30+ Ways Christmas Is … Different, In Australia
In the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas is at the beginning of summer.
Christmas in Australia looks familiar at first, then quickly gets a lot weirder if you are used to a snowy December. The same holiday traditions are there, but they show up under blazing summer heat, on beaches, and sometimes with a few unexpected local visitors.
That is what makes this roundup so fun, because it pulls together a bunch of Aussie reactions to Christmas being celebrated in the Southern Hemisphere. From summer vacation timing to backyard barbecues and fake snow, the holiday feels both recognizable and completely flipped.
By the end, it is hard not to wonder which version sounds better, a white Christmas or one spent in the sun. Read on.
It's nice to have some koala-tree time
Twitter: ScaryDropbearAuDitched the tree for a fan
Twitter: SwedishCanaryKoala 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
This is like the “free” holiday gift voucher that came with a Disney catch, turning into her worst nightmare.
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
```htmlLike 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, spiders of terrifying size, 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!
After “fair share” drama over holiday trip costs, see why she still asked for more money from her friend.
