Some people dream to celebrate New Year or Christmas on the beach under a palm tree, at the edge of the warm sea or ocean... That's the dream of - welcome to Australia! The geographical position of the continent's abundant embody any hope.
Let's start with the fact that in Australia "flipped calendar" (months are not the same according to the time of year), hence, Christmas Australians celebrated twice: the first time as we are in December (but this time in Australia - summer), and the second time - in July (it was then starts here winter).
To prepare for the Christmas holidays Australians begin in a few months. Immediately clarify: since the country professes Catholicism, Christmas this faith, which is celebrated on December 25, there is a more important holiday than New Year. At the celebrations of the city virtually turned into an arena for Christmas fun. Shops and malls are decorated with bright tinsel, garlands and giant trees.
The main condition is to decorate each year were new! For example, one day in Melbourne have put a very tall tree, gathered from the smallest detail... Lego, for the erection of a month and a half has been spent.
Ordinary people are also struggling to keep up: the house is decorated with bright garlands and statues. Two weeks before Christmas Australian municipality arranges a competition for the most beautiful Christmas house. The winner usually receives a commemorative gift from the mayor's office, and its address is placed on the home page of a public institution. When these addresses typed enough urban authorities organize
Free travel on urban transport addresses to the winners. The kids just love these tours!
And for the children in the large shopping centers equipped with the so-called "corners" of Santa Claus. Put a huge chair, on which sits the storyteller, and his knees take turns climbing kids and whisper in your ear are asked to fulfill a wish.
Australians tree pose on 1 December. Usually, it is either artificial or made from tinsel. On the doors of the houses necessarily hang "coniferous" wreath, and on the street is decorated with the largest eucalyptus. During December on almost any street in Australia hosts various competitions and choral singing. These events are taking part popular "stars", where you can listen to for free.
The average temperature in Australia on Christmas Day +28 degrees Celsius. And it is not surprising that most people prefer at this time with the whole family to get out festive picnics or the beach where adults can afford to drink a couple of glasses of wine (this is, of course, not allowed, but the police in honor of the holiday not so severely adheres to the letter law).
By the way, there is a tradition in Australia, which, in my opinion, is not only beautiful, but also socially significant: in trade centers of large baskets are set on the eve of Christmas, where everyone can put their (wrapped) gifts needy. I personally think it's very good, because Christmas - a holiday when all should be happy.
But not only warm weather Christmas in Australia is the most fun, but also a vacations. Despite the fact that in different states, they begin and end in different ways, on average, Australian students rest on Christmas (attention!) - at the end of November until the beginning of January! Families often use this time to go with their children out of the country, for example, in Fiji or Bali, or make a journey to the northern hemisphere, to look at the "White Christmas."
But those who remain, entirely without snow are not sitting. Here offer a smile, because the snow here, of course, artificial, although this does not prevent Australians hold true winter fun - skiing, for example. In this case of any ski suits are not talking, all dressed in shorts and T-shirts.
Now I tell about the most interesting: about gifts. Since the issue in Australia is almost paramount, they begin to prepare in advance and absolutely for all family members, including cats, dogs and aquarium fish. At this pace, by December 25 under the Christmas trees in homes accumulate a decent mountain of colored boxes and boxes, and stores the entire month - true pandemonium! In this regard, on the eve of Christmas most shops simply work around the clock.
And now comes the long-awaited day - December 25th. Celebrate it, of course, begin in the early morning. Initially, children and adults exchange gifts and then all sit at a richly laid table. By the way, when I say "covered with rich" does not dissemble: the food here so much that huge family can safely eat throughout the week until the New Year. On Christmas table Australians must necessarily be a gammon ham and fruitcake soaked in brandy and stuffed with nuts and candied fruit.
The next day, December 26 nationwide stores traditionally announced huge discounts on all products. Knowing this, people take place since the night because they do not mark such sales are considered to be bad manners.
New Year's Eve in Australia is marked by a huge fireworks display. That is, they are, of course, a lot, but it is for this reason, they seem to merge into one enormous. The spectacle is so great that most of the tourists are planning their trip to Australia just at this time. Locals prefer to celebrate the New Year on the beaches. A few days before the holiday, set up the tents, choosing the most comfortable place to watch fireworks or arranged on yachts. Believe me, the New Year on Australian beaches and on the water downright no room to swing fall! The first shots of fireworks are heard at nine o'clock in the evening, the second part of the Christmas extravaganza begins at midnight. After completion of the salute Australians continue to celebrate the holiday, and go to sleep. Especially that January 1 is not quite festive, and it is even time.
