You’ve probably noticed the Christmas decor popping up in the shops already (yes – we know it’s only September but a little extra festivity never really goes amiss, right?) and the stores removing all of their winter gear and stocking exclusively bathers and tank tops, despite the fact that it’s maybe gone up a couple of degrees at most…
That being said, ready or not, we’re already getting to that part of the year where it’s time to start thinking about the holiday season. Here in Australia, we have a distinctly ‘Aussie’ way of celebrating the holidays, and while much of the world is bundling up for a white Christmas, we’re firing up the barbecue, hitting the beach and spending all our Christmas money in the Boxing Day sales.
From unique traditions shaped by the southern hemisphere’s summer to shared celebrations that feel just a little bit different here, the Aussie end of year is a lively mix of sun, family and festivity.
A summer Christmas
One of the most striking differences about celebrating the end of the year in Australia is that it happens during peak summer. Whether or not Christmas (or "Chrissie," as you may have heard your Aussie mates call it) is something you celebrate back home, it’s probably going to look a little different in an Australian landscape.
Instead of mulled wine and snow-dusted windows, Australians are more likely to celebrate Christmas with cold drinks, fresh seafood and pavlova (a whipped and baked dessert made from egg whites and sugar, topped with fruit!). Families often swap the traditional roast lunch for a barbecue in the backyard or even a picnic at the beach.
Christmas decorations still feature reindeer, snowmen and twinkling lights, but you’re just as likely to see Santa in his board shorts illuminated in your neighbour's front yard. We love a good Carols by Candlelight, but unlike those held in the northern hemisphere, due to daylight savings, ours only needs candles right at the very end. The same goes for Christmas lights looking – if you want to catch the best of the displays, make sure you wait until later in the evening, or you’re just going to find yourselves staring at people’s houses in broad daylight.
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas – Boxing Day – is one of the biggest days on the Australian calendar. While the origins of Boxing Day sales come from the UK, Australians have embraced the tradition wholeheartedly.
Some people still go ‘into the city’ to brave the Boxing Day sales, but let’s be honest – the Easter sales are actually better, and you can do most of it online now. More likely, you’ll find this is almost Christmas Day 2.0, but the less pressure version. People catch up with friends and family they didn’t get to see on the big day, eat through the copious amounts of Christmas Day leftovers and take several well-deserved naps.
Boxing Day also means sport. The Boxing Day Test Match in Melbourne is a beloved event for cricket fans, drawing tens of thousands to the MCG and millions more watching at home. At the same time, the world-famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race kicks off.
New Year’s Eve fireworks
New Year’s Eve is celebrated in many countries across the world, but Australia is one of the first countries to ring in the new year, thanks to our time zone. The Sydney Harbour fireworks display is internationally renowned, drawing spectators from all over the world and being broadcast live on TV. Cities and towns across the country hold their own celebrations, from waterfront firework shows to live music events and street parties.
Because it’s summertime, many Australians spend New Year’s Eve outdoors. Camping trips, beach gatherings, and backyard parties are all common ways to welcome the year ahead and squeeze in one last hurrah before returning to ‘real life’.
School holidays
The end of the year also lines up with the long school holidays, which run from mid-December through January in most states (and depending on whether you’re in secondary school or university). This means December isn’t just about Christmas, it’s also the beginning of family holidays, road trips, and endless days at the pool or beach.
For many, this extended summer break becomes just as important a tradition as the holidays themselves, giving families a chance to wind down and recharge before the new school year starts.
Other seasonal celebrations
Australia’s multicultural makeup means there are also plenty of other celebrations towards the end of the year; Diwali and Hanukkah are two commonly celebrated in many communities. Local councils often host multicultural markets and summer festivals, showcasing food, music and traditions from all over the world.
Workplaces and social groups also often hold end-of-year parties, informally referred to as “Chrissy dos”. These gatherings range from casual barbecues to big nights out, giving colleagues and friends a chance to wrap up the year together.
