Christmas down under is in many ways a similar family occasion as elsewhere in the world. The main difference of course is the weather: Not much hope for a white Christmas down under! For international students who study in Australia it may be a great opportunity to experience real Australian family life.

1. Christmas is hot down under...well most of the time! As December marks the start of summer, in most parts of Australia Christmas weather will be hot. However in the South East and Tasmania Christmas weather is notorious for radical changes during Christmas day and Boxing day. On several occasions Christmas day reached the high thirties while a day later people were shivering and enduring hail storms with temperatures reaching only the mid teens.
2. Christmas decorations: Decorations are usually not as `wild` and dominant as in some other countries in the world. Having said that, some towns have developed a Christmas lights tradition like for example Shepparton in Victoria. Whole neighbourhoods are light up and bus-tours take visitors along the many beautiful homes. Famous are also the windows of Myer department store. Busloads of kids come and stand amazed by the moving ferry tails exhibited in the windows. Many visit Santa as well, who waits for the children in numerous shopping malls around the county.
3. Eating: Family comes together during Christmas but as it is too hot for a roast lunch, Aussies usually have a light lunch, often offering seafood. Many families still have a traditional roast dinner (Turkey). Imagine how hot the kitchen becomes when the oven is on for hours? Aussies have the same desserts as in other Anglo Saxon countries: Christmas Pudding and Cake. A lot of people like to make Gingerbread, making a gingerbread house and puppets for kids. (for recipes go to www.taste.com.au).
4. Carols by candle light: Many Ausies go `Caroling` on Christmas Eve. People sing traditional hymns and carols. Schools have Carol Services and cities like Sydney and Melbourne have large carol by candle light services, often broadcasted life on TV.
5. As the largest religion in Australia is Christianity, many people celebrate the birth of Jezus during midnight mass services. Many people come to church who usually don’t regularly attend services so it could be a great `anonymous` way to experience church in Australia.
6. Yes, Aussies have Santa Claus and yes he does wear that big heavy coat even when it is 40 degrees. Postcards and books regularly make fun of the `hot Santa` by having him stripping off to wear singlets, shorts and thongs (feet slippers) and having him come in on a surfboard. Presents are laid under the Christmas tree and kids unpack presents first thing Christmas morning.
7. Christmas trees are all around but because of the hot climate the trees are different from the ones in Europe or the US. Usually trees have long hanging needles and a more soft green colour.
8. Boxing day Test cricket: Boxing day is the day after Christmas and also a national holiday. The big tradition is the test cricket match in the MCG (Melbourne). People go to watch the match life or gather around the Television eating the leftovers from the day before.
9. Start of summer holidays: Christmas is usually the start of the summer holidays. After Christmas the country virtually shuts down to open up again after the second or third week in January. A great time for international students to relax, go to the beach and live the `no worries` Aussie life.
10. Christmas really does not finish till New Year. In Australia it is prohibited to have private fireworks on New Year's Eve (except for Canberra) but large fireworks are lit by city councils all over het country. Most famous is of course the Sydney fireworks around the Harbour bridge. The spectacular display attracts millions of visitors (line up early in the afternoon for the best spots) and is often shown in many news bulletins around the world.