Why is Christmas celebrated in Australia?

Answer 1

Australia celebrates Christmas on December 25, which is in the Australian summer. Christmas Eve (December 24) also has the same significance as it has in other western nations, although it is sometimes the main observation day for some cultural groups.

Answer 2

Because Australia was settled by officers, marines and convicts from Great Britain, Christmas came to Australia with the arrival of the First Fleet in January 1788. The first official Christmas in Australia was celebrated on 25 December 1788 at Sydney Cove, with Reverend Johnson in charge of the service.

Following the service, Governor Arthur Phillip, his officers and their families, enjoyed a hearty meal, during which they toasted the King of England and his family.

The convicts had their usual simple rations. One convict, Michael Dennison, enjoyed a Christmas bonus: after stealing a pound of flour, he was sentenced to 200 lashes but, being Christmas, he received only 150 lashes.

Christmas has continued to be celebrated every year since then.

Answer 3

Australia was founded on Christianity, being settled by people from Great Britain. Thus, Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter have continued in Australia, even though the country is becoming increasingly multicultural.

Answer 4

Christmas is celebrated in the same way in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. The main difference for Christmas in Australia is that the seasons are reversed so Christmas comes during summer.

Answer 5

Yes. Christmas is a significant holiday. For many, it has religious significance, and for others it is a great family time, especially since most people have the day off work. It is one of about 5 holidays in Australia when supermarkets do not open at all.

Answer 6

Christmas in Australia is a busy and fun time, just as it is in other countries. Shops are crowded, advertisers try to promote their goods as the latest "must-have" gifts, Christmas lights displays are everywhere, Santa Clauses in shopping centres have lines of children waiting to see them and have their photo taken, and the mince pies, turkeys and hams are on promotion in supermarkets.

Australians celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways. Many attend Christmas Eve or Morning church services. Communities everywhere have a "Carols by Candlelight" evening, which are always well patronised. Increasingly, towns and suburbs are lit with coloured lights, and touring the Christmas lights displays is a popular evening activity just before Christmas.

The weather is hot, but this does not stop the large Christmas feasts. However, cooking and presentation is often done outdoors. If the particular locality in Australia is not undergoing a heatwave on Christmas Day, then the weather is perfect for a meal outside. Outdoor entertaining is very popular, and many families celebrate Christmas on beaches, in parks, or outdoors at home. Many people cook their turkeys, pork, ham or chickens on the outdoor barbeque, and while roasted potatoes and pumpkin are still popular, so are mixed salads. Dessert might be Christmas pudding and brandy custard, although this tends to be less popular than fruit salad and ice cream, trifle, or pavlova with fruit and cream.

Answer 7

Answer

Because Australia, just like the USA, is a country that was founded by Christians and it has Christianity as the majority religion of its population.