The time to celebrate

Posted: December 14, 2011

Sadly with widely distributed families it often takes a bit of effort to make these events happen. Weddings, birthdays and even funerals are one way to create the opportunity.

Public holidays like Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day and Easter give us another excuse. Melbourne Cup Day is a party day for many people but in Australia there is not really anything like the American Thanksgiving Holiday that everyone gets into.

Christmas is the one time when most of the world unites to celebrate with traditions and customs that are different but have the same roots. Virtually every country has a public holiday – exceptions are China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iran, Thailand and North Korea.

The roots of Christmas date back to Roman times when the calendar was standardised. It is thought that 25 December was chosen to coincide with the winter solstice (in the northern hemisphere). It was a time when little agricultural work could be done and the days would start getting longer as spring approached.

The celebrations have evolved over the centuries based on religious beliefs but also incorporating local customs. Feasting is universal at Christmas though not everyone has turkey and plum pudding. The Sicilians serve twelve types of fish on Christmas Eve and the Maltese have a special chocolate and chestnut drink. Potica bread is customary in Slovakia, bûche de Noël (a log shaped desert) in countries with a French heritage, panettone fruit loaf in Italy, and stollen marzipan cake in Germany.

The traditional colours of Christmas are green and red from the custom of bringing evergreen boughs and berries into the house to remind revellers that spring is on the way. Other customs are singing carols and Christmas songs, religious events such as services and processions, markets and giving of gifts (but not always on Christmas Day).

Over the years Christmas has been controversial. In the 17th century it was banned in Europe and America for being too much fun. Many revellers celebrated just the same and protests on the streets led to it being reinstated. Today there are concerns that Christmas has been commercialised and we are forgetting the customs associated with goodwill, compassion and charity.

As a relatively young country built on immigration we have inherited and adapted customs from all round the world. Christmas is a time for being outdoors as a family, going to the beach, games and BBQs as well as traditional decorations, carols, markets and gift giving.

In the southern hemisphere, Christmas and summer holidays come together so it is a time to take time out and celebrate.

We all wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful 2012.