Australians Share Their Favourite Christmas Traditions

Christmas Tree Queen Victoria Building
Christmas Tree Queen Victoria Building | © Sarah Ackerman/Flickr
Paris Donnatella Callan

There’s no doubt that those in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres share different daily traditions; but when it comes to the holiday season they couldn’t be more like chalk and cheese. Forget the usual Christmas card clichés, here, three Australian’s share their personal Christmas traditions.

Sophie Jane

Thinking about what Christmas traditions are to me, and to many other Australians – I imagine – can cause a bit of confusion. First off, everything to do with an Australian Christmas turns traditional notions of the proverbial Twelve Days on their head.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Many Europeans travelling through the country will do their part in reminding us of how un-Christmas-like Australia at this time of year tends to feel. All of that aside, there is a certain brand of “Australia” in our adaptation of Christmas. And for the most part, it’s pretty fun. Having a European mother, I have done both on the two separate continents – and see the good in each version of Christmas.

Food-wise, though, I think Australia wins. You can swap out dry Christmas turkey and sickening fruitcakes, Christmas puddings, trifles and mince pies, for some more interesting alternatives. Enter epic arrangements of seafood; oysters, prawns and smoked trout are signature dishes of an Australian Christmas.

The stresses of having too much family, all being far too drunk and forced into one place at a time exist here too of course; the same tired political debates will unfold. Those, perhaps, are more the universal hallmarks of Christmas.

Courtesy of Sophie Jane

Jason Olson

I guess Christmas traditions to me, are pretty standard, as far as Australian standards. The day always starts too early, I never understand why it takes so long to prepare the hordes of food we somehow managed to pack into the fridge Tetris-style. And, somehow we always seem to be running late on Christmas lunch, eating later and later each year. People always get in some minor feud about not doing what they were supposed to or being the reason for someone else’s food failure.

We eat (or try to eat) in the early afternoon. The food is what defines my Christmas Day; an endless outdoor barbecue: roast turkey, oysters and prawns, freshly chopped salads and, of course, beers to keep cool in the summer sun. It’s funny, no one seems to think Aussie’s do a roast of any sort on Christmas Day, but we do. In fact, Christmas lunch wouldn’t be the same without it; saying that, Christmas dinner also wouldn’t be the same without seafood, so I guess we’re still quite different.

A post-lunch cricket match is pretty traditional, too. It’s always a bit of a mess; people are always too tired and full. The younger ones in the family always seem to have a bit more steam left in them, and we always say “ah we let them win”, but genuinely I think we’re all too full of barbecue to bother.

Courtesy of Jason Olson

Abbie Bryan

Christmas for my family is the only time of year my siblings all get back together – it’s compulsory to be in attendance or risk the wrath of Jan (the matriarch). It’s usually sweltering hot in Tamworth – at least 35 degrees. My brother and father have usually pilfered a poor droopy pine tree from a neighbouring farm property, which is adorned with our preschool created decorations.

The present ceremony commences at eleven-ish; dad gruffly accepts more wine and socks he doesn’t need, because nobody has any idea what to buy him. Following this we sit down to fresh seafood – I hope, our property is four hours from any large body of water – a traditional prawn cocktail with homemade sauce. Then come the roasts and lots of wine. We pull crackers, wear paper hats and read the silly jokes, trying to guess the puns and never succeeding.

When we’re all merry, fat and sleepy, everyone retires for a nap and gets back up when it’s cool for backyard cricket (instigated by my younger cousin) on the front lawn while the sun goes down. We all take shifts because we’re too sleepy and full to run at any kind of commendable speed. There is no scoring system to speak of, everyone is more just happy by any connection of ball to bat.

Courtesy of Abbie Bryan
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article