Christmas Day In Australia – Cultural Differences
December 21, 2007 by Yvonne Russell
Cultural Differences At Christmas – An Australian Christmas
As we have an international readership, and your home business may have a potential global client base, I thought I’d share some Christmas traditions from the land Down Under, where I hail from.
We sometimes forget about cultural differences and situations in business.
Christmas Lunch
Because it is so hot, few families opt for the traditional turkey and plum puddings, except perhaps if it is a family tradition. Cold seafood, salads and tropical fruit are more likely to be the order of the day. Mangoes are in season, and stone fruit such as apricots and cherries too.
Our National Dessert
Pavlova is a popular and yummy dessert. The pavlova is said to have originated in Australia, although New Zealanders claim it too.
Aussie Jingle Bells Version
Here’s a fun Australian version of Jingle Bells. I’ve spent many Christmases overseas, so have been lucky enough to experience a White Christmas, but there’s no Dashing Through The Snow in Australia. This version of Jingle Bells tells you about an Aussie Christmas. Six White Boomers is another popular Aussie Christmas carol.
Aussie Speak
Australians have added some unique words to the English language, including slang. You’ll find these Christmas carols have their fair share. Need a translation? 
Just ask me!
How Will You Spend Christmas Day?
What is Christmas like where you are, wherever you are in the world? Do you have any special family or cultural traditions?
Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for giving us a peak at an Aussie Christmas! I wish I could try one of your mangoes. I understand that the ones we can buy here are not very good. I’ve never had Pavlova either.
I live in Texas, so I have no guarantee of a white Christmas either. Our family tradition is to eat Chili on Christmas Day, but many Texans eat Tamales at Christmas.
Hi Laura
Mangoes grow in the area, so are definitely tasty and fresh. Pavlova is yummy too, topped with cream and fresh tropical fruit.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Yvonne, thanks for sharing these differences. It seems so funny to think of cold salads and tropical fruit as being a part of the holiday meals. I can only think they must be similar to our traditional 4th of July dinners.
I have made up my mind to one thing though. My Christmas wish from now on is to spend Christmas with my buds down under. I like you’re options MUCH better than my own.
I’d much rather have white sand than white snow *sighs*
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas – enjoy the sun a little for me too, would ya?
Hugs from very cold and grey Indiana U.S.A
Christmas Down Under, does sound good when we’re digging out of snow and ice, doesn’t it, Gayla? We had deep snow in NH for a White Christmas this year…but good for the ski economy that keeps our area going in winter. Maybe we’ll all have to visit Yvonne next year!
Hi Gayla & Mary Emma
Just give me the word, and I’ll set extra places for you and your families for Christmas lunch in 2008.
I’d love to see you both here.