A New Tradition
March 4th, 2011 § 3 Comments
It’s a little late for this but…
It’s always bothered me that in a country where we celebrate Christmas in Summer, we still adhere to traditions that are essentially British and European. It’s ridiculous that we sing carols that reference snow and sleighs. And the absurdity of cooking a roast dinner, let alone trying to eat it!
We are slowly creating our own Christmas traditions – BBQ, cold meats and salads, an Aussie (cringeworthy) version of Jingle Bells, but when it comes to decorating not much has changed.
So, I was excited when sitting on the couch at my in-laws over the Christmas/New Year break I picked up a copy of my MIL’s Women’s Weekly.
“Australian” Christmas decorations that aren’t hokey but are in fact stunningly beautiful!
I’m going to have a go at these for this Christmas although I think I might have a battle with DB on my hands trying to get rid of the pine tree.
I am wondering if it will be Finn’s generation that truly redefine’s Australia’s identity from one that is still in so many ways tied to the apron strings of England to that of an independent and unique nation.
People eat a roast dinner for Christmas in Australia? That is insane.
Believe it. Total madness. I think it’s one of the many reasons why we are still a constitutional monarchy.
I only just read this – hilarious comments and love the decorations.
I particularly love that wreath, I am looking for inspiration for native flower arrangements for my brothers wedding and the eucalypt part of that looks so good!
Your comment about the monarchy is spot on I think… it is interesting how many English people are unaware or don’t understand the English apron strings thing, it has been such a huge part of ‘traditional’ Australian identity, at least for us white mostly UK descendents. And it was a post by Cate that made me first realise that of course their are republicans in England too… I guess I realised there were anti-monarchist’s, but referring to them as republicans was not something that had occurred to me.
Loving reading through the months of your blog I missed while travelling last year.
Jacqui
P.S A Christmas roast is vaguely appropriate in Tasmania, although seafood still reigns supreme at my house!