1. CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA Anthony Fernndez

2. Christmas in Australia is normally very hot.When the northern hemisphere is in the middleof winter, Australians are baking in summerheat. It is not unusual to have Christmas Daywell into the mid-thirties (degrees centigrade) . 3. Like everywhere else, Christmas is celebrated on December 25.Many families are on their annual holiday at the beachenjoying the sun, sand and surf while others suffer drought in the outback. 4. Because of European heritage, Australians cling to many of the old traditions . SantaClaus in his warm, red suit, Christmas cards with snowy scenes, fake fir trees decoratedwith flashing lights, the red and green coloursof the holly and the ivy, and Christmas pudding at lunch on December 25. 5. A traditional meal might include a turkey dinner, with ham and pork. AChristmas pudding is normally added for dessert. Another tasty treat isthe Australian Meat Pie. Of course, one of the most famous AustralianTHE GREAT AUSTRALIANmeals is very present on these special days....BARBEQUE! 6. Some Australians have their Christmas lunchor dinner on a local beach. B ondi Beach inSydneys Eastern Suburbs attracts thousandsof people (mainly international tourists) onChristmas Day. Other families enjoy their dayhaving a picnic. If they are at home, theynormally swim in a pool, play cricket in thebackyard and enjoy many other outdooractivities. 7. The warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition whichcommenced in the 1930s. Carols by Candlelight is held everyyear on Christmas Eve, where tens of thousands of people gatherin the city of Melbourne to sing their favorite Christmas songs. Theevening is lit by candles under a clear night sky. Sydney and theother capital cities also enjoy Carols in the weeks leading up toChristmas. 8. Children in Australia receive their gifts on Christmas morning.Normally they wake up to find their presents under the Christmastree which Santa Clause places there the night before. In Spainand some other European countries, children receive their giftsfrom the three wise men on 6 January. In Australia, nothing specialhappens on this date.? ? ? 9. Santa Claus in Australia 10. New Year in Australia 11. HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR !! THE END