Another year is drawing to an end and the festive season is upon us! Just as in many countries around the globe, Australians will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate Christmas and the start of a new year. Here is a glimpse at some of the unique traditions that people will be enjoying ?Down Under'.
Christmas
There is no such thing as a white Christmas in Australia. The festivities take place during the first month of the Australian summer and in some areas of the country it can reach up to 100°F on Christmas Day. Australians have adapted traditions to suit their hot climate, although there are still many similarities to the northern hemisphere including Christmas trees, decorations, Santa Claus, gifts and a feast.
In the lead up to Christmas Day, streets and homes are decorated with trees and lights and the shops are filled with people excitedly buying gifts. Many of the capital cities and larger towns hold parades or pageants at which Santa Claus visits the children. Carols by Candlelight is also held every year, with people gathering in parks around the country to sing their favourite Christmas carols including Australian versions such as Three Drovers and Ring Out Wild Bells.
On Christmas Eve children hang out their stockings for Santa Claus and the next day families and friends come together to exchange gifts and enjoy a meal. While many people sit down to a traditional Christmas dinner of roast turkey and plum pudding, it is also very popular to have a barbeque or picnic with seafood, salads and cold meats. The traditional eggnog is often replaced with a cooler beverage such as champagne or beer.
Boxing Day is another English holiday which has been adopted by Australia. For many it is a day to relax and recover from Christmas festivities, while for other Australians it is an opportunity to indulge their love of sport. Each year a cricket ?test' match is held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts in Sydney Harbour.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is another time when Australians celebrate with family and friends. Many people host a party in their own home or attend special events in pubs, clubs or restaurants.
The capital cities and larger towns also usually hold a public celebration, with Sydney recognised as hosting one of the largest free public events in the world. Fireworks are an important part of the festivities. Each year around 80 000 fireworks are set off at midnight in an amazing display over Sydney Harbour.
Australians relax on New Year's Day and many enjoy picnics or trips to the beach. And, of course, people try to stick to their New Year's resolutions and stay away from the chocolate!
