It’s nearly September and time to start thinking about what you are going to do for Christmas this year. in fact if you were ultra organized you would have decided straight after last Christmas and booked it.
What about doing something completely different and spending Christmas in Australia? For those of you based in the northern Hemisphere, you are probably used to a very cold Christmas. There is certainly something very homely about wrapping up warm, sitting in front of a log fire drinking mulled wine and watching the twinkle of the fairy lights.
If however you are fed up of doing the same old thing every year then why not consider spending Christmas in Australia. It’s a great time of year to be in Australia as it is smack bang in the middle of the summer. It means blue skies and temperatures generally around 28 degrees.
The traditions from the United Kingdom still live on although very few families these days cook the traditional turkey with all the trimmings. It’s just way to hot for any of that! Instead they tend to “throw another shrimp on the barbie” and enjoy lovely fresh seafood.Pavlova is also a traditional Christmas desert. The focus is definitely on families getting together, enjoying a few drinks and of course, some great food – usually on the Barbie.
By now you should be getting a picture of a typical Australian Christmas. Can you see yourself on a beach with your Santa hat on sipping champagne? Perhaps you’d like to be in the bush at one of the National Parks. Maybe an island getaway to the Whitsundays is more your thing?[I:http://popularchristmas.com/christmas/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/JenniferSchellington14.jpg]
There are a few facts you should know before you run off to pack your bags for Christmas in Australia. It is probably the most expensive time to visit Australia. This is because it is summer and because of the Australian Summer School holidays. From mid December to the end of January, many families choose to take their annual holiday.
Don’t be swayed too much by the expense though. It is a truly magical time of year, especially if you can incorporate the New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Sydney into your itinerary.
It is true that it is hard to find affordable accommodation during this period but there are ways! Look out for short term holiday lets as most Australians leave their homes vacant over this time. What about a home exchange? Many Australians want to experience a cold Christmas.
To do it properly though, I would suggest booking way in advance, like maybe 9 months in advance! The best places go so quickly, particularly if you are a family. Couples should be able to find good options but the Australians pretty much book before March for the following Christmas and January period.
Did you know that the well known National Parks in Australia have had to introduce a ballot system to help allocate spaces over Christmas? It is however a very affordable and fun way to experience Christmas in Australia. If you would rather be pampered and spend Christmas in total luxury then consider the Whitsundays. Or how about heading to the outback for a real Aussie adventure.
So how about it? Why not spend Christmas in Australia?
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on spendingChristmas in Australia
Related Reading:
The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories For ChildrenThis book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
Evergreen A Christmas TaleA dying grandfather tells the story of the first Christmas tree to a family wrenched by strife.
Wilton Christmas Cookie Shapes PanSo versatile! Includes 12 classic shapes for your single-serving holiday cookies and molded desserts. Easy-release non-stick steel delivers great detail. 12 cavities, each approximately 2¾ x 2¼ x ½ in. deep.
