Australia is not called the ‘country down under’ for nothing. They are on the opposite side of the seasons from us which would certainly make their Christmas celebrations and vacation very different from ours in the United States.
Christmas comes right in the middle of the summer vacation time in Australia. The schools ‘summer vacation’ is from early December to the first part of February so camping and fun at the beach wouldn’t be unheard of here. Okay, in California, our winter can often be more like summer, too. I recall more than one Christmas where we needed the air conditioning to enjoy our Christmas morning!
Wreaths are generally hung on front doors and, as with many other countries, the people go out Christmas caroling on Christmas Eve. Light displays are popular and neighbors like to go around and see how everyone else set up their Christmas lights for the season.
Christmas Bush is a native Australian tree with green leaves and cream-colored flowers. In the ‘summer’ months aka as Christmas time in Australia(!), the flowers turn into a deep, shiny red by the week of Christmas.
Santa is very evident in an Australian Christmas but is extra-considerate to his tired reindeer and gives them a rest while distributing gifts to the children in Australia. While the reindeer get a break, he uses, according to a popular Australian Christmas song, six, white boomers (kangaroos) for his Australian travels. It is also said that he substitutes cooler apparel for the time, too!A red, velvet suit would not be comfortable travel clothing in the middle of an Australian summer heat.
Like many other places on earth, families like to be home together for Christmas. The Christmas Day meal is enjoyed at noon with a barbecue for the evening meal. Seafood is a popular choice. There is often a long line at the fish markets on Christmas Eve as busy mothers prepare for a fresh meal the next day.
SIX WHITE BOOMERS! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlSsffF2xhA
Early on one Christmas Day, a Joey Kanga-roo,
Was far from home and lost in a great big zoo.
Mummy, where’s my mummy? They’ve taken her a-way.
We’ll help you find your mummy, son. Hop up on the sleigh.
Up beside the bag of toys little Joey hopped,
But they hadn’t gone far when Santa stopped.
Unharnessed all the reindeer and Joey wondered why,
Then he heard a far off booming in the sky.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Pretty soon old Santa began to feel the heat,
Took his fur-lined boots off to cool his feet,
Into one popped Joey, feeling quite okay,
While those old man kangaroos kept pulling on the sleigh.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Joey said to Santa, Santa, what about the toys?
Aren’t you giving some to these girls and boys?
They’ve got all their presents, son, we were here last night,
This trip is an extra trip, Joey’s special flight.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Soon the sleigh was flashing past, right over Marble Bar,
Slow down there, cried Santa, it can’t be far,
Come up on my lap here, son, and have a look around.
There she is, that’s Mummy, bounding up and down.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Well that’s the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had,
Curled up in mother’s pouch feeling snug and glad.
The last they saw was Santa heading northwards from the sun,
The only year the boomers worked a double run.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun.
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.
Crazy Quilts, Catholics & Cookies 