Leslie Massey
Christmas in Australia is a joyous occasion, with many families gathering for a Christmas Day lunch. While Australians adopt many traditional Christmas symbols featuring winter iconography, the summer season has led to the development of unique local traditions. The Christmas tree is a central element of Christmas decorations, with Australians typically using traditional conifer trees or opting for native alternatives such as the Nuytsia floribunda, a member of the mistletoe family. Decorations range from classic winter themes to Australian-themed ornaments, reflecting the diverse cultural influences in the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christmas tree type | Traditional conifer trees, Norfolk Pine, Wollemi Pine, Callitris pine, Nuytsia floribunda (Australian Christmas tree), or any potted plant |
| Decorations | Strings of lights, tinsel, Australian native flowers and boughs, Australian-themed ornaments, Disney-themed ornaments, angels, stars |
| Timing | Decorations appear in stores and on streets starting in November and are commonplace by early December |
| Location | Businesses, residential houses, shopping centres, caravan parks, farms |
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What You'll Learn
Using native flora
One option is to use native conifers such as callitris, Wollemi, or kauri pine. The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis), in particular, has a classic pine shape with dark green foliage and is perfect for the Australian climate. It can be used as a potted Christmas tree before it grows too big. Another native conifer option is the Norfolk Pine tree.
The Albany Wooly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus) is a popular live native Christmas tree species with soft, hairy leaves and red flowers. Branches of Eucalyptus and wattle are also used to create trees and wreaths.
For those who want to bring the outdoors inside, any potted plant can be decorated festively. The South Australian and Tasmanian Christmas bush (Bursaria), for example, has prickles that can be a bonus for keeping decorations in place. The NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) is another well-known native bush with masses of bright red flowers.
For table decorations, the bottlebrush is a great option. The Scarlet bottlebrush (Callistemon rugulosus) and Flinders Ranges bottlebrush (Callistemon teretifolius) are both native to South Australia and make excellent potted gifts. Holly Grevillea, also known as native holly, is perfect for wreaths and table decorations, growing well from seed to become a small bush of up to 1.5 meters tall.
For a scented centrepiece, Hunter Candles offers a blend of Blue Gum, Lemon Myrtle, and Wattle fragrance in a hand-poured soy wax candle, inspired by the Australian bush.
Australian native flora is also celebrated by artisans in their work. Perth jewellery artist Robin Wells creates delicate items inspired by Australia's natural flora. WA artist Philippa Nikulinsky's Christmas range includes festive floral illustrations of Banksia, Kangaroo Paw, Hakea, and the WA Christmas Tree.
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Aussie-themed ornaments
Christmas in Australia is an interesting mix of traditional winter iconography and summer-themed local traditions. While the traditional Christmas tree is central to Christmas decorations, Aussies like to add their own unique touch with Aussie-themed ornaments.
One popular way to add a touch of Australia to your Christmas tree is by incorporating native wildlife into your decorations. Koala and platypus ornaments are a fun and cute way to represent Australia's unique fauna. You could also look for ornaments featuring other iconic Australian animals, such as kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, or even crocodiles!
Another idea is to embrace the summer season with beach-themed ornaments. This could include mini surfboards, beach umbrellas, or even Santa in board shorts! You could also use seashells, starfish, or other coastal-themed decorations to give your tree a true Aussie beach vibe.
For those who love their sports, there are plenty of Aussie-themed sports ornaments to choose from. From cricket bats and balls to footballs and tennis racquets, you can pay tribute to Australia's love of sport while still celebrating the festive season.
Food is a big part of Christmas in Australia, and there are plenty of Aussie-themed ornaments to reflect this. From prawns and oysters to pavlova and fresh berries, you can find miniature versions of these delicious treats to hang on your tree. Don't forget the candy canes for the children's table too!
By incorporating these Aussie-themed ornaments into their Christmas trees, Australians can celebrate the unique aspects of the festive season in the Southern Hemisphere while still enjoying the traditional aspects of Christmas.
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Choosing the tree
Christmas in Australia is a unique affair, with the country's hot summer season leading to the development of local traditions. While traditional winter iconography like snowmen and reindeer remain popular, many Australians are embracing the local flora and climate when choosing their Christmas tree.
The Australian Christmas tree, or the Nuytsia floribunda, is a member of the mistletoe family and is native to Western Australia. It has a classic pine shape with dark green foliage and grows well in low rainfall and rocky soil. This tree is significant to the Noongar people, who consider it a sacred place for the spirits of the newly dead. While it may not be the best choice for decorating and placing presents under due to its parasitic nature, it is an excellent option for those looking to embrace Australia's unique flora.
For those wanting a more traditional tree, Christmas tree farms have popped up across Australia, producing conifer trees for the live-cut Christmas tree market. The Albany Wooly Bush Adenanthos sericeus is a popular live native Christmas tree species, and branches of Eucalyptus and wattle are used to create trees and wreaths.
If you're looking to grow your own tree, the Callitris pine, native to South Australia, is a great option. Sow seeds in plain sand or a sterile seed-raising mix, as bacteria and fungi in soil can rot seeds before they germinate. Keep them in a cool, shaded position and protect them from snails.
For those who want to break with tradition, any potted plant can be brought inside and decorated festively. Some people opt for plastic trees, which are easy to set up and take down, and can even come with built-in lights.
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Lights and tinsel
In Australia, Christmas decorations begin to appear in stores and on streets starting in November and are commonplace by early December. Many homeowners decorate the exterior of their houses with Christmas lights and displays, which can range from modest to elaborate. Some local councils hold street light competitions, and maps are regularly posted highlighting the best street light displays. It is common for families to drive around in the evening to look at the lights, or to walk through residential streets to see front yard displays.
Christmas lights are also used to decorate Christmas trees, both real and artificial. Some people opt for pre-lit artificial trees, while others decorate their trees with strings of lights.
Tinsel is another popular decoration for Christmas trees in Australia. Tinsel is typically made from thin, colourful strips of plastic or metal foil, and is used to add sparkle and colour to Christmas trees. It can be draped over the branches of the tree, or used to create a festive garland.
In addition to lights and tinsel, Australians may also decorate their Christmas trees with ornaments, such as Australian-themed decorations or Disney-themed characters.
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Gift-wrapping themes
Christmas in Australia is a joyous occasion, with gift-wrapping being an essential part of the festive season. Here are some popular gift-wrapping themes to consider:
- Traditional Themes: Many Australians opt for traditional gift-wrapping themes, featuring classic colours such as red, green, and gold. These colours are often seen in wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags. Traditional themes may also include iconic symbols such as snowflakes, reindeer, and snowmen, despite the warm Australian climate.
- Australian Native Flora: With a unique and diverse flora, Australia offers a range of native plants that can be incorporated into gift-wrapping themes. This may include using wrapping paper with prints of Australian wildflowers, eucalyptus leaves, or wattle branches. It is a way to celebrate the beauty of the country's natural environment.
- Australian Animals: Another popular theme is focusing on Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras. Wrapping paper, gift cards, and tags can feature cute illustrations or photographs of these iconic creatures. This theme is especially fun for children, teaching them about the country's fascinating wildlife.
- Beach and Summer Themes: Given that Christmas in Australia falls during the summer season, some people choose to embrace the warm weather with beach-themed gift-wrapping. This might include wrapping presents in bright, sunny colours like yellow, orange, and blue, reminiscent of the beach and ocean. Shells, starfish, and other seaside motifs can also be used as decorations or embellishments on gifts.
- Popular Culture References: For a more light-hearted approach, some Australians choose to incorporate their favourite pop culture references into their gift-wrapping. This could mean using wrapping paper printed with characters from movies, TV shows, or comic books. For example, Disney-themed wrapping paper featuring Mickey Mouse or Star Wars-themed paper with lightsabers and spaceships.
- Colour-Coordinated Themes: Some people prefer a more elegant and sophisticated approach to gift-wrapping, opting for a cohesive colour scheme. This might involve choosing two or three complementary colours and using them for all the gifts. For example, using wrapping paper, ribbons, and tags in shades of navy blue, silver, and white can create a stylish and modern look under the Christmas tree.
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Frequently asked questions
Australians decorate traditional conifer trees, but some also use native Australian trees such as the Nuytsia floribunda, Callitris pine, Norfolk Pine tree, or Wollemi Pine.
Australians use standard Christmas tree decorations such as strings of lights and tinsel. Some people also use Australian-themed ornaments, such as kangaroos.
Decorations start appearing in stores and on streets in November and are commonplace by early December.
Yes, it is common for Australians to put presents under the Christmas tree or in stockings or sacks hung by the fireplace.
