Aussie Tip - Xmas Edition!

Christmas Down Under
Wanna celebrate the holidays like an Aussie? Read on!

Decor: In my highly unscientific opinion, the divide between real and artificial trees seems to be mostly regional. In high density areas like Sydney and Melbourne there are a few Christmas tree nurseries, so families in those areas seem to buy more real trees - but for the most part, the rest of the country goes for fake, since there simply isn't the population (or the water) to support the tree farms that are overseas. The rest of the decorating is more or less the same as in the USA: Santas, holly, wreaths, tinsel, lights, and oddly, business like to put up those big plastic snowflakes (keep in mind: it's summer). Go figure.

Food: This is the real area of difference. Since it's summer, cool foods are on the menu - cold ham, prawns (no, they don't call them shrimp), salads, White Christmas (which I regard as one of the most foul desserts ever invented and loathe with every ounce of my being), pavlova (ditto), Christmas cake (aka fruitcake) and a traditional boiled pudding with brandy custard. Cold sliced turkey with cranberry sauce is also gaining in popularity with the younger generations - bet you never thought turkey could be trendy, did you? And since this is Australia, of course there is lots and lots - and lots - of booze!

Activities: It's pretty much the same the world over. Sit back, eat, unwrap gifts, avoid getting pinched on the ass by Weird Uncle Frank, eat some more, play with crackers, nap, observe as tensions rise between combative family members, have dessert, and nap some more. Since it's so hot, visits to the beach on Boxing Day are hugely popular (assuming you're not comatose from a hangover and watching cricket or yacht races on TV).

But really, all of this is optional. Except for the booze. That's an actual law.