Christmas

Christmas History

Christmas in Australia celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, which is traditionally observed by Christians worldwide. Renowned as a time of gift-giving, family gatherings, and communal worship, it also serves as a period to uplift the spirit of goodwill, generosity, and humanity. Though typically associated with winter imagery of snow and Santa Claus, the observance is regionally adapted to Australia's geographical and cultural contexts. The day includes festive traditions such as Carols by Candlelight events, beach trips, and backyard barbecues intertwined with mainstream customs like decorating the Christmas tree and attending church services.

The adoption of Christmas within Australia dates back to the British settlement in 1788, bringing their customs and traditions. Over the years, the festive celebration integrated British influences and Australian distinctiveness. The use of native flora for decorations, giving of charitable donations, and volunteering time reflect an Australian approach towards the festival. These local twists offer Australians a more relatable and engaging festive experience. The sending of Christmas cards has also remained a popular tradition, often depicting quintessentially Australian scenes, such as summer landscapes or native wildlife.

Observing Christmas in Australia often involves a mix of traditional and modern activities. The lead-up to Christmas consists of shopping for gifts and preparing festive meals, usually featuring seasonal treats and seafood, given that Christmas falls within Australia's summer. Christmas Day typically opens with a family gift exchange followed by festive food sharing either at home or picnics. Notably, it's common for Australians to mark the day by participating in community events or heading to the beach. Specific to Australia, Christmas is observed on December 25th, the same day as in most other countries, even though it falls in Australia's summer rather than in winter as in many different countries.

Christmas facts

• During the 4th Century A.D., Bishop Nicolas of Smyrna was known to be very generous to the poor, especially to children. He was later given the title of Saint Nicholas and is patron saint of children.
• Constantine the Great named the holiday and set the date for Jesus' birth as being December 25th. This happened in 325 A.D.
• The Christmas tree is a custom that is believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th century. Candles and decorations that are lit represented the light of Christ in the world.
• The first Australian Christmas stamp was released in 1957, becoming an annual tradition for the Australia Post to release a set of unique Christmas stamps with festive designs.
• In the Australian outback, Christmas is often celebrated with a "bush Christmas" style event. This may involve an outdoor party with a campfire and traditional Aussie food, or makeshift decorations made from local plants and flowers.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Christmas

Top things to do in Australia for Christmas

• Attend a Christmas Eve service at a local church. Many churches offer midnight mass. Alternately, watch the Pope's annual Christmas eve service broadcast live from the Vatican.
• Many churches hold pageants for children that involve playing the parts of the nativity scene. Go to one of these events or put up a nativity scene in your home.
• Take advantage of the pleasant weather and celebrate Christmas outdoors. You can organize a backyard barbecue or picnic with family and friends. Enjoy a festive feast with traditional Christmas food, a variety of salads, and grilled seafood or meat.
• Go for a drive around the neighborhood to enjoy the beautifully decorated houses lit up with Christmas lights. Some streets or towns may have an annual Christmas lights competition, which is worth exploring.