Sleigh Rides or Surfboards? French and Australian Christmas Traditions

10/11/24

Sleigh Rides or Surfboards?

French and Australian Christmas Traditions

Christmas is one of the most joyous and anticipated times of the year. With many similarities to the celebrations taking place in Australia, French cities are transformed with decorations and fairy lights, children in schools make art and sing songs in eagerness of Santa Claus’ visit and great feasts are prepared and enjoyed amongst family. However, there are some interesting differences between how Christmas is celebrated in the northern versus southern hemispheres!

The Feast
In France, The Christmas ‘Réveillon’ takes place on Christmas Eve. The dinner includes rich foods like foie gras, oysters and roasted meats. For dessert, a delicacy only enjoyed once a year is brought out- La Bûche de Noël (A Christmas log cake).

In Australia, a Christmas lunch or dinner occurs the 25th of December. It is very popular nowadays to enjoy a big barbeque with lots of fresh seafood - who wants to cook a roast when its 35 degrees?! For dessert, the Pavlova is an absolute classic, topped with fresh summer fruits.

Santa
France - Journeying through the winter night in a sleigh means Père Noël (Father Christmas) needs to be rugged up, with a warm coat, a fluffy hat and scarf, and big winter boots.

Australia - In the hot summer heat, Santa can be seen in a singlet, boardies and thongs, often enjoying a crisp morning surf after a long night of delivering presents.

The Weather
With the frosty winter mornings, many French people wish for a white Christmas. With the chilly weather making it the perfect time to rug up and enjoy hot chocolate or mulled wine by the fire.

At the peak of summer, many Australians enjoy the Christmas period by the beach or the pool. After lunch, many families enjoy the tradition of playing a game of backyard cricket in the afternoon sun.

Christmas Carols
Although sung in different languages, carols sung by each respective country provide some fun insight to how the festive season is celebrated.

The most popular song in France must be

Petit Papa Noël, (Little Santa Claus).

Petit papa Noël,
Quand tu descendras du ciel,
Avec des jouet par milliers,
N’oublie pas mon petit soulier.

Santa Claus,
When you come down from the sky,
With thousands of toys,
Don’t forget my little stocking.

Australia’s most famous Christmas carol is undeniably six white boomers, the story of 6 Kangaroos that help tow Santa’s sleigh in the summer heat.

Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
Racing Santa Claus through the blazing sun,
Six white boomers, snow white boomers,
On his Australian run.

Six kangourous blancs, blancs comme la neige,
Ils courent avec le Père Noël sous le soleil brûlant,
Six kangourous blancs, blancs comme la neige,
Sur sa tournée en Australie.

Gift Giving
A tradition cherished both in Australia and France is the act of gift giving. December flies by in a whirl of shopping and gift wrapping. However, in France Christmas Markets make this experience all the more festive and exciting. Throughout the country, hundreds of markets take place in town squares, with local artisans selling their hand made crafts, trinkets and sweet treats. During the month of December these markets also become a space where friends can catch up, eat good food and drink yummy wine.

This year, there’s no need to travel across oceans to enjoy the festivities of French Christmas Markets, as the Alliance Française de Melbourne presents the annual Xmas Market at the Abbotsford Convent.

Join us to support local businesses, indulge in delicious French treats, and experience the magic of a French Christmas in Melbourne ⭐

🎫 Tickets are on sale for $8. Children under 12 enter free!

🎄 Saturday 30 November 10am-10pm

🎄 Sunday 1 December 10am-6pm

📍 Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

Get tickets here Get tickets here