How to Celebrate Christmas in Australia

A Christmas tree in Melbourne, Australia.

Looking to celebrate Christmas a little differently this time around? Consider a holiday trip to Australia. Down Under, where temperatures during Christmas can easily break 100 degrees Fahrenheit, they do Christmas a little differently--so it may be worth your while to learn a few things before heading their way.

Things You'll Need

• Christmas Bush

Instructions

1. Purchase some Christmas Bush--a plant native to Australia that boasts little Christmas-red leaves. Display the Christmas Bush in your house as you would any other decoration.

2. Find out when your town or city is holding its annual Christmas caroling event. Many Australian municipalities organize public caroling extravaganzas, when people can simply show up (often holding a candle) and sing carols together.

3. Set up a Christmas tree in your place of residence. Fill the space underneath it with presents--not to be touched until Christmas morning. Hang stockings above the fireplace--though in Australia, stockings are sometimes replaced by simple sacks instead.

4. Enjoy a hearty meal with loved ones on Christmas Eve. Don't forget to include the traditional Australian mince pies and, of course, delicious trifle.

5. Open presents together with loved ones on Christmas morning. Presents are said to be delivered by Father Christmas, Australia's Santa Claus.

6. Enjoy a Christmas meal with loved ones. This can either be a dinner, much like the Christmas Eve dinner, or a lunch. If you are near a beach, enjoy your Christmas meal at lunch time, in the heat of the day, on the beach. Australians look for Santa to arrive on a surfboard.

7. Spend the remainder of Christmas Day enjoying the warm weather while playing cricket or swimming with loved ones.