Christmas has been around for as long as anyone can remember, but do you actually know the history behind the holiday that puts stars in everyone’s eyes? Is there a specific story that you should be aware of, that you should pass down to your children and so on? Understanding the true meaning behind Christmas can provide you with even more holiday cheer than what you have – even if you currently have a lot.
History of Christmas
The history of Christmas started the same way with the birth of Christ. In Australia these holidays are usually spent outdoors, swimming, playing games and having a feast around the bbq. Generally, it consists of cold salads and grilled meat or cold cuts. Families still come together, they share time together and are thankful for each other. They exchange gifts with one another, like other Christmas traditions.
The two main sporting events during the holidays are yachting and cricket. They both provide an exciting escape for those in the area. Red and green is strewn about throughout towns and homes, with bright lights everywhere to show their holiday spirit. Businesses and shops close down for Christmas Day, but will re-open for the ever-popular Boxing Day sales. Some take a holiday to the coast with the family for the holiday time.
Gift Giving
One gift is given from everyone in the family to someone else and placed under the Christmas tree. During this time, Christmas cards are also sent out to family, friends and even co-workers. Before Christmas, adults will come together and have drinks and socialise with one another.
The gift giving tends to be one thing that someone really wanted, and everyone exchanges gifts on Christmas morning or afternoon – depending on the close family that arrives. Santa will come and leave gifts for the small children in families. The children are able to open them up on the morning of Christmas, with the rest of the immediate family present. The children send out their lists to Santa a week or so prior to Christmas morning, so they can get a few presents that they wanted.
Cake and milk is left out for Santa to drink and eat when he visits and leaves the presents. Santa, in addition to the few gifts given, will fill a stocking for each of the children to leave behind. When the family gets together, one member will dress up as Santa in a hat and tinnie to pass out the gifts.
Christmas is an exciting time of the year, and one that is warm throughout Australia. However, the heat does not discourage those in the area. Christmas cheer and spirit is still shared and displayed throughout the towns and families in the region. Choosing the ideal Christmas gift for everyone on the list is a must, which makes Christmas shopping for others that much more fun.
