Christmas Traditions in Australia for Kids
Christmas is a magical time of year for kids all around the world, but in Australia, the festive season comes with a unique twist. Celebrated in the peak of summer, Australian Christmas traditions blend cultural influences with the joys of sunny weather. Christmas traditions in Australia for kids? Let’s dive into the exciting ways children in Australia celebrate this special holiday.
A Summery Christmas
Unlike the snowy landscapes seen in traditional Christmas imagery, Australia experiences its festive season during the height of summer. For kids, this means sunshine, outdoor adventures, and sometimes a Christmas Day spent at the beach. Families often gather for barbecues, picnics, and poolside fun. Instead of cozying up by the fireplace, children might be splashing in the sea or enjoying icy treats to beat the heat.
Christmas Decorations
Australian homes light up with festive spirit as early as late November. Kids eagerly participate in decorating Christmas trees with tinsel, baubles, and fairy lights. A unique Australian touch is adding ornaments shaped like native animals such as kangaroos, koalas, or emus wearing Santa hats.
In some neighborhoods, families take part in competitions for the best-decorated house. Streets glow with colorful displays, and children enjoy evening walks or car rides to admire these magical light shows.
Santa Claus with an Aussie Twist
Santa Claus is a beloved figure in Australia, but kids often imagine him arriving in board shorts and sunglasses instead of his traditional red suit. It’s not uncommon to see Santa-themed surfboards or hear stories of Santa’s sleigh being pulled by kangaroos instead of reindeer.
Many shopping centers host Santa photo booths, and kids line up to share their Christmas wishes. For an added local flavor, some towns host events where Santa arrives on a surfboard, motorbike, or even a boat!
Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight is a cherished Australian tradition where communities gather to sing Christmas songs under the starry sky. Families bring picnic blankets, and kids join in the festive spirit with glow sticks or battery-operated candles. Major events, such as Melbourne’s Carols by Candlelight, are broadcast on television, while smaller community gatherings offer a more intimate setting.
For children, these events are an exciting way to experience the joy of singing carols and seeing performers dressed as angels, elves, and Santa Claus.
Christmas Pageants
The festive season kicks off with grand Christmas pageants. The Adelaide Christmas Pageant, one of the largest, features floats, marching bands, and characters that captivate children. Kids line the streets to watch the spectacle, eagerly anticipating the final float carrying Santa Claus himself. These parades set the tone for the holiday season and leave children wide-eyed with wonder.
School Christmas Activities
In the weeks leading up to the holidays, schools across Australia host Christmas-themed events. Kids participate in craft projects, making cards, ornaments, or decorations to take home. Christmas concerts and plays are common, where children dress as shepherds, angels, or even Aussie wildlife in festive roles. Secret Santa gift exchanges among classmates add an element of surprise and fun.
Festive Foods for Kids
Christmas meals in Australia often feature a mix of traditional and modern dishes. While adults enjoy seafood platters, roast meats, and pavlova, kids look forward to treats like mini plum puddings, gingerbread cookies, and fruit salad. Many families prepare Christmas crackers, filled with small toys or jokes, which kids love pulling apart at the table.
On Christmas morning, kids race to open their stockings, often filled with small surprises like chocolates, candy canes, or small gifts.
Christmas at the Beach
Spending Christmas at the beach is a quintessentially Australian experience. For kids, this means building sandcastles instead of snowmen and playing beach cricket instead of sledding. Families often pack picnics, and kids enjoy swimming, playing frisbee, or just soaking up the sun.
Beaches like Bondi and Manly in Sydney or Surfers Paradise in Queensland become hubs of activity, with kids and adults alike embracing the summery vibe of an Australian Christmas.
Christmas Day Activities
For many children, Christmas Day begins early with the excitement of opening presents under the tree. Families then gather for a festive lunch or dinner, and outdoor games often follow. Backyard cricket, soccer, or water balloon fights are popular activities. Kids revel in the chance to play with their new toys, from bikes to board games, making the day extra special.
Boxing Day Fun
The festive spirit continues on Boxing Day, December 26th. Families often head out to Boxing Day sales, but for kids, it’s all about outdoor fun. Many families plan picnics or outings to zoos, parks, or amusement parks. The Boxing Day Test cricket match is another tradition, and older kids often enjoy watching or playing cricket themselves.
Unique Australian Christmas Traditions
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Christmas Bush
Instead of traditional holly, Australians decorate with Christmas Bush, a native plant with red flowers. Kids might collect sprigs to create table centerpieces or wreaths. -
Aussie-Themed Carols
Kids in Australia often sing local variations of classic carols, like Six White Boomers, which tells the story of Santa’s kangaroo-powered sleigh. -
Outdoor Nativity Scenes
In some towns, live nativity scenes are performed outdoors, allowing children to engage with the story of Christmas in a vibrant way. -
Christmas Eve Traditions
Some families leave out cookies and milk for Santa, but in true Aussie style, others might offer him a cold beer and carrots for his kangaroos.
Giving Back at Christmas
Christmas is also a time of giving, and many Australian families involve their kids in charitable activities. Whether it’s donating toys to underprivileged children, preparing hampers, or volunteering, kids learn the value of sharing and kindness during the festive season.
Virtual Christmas Greetings
Given Australia’s vast size, not all families can come together for Christmas. Kids often use technology to send festive wishes to loved ones far away. Video calls, e-cards, and recorded messages are popular ways for kids to connect with grandparents, cousins, and friends during the holiday season.
Festive Outdoor Movies
Outdoor cinemas pop up during the Christmas season, screening family-friendly holiday movies. Kids bring blankets, pillows, and snacks to enjoy films like Home Alone or Elf under the summer sky. These movie nights offer a relaxed and memorable way for children to celebrate the season.
Crafting Memories
Craft activities are a big part of an Aussie Christmas for kids. From making paper chains to decorating gingerbread houses, these projects bring families together. Parents and kids might also work on homemade gifts, like painted picture frames or DIY ornaments, to share with loved ones.
Conclusion
Christmas in Australia is a joyful celebration filled with sunshine, outdoor fun, and cherished traditions. For kids, the holiday season offers endless opportunities for laughter, creativity, and togetherness. Whether it’s decorating the tree, singing carols, playing cricket, or enjoying a beach day, Australian Christmas traditions ensure that children create lasting memories during this magical time of year.
This unique blend of summery fun and festive cheer makes Christmas in Australia a truly unforgettable experience for kids. You can check at FurnitureX for your Christmas celebration.
