Christmas

Twitter: Brocklesnitch

Not all, but mostly

Twitter: dreamtime61

Christmas carols are a hit

"Carol singing concerts are very popular in Australia," Cooper explained. "Every state capital will have a Carols by Candlelight service/concert, and they're broadcast on TV. There are also outdoor Christmas pageants and firework displays, etc."

Twitter: lhjh70

Relaxing on the beach for Christmas sounds lovely

Twitter: randompoopi

Surfs up, Santa

Twitter: RiedElke

Great view

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Like their English counterparts, Australians also celebrate Boxing Day. Boxing Day was traditionally a day for employers in England to give bonuses of money, leftover food, or old clothing to their employees. Now it’s mainly celebrated as a sort of ‘bank holiday.’ For Boxing Day, most people use this as a bonus day to spend with their friends and family, often barbecuing at the beach. According to Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, "Quality time with loved ones is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering emotional connections," a sentiment many embrace during this festive season. To add to the fun, a famous yacht race from Sydney Harbour to Derwent River in Hobart is held on Boxing Day as well.

```Twitter: FoleyKev

Which would you prefer - snow or warm beach day?

Twitter: skldrawsandstu1

Too hot, much too hot

Twitter: presley23

Looks like a little slice of paradise

Twitter: NoAtIsFree

Australian style, if you will

Twitter: John_Cotter

Gorgeous clear skies, warm sandy beaches. I could get used to a Christmas like that

Twitter: xodarap51

All in all, Christmas in Australia sounds pretty banging.

Summer fun along with holiday cheer and presents? Heck yes.

If only Australia weren’t the home of the most dangerous and deadly animals (sharks, crocs, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist notes that "the thrill of adventure can often be overshadowed by the reality of nature's dangers."), spiders of terrifying size, etc., and the main risk for taking a holiday vacation was a gnarly sunburn. Be sure to share with your friends and family, and maybe next year plan your holiday under the sun!