chris955

Zen10

Some people like them but I can't get into it no matter how hard I try. The problem is that Australia has clung on to many of the northern hemisphere traditions - snowy postcards, ho-ho-ho films about the north-pole, Victorian Christmas stereotypes, roast Turkey, etc. and it's just totally incongruous when a Saharan type wind is blowing 45 degrees in from the north.

It's a winter festival so do it in the winter!!!!

moneypenny20

It's only a winter festival for half the world

furbacchione

Christmas in any country where the temperature is below 25C sucks. I think Australia needs to come up with their own christmas traditions. Santa in a red parka and snow boots just looks stupid.

eddie007

But it has!!!!,

Santa on a surf board, six white boomers, seafood..barbie and beach!!!!

furbacchione

When was the last time you saw santa anywhere in boardies (personally I think he should be seen only in a budgie smuggler) and flip flops other than on a post card or tree ornament that's meant to be sent back to rellies to rub their noses in it?

And his elves should all be wearing green bikinis, similar to the gold coast meter maids.

I guess I will concede the boomers, though I rarely see them on nativity scenes on house roofs.

Seafood is a good one, it's something my mind has trouble associating with christmas.

BadgeIsBack

I think Pomster was talking about pub Christmas meals - where the economics of supply and demand raise prices for that day.

Are you therefore suggesting that it's always very good, or very bad?
Perhaps to say that generally UK pub is reasonably good is not a ridiculous comment after all, especially when we've all had bad experiences - including yourself. It is after all pub food, this is not 'The Duck'.

I've said many a time that Christmas in Australia seems more about the summer holiday season than the event itself - which is but a day and a curtain raiser for the annual break - hardly a surprise when the kids are on long summer vacation (etc).

Indeed...refer to Latin America, and some of Africa, for one.

The idealised version...you would have to be a Scrooge to not think about it.
I don't mind the idea of Christmas in the snow - but it's only a day. You have to remember that most of the British population remember how cold the rest of winter is. They talked about it a lot if I remember.

It's important to remember that the picture postcard is just that - I remember watching a British movie set in the snow - in the opening night scenes they had practically airbrushed/tinted the film to make the village in the snow look better. And during the day anything other than a blue sky will lessen the effect!

chris and farideh

I too love UK even thought I'm not English I always felt London being my home I love everything about the place even the annoying things, I even missed not being squeezed on the tube going to work, I know it's sad, I miss the rush hour on the tube, I miss the buzz.
But I also love all other countries I lived in & I absolutely hate Christmas here just doesn't feel right.
Olympics been great for me so many countries that I live in had my full support.

northernbird

As someone who hates Christmas with a passion it is perfect for me here. My kids don't seem to get caught up in the 'who has what' mentality that our circle of friends and family subscribe to in the UK. It's fantastic. A mouldy satsuma and a few nuts in a stocking and bobs your uncle!!

BadgeIsBack

The lucky cannts....mine get a stick, and a kick up the backside....
and if they get a coin glued to the satsuma, it's 50 pence - there's no concept of inflation in our house..

eddie007

You think your kids have it tough... We still use a sixpence from 1916 in our christmas pudding....

Family lore states that its been used in the puddings since it was new

rugbymatt

I love Haribo Tangtastics. There, I said it, I'm nearly 40 years old and I love Haribo Tangtastics!

eddie007

I like their pico balla...

But i pretend i'm putting them in my trolley for the kids

rugbymatt

So do I, but I don't have kids so I borrow the neighbours kids. I know, I know, it seems like a hell of a lot of work to do just to get Tangtastics but christ are they good!

ProudVIC

Last 10 Christmas Days in Melbourne


2011 18.5C 29.6C
2010 14.0C 26.2C
2009 14.4C 21.2C
2008 14.9C 22.2C
2007 11.5C 25.6C
2006 9.6C 14.5C
2005 11.9C 24.1C
2004 11.0C 21.3C
2003 15.3C 27.5C
2002 14.3C 19.4C

Nothing over 30C. No reason why on any of those days you couldn't have had a full traditional Christmas dinner.

Of course it's a different story in places like Brisbane and Perth and anywhere inland, but many people in Aus do not experience scorching Christmases on a regular basis at all.

To me, having seafood and some sort of cold dessert takes away from the occasion because you can have that sort of food any day of the year and many people do.