Australia is a multicultural country and our traditions have in the past tended to come from the country of our origin. We used to celebrate with our Swedish friends on Christmas Eve feasting on gravlax and Swedish meatballs. We drank a lot of schnapps washed down with a beer chaser after singing Swedish drinking songs such as Helan Gar. For me this is an English/Scottish heritage and a tradition is a family gathering for a huge feast of turkey at lunch time on Christmas Day.
© irene waters 2017
For my family which has an English/Scottish heritage we traditionally had a family gathering with a huge feast of turkey, ham and Christmas Pudding at lunch time on Christmas Day.
© irene waters 2017
Santa of course always has found us in Australia.
© irene waters 2017
In the last ten years Australia has developed its own identity and although there are many who still follow the traditions of the country of their forebears there are increasingly more people joining the throngs of people what is quickly becoming an Aussie tradition.
© irene waters 2017
This includes prawns for lunch on Christmas Day either chilled or thrown on the barbie.
© irene waters 2017
Because it is summer many people spend the day at the beach
© irene waters 2017
or where that is not possible towels cooled in the freezer are draped around necks in the effort to cool down. We now even have our own Christmas carols and Christmas Songs.
In response to Paula’s prompt
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
I’ve lived in South Africa for quite a few years so your Christmas traditions strike a chord. As much as I like the candles and lights and dark hours of this time of year in the northern hemisphere part of me misses the outdoor fun atmosphere of a southern festive season.
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South Africa I believe never having visited has a lot of similarities with Australia. Christmas sounds like it might be one of these.
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so interesting – i spent a christmas there after my daughter married an aussie and it was exactly as you described )
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Yes it is now quite different to when I grew up when we followed an English tradition and had a hot meal in sweltering conditions.
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In Southern California and in much of the Southwest, the weather is very similar to Australia’s, even though December is winter here in the States. But most folks cling to the snowy wintry idea of Christmas, with sleighs and other snow scenes on their lawns. Still, some like Santa surfing or hanging out at the beach. My favorite of your photos is Santa with your very well behaved dogs. No coal in their stockings this year! They’ve earned their treats.
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I think ours has changed as our demographics have changed and not so many people see it as a celebration of Christ’s birth. Over 30% of Australians claim they have no religion and just under 20% something other than Christianity so the beach is probably what for half the population is just a good excuse for a holiday. Absolutely re dogs. That was last years Santa photo – they are off tomorrow to visit the man in red who is coming to our vet in the morning.
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Beautiful traditions, Irene despite the heat.
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Christmas has a special feel to it no matter what tradition is followed. Thank you Paula.
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Christmas prawns! We must be Australian because it’s the one time of year I fix them. We might even put them on the barbie if I can knock off enough snow. Enjoyed this post, Irene!
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Most definitely you must be an Aussie. We’ll give you honorary status anyway.
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I’ll happily accept that honor, Irene!
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Nothing like a BBQ (or braai as they are known in SA) along with fresh salads and a cold beer in the southern hemisphere, but here in the north you need something to keep you warm inside – though I have long gone off the tradition of spending hours slaving over a hot stove! I’d sooner spend the day on the beach (one of yours preferably). Have a good Christmas and 2018 Irene.
Jude xx
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Absolutely. A hot stove is not an option. We are avoiding it altogether and going out to lunch. Hope you have a lovely Xmas Jude and all the best for 2018.
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We are going out to lunch tomorrow to indulge in roast turkey and Christmas pudding. Beans on toast for the rest of the week 😉
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LOL Hope you enjoyed the turkey.
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The turkey was splendid. nice and moist, just as I like it 🙂
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You’re making me hungry.
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