While travel remains very limited due to new variants of COVID-19, we have decided to share some common international traditions from employees at SCC Soft Computer throughout the world. As we gear up for the holidays, with celebrations limited this year and many people only celebrating responsibly with friends and family members, we hope you enjoy reading about these popular festivities which would normally take place during the holiday season in Australia!
One of the major differences between the holidays here in the United States and Australia is during our winter it is their summer season, so the weather is extremely warm and children are on summer break from school. Australians have many unique and special traditions they take part in during celebrations. Here are just a few of the most common ones:
1. Surfing Santa / Beach Trips – Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and big surfing community, and because Christmas falls in the summer months, it’s not uncommon to see early morning surfers wearing Santa hats on Christmas!
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Glenelg Beach, South Australia
Bondi Beach, New South Wales
2. Barbeques – BBQs are a common tradition in the summer months in Australia. Many families gather together for the holidays and share a Christmas dinner over a barbequed lunch! Prawns are very popular for a holiday picnic outside.
3. Street Parties – Most people visit with relatives and friends on Christmas Day so the streets are normally full with families and kids. Common activities include cricket and footie games.
4. Boxing Day – Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) is also another day of celebration in which many people get this day off of work as well.
5. Festive Road Trips – As most people have time off, many Aussie families include road trips with relatives and kids in their holiday festivities, allowing great opportunities to explore!
Mount Gambier, South Australia
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Naracoorte Caves, South Australia
6. Carols by Candlelight – Many cities in Australia host an event where celebrity performers will sing and proceeds will be donated to a charity.
7. New Year’s Eve Fireworks – New Year is a very popular holiday celebrated in Australia as well. Big cities like Sydney host firework displays recognized around the world.
Sydney Harbor Bridge, New Year’s Eve