Christmas in summer, the Australian and New Zealand way

Santa down under

• Santa's sleigh is pulled by reindeer, but an Australian song says six white kangaroos, the "Six White Boomers", take over for the hot part of the trip.
• Santa arrives at many beaches and surf clubs on a boat, a jet ski or a fire truck.
• The treat for Santa is often a cold drink or a beer, with a biscuit. Kids leave a bowl of water and carrots for the reindeer. See what to leave out for Santa.

Christmas Eve

• Carols by Candlelight. Thousands of people sing carols outdoors, with candles, in parks across Australia. The Melbourne concert is on TV.
• Look at the lights. Whole streets decorate their houses.
• Track Santa. Australia and New Zealand are among the first places Santa visits. See NORAD vs Google Santa Tracker.

Christmas Day

• Presents in the morning, then a swim, a walk or a game of backyard cricket.
• Lunch, not dinner. Prawns, oysters, cold ham, salads, and a barbecue.
• Pavlova with cream and fresh fruit, or a Christmas pudding for those who like tradition.

Boxing Day

December 26 is a holiday in both countries. In Australia, the Boxing Day Test cricket match starts in Melbourne and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race starts in Sydney.

New Zealand extras

• The pohutukawa tree blooms red in December. People call it New Zealand's Christmas tree.
• The bach. Many families spend the Christmas holidays at a small holiday house by the sea or a lake.

Questions

Does Santa come to Australia?

Yes. Australia and New Zealand are among the first countries Santa visits on Christmas Eve, because the date line puts them ahead of most of the world.

What do Australians leave out for Santa?

Often a cold drink and a biscuit for Santa, plus carrots and a bowl of water for the reindeer.

What do Australians eat for Christmas?

Seafood such as prawns and oysters, cold ham, salads, a barbecue, and pavlova for dessert.