What is Christmas like in Australia?

What is Christmas like in Australia?

• I am moving to New South Wales next October, so I will be there for christmas. How does it differ from Canada/America? (other than the weather? !) I will be without family, will I ...show more

• Answer:

  I'm American, raised in Canada and spent 2 Christmases in Oz while I was in college (parents lived in Indonesia). It's pretty much the same as it is in North America decorations/shopping-wise. Maybe a little pared down, we really like our Christmases. Boxing Day is way different than in Canada because everyone goes to the beach instead of staying home to watch football or going shopping. It's kind of bizarre, honestly. You'll probably miss your family, everyone will be at the beach with their family. But Aussies are friendly and you'll probably get an invite to go to the beach with others who are away from family or come over for Christmas dinner. Which is exactly the same as it is here, Christmas crackers and all (which Americans don't do for some reason). New Years is really fun too. In addition to being friendly, Aussies like to party. Oh! But they don't Trick or Treat on Halloween, I'm told. Apparently American and Canadians are the only ones who really do that. So don't expect that. You may however, find a group of Canadians or Americans who will celebrate Thanksgiving.