Christmas in Australia

Where in the World is Australia?
Australia is the only country that is also a continent. Australia is the smallest continent. But it is one of the largest countries. It is surrounded by water. It is between the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is in the southern hemisphere.

People who live in Australia are called Australians. The holiday greeting in Australia is Merry Christmas.

Warm Wishes for Christmas!
Christmas in Australia is celebrated on December 25. It happens in the summer. Temperatures can be 80° to 100°! Many people in Australia celebrate Christmas at the beach. Some celebrate at backyard barbeques. Children are not in school when it is Christmas in Australia. They are on summer vacation!

Is there a special gift-giver?
Santa Claus brings gifts on Christmas Eve. He has a white beard and a red coat. He doesn't wear fur on his coat. It's too warm in Australia for fur!

Santa puts gifts in stockings. Some stockings are hung on the fireplace. Others are hung on the ends of beds. Santa fills the stockings with chocolate candy and treats, He also leaves small presents.

Australian children leave treats for Santa on Christmas Eve. They leave him chocolate cake or sponge cake. They also leave him cold lemonade!

Australians open presents on Christmas morning. They receive gifts from their families, relatives and friends.

How do the Australians decorate their houses? 
Most Australians decorate a Christmas tree. Some use a pine tree. Some use a eucalyptus tree. This is a very tall tree that grows in Australia. Other Australians use an artificial tree. This is a fake tree.

The Australians decorate their trees on Christmas Eve. The trees are decorated with lights and ornaments. Some ornaments are stars, Santas, and angels. Some people decorate with seeds, nuts and berries.

Many Australians decorate their houses outside. They use outdoor lights, mangers, and Santas, There are lots of flowers. They use branches from a plant called the "Christmas Bush." It has dark green leaves and red flowers. It blooms just in time for Christmas.

What special food do they eat?
Many Australians have a big dinner on Christmas day. They eat many different kinds of food. Some foods are from Australia, like possum, crocodile and kangaroo. Others eat turkey. Many people eat Christmas dinner outside. They eat cold food, like ham, chicken, salads and fruits.

A special treat in Australia is flaming plum pudding. A small toy is baked inside the pudding. Whoever finds it will have good luck! Other treats are pavlova and minced pie. Pavlova is a shell filled with whipped cream and fruit.

What are some other special traditions?
In Australia the holiday season begins 3 weeks before Christmas. This is called the "Run-up to Christmas." There are many parades and festivals.

On Christmas Eve, Australians go to "Carols by Candlelight." It is held in the big cities. Thousands of Australians light candles and sing carols together.

The day after Christmas, December 26, is also a holiday. It is called "Boxing Day." People go to watch sports like, boxing, football, and sailing.

Non Fiction
Christmas in Australia. World Book