Omari Gates
Christmas cards in Australia have evolved over the years, reflecting the country's unique festive season, which falls during the summer months. While traditional European-style cards with snowy scenes and winter themes are available, there is a growing market for cards that capture the Australian Christmas experience. These cards often feature iconic Australian elements such as koalas, kangaroos, and other native wildlife, sometimes with a festive twist, like koalas wearing Santa hats or kangaroos carrying Christmas trees. The Australian Christmas cards also showcase picnics in the bush, seaside views, and even a Santa in swimwear or flip flops, reflecting the warm weather and outdoor activities associated with the season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common themes | Seaside views, picnics in the bush, unique Australian flora and fauna, koalas wearing Santa hats, kangaroos with Christmas hats, Santa in swimwear or flip flops, Santa at a BBQ |
| Custom cards | Not common, generic cards are more popular |
| Cost of postage | $3 per card to mail to the US |
| Age group | Older people are more likely to send and receive Christmas cards |
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What You'll Learn
- Christmas cards in Australia often feature native wildlife, like koalas and kangaroos
- Cards with winter scenes are less common, as Christmas falls during the Australian summer
- Generic cards are more popular than custom cards, sometimes with a printed family newsletter inside
- The cost of postage is a factor in sending Christmas cards overseas
- Christmas e-cards and social media greetings are common, but physical cards are still appreciated
Christmas cards in Australia often feature native wildlife, like koalas and kangaroos
Christmas cards in Australia often showcase the country's unique flora and fauna, with koalas and kangaroos being popular choices. The use of native wildlife in Christmas cards is a distinct feature of Australian festive greetings, reflecting the country's diverse and rich natural environment.
The first Christmas cards produced in Australia emerged in the late 1800s, marking a shift from the imported wintry scenes of snow and sleigh rides that were not representative of the Australian Christmas experience. Artists like Helena Forde, a renowned NSW artist and natural history illustrator, played a pivotal role in shaping the early designs of Australian Christmas cards. Forde's paintings of wildflowers inspired a set of twelve intricately detailed cards created by her sister, Harriet Scott, which were advertised in the Sydney Mail in 1879.
Since then, Australian Christmas cards have embraced a variety of motifs. While traditional European winter scenes with snow, holly, and robins are still prevalent, cards featuring Australian wildlife have become increasingly popular. Koalas donning Santa hats, kangaroos carrying Christmas trees, and even Santa embracing the summer with swimwear or flip flops are common sights on Australian Christmas cards.
The inclusion of native wildlife, such as koalas and kangaroos, adds a touch of local flavour to the festive season. These iconic Australian animals symbolise the country's natural beauty and unique character, providing a refreshing twist to the traditional Christmas card designs. The lighthearted and whimsical nature of these cards captures the joy and cheer of the holiday season, often with a dash of Australian humour.
Beyond koalas and kangaroos, Australian Christmas cards may also depict other native wildlife, such as cockatoos, kookaburras, or even unique Australian flora like Christmas bush. These cards are not only sent within Australia but are especially cherished by those living overseas, offering a glimpse of home during the festive season. The exchange of Christmas cards, whether generic or custom-made, remains a heartwarming tradition in Australia, connecting loved ones near and far.
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Cards with winter scenes are less common, as Christmas falls during the Australian summer
Christmas in Australia falls during the summer. The first Christmas cards in Australia were commercial cards shipped from England, featuring wintry scenes of snow and sleigh rides. These images hardly captured the essence of an Australian Christmas. As a result, the first Christmas cards produced in Australia in the late 1800s were based on paintings of wildflowers by NSW artist Helena Forde (nee Scott).
Commercial art publishers recognised the need for uniquely Australian festive greeting cards. In 1881, John Sands held a Christmas Card Competition in Sydney, inviting the public to submit their art for a new range of cards. Since then, Australian Christmas cards have depicted picnics in the bush, seaside views, and unique Australian flora and fauna. These cards are often sent to loved ones overseas.
While wintery scenes are still available on Christmas cards in Australia, they are less common. Cards with Australian themes, such as koalas wearing Santa hats, kangaroos with Christmas hats, and Santa in swimwear or flip flops, are more popular. These cards reflect the lighthearted and festive nature of an Australian Christmas, where the holiday season coincides with summer vacations.
The tradition of sending physical Christmas cards is also changing with the advent of e-cards and social media. However, receiving a thoughtfully chosen, handwritten card in the mail is still considered special by many Australians.
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Generic cards are more popular than custom cards, sometimes with a printed family newsletter inside
Christmas cards in Australia have traditionally featured wintery scenes with snow and holly, similar to those in Europe. However, given that Christmas falls during the summer in Australia, there is also a market for 'Australiana' cards that feature Australian flora and fauna. These cards may depict koalas wearing Santa hats, kangaroos with Christmas hats on, or Santa in swimwear, at the beach, or carrying an esky (ice box).
While the tradition of sending Christmas cards is still alive in Australia, it is not common for Australians to have custom cards printed. Instead, they opt for generic cards, sometimes with a printed "family newsletter" inside. The cost of postage is one reason why Australians may not send Christmas cards as often as people in other countries. It can cost at least $3 per card to mail a Christmas card from Australia to the US, for example.
With the rise of social media, sending Christmas greetings via e-cards or social media platforms has become more common. However, some Australians still appreciate receiving a thoughtfully chosen, handwritten card.
The first Christmas cards produced in Australia emerged in the late 1800s. Commercial cards shipped from England featuring wintry scenes did not capture the essence of an Australian Christmas. The very first Australian Christmas cards were based on paintings of wildflowers by NSW artist Helena Forde (nee Scott) and her sister, Harriet Scott, a talented illustrator. In 1881, John Sands held its first Christmas Card Competition in Sydney, inviting the public to submit their art for a new range of cards.
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The cost of postage is a factor in sending Christmas cards overseas
Sending Christmas cards is a thoughtful way to connect with friends and family during the festive season, especially if they live overseas. However, the cost of postage is a significant factor to consider when planning to send Christmas cards internationally from Australia.
The cost of postage for sending Christmas cards overseas from Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the destination country, the size and weight of the card, and the chosen delivery service. For example, sending a Christmas card from Australia to the United States can cost around $3 per card, as some people have experienced.
To optimise costs, it is essential to adhere to the size and weight guidelines provided by the postal service. Cards that exceed the specified maximum dimensions will be considered parcels, resulting in higher postage rates. Additionally, sending cards early can help avoid potential delays and ensure timely delivery, especially during the busy holiday season.
While the cost of postage is a factor, it is worth noting that the tradition of sending Christmas cards may be less common among younger generations due to the convenience of electronic communication. However, receiving a physical card can still bring joy and appreciation to the recipient, making the expense worthwhile for some.
Overall, while the cost of postage is a consideration when sending Christmas cards overseas from Australia, it should not deter individuals from spreading festive cheer to their loved ones during the holiday season.
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Christmas e-cards and social media greetings are common, but physical cards are still appreciated
Christmas in Australia falls during the summer. This means that the traditional wintery scenes of Christmas cards from Europe and North America—snow, sleigh rides, and robins nestled in holly bushes—do not capture the essence of an Australian Christmas. The first Christmas cards produced in Australia in the late 1800s were based on paintings of wildflowers by NSW artist Helena Forde (nee Scott). Today, Christmas e-cards and social media greetings are common in Australia, but physical cards are still appreciated.
Sending Christmas cards is a tradition in Australia, but it is not as common as it may be in other parts of the world. The cost of postage is often cited as a reason for not sending physical cards, especially when sending cards overseas, as it can be expensive to mail items from Australia. Additionally, with the rise of social media, it has become less common to send physical cards with a "family newsletter" inside.
However, receiving a thoughtfully chosen, handwritten card is still considered special by many Australians. Cards with Australian themes, such as koalas wearing Santa hats, kangaroos with Christmas hats, and Santa in swimwear or at a BBQ, are popular. These cards are often sent to loved ones overseas, as they capture the unique nature of an Australian Christmas.
While Christmas e-cards and social media greetings are convenient and widely used, they may not have the same level of thoughtfulness and sentiment as a physical card. For those who want to send Christmas greetings to their loved ones in Australia, a physical card with an Australian theme is likely to be well-received and appreciated.
Overall, while the specific traditions and preferences may vary, the act of sending and receiving Christmas cards, whether physical or electronic, is still a part of the Australian Christmas experience, with some Australians still cherishing the tradition of sending and receiving physical cards.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Christmas cards are sent in Australia, although it seems to be more common among older generations.
You can find both traditional wintery scenes and more 'Australiana' styled cards. The latter may feature a surfing Santa, Santa in swimwear or flip flops, Santa at a BBQ, koalas or kangaroos wearing Christmas hats, and Australian flora and fauna.
It is not common for Australians to have custom cards printed. They usually send out generic cards, sometimes with a printed "family newsletter" inside.
Sending Christmas cards can be costly, especially when mailing them overseas. It has been noted that postage costs can influence the decision to send cards.
The first Christmas cards produced in Australia in the late 1800s featured paintings of wildflowers by NSW artist Helena Forde (nee Scott). Her sister, Harriet Scott, also created a set of twelve beautifully detailed cards advertised in the Sydney Mail in 1879. In 1881, John Sands held a Christmas Card Competition in Sydney, inviting the public to submit their art for a new range of cards with an Australian twist.
