Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so it is summer during the Christmas holiday season. While folks in the north are shoveling snow from their driveways and sidewalks, Australian families are often camping or enjoying the beach. Check out the links on this page to find out more about how Christmas is celebrated in Australia.

For many years Christmas traditions in Australia were influenced by their Anglo-Celtic ancestors, including preparing hot dishes like roast turkey for dinner. Over time, the multicultural influences in Australia began to create new holiday traditions, and today many families barbecue or have backyard picnics.The North Pole: Christmas in Australia

December 26th is Boxing Day in Australia and marks the beginning of post-holiday bargain shopping, as well as the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.About.com: Australian Boxing Day

Over the years many unique Australian Christmas carols have been created, including the "Australian Christmas Medley," which includes new lyrics to a medley of traditional Christmas songs.

• Dashing thru the bush
• in a rusty holden ute
• kicking up the dust
• eski in the boot
• kelpie by my side
• singing Christmas songs
• it's Christmas time and i am in
• my singlet, shorts and thongs...Shadow Princess: Aussie Christmas Medley
• You better take care crossing the lights,
• If Santa sees you coming you can say goodnight
• Cause Santa Claus has got a new truck
• He's hotted it up and painted it red
• and he's cruisin' around town like a petrol headShadow Princess: Aussie Christmas Medley