Our Visitors

I have received many emails regarding Christmas in Australia and endeavour to acknowledge each one on this page.
Please do not hesitate to send me an email with further queries or suggestions for the pages. It has been the in-depth questions that have added the extra information to what was a very basic page at the start. If an email contains a link it indicates that the subject has been included in the main page of Christmas in Australia because of that email.
11 December 2020 - From Clarice

Hi Tom
I just came across 'Christmas in Australia' looking for Australian-flavoured E-Christmas cards to send, and it was such a delight it just made my day! What was particularly moving to me was the stamps page. Our family used to collect them in the 60's and I really loved those 1960's Christmas stamps. I had them in an album for many years but it was accidentally due to the breakdown of my marriage.
Thanks for bringing these lovely memories back to me.

6 August 2015 - From Michael`

Hi, Just came across this lovely song. .again..
I was a founding member of the Irish Drovers and with them for nearly 20 years ...it was great to hear the song once more. ..many happy memories.
NOTE - He is refering to Christmas In Australia


15 Dec 2014 - From Edwina

Hi there,
While looking for the lyrics for a few Australian Christmas Carols I came across your site.

What a beautiful place you have created! Really truly so much work and I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all the information with my children.

The internet is such a wonderful place to give those who don't live in major cities access to information. Thank you for creating such a space, and your continued efforts to celebrate Australian culture. Happy Christmas
Cheers


3 Jan 2013 - From Caroles

Hi, I just discovered your web site and I love it. Thank you for creating it.

I was born in England but emigrated to Australia in 1961 as a baby.

We have always had the traditional hot Christmas roast lunch, with home made sausage rolls, mince pies and pudding Usually made a year before.

I love the tradition even though it's me now that has to swelter in the kitchen cooking and cleaning, but that is where the 'Englishness' ends. I couldn't imagine it being cold at Christmas no bbqs, no street parties, no Christmas light displays, no sitting on the front lawn Christmas Eve waiting for the CFA truck with Santa throwing lollies.

I love the Aussie Christmas songs and stories that I share with my children. In all I love Australia and we should stand up and be proud of our country and stop copying other countries on the other side of the world!


5th December 2012 - From Alana
Hello, I am an Aussie girl who is now living in Finland and I am currently an assistant teacher with a kindergarten group. I came across your website while trying to find some information to help me with teaching the children about Christmas in Australia and I have to say that it was so helpful.
Just wanted to let you know. Thank you.
7th December 2011 - From Smiley2
Hi, I found your website quite by accident when I typed something into Google and I must say what a great job you have done. I have bookmarked it for future use, thank you so much it brought back a lot of happy memories from when I was a kid growing up in country NSW.
We always went to nan and pop's house for a hot Christmas lunch and yes nan killed her own chooks, ducks and turkeys plus dad and pop killed the pigs.
Bye for now.   Smiley2
8th June 2011 - From Paige
hi my name is Paige and I am a yr 6.
I have a project and cant find any good information on Christmas.
if you could tell me some sites or even tell me why it is so important that would be greatly appreciated
thank you
Paige
p.s please send it to me by Tuesday thank you

I replied
Paige
You will find all the information you need about Christmas in Australia at   tww.id.au/c/index.html  
I trust this helps you.
Tom

10th June 2011 - From Paige
thank you soo much Paige


And you wonder why I maintain this web site. This little contact and   the one at this link   are the reason I keep it maintained.

6 November 2010 - From Hazel

Hi there Tom
Thank you so much for the very informative site I have recently discovered. I am sending the song from your site, The twelve days of Christmas (First Version) to my family reunion in England.
Thank you Tom. Keep up the good work I will be on your site again for a lot more info as there is lot’s to have fun with.



11 Dec 2009 - From Jed

I have a question about Christmas in Australia, but before I ask I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your website. I was wondering what traditional foods are enjoyed for Christmas. Dinners and desserts. Thanks for your time.



7 Dec 2009 - From Tash

You have certainly created a comprehensive website! I know how it can start as something small and work itself into something large, especially when you like helping people.

I was viewing your 'write to Santa' page and very much enjoyed the application for a Santa visit - especially the reduced number of gift requests for 'bad' behaviour!



23 Nov 2009 - From Heather, A Teacher in USA (Kentucky)

I hope this day finds you well.
I am so thrilled to find your website. Our school is planning to do a Christmas around the world theme soon and I would like to use some of the information from your website; will that be OK?

I will let you know how it goes, if you are interested. Have a great day!

My reply - Feel free to use any material on my pages. Tom


12 Dec 2008 From: Amanda

GI-DAY. I am an Australian who has now been living in the UK for the last 8 year's and I am pleased to have found your web site so that I can teach my children the Aussie carols that I forgot as I'd like them to learn about their Aussie heritage as well as their British one.

Looking round your site was a trip down memory lane, I do miss a good old hot Aussie Christmas, and Australia it's self, the UK just ain't the same and the Brit's don't always understand what I'm saying.

Thank you for helping to make the Australian tradition known to every one all round the world.

HOOROO from a true blue Aussie.


17 January 2008 From: Tim
A fantastic website. It is great for us immigrants to appreciate the background to the traditions.
10 January 2008 From: Crystal

I just wanted to thank you again for all of your assistance with our project. He is back at school and he informed me yesterday that he got a 100 A+. So we owe it all to you and your website. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!


20 Dec 2007 From: David

What an excellent web site. Well done and thank you.


17 Dec 2007 From: Crystal, School teacher, Mississippi, USA

I have searched your website and I have found a lot of useful information on Australian traditions at Christmas time. Thank you for your awesome website.


29 Nov 2007 From: Jonnene, Switzerland

Thank you for your website, it's fantastic. I moved from Sydney, Australia to Switzerland, 6 years ago and I've now got friends from Europe asking me 'What's Christmas is like in Australia'. I did a search on the net and bingo! your site popped up.

I'm coming home this year for Christmas. After looking at your website, I CAN'T WAIT!

I've sent your link to all the Europeans that wanted to know 'What do we do down there for Christmas? Is there snow? What do you eat? What kind of songs do you sing? and do you really have BBQ's in the cold?' (I've had some really odd questions!).

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Cheers


16 Oct 2007 From: Labhaoise, Hong Kong

I came across your site at work here in Hong Kong when I was looking for Australian lyrics to use in Chinese schools to illustrate our cultural adaptations. It's great!


19 Dec 2006 From: Lyn, NSW

Congratulations on your lovely site. I've only been in Australia for 11 years now and I still miss my English Christmas celebrations in the snow/freezing cold! My (sadly now departed) mum always did the full English Christmas dinner from scratch, I don't think she knew how to use a can opener and we never had a freezer..

In reference to December 2006, Tracey wrote from Tamworth about the wishing, no, it wasn't invented by her mum to make her eat the pud, it's a very old English tradition and is still upheld in many English households, the stirring of the pud by all members of the family, then the wishing as you eat the first bite, with a special wish going to whoever finds the, silver sixpence, or "threepenny bit". I've managed to keep a silver sixpence in my Christmas fare tools for just this purpose.

When I first came to Australia I did attempt to do the full Christmas dinner (more for my mums benefit), but after a couple of years it was just to hot!... We've since adopted the Australian style of fresh seafood starter, apricot and honey glazed ham or apricot stuffed turkey (cooked on the barbie of course) and salads, one each provided by various members of the family. I've made several varieties of, Christmas Cake / Pudding, one of the most popular being the ice cream mixed up with nuts, fresh and dried fruit and alcohol as per classic pud, Shaped into a ball and, iced, with plain vanilla ice cream and a sprig of plastic holly!

This year it's to be a classic Yorkshire Vinegar Cake, one of my mums heirloom recipes, for the Christmas Cake, in her honour.

Something I don't see often in Australia is the, Boxing Day Lunch. This is Turkey leftovers, with a ham, and other cold meats served with pickles, chutneys and salads and, for some reason I remember, hard boiled eggs. This was followed by the classic sherry trifle, more mince pies and watching of the TV.

I love the Christmas lights displays which as far as I know is unique to Australia, I've lived all over Europe and I've never seen displays taken to such lengths by ordinary householders.. There used to be a whole suburb near us (Chipping Norton, NSW) where serious lighting was done by almost every house. Thousands of people would walk and drive around, it was absolutely magic, they've stopped now unfortunately.. there are still some very good displays, but I've yet to see one beat those.

Again, thanks for your great site. It is difficult not to feel,disappointed, by the lack of snow, the heat, etc... in an Ozzie Christmas, but then there are the street parties, having the neighbours over for drinks, the fabulous seafood, the light-shows, the swimming pool, and of course warm feet and fingers!

Another uniquely Australian tradition, Each year someone (I'm not sure who) drives around in a decorated Holden ute with a Santa in the back in full dress handing our lollies to the kids in the street, maybe it's local to Milperra, but friends say they remember similar in their childhood suburbs.


11 Dec 2006 From: Tracey, Tamworth, NSW

What a wonderful site. I have passed on the address to my teaching friends for use in the classroom.


5 Dec 2006 From: Mary

I am a teacher and love your web page. A fabulous website that I share with my many international friends plus there are a lot of us homesick Aussies out here.


1 Dec 2006 From: Richard C. Obach

A friend sent me "Christmas in Australia." In January of 1966 I hopped a German freighter out of New York city and worked my passage to Sydney. Two weeks later I was in the bush hunting rabbits with a light and silenced .22 rifle. We got a shilling a rabbit.

I worked on two different rail-road gangs, one in the suburbs and one in the rainforest. I cut sugar cane and got $1.00 a ton (green cane). Worked as a cook on Brampton Island, in a fertilizer plant, a roustabout on a sheep station a long way north of Perth, a prospector, on a cattle station in Victoria, a "Mr. Whippy" driver in New South Wales.

The best (and most famous job) was a deckie on the first big game marlin boat in Cairns, Captain George Bransford's "Sea Baby." I caught the first "grander" marlin in the history of Australia and the first grander black marlin on #80 line in the world. If your not a fisherman you would not know of this. This past September I was invited back to Australia after 40 years.... My flight and hotels were paid for by the Cairns game fishing club and (mostly) "Bluewater" fishing and boating magazine. It was a dream come true and I enjoyed the second greatest adventure of my life. I traveled (1966) through all 6 states and visited every capital city but Darwin, because the road was washed out north of Tennant Creek.

I read where you started collecting Australian stamps in 1960. I started about 1954.... Australia soon became my favorite country and I dreamt on how it must be like.... little did I or anyone know that in 12 years I would be on your magnificent soil.

I love your country and when I was out fishing in the largest tournament ever held in Queensland this September.... and one of the top five ever in your country, I brought home to the USA water from the marlin grounds off the Great Barrier Reef.

Well, I wrote more than expected and I sure hope this email does not come back as undeliverable. God bless you and your family and the great country of Australia. Merry Christmas and a wonderful year of 2007.


1 Dec 2006 From: Laura, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

I had to drop you a line to tell you how much I enjoyed your website about an Australian Christmas and all that it entails. I am a complete Christmas maniac and it is always a treat to learn how my favorite holiday is celebrated internationally.

You answered a lot of questions that Americans commonly have about Australians and Christmas (and yes, there are those of us who are intellectually curious that way). For instance, Christmas trees. We are always taught here that since your summer is our winter, you did not bother with Christmas trees. We were also always taught that you did not recognize Santa Claus, only Father Christmas. And, of course, it blows your Garden Variety American's mind that you go to the beach on Christmas Day. For us, that's the kind of treat one would get if Santa Claus left airline tickets to Barbados under the tree!

Of course, you reinforced some fallacies that Americans cherish, Father Christmas doesn't use white kangaroos in lieu of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph, does he?

I like your site very much and whether or not I hear from you, Merry Christmas. Peace on Earth in 2007.


23 Dec 2005 From: Jess
I would first like to say your website is wonderful. I am Australian myself and it is great to let others from around the world know that not everyone has a frosty Christmas.

I would just like to let you know however, that where I come from, I do not know of anybody that has live Christmas trees. For my entire life, myself, my friends and family use the same 'artificial' pine Christmas trees every year. In fact, it has grown to be apart of our family!

Wishing a merry Christmas to everyone. Stay Cool!


5 Dec 2005 From: Donna
Just checked out the Santa's Visit Application form, love it.
Just needs a couple of corrections on the spelling down the bottom of the left hand column, "centimetres" is spelt wrong. I realise that you are probably a very busy person, and that you probably don't get a lot of time to edit, what you get.
Anyway, love the web site, it's a great source of information and fun to read.

30 Nov 2005 From: Doti, suburbs of southern Sydney, NSW

hiya Tom, read your internet site about Australia and Christmas traditions. As a 5th generation Aussie I can say it was very interesting and pretty close to the core, except for the part about Santa sacks, which of course you were corrected on.

The only exception I can see is where you say that only 10% of people have door wreaths. I'm not sure what area you live in but where I'm from, the beach suburbs of southern Sydney, the majority of people have always had door wreaths, from the time I was a child (late 50's - 60's) most homes had a wreath on the door, and it's even more so now!

Also one of the other biggies of Christmas is the sound of cicadas on a hot day, all part of the process of growing up in a hot climate. Although you mention that Boxing Day is a big day for sporting events, particularly the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, most people are specifically hanging out for the cricket to begin on that day, which is all part of the Aussie Christmas tradition.

Sunshine, surf, beer, cricket and tennis, what more could anyone in the world desire?? Thanks. Loved your site! Dot


28 Nov 2005 From: Anonymous
There are a few rules about aussie life you should know:
1) The barby (Barbeque) is mans business, no woman should be allowed to turn even one snag (sausage).
2) A BBQ steak is not a steak if it is not burnt a little.
3) Christmas in Australia is always hot.
No matter what the weather man says "it will be a scorcher".
4) Everyone is a mate, even people you don't know.
5) re Santa's Arrival in Town Prior to 25th, in accordance to seeing this I would like to say that usually in small towns Santa rides in police cars, police divy vans (drink driving vans) or as you said firetrucks.
16 Oct 2005 From: Robyn, Ruse, NSW

Tom, a link to your Aussie Christmas site has been a godsend to explain our 'down under traditions' to friends in the Northern Hemisphere (Finland) who think 25C degrees is hot!! LOL

My memories of Christmas as a child are of making the trip from Sutherland (NSW) to Hurstville by train, then catching a bus to Kogarah shops and finally walking the last leg to my grandparents house. The kids always had a little table separate from the grown-ups and Gran ALWAYS cooked a roast dinner regardless of the soaring temperature outside, and if the pumpkin wasn't black it wasn't worth eating!

All the kids were most excited about searching the christmas pudding for the 'thruppences' and making mush of the pudding and custard just happened to be a fortunate consequence!

Aaah, I miss those times....... Cheers.


28 September 2005 From: Delwyn, Melbourne
Hi Tom, Just wanted to drop you and line and let you know I have been enjoying looking through your web site on Aussie Christmas's.

For the last 10 or so years our family has picked a theme for our family Christmas, in 2000 we had a theme of Christmas in 1900, last year it was a winter theme, we've had a “country “ theme etc etc, This year our theme is an Australian Christmas which is how I ended up on your site. And I've enjoyed it immensely.

Thought I'd add a little something myself ,coming from Melbourne one of the things I associate with Christmas here is the Myer Windows which each year they do up to tell a story (not always a Christmas story) they have animated characters etc.

As a child it was always a treat for our family to head into the city (often at night) and see what wonders they had created each year. Now that I'm grown and have my own children it's something we all like to do together as well.

I have heard rumours that with the sale of Coles Myer the windows may not be something that is done in the future which would indeed be a sad thing. Hope you enjoy the link. Thanks again for all the wonderful things on your website. Wishing you a happy Christmas for 2005.

12 October 2005 I had advised Delwyn that I had loaded her email and I received the below reply.
Thanks Tom that's great. I looked at the site and told my children my letter made it onto a website..... My 9 year old daughter was very excited and said that tomorrow that will be her show and tell at school.


24 June 2005 From Brenda, England
Today is June 24th 2005 (so is 6 months to Christmas Eve) and I am now planning my Christmas cards that I make myself and came across this site. How wonderful it is as, just a few months ago, I made contact with an old school friend from Sutton Coldfield, England. She emigrated to Australia in 1964 so this site is of special interest to me. Thank you for all this information etc.
3 Jan 2005 From Donna
What a wonderful site! I am an American who never even considered the differences of an Australian Christmas until I was sent a link to your site by a friend who is English and now living in Aussie land! I thoroughly enjoyed reading every detail! All six hours worth! (It takes a long time to read each link.)
22 Dec 2004 From: Charlene
Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I love your website, it's amazing and beautifully Australian! I'm currently working in China teaching English and I've been asked to give a presentation on Christmas in Australia. Although the Chinese don't celebrate Christmas they're strangely obsessed with the tradition. Knowing that Santa aka The Christmas Father as they call him, enters the house via a chimney they've now become obsessed with the Aussie way of celebrating. So I'm going to use your site heaps. Thanks again.
21 Dec 2004 From: John
'Onya Tom.
Fantastic work .... Congratulations .... just pure pleasure!!
21 Dec 2004 From: Donna
Great web site, I've only touched on a little, when I get the chance, but it's nice to see, something without snow all over it. Especially, considering the heat in Australia at summer. Great job.
20 Dec 2004 From: Tess
What a wonderful site you have!
I live in Bremerton, Washington (State) where my 79 yr old father also lives. He was in the US Navy for many, many years and stopped in Australia many times. On one of those trips he bought a tape (reel to reel) of the Six White Boomers for us, his 5 children. One of our fondest memories was every Christmas eve getting that old player out and listening to that great song and singing along. It got scratchier every year. One year I held my old cassette recorder up to it and got a very, very crude recording but that has been played so much you can barely understand it.
This year I attempted to find a recording on CD but have not been able to find the same version. You see, most have just the song. The one my dad had started with a mans voice telling the story of Santa being up all night, but then this little joey having lost his mommy, so Santa makes another run to help him find her. All us kids used to get so excited like it was the first time we heard the story of them being reunited ("there she is, bounding up and down!!").
I realize this is a long shot but I would like to start this tradition again for all my nephews and nieces. My mom is gone now, my husband and I don't have children and our Christmas Eve is being celebrated here at my house.
Even if I can't make this happen this year, I am going to keep working on finding it. It has to be out there somewhere.

31 December 2004 Second email from:Tess Alan directed me to the download. We did it. Christmas Eve came and I gathered my family around, all 25 of them, and put the song on. Wide eyes and squeals of delight!! Many tears, especially from my dad. I had burned CD's for everyone, a real treasure. It brought back so many sweet memories. I even gave a copy to my very sweet little neighbor girls (8,6,3 yrs old) and it's their newest favorite Christmas song!

I cannot thank you enough. My father and family sends a big thank you also. It was the highlight to this family's Christmas! I hope yours was good also. May God Bless you both for your kindness in the New Year.


17 Dec 2004 From: Tamara
I just wanted to tell you that you have done an amazing job!
I think that we all forget too easily about the true meaning of Christmas...I am 32 years old and have 7 children? I love to tell them about our Christmases as kids and hope that they can appreciate what it means to have the love of family & friends at this time of the year!
Congratulations on your site....its great! Keep up the fantastic work...I've sent the link to all of my friends and family!
Merry Christmas to you and yours. May the New Year bring you your dreams.
12 Dec 2004 From: Margaret
What a lovely site you have prepared, my Mum (83 years) was after the words to the Australian version of the 12 days of Christmas. That's how I found your site. Thanks for a great site.
Dec 10 2004 From: Bridget
You have a great site.

We lived in Adelaide for three years in the 70s. We moved back to the US and lived in San Marcos Texas. My parents still have a painting of the outback they purchased when they took a trip to the outback. They also have a lamb skin next to it. Their most precious memories of the family are of the time we lived in Australia. They were simple and healthy times for our family. My sister often dreamed of going back and working there. She had applied to work at the Olympics but passed away before she had that opportunity.

Since my sister passed away every year my parents have asked for a copy of “The Australian Christmas Carol” that she sang at a school programme at St. Joseph Tranmere in Adelaide. I have found it on your site.

You can not believe what this will mean to my parents. We have piano and organ in the house and I will practice so when they come to dinner Christmas eve, I will play it. I can not thank you enough. this will truly bring joy (and a tear) to their heart. I wish the most merriest of Christmas to you and your family.

Know that you will have truly brought a joy to my parents' life that they have long missed.

PS. The students in my 8th grade science class have been listening and reading the words. They think it is the most beautiful song they have heard. Perhaps they will visit your country in the near future.


Dec 8 2004 From: CG
You are truly a life saver. Your web site is fraught with information that I need to get an excellent grade in Social Studies. I went to many other web sites to find the same lackluster facts and irrelevant information about Australia's Christmas. But as soon as I clicked on your web link it was like gaining access to a different singular world. Relief emitted through my mind as I read through the web pages about recipes, traditions, song, and other wonderful information.
I could just go on and on about how wonderful this web site is.
PS. Your Australian recipes are going to help me get 50 bonus points, which will add up to a grade of 150!!!
Dec 8 2004 From: ayiu
My name is ayiu and I am a student from Hong Kong. Recently I'm writing an article of the school English Corner newspaper, and I'm thinking of writing something about Christmas.
Fortunately, I've searched in the web and found your Christmas site. It amused me so much : ) Your Christmas web-site is so interesting!! It gives me a lot of information about the Christmas in Australia. The information there is so abundant that it exactly suits me for writing the school article.
Thank you very much for providing such an interesting web-site to broaden my eyes, and plz continue to improve the site!! Cheerio : )
Dec 7 2004 From: Louise
Love the web site. It brought back a lot of memories - especially Granny's christmas cake. I am 72 and my Gran was born in 1869. Christmas was a great and busy time when all the extended family got together - oh what fun. Not many presents but great love in the family and all the kids were so happy with what they received. We were a contented bunch, but life was so different then. Some things were good and some not so good. It is much more difficult for our children.
2 Dec 2004 From Elysia, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
I just wanted to tell you that I love your Christmas in Australia site! I'm a preschool teacher for toddlers & two-year-olds, and in our classroom we focus on multiculturalism while we learn about the rest of the world. We're working on our Australia unit right now, and I'm sure the kids are going to love learning Australian Jingle Bells. Thanks for such a great site!
21 Nov 2004 From: Amanda
what a fantastic website! well done! :)
25 Dec 2003 From: Angelique
Merry Xmas, Just wanted to thank you for a great site. I have really enjoyed it!
22 Dec 2003 From: Robin
Congratulations on an interesting and fun site.
23 Dec 2003 From: Gwen
Hello and Congratulations to the designer of this site. I have a large number of overseas friends and every year am continually answering questions re 'An Australian Christmas' and here it is all on one site. This was discovered for me by a friend when I had told her I had heard a typically Australian version of the 12 days of Christmas ( your third one as it happens) at Carols by Candlelight last night, and someone else wanted me try and find the words. I have most certainly saved this for all future reference and once again thank you and have a wonderful Christmas with these good wished coming to you from the very hot (right now !) Gold Coast.. God Bless.
16 Dec 2003 From: Rachel
Hey, I'm actually from Sydney and I'm doing an assignment on how the way Christmas has been celebrated in Australia has changed since 1900. I obviously know what Christmas is like now, but I was wondering if you had, or knew of any place I could find information, about Australian Christmases early last century? Thanks if there is anything! This sight has been really helpful to me and obviously for people all around the world who aren't lucky enough to experience one of our great hot Christmases!
16 Dec 2003 From: David, Queanbeyan, NSW
It has long been tradition in our family, and many other families I have spoken to over the years that one may put up decorations twelve days before Christmas, ie 12th December, and they are taken down 12 days after Christmas, ie 6th January, or Epiphany. This e-mail has probably thrown another spanner into the works, hasn't it! Cheers.
16 Dec 2003 From: Sophie and Paul
Congratulations Tom on an excellent site! Thanks for your efforts. You have given a lot of people a lot of joy, which is more than some can claim in their lifetimes! Good on you mate. Have a wonderful Chrissie and New Year, to you and your family. Cheers.
15 Dec 2003 - What is the date for Christmas in Australia is it June 25.
Answer No 25th December just like the rest of the world.
13 Dec 2003 From: Stewart
When should Christmas Cards arrive at the recipients as I know it takes various times to get there depending if you are sending overseas, interstate or locally. Thanks.
Answer On the basis of my research this year into Christmas Decorations timing I would suggest the answer to your question is "not before the first Monday in Advent and before Christmas Day".
12 Dec 2003 From: John
We sang Christmas in Australia at our Lions Club Christmas do last Tuesday night. That was the first time many had seen it. I got it from your site. However I had seen it at an AVan (caravan) Christmas do a couple of years before, the question in my mind is: Who is the author? Any idea. Happy Christmas and congratulations on your effort.
Answer Most of the items on these pages have been accumulated over several years. I feel that many of the items are a combination of several peoples work thus the final product has just evolved as we see with the three Australian versions of the 12 days of Christmas. It would be nice to acknowledge some of the talent that is displayed. If you find any authors names, please let me know.
11 Dec 2003 From: Melissa
Hi. My name is Melissa Handaja. I am 8 years old. Could you please tell me why we should put a star on top of christmas tree?
Answer - We need to remember that Christmas is in memory of the birth of Jesus. In the story of Jesus three wise men followed a star to his cradle. The star on our tree reminds us of their travelling to his birth place.
10 Dec 2003 From: Jimmy, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
THANK YOU! This is a delightful site, and very informative. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
10 Dec 2003 From: Frank, Forked River, NJ USA
Just went thru your Christmas site. Very enjoyable, informative and an all around good time !! I've passed it on to my daughter ( in university), who will be taking a few semisters "down under" her junior/senior years. Thanks so much for the wonderful experience. Have a Merry Christmas !!!
10 Dec 2003 From: Colin
Nice site, we have gift's under tree, children in the family receive their's by using pillow case's or specially designed Xmas printed plastic bags in the bedroom at end of bed at their home. Then they come to ours & see what's under the tree. Hey, but what does it matter it's the thought that count's. Have a good 1
10 Dec 2003 From: Gus
As a 72er to a 70er I want to say how much I enjoyed your Christmas Down Under web page. It was most interesting and I learned stuff I wasn't aware of. I had talked about some of the items you covered with my Aussie friends, but your coverage was quite complete. But certainly there must be some Ozzie slang that is appropriate for the holidays - it exists for every other imaginable thing.
I had the pleasure of working in Adelaide from May to Oct 2002. So I was able to travel throughout most of SA. It was my seventh visit to Australia. On previous trips, I have been to Sydney (several times), Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Hobart. I have driven from Sydney to Cairns and a circle trip around Tasmania. Also been to Alice and Ayers Rock. My goal is to make a fly-yourself trip around at least the northern Queensland and Northern Territory areas I haven't visited.
As a weather contrast to your 30s, here in Colorado our overnight low so far this winter is -19 and yesterday we had about 9" of snow in the driveway. Keep up the good work and I'll be looking forward to next Christmas's web page. Cheers
7 Dec 2003 From: Evan
Happy Holidays from the states. We’re in Phoenix, Arizona so we don’t get a white Christmas very often either! My oldest son, who is in 1st grade, has an assignment to learn about how people in other countries celebrate Christmas. We found your site via a Google search. Thanks for all the excellent and interesting information. Warm regards and a very merry Christmas to you and yours.
3 Dec 2003 From: Christie I have just visited your website. It’s fabulous. I have been looking for an A4 size Christmas Calendar or rather month of December that I can copy and print out for a friends little girl. She just wants to stick it on her fridge so that her daughter can cross off the days as they go by. Do you know if such a thing exists and if so where I could find it? Regards.
2 Dec 2003 From: Marg
I have been spending too much time on your website, just learning about our great summer Christmas season. Your site is a joy and one I am more than happy to pass on to others. Seasons Greetings to you and you fans.
1 Dec 2003 From: Deana
I am a teacher in Lexington, KY, USA and my 7th grade students have selected to study Australia and how you celebrate Christmas. I was wondering if you have any Christmas folktales, different Christmas stories, or an "Aussie" take on a Christmas story like the songs I have read on this email? Also, is a school where you live in which you could put me in contact so that my student might have a pen pal? Thank you so much for your help! I've really been enjoying your site!
26 Nov 2003 From: Tina
Hi! I am currently visiting websites associated with Christmas and all it's traditions and came across an American web site: Christmas Trivia Halo's to Ho Ho's. This website had much information about different traditions associated with Christmas including The Twelve Days of Christmas. I don't know how accurate it is but I hope it can help.
22 Nov 2003 From: Loretta
Hi, I'm an Australian living in Europe. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about Australian Christmas's. Thank you for your site, it helps keep the memories going.
20 Nov 2003 From Janet, Charmhaven, NSW.
I just found your web site and its wonderful. Very interesting reading and my kids love the aussie 12 days of xmas and jingle bells. Answer to your question about the 12 days of xmas. I just read in a magazine that they start on 25th december and finish 6th january because that was when the wise men reached the baby jesus. It took them 12 days to get there! Thanks and have a Great Christmas and New Year.
17 Nov 2003 From : Eve
Help! I am trying to find a supplier of "Ambrosia Creamed Rice Pudding" for my husband of 7 months, for a stocking filler for Xmas. So far, I have managed to locate Uncle Joe's mint balls, much to his delight! He has lived in Australia for 26 years and salivates at the thought of a steaming bowl of the "Rice pudding of the Gods" . I can find it in Mail order Hampers but have no desire for the remaining contents of the EXPENSIVE hamper!! Love Eve, Aged 48 years and 1 week.
PS. I love your site. It's lovely to see the traditions and magic of Christmas kept alive, I still believe in "You know who" and no matter where I, or my parents are in the world, on Christmas morning, I ring them and yell down the phone....."HE'S BEEN !!!!!
17 Nov 2003 From : Chick
I work at a preschool and was looking for some Australian based activities that the children would appreciate and have an enjoyable time. What a great site. Thank you, love the Australian versions of the Christmas carols.
16 Nov 2003 From : Susan
Hi, thanks for including the chorus of the Aussie Jingle Bells on you site, my sister has been searching for it. The photo and description you have given of a kelpie sounds a lot like a blue heeler.
7 Nov 2003 From : Georgia
I just wanted to say what a fantastic job you have done compiling this site, I found it very enjoyable and informative! Thank you and merry Christmas.
5 November 2003 From : Cristina from California
I really love your site. My son is doing a project for school on "Christmas in Australia" and I was wondering if you where I could purchase some authentic Australian Christmas cards, a Christmas ornament, and maybe some color photos? Any information would be greatly appreciated. His report is due December 16th. Thank you for your time!
Webmaster note : - Sorry I am not into net shopping. I walk down the street and buy my needs. But my latest computer magazine gave these URL's as good shopping sites. https://www.dstore.com.au - https://www.wishlist.com.au - plus https://ww.ebay.com.au can be worth a look. http://www.blackstump.com.au/ in prior years had had e-cards and photos.
5 Nov 2003 From: Kylie
Hi. We live in the Northern Territory and have had many a Christmas interrupted by storms, rain and loss of power thanks to the wet season. We try and stick to a Christmas dinner on the BBQ. Generally this includes Barra, steak, and some spuds. Followed by Pavlova and beer.
4 November 2003   From: Erick
I just found your web site, and saw the comment on when to take down Christmas Decorations, but my question is: When is the normal time to put UP the decorations and lights? I agree that 6th January sounds right to take them down. Thanks
29 October 2003   From: Susan
Firstly, I love your page. I've been telling friends in Canada and the US about Australian Christmas celebrations, so it's nice to have a link I can send their way.
Now, about your holly question. I am 30 now, but when I was a kid we used to make wreaths at school, and there was never any holly available (at least not in Brisbane), so we used climbing ivy, which was to be found in abundance on most back yard fences. We also used ferns of all types as greenery for the wreath, poinsettia flowers instead of mistletoe, and little red berries, but I can't remember what they were called. We also collected Christmas Beetles by the hundreds, and hung a homemade christmas pudding (which Dad made in June or July) from the eaves over the back stairs, so it was allowed to "mature" in the weather. And we'd go swimming on Christmas morning before going to the family celebrations.
I grew up with a chimney, and was always told that was how Santa got our presents to my sister and I, and why we weren't allowed to put the tree right in front of the chimney, in case Santa fell over it. We put a glass of milk and bickies out for Santa too, and we'd wake our parents up at 5am so we could open our presents. We did and still do the present giving one at a time. As I am the youngest, I get to give out the presents I made, and the ones my parents have for us, but my sister gives her own presents out these days.
It was also a tradition in my family that the youngest child got to put the angel on top of the tree because I was too small to decorate the tree (which is plastic). We would sing christmas carols as we decorated the tree with mum.
Here's a couple of questions/polls you might want to think about too:
1. what's more common for the top of the christmas tree - an angel or a star?
2. what time do children get their parents up on christmas morning? (you know it happens, I'm sure.......)
Another thing that is popular here in Brisbane at Christmas is driving around on Christmas Eve to see the christmas lights on all the houses. It ends up on local TV every year.
A New Years Eve tradition in Brisbane is the coming in of the ships. They sail into the Harbour and blow their ships horns and bells right on new years eve. Often it sounds like a fog horn. We always reciprocated with blowing our silver whistle and yahooing and calling out Happy New Year. Hope this is of use to you. Cheers.
9 Sept. 2003 From: Zoe
Hi, I was just wondering whether real holly is available in Australia at Christmas time? Many thanks.   "Editors note. I need assistance on this question. Can anyone help ?"
It is just that I am going to spend my first Christmas in Australia and I normally make a holly wreath for the door, but I guess I can make one out of synthetic holly. Thank you for your help, and merry Christmas in advance.
30 Aug 2003 From: Eve
I will be spending my second Christmas in Australia this year after emigrating from England last November. I found Australian Christmas strange at first, I'm not used to wearing shorts on Christmas Day! But I'm really looking forward to it this year. I found your site while looking for pictures of Santa in Australia to create our own personalised Cards for the family back in England. I have spent around an hour on your site and have had a broad smile on my face for the whole time! I love the Santa application form! I'm going to send that to some of the children I know, as well as filling in my own application! Thanks for a great site.
Love Eve (aged Forty-seven and three quarters).
27 Aug. 2003 From: Karen
Hello, I have just visited your site and wanted to say how much I like it. I think it is an excellent idea as I feel personally we are losing our Australian Identity and yes there is not enough done about OUR way of Christmas. May I wish you many many more to come and fantastic site once again!!
1 Mar 2003 From: Sue
It was a pleasure to read your piece on Australian Christmas. When I was a kid living in Melbourne a long time ago, we also put our pillow cases at the end of the bed. It was a joy to hear about what I am missing. I wish you many more Christmases. Thanks for taking the time to fill others in. It's time I came back to visit. I now live in California, have been for the last 30 years. I met my husband in Germany, he was in the service. He is now out of the regular army and has a civilian job and is in the National Guard. We come back every two or three years to Aust. for Christmas. All my family (except my parents) live in Melb. suburbs.
30 Dec 2002 From: Megan
Just a quick query - is there an official tree/decoration taking down day in Australia? We want to know asap if possible. Thanks a lot.     Webmaster 30 Dec 2002 - Visitors your understanding of this date for Australia or other countries would be appreciated. - March 2003 - My granddaughter tells me it is the twelfth day of Christmas, which is January 6th. November 2003 : - More information at the Christmas Decorations page.
24 Dec 2002 From Frances:
I have several overseas Pen Pals, so those that have a computer, I am going to refer to the site re Christmas in Australia, as they find it very difficult to comprehend a summer Christmas.
24 Dec 2002 From: Belinda
THANK-YOU for a great "aussie" site. I have sent the address world-wide, and hope everyone else enjoys it. I'm glad that Father Christmas hasn't been quite killed off by "Santa", also glad those 6 white boomers are still bounding across the sky!! Merry Christmas all!!
23 Dec 2002 From: Deanna
My family lives in Florida USA. I hate to admit it but The Wiggles inspired us to look up Christmas in Australia. We in Florida get a little tired of all the depictions of Santa in the snow. It is nice to see him in a warm climate like ours! Your site is great!
22 Dec 2002 From: Pat
Hi Tom - love you Aussie jingle bells. Avagoodchrissiemate!
22 Dec 2002 From: Julia
Hi, great site - I have sent it to a school in the USA so that they can have a look at Christmas here.
20 Dec 2002 From: Jessita
Hi from British Columbia, Canada,
I would like to know if the kids in Australia write to Santa Claus in the North Pole or the South Pole? What is the address for Santa where you are? Thank you. I am a 7 yr old girl who would like to know. Merry HO HO HO and Best Wishes to ALL !
P.S. Are you an Elf?   How do you know so much?   Are you Santa's best friend or what?       BACK
19 Dec 2002 From: Judi
You have such a wonderful site. I would like to include a link and a pic from your site in a newsletter and on the website we are doing, if that is OK. Many people want to know how Xmas is celebrated in Oz. Your very informative and fun site has all the info.
From the Webmaster - Please feel free to use any of the site.
18 Dec 2002 From: Shirley
My son came home this evening from work and gave me the above url and was singing the praises of same. I have since had a look and think it is just wonderful. I will be able to spend many hours perusing this and I am sure they will all be happy ones.
Already I have sent the address of the website to friends in Ohio and Chicago and I know that they will be suitably impressed as I am. The purpose of my writing is to congratulate you on the wonderful work you have made available to the world and opened up much information on Australian Christmases. Please accept my sincere congratulations and I wish you and yours a peaceful and blessed Christmas Season.
I have already seen 78 Christmas days in Australia and I just love the place. Thankfully I have a computer which I have taught myself to use and even though I am no expert, as you are, I do manage to do my family research on same and find it can be both informative and enjoyable. I came from a family of ten and my grandparents came to Australia in 1862 and my mum was the youngest of eight so her parents were dead long before I was born but she used to talk to us and I do remember a lot of her family from when I was young.
Best wishes and again many thanks.
18 Dec 2002 From: Christine
Hi - great aussie christmas site thanks!
18 Dec 2002 From: Amanda
I have totally enjoyed flicking through your web site this morning. I was looking for Local Carols By Candlelight that might be on this weekend in Sydney (other than at the domain). I really should get back to work, but I will save it to look at it again later. It is obvious that you have put lot of work (and Christmas Spirit) into it.
9 Dec 2002 From: Cliff, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
We used your website to do a project for school. Thank you for taking the time to create it. My son Elliott (11 years old) wanted to thank you for the help with his Holidays Around the World project.
10 Dec 2002 From: Lauren
Loved your site and sent a copy of some things to my 10 y.o. who still keeps the christmas magic in our family. I was actually looking for a christmas carol I learnt in primary school, perhaps you can help. I can't tell you the tune but if you close your eyes it might come to you.
Santa Clause comes riding,
Hopping on his kangaroo
Filling all the air with muu...uuu.sic
Playing on his didgeridoooooooo
playing on his didgerido.
Then I forget the rest. If you can help I'd appreciate it, however I do remember some one in class saying their dad wrote it so it may never have come to anything. Cheers & happy Christmas.
8 Dec 2002 From: Wendy
I am an Australian in Canada, temporarily, and this week I am going to be talking to school children about Christmas Traditions in Australia and your site has been a great resource, reminding me of many little things like stamps and how presents are given etc. The thing that was really helpful to me was links to Christmas song sites. I now have the words to Six White Boomers and an Aussie Jingle Bells. Thank so much for putting in the time to produce such a great site.
One thing I would like to see on the site is a link to a site on Christmas recipes in the Christmas meal section, such as the Koala site. Thanks to the Koala site I now have a recipe for pavlova & White Christmas, both part of Christmas fare in our family.
The other comment I would like to make about the translation of the Aussie Christmas carol concerns the Ute. I agree that the pickup is the closest vehicle to the Ute, but living in Southern Alberta, seemingly the Pickup capital of the world, I am very aware of the difference between the pickup and the Ute when stopped behind or beside one at a traffic light, they are massive vehicles more the size of our four wheel drives. So perhaps you could add to your great translation of the song that the Ute is similar in size to a car. Thanks once again for a great site and will certainly recommend it to my Canadian teacher friends for teaching their kids about an Aussie Christmas. Thanks again,
4 Dec 2002 From: Tammy
I am a second grade teacher in Texas. We are studying Christmas around the World. My country is Australia. My question is: Are the carols sung in Australia different and can I get a copy of some of the more common carols sung? Please let me know. I have about a week to prepare my lesson. I also need some sort of little craft to prepare for the class to make. Thanks.
From the webmaster see The Three Drovers - A carol from Australia and
An Australian version of Jingle Bells plus translation to English
4 Dec 2002 From: Dorte
I thought I would let you know that I find your site very interesting and useful. I teach English to 6th. graders, and at the moment our theme is "Christmas in Australia". Merry Christmas to you, or as we say in Denmark: glaedelig jul!
27 Nov 2002 From: Lucie
I've just come across your very interesting website on Christmas in Australia. I'm currently putting together a feature for the BBC's news website News Online looking at how Christmas is celebrated in a variety of different countries. I'd very much like to include Australia and I wondered if you might be able to help. I was wondering whether you might be able to write me just a few paragraphs summing up the Australian Christmas experience - the food, the celebrations, where people traditionally go etc. Would you be able to do this in about 200 words? I know it's a tough assignment but I'd be really grateful if you could help, I hope to hear from you soon.
27 Nov 2002 From: Marie
I am a Girl Guide Leader for youths here in Ontario, Canada. This Christmas we are studying Christmas around the world, and my group was lucky enough to choose Australia. We have studied the resources found on the internet, (including your site) and I was wondering if I could bother you with some questions.
We are going to sing the Aussie version of Jingle Bells and I would like to tell the girls what some of the words mean. Do you have a minute to reply?
1) Dashing through the bush in a rusty Holden ute (what is a Holden ute?) What is the correct pronunciation?
2) Kicking up the dust, Esky in the boot (what is Esky?)
3) Kelpie by my side, singing Christmas songs (what is Kelpie?)
4) The swaggie climbs aboard, he is welcome too... (what is a swaggie?)
5) And pack the car and all shoot through Before the washing up. Oh! (What exactly does this line refer to?)
Thank you very much for your time. We really appreciate it.
P.S. Does Santa really wear a bathing suit? If not, what is his normal attire?
From the answers see The Australian version of Jingle Bells
16 Nov 2002 From: Jan, Texas
I hope you don't mind my asking, but I have been doing research for a school project that compares how Christmas is advertised in different parts of the world. I chose to investigate Australia, however I am having some trouble. Your site is really neat and lots of info I can use about how Christmas is celebrated, but our task is to find out how it is advertised compared to the USA. Do they begin Christmas advertising early in stores? Do they use TV, radio, newspapers, billboards, etc like in the United States. Are there any unique ways to advertise that are special in Australia? I live in Texas, but have often thought it would be neat to visit Australia. Thanks for your help very much!       The webmaster's answer
29 Jul 2002 From: Taimloyd, Illinois, U.S.A., Earth
I liked your christmas site. It is amazingly hoopy and altogether complete. I thought Santa had a way of Teleporting into places that do not have chimneys or that the chimneys are sealed. That was a way of explaining how he got in. I think he also uses Time Travel to make deliveries.
June 29th, 2002 From: Paula
Loved your site... and the e-cards on the blackstump site.
6 Jan 2002 From: Kristin
My name is Kristin and I am in the second grade in New York. I am doing a project on Christmas in Australia. I was wondering if there is a special way that Australians say Merry Christmas?
9 Jan 2002 From: Kristin
I never heard of that! I will write that in my school project. I can't wait to tell my teacher! Thank you and your wife for helping me.
27 Dec 2001 From: Sandra
A friend of mine sent your website to me because I am writing a book called "All About Christmas". It gives interesting facts on Christ's birth and It explains how the American Christmas traditions developed. I thought it would be interesting to mention how Christmas is celebrated in other Countries. I wrote to your embassy in Washington D.C. They sent me some information, but not as much as you have. I would like to know if I can use some of this information in my book. Naturally, I will give you and your Website full credit for anything I use.
24 Dec 2001 From: Craig & Melinda,
Tucson, AZ USA
Merry Christmas to you! We enjoyed your site. Happy Holidays to you and your family!!
26 Dec 2001 From: Ray
Well Done! I Live in Brisbane, and perused your site. I think that it provides a good example of us in Aus.
24 Dec 2001 From: Paul & Gail
Hi, just a short one to congratulate you on a truly excellent site. I live on the Sunshine coast in Queensland. I have many internet friends in the northern hemisphere who frequently ask questions all of which are well covered here. This is definitely a keeper.
Footnote: I am totally blind and the accessibility of your website is unquestionably the best I have seen from a private site not specifically dedicated to access. We will be back. Cheers!
20 Dec 2001 From: American Montessori Consulting
Your Site Was Selected for Inclusion in Our AMC Montessori Educational Newsletter. Your site is featured in Part II. Thank you for contributing such a wonderful site. Your site has been reviewed and appears at http://www.amonco.org/2fall_winter2001.html. For the past three months thousands of parents and teachers have read our newsletter online. Scroll down until you see *Christmas Around the World* Lesson Planning to see your review. Happy Holidays!
21 Dec 2001 From: Gavin
A big "HELLO !" from TURKEY...I am living on the Gallipoli Peninsula, only 15 kms away from Anzac Cove and Lone Pine. By chance I've been aware of your site and really amazed by its loveliness, especially as being a Moslem that Christmas doesn't mean anything, thus never celebrate it, but do celebrate New Year's Eve, always in cold and sometimes "white". I can not imagine what it looks like to celebrate New Year in 40 degrees summer. Hopefully one day I can find a chance to visit your beautiful country and taste that different zest.
20 Dec 2001 From: Preston - Age 7
Why is the candle light ceremony only in Australia? Why hasn't it spread to other Country's?
20 Dec 2001 From: Carol
I was actually looking at different Christmas sites tonight so that I could get the URL to a good Christmas in Australia site for my overseas buddies - by the way, yours is fantastic.
19 Dec 2001 From: Allen
I read with interest your web sight of Christmas in Australia. I have found it all very interesting and well set out . Many thanks. We are at St. Ives near Cambridge, some sixty miles north of London. We have one question in a quiz that we can not find the answer too. Can you help? What date was Christmas First celebrated in Australia? If you can give us the answer we will have a pint of beer in your name!!
19 Dec 2001 From: Margaret
Thank you so much for your site - I included a link to it on my virtual Christmas Card in 1999, and last year, and shall do the same again this year. There were a couple of other sites that were really good, but things change rapidly on the Internet, Virtual Australia has gone all commercial and crashes level 3 browsers, while ozkids, which had wav. files of some of our own Oz Christmas Carols, seems to have disappeared. So it's heartening to have your site not only still there, but better than ever, and still easily loaded by dinosaurs like me! (It's worse just now, because my monitor packed up, and I'm temporarily using an old VGA monitor which will only let me have 640 x 480 resolution!!)
18 Dec 2001 From: R.A.
I would like to see e-cards added to your web site just a suggestion
17 Dec 2001 From: Judy
Greetings from America and specifically from Louisiana! I enjoyed reading your website about Christmas in Australia and decided to write in hopes you could help us. Our boss is from Australia (Adelaide) and we were thinking about making her a Christmas wreath decorated with items that most typify your country. Could you tell us if Christmas in Australia includes door wreaths and if so what items can typically be found in the wreath. Thanks for your help.
18 Dec 2001 From: Judy
Thanks, Tom, for writing back so promptly. Yes, wreaths are very much a Christmas tradition in America and especially so in Louisiana. This is likely because we have so many trees that stay green all year long. As a result, many homes have a door wreaths all year long, changing out the decorations on it to reflect the season; e.g., Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, etc. We thought of making her a wreath that communicated instantly that the owner is an Aussie. She would like that.
17 Dec 2001 From: Chris
Thanks for your wonderful site. We relocated to the US 5 months ago and my 6 yr old son's teacher asked me to give them some info on our Xmas traditions. Your site has cut down on the time I will have to spend describing it all to the kids. They will all be able to look at this at their leisure after my talk. Thanks heaps, I'm homesick now!
16 Dec 2001 From: bianca
thank you very much for your great web-site. my daughter and myself found lots of good facts about christmas in australia. this was for her school homework. she is 8 years old and very great full. thank you...bianca.hr />
10 Dec 2001 From: Sue
I received a link to your site from an internet chat friend in Florida USA. It is a great site. Well done and thank you!
11 Dec 2001 From: Wayne
I'm just writing to let you know how impressive your website is--by far the most thorough and informative I've seen while helping my son with a school project. I was helping him download some info. on how Christmas is celebrated in various countries throughout the world, and was AMAZED at the amount of information on your website-- the others do not compare at all. I just wanted to let you know that we appreciate all the work that must have gone into creating the site. Bravo!
9 Dec 2001 From: Marc
I am a Frenchman living in Normandy... My wife asked me about Christmas practices in Australia where it is summertime in December. Thanks to the magic of Internet, I found all explanations she needed in your Website which is very interesting. Thanks again and merry Christmas to you and your family.
9 Dec 2001 From: "BAAT Gang"
Hi, Love your website! I am a Scout leader for a group of Beavers (ages 5-7) in Ottawa, Canada. We're holding a "Christmas in Australia" evening this week and your site has given me a few ideas e.g., Carols by Candlelight is a good lead-in to a Christmas sign-song. Although not very Christmassy, we will try and make "Christmas boomerangs" made out of cereal box cardboard (try this site, www.chez.com/amiel/boom/cereal.html) The Christmas part will just be sticker decoration and colouring. Thanks,
6 Dec 2001 From: Jo
Hi there, I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed visiting your website. This will be my 10th Christmas in Australia, so it's interesting to discover the stories behind the traditions here. I also thought that your articles were really well written. Keep up the great work!
27 Nov 2001 From: Philip
G'day Tom. I've enjoyed investigating your website. I've copied and pasted many of the interesting text documents you've collected or written an here and now, thank you. I'm writing for your permission to send these text documents to people as an inclusion in my Christmas letter. A couple of times I've mentioned "text' there's a reason, I'm blind. When I read what you've written, the prose often reminds me of my child-hood and the many wanderings through the Blue mountains, for when I was a child, I could see.
25 Nov 2001 From: Angela
Greetings from Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A.
My daughter Grace, who is in 2nd Grade, had to choose a country to learn about their Christmas season celebrations. We've visited your beautiful country and have friends there so I think she was naturally drawn to choose it. I wasn't sure what info we would find other than emailing friends for background. But our search on Google turned up your great site. Perfect for our needs. If we have additional questions or follow-up, we'll email you. Thanks for creating a great resource for those of us who love Christmas and love "Oz". By the way, no sign of a White Christmas here in the D.C. area. It's still quite balmy, and we're considering barbecuing for Christmas too!
06 Dec 2001 From: Angela
We are still working on a report on Australian Christmas celebrations for Grace's 2nd Grade class. So, where do Australians put their Christmas presents? Under a tree? If so, what kind? I understand from a friend that folks don't hang up stockings, but rather use pillow cases. Is that true? And how is Santa related to Father Christmas? We love the song "Six White Boomers" and are planning to teach it to Grace's classmates. Plus, we're serving Coconut Ice. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ....
18 Dec 2001
From: Angela
Grace did teach her classmates "Six White Boomers", which we found a clip from on one of your links. Also, she brought in a swimsuit, towel, goggles, candle with holder and a kangaroo for visual aids. Her report was a definite breath of fresh air from all the northern hemisphere Christmas traditions!
4 Dec 2001 From: Clare
Hi, some of your links to Christmas sites are not active anymore.
8 Sep 2001 From: Lew
Thanks for your page, It has saved me lots of work to send to Belgium, and I am sure they will appreciate the vast amount of work which you put in to make the information useful and enjoyable. Congratulations on it, thanks very much.
T O P