Why do people in Australia celebrate Christmas in summers?

Answer 1

Australia celebrates Christmas at the same time as the rest of the world celebrates it - December 25. This is because Christmas is officially gazetted as being on December 25. It just so happens that December 25 falls in the first month of summer in the southern hemisphere as at that time the Southern Hemisphere faces towards the sun and have summer, so you will find that South Americans and Africans (for example) also celebrate Christmas in summer.

Answer 2

No different than we do in regions where it is cold and possibly snowy! They still have gift exchanges, go to church if religious, and generally celebrate the holidays basking in the summer sun.

Christmas Day can end up being extremely hot in Australia. In the north, it is the beginning of the cyclone season (Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin on Christmas Day 1974). Outdoor entertaining is very popular, and many families celebrate Christmas on beaches, in parks, or outdoors at home. Many still lay on the full traditional hot dinner, but it is equally likely that cold meats and salads will be on the menu.

Paradoxically, the decorations, cards and related paraphernalia all reflect a northern hemisphere theme. Icicles, snow, 'Jingle Bells', and 'I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas 'still hold sway in stores and homes. After all, 'I'm Dreaming of a Brown Christmas' would be more accurate, but just doesn't put you in the same festive mood! Sure, there are Australian Christmas songs, but they are well and truly in the background, although coming to increasing prominence.

Aussies find it hard to imagine what a white Christmas would be like, but most would like to experience one as it is so closely associated in their minds with the season. But come December, with the the sun on the harvested fields, the flowering of the Jacaranda trees, and Father Christmases passing out from the heat in shopping malls, an Aussie just can't help feeling Christmassy in much the same way that their northern hemisphere counterparts do.

You forgot to mention the beer, lots of beer.

See also the related question.

Answer 3

Yes it is. That is because Australia is in the southern hemisphere and on the 25th of December it is summer there.

Answer 4

Summer