Since we send Christmas Hampers to most worldwide destinations - we've decided to look at how Christmas is celebrated in some of the destinations we send gifts to - today we are starting with Australia
When: December 25th (although the season is summer)
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Food:
The main meal on Christmas Day is usually eaten at lunchtime - with the meal often being either a cold Christmas dinner or a seafood barbecue along with the "traditional English" food. Many people also have barbecues at the beach on Boxing Day.
Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash
Decorations:
Wreaths are hung on front doors. Houses and gardens are decorated with Christmas trees and Christmas lights. Australians also decorate their houses with bunches of "Christmas Bush" which is a native Australian tree that has green leaves and cream coloured flowers that turn red in the summer.
Customs:
Each state capital holds a large carol service by candlelight, with famous Australian singers helping out. These are broadcast on TV across the country. There are also Christmas pageants which are held in each state capital city along with local festivities and parades.
Some local parks hold firework displays as well as their own carol services.
Photo by bruce mars from Pexels
Santa may use kangaroos while visiting Australia and switch his classic "Father Christmas" clothes for ones more suitable for hot weather!
Christmas crackers often accompany the main Christmas meal.
A yacht race from Sydney to Hobart in Tasmania takes place on Boxing Day. Whilst people who live in the outback send Christmas greetings to each other via the radio network.
Next in our series of Christmas Around The World blogs we find out how Christmas is celebrated in Austria.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Bob Ricca on Unsplash