Australia is a harmonious mix of many ethnic groups. They have connections with England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Europe, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Middle East, Vietnam, China, Japan, Thailand as well as North and South America.
Up until 30 years ago, Christmas celebrations in Australia were heavily influenced by original Anglo-Celtic. Today with the huge influx of overseas migrants Christmas celebrations are heavily influenced by the ethnicity of families involved.
Traditional dinners have been replaced with family gatherings in back yards, picnics in parks, gardens and on the beach. There has been a suggestion that “Swag Man” take over Santa’s franchise Down Under!!! There is a lot of concern about Santa Claus perhaps suffering heat stroke whilst Down Under. “Swag Man” wears a brown Akubra, a blue singlet and long baggy shorts. He spends all winter under Uluru with his merry dingoes and then at Christmas time, he gets in his huge four-wheel drive and sets off through the red dust to deliver his presents.
It must also be mentioned that with all the glitter, tinsel and razzmatazz…….Australians consider Christmas a time for remembering the true meaning of Christmas………a time for remembering the birth of Jesus and the spiritual meaning of Christmas .
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