Unique Australia Christmas Traditions and the Kangaroo-Sleigh-Fest

Australians celebrate Christmas just like many other cultures, with the jolly figure of Santa Claus donning his traditional red suit. However, their celebrations are uniquely adapted to the country's summer season during December. The weather might be warm and sunny, but Australians still have their favorite way to enjoy this festive season, which often includes unique local customs and anecdotes.

Relaxed Santa and Beach Barbecues

Unlike the snowy imagery often associated with Santa's delivery, Australians enjoy seeing Santa in a more laid-back, chilled-out version. You can often find him enjoying a barbecue on a beach or equipped with sunglasses. The traditional image of Santa is present, but with a fun and relaxed twist that reflects the different climate.

Delicious Festive Foods

Food plays a crucial role in Australian Christmas celebrations. Traditional dishes like pavlova, prawns, and Christmas ham are common, reflecting the warm summer atmosphere. Pavlova, a light meringue-based dessert, is enjoyed with cream, fruit, or passionfruit, while prawns and ham are popular choices for any festive spread.

Local Variations and Characters

Not only does Australia celebrate Christmas, but it also has its own take on it. Some regions have unique characters and stories that add to the festive spirit. For example, the tale of the rabid drop bear is a local legend. Drop bears, a mythical creature in Australian folklore, are said to slide down your chimney on Christmas Day, hump the sofa, and empty the fridge before leaving the toilet seat up. This humorous twist on classic Christmas traditions shows how Australians have fun with their cultural celebrations.

Santa's Deliveries with Kangaroos

Interestingly, in Australia, Santa's sleigh could be pulled by kangaroos instead of reindeer! This quirky detail adds an Australian twist to the global Christmas story. There's a delightful song that captures this unique image:

Early on one Christmas Day, a joey kangaroo
Was far from home and lost in a great big zoo.
Mana wheres my mymmy? Theyve taken her away.
Well help you find your mummy son.
Hop up on the sleigh, up beside the bag of toys little joey hopped
But they hadnt gone far when Santa stopped.
Unharnessed all the kangaroos 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 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 white boomers, snow white boomers
On his Australian run.

Joey said to Santa, Santa, what about the toys
Arent you giving some to these girls and boys
Theyve 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 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 cant be far
Come up on my lap here, son and have a look around
There she is, thats mummy bounding up and down.

Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing white boomers, snow white boomers
On his Australian run.

Well thats the bestest Christmas treat that Joey ever had
Curled up in mothers pouch, feeling snug
And 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 white boomers, snow white boomers
On his Australian run.