How to throw the perfect Christmas in Australia

Swap out the ugly Christmas sweaters for flip-flops, fireplaces for BBQs and you have yourself a very merry Aussie Christmas! It may be sweltering outside, but that doesn’t get in the way of our festive cheer! So here are our top ingredients for an essential Christmas down under.

What is an Aussie Christmas?

An Australian Christmas is truly unique. As the weather’s usually warm it’s the perfect opportunity to embrace time in the sun with food and festivities that’ll have the family cheering. Whether it’s delicious summer fare, fun things to do, or insta-worthy Aussie Christmas decorations, there’s so much to look forward to.

Let’s take a look at some creative and fun ways for you to have the best time this season!

Christmas tree matters

Tired of dragging out the old plastic pine, detangling fairy lights or picking up needles from the real pine that you swore you wouldn’t buy again? When it comes to Christmas decorations, Australia is a place where natural beauty is all around. We love the idea of uniquely Australian Christmas decorations to make your celebrations pop!

So have a go decorating trees in your own backyard with paper chains and homemade decorations or collecting different sized sticks and twigs to create a hanging Christmas tree instead.

Cricket game changer

Just when the guilt of overeating sets in, there’s nothing quite like backyard cricket to get the family moving. With no one bothering to keep score, the game usually ends when everyone is sick of playing, the ball goes missing or dad pulls a muscle. Christmas day in Australia wouldn’t be the same without it!

Shrimply the best BBQ treats

As far as Christmas traditions in Australia go, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without queuing at the local seafood market on Christmas Eve! And while shelling prawns isn’t the best job around, the payoff when you get to devour your hard work is unbeatable. Cold prawns with some thousand island dressing is an Australian family favourite, but why not get a bit more fancy and wow your guests? With lots of light food and seasonal goodness, we love these BBQ prawns as the perfect entrée to any long lunch.

That’s cool as fancy ice!

Of course the drinks will be flowing throughout December, so why not make them Instagrammable with decorative ice cubes!?

We used pomegranate seeds, raspberries and mint leaves, but the options are endless. To make the ice cubes, simply place your ingredients into the ice cube tray before filling with water and freezing. Use them in a wine bowl like we did or add to individual drinks to impress guests this festive season.

If using flowers in your ice cubes, make sure you’re only using edible flowers, such as orchids, nasturtiums, pansies, and snapdragons, that have been grown to be eaten.

Another tart on the barbie

Mince Tarts have become a staple Aussie Christmas food, so while you have the BBQ going, why not throw on a 6-pack of our tarts? They’re great eaten straight from the box, but when you warm them up they become next-level amazing! We even have our famous Lemon Tarts that can be served the same way if you’re wanting to mix it up a little.

For an extra spesh BBQ treat, grill the tarts for a few minutes with the top down (keep alfoil base on) and serve with ice-cream and fresh fruit. After all, it is the silly season!

Life’s a beach

In Australia, Christmas isn’t complete without a trip to the beach. A white Christmas is one thing, but with pristine white sand our beaches are even better!. Head on down with the family to make a sandman decorated with sunglasses, a shell nose and a Santa hat.

What’s in a name

Make your family and friends feel special this Christmas with personalised Fruit Mince Tarts! Simply pick-up royal writing icing from the dessert section of your local grocery store to create these easy and delicious placeholders. Have someone who’s more of a cake lover? We also have Christmas Cakes for one that can be personalised too!

Sippers to cool down with

Let’s be honest, Australians don’t need much encouragement to have a sip, but Christmas is a good excuse anyway! In the sweltering Australian summer, eggnog and mulled wine is replaced by icy cold beers and chilled bubbly, or maybe even an Aperol if you’re feeling really fancy. Just remember to pair it with great Australian Christmas food to get the most out of the day!

Ho-Ho-Ho into Pavlova

Our favourite of all the Australian Christmas traditions has got to be the Pavlova. With delicious meringue, whipped cream and fruit, the ‘Pav’ is an Aussie icon and a must-have for any summer Christmas! Try our easy Pavlova recipe sprinkled with our famous Lemon Tarts here.

Now that you’re full of loads of fun ideas for an Aussie Christmas that you’ll never forget, head on down to Bakers Delight to make it extra delicious! And if you’d like more Christmas ideas, why not try your hand at some of our festive recipes or get involved with a Christmas fundraiser?