It’s what we do….

I had a lot to learn about Christmas when I first arrived here as a new chum in 1972. The thoughts and intent were the same as elsewhere but somehow very very different. That first year Christmas Day wasn’t too bad (19c/66f) but even a seasoned traveller like me who’s lived in several other countries has sometimes found eating the traditional meal of roast turkey plus all the trimmings along with hot plum pudding in sweltering heat just a little too much so gradually the menu has been altered to mainly cold meats and salads now. The Christmas Pudding is always served hot though😎

The tradition of a packed house at the MCG for the first day of the Boxing Day test will never change … singing Christmas Songs from the Northern Hemisphere will never change for those living in those lands – but ones featuring Santas Snow and Sleighs (and more) have definitely been changed down under so now it’s traditional for Australian versions to be sung at Carol Concerts here instead of the original ones.
******

Try this one for size – Deck the Shed with bits of Wattle
(Karaoke singalong words)

Remember:
cossies = swimming costume 
barbie = bbq
total fire ban = really really hot day when no fires are allowed in the open – declared by fire authorities and punishable by law now. 
bangers = sausages 
stubbie = small bottle of beer
Rusty Holden Ute = a car based pickup truck made by Holden
Esky = portable cooler
Kelpie = Australian cattle dag
thongs = flip flops
swaggie  = very old term for what would now be called travelling out of work itinerant workers
Wattle = Tree with yellow flowers Australia’a Floral Emblem

Then there’s Aussie Jingle Bells
(which is fun but might be a bit ocker for some)

Dashing through the bush
In a rusty Holden Ute
Kicking up the dust
Esky in the boot
Kelpie by my side
Singing Christmas songs
It’s summer time and I am in
My singlet, shorts & thongs

CHORUS:
OH, JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
JINGLE ALL THE WAY
CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRALIA
ON A SCORCHING SUMMER’S DAY

JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS
CHRISTMAS TIME IS BEAUT
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE
IN A RUSTY HOLDEN UTE

Engine’s getting hot
Dodge the kangaroos
Swaggy climbs aboard
He is welcome too
All the family is there
Sitting by the pool
Christmas day, the Aussie way
By the barbecue!

CHORUS

Come the afternoon
Grandpa has a doze
The kids and uncle Bruce
Are swimming in their clothes
The time comes round to go
We take a family snap
Then pack the car and all shoot through
Before the washing up

CHORUS

And here’s one from the archives – Spicks and Specks version of ‘Summer Wonderland’

Cricket’s on, are you listening
On my brow, sweat is glistening
Crackin a beer, we’re glad to be here
Christmas in a summer wonderland

Come around, bring your cossies
And some spray for the mozzies
We’re havin a lark, in the caravan park
Living in a summer wonderland

In the afternoon we’ll have a barbie
Even in a total fire ban
Marinate the bangers with a stubbie
And give a glass of sherry to your nan

Later on, we’ll perspire,
As the temperature gets higher
(Santa) looks out of sorts
He should be in shorts
Christmas in a summer wonderland.
******

It’s Christmas Day tomorrow so from my house to yours I’m wishing you

And here’s a little Irish Blessing to see you on your way

🎄❤️🎄❤️🎄

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