Christmas Down Under in Australia

Points to Ponder

Why are traditions so powerful in shaping individual behavior?
How does climate affect traditions brought by immigrants?
What do they do in the Australia that is similar to your family and community traditions?

TRADITIONS
"Christmas in Australia is often very hot. Whereas the northern hemisphere is in the middle of winter, Australians are baking in summer heat. It is not unusual
to have Christmas Day well into the mid 30 degrees Celsius, or near 100 degrees Fahrenheit." Read the rest of the article at http://www.santas.net/australianchristmas.htm.

Songs should be familiar to most US citizens but check out the list at http://www.santas.net/songs.htm to see if you can find one you don't know.

CRAFT to make for this event

Christmas cracker

Supplies

• Cardboard tube about the size of a toilet roll tube. You can cut down other tubes as well.
• Wrapping paper or crepe paper.
• Snapper. Available online at http://www.oldenglishcrackers.com/cracker-snaps-p-91.html (25 for about $6.00)
• Things to put inside: Lolly (lollipop), novelty toy/small present, special message, party hat, Christmas stickers, gift tag
• Ribbon

Directions

• Get the tube ready
• Inside the tube place one snapper. (The ends of the snapper should protrude from the roll, the same amount each end).
• Next place your goodies inside
• Cut a piece of paper twice as long as the roll and wide enough to wrap around it and overlap.
• Place the roll in the middle of paper leaving an equal amount at each end.
• Wrap the paper around the cardboard roll and tape.
• Tape the paper in place.
• Carefully twist the ends of the paper to give it shape. (See above. Be careful not to twist tightly or the paper may tear.)
• Tie ribbon around the twists to hold closed.
• You can add stickers or stamps to decorate.
• Add a small gift tag.

Video about crackers can be viewed on YouTube at http://youtu.be/b4hd1nkTc_w

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RECIPES- traditional foods for Christmas in Australia

Plum Pudding
For the microwave
http://christmascakerecipes.com.au/free-recipe/christmas-pudding/microwave-christmas-pudding/51/index.html

Traditional
http://christmascakerecipes.com.au/free-recipe/christmas-pudding/christmas-plum-pudding-made-easy-/508/index.html

Mince Pie
Meat mince pie
http://christmascakerecipes.com.au/free-recipe/christmas-starters/christmas-meat-pies/223/index.html

Fruit mince pie

http://christmascakerecipes.com.au/free-recipe/traditional-christmas-delights/fruit-mince-pies/14/index.html

Check out some more modern recipes at http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/shows/chefs-christmas/