A Balmy Christmas

Australian 'Bush' tree decorations

In honor of my younger sister who will be studying abroad in Australia this spring, it is only necessary to highlight the Christmas celebrations of an "Aussie". Christmas takes place in the summer and it just so happens to be one of the warmest days of the year. So rather than going outside and building a snow man, the average family has a barbecue and spends the day at the beach.
Due to the climate, there are many native plants in bloom during the Christmas season. They are typically known as Christmas plants. When Europeans first arrived in Australia, they liked that they could pick wild flowers that look like bells and green foliage covered in colorful flowers to use s decoration.
These folk down under also have their own version of the 12 days of Christmas song involving native animals such as kookaburra, wombat, koala, and my favorite animal, kangaroo!

Staying on the warmer side, Africa is quite a unique continent for Christmas convivialities. Most African holiday celebrations are centered around the family being together. Things such as food, traditional dress, music and dance are all common parts to the festivities. Masks are also used for ceremonial purposes. They tend to combine human and animal traits and are worn with the special attire.

Baobab Tree

 The common tree during holiday season is the Baobab. The legend of this tree states that upon its creation, the baobab complained that it was not slender as the palm tree nor as fruitful as some other trees. The Gods became irritated, uprooted the tree and replanted it upside down so that is would keep quiet. Known as "The tree of life", every part, including nectar, fruit, bark and roots can be used in some way.

So, how different would your traditions be if the weather was warm, or in some cases cold?