Living in Australia has naturally influenced the way we celebrate Christmas, but we have been trying to keep some of our German traditions. Over the years, we have created a blend of both cultures – keeping meaningful German rituals while adapting them to life in the Australian summer.
Besinnlichkeit and Gemütlichkeit
The idea of Besinnlichkeit and Gemütlichkeit are almost impossible for us to experience in the same way we did in Germany because December in Australia is very different – the days are long, hot, sometimes reaching 40°C, and the air smells of summer rather than firewood and candles. Everywhere, there is a sense of hectic energy: people rushing to finish the year, shops crowded, and everyone preparing for the summer holidays. It feels like everyone is preparing for a big party rather than slowing down.
December in Australia is also the month when schools finish the school year, and there are countless end-of-year celebrations, events, and last-minute tasks. Compared with Germany, December here is far more hectic than besinnlich.
Advent Traditions
In our home, the Christmas tree is set up early, usually in the first week of December because the kids usually want to do that. It is the same plastic tree we got gifted second hand 11 years ago when we first celebrated Christmas in Australia, we just take it out of the box every year 😊
But we also use traditional German decorations, such as Schwibbögen (arched candle holders) and handcrafted wooden ornaments on the tree. These decorations bring a touch of German Christmas heritage into our Australian home.
Even in the summer heat and aircon cooled air, decorating together is a shared, meaningful moment for the whole family – the main difference in our home is the music which my daughter selects. Instead of traditional German Christmas songs, it is usually pop and feel-good Christmas music.
Every year, we also have an Adventskranz with four candles. Each Sunday of Advent, one more candle is lit, at the breakfast table as well as at dinner.
On 1 December, our children receive an Advent calendar, which I prepare for them every year. We use small fabric bags with numbers on them, a tradition we started in Germany when the children were just born and have kept ever since. These bags were actually bought at IKEA in Köln, and we have been using them for over 15 years. Each day, every child finds a small present in their bag.
(You can read more about the German tradition in my dedicated blog post here.)
Nikolaustag in Our Family
Here in Australia, our approach to Nikolaustag (6 December) is simple. The children do not receive additional presents on this day. Instead, they get a slightly bigger surprise in their Advent calendar, keeping the day special without adding another gift tradition.
Heiligabend and Bescherung
We celebrate Christmas on Heiligabend (24 December).
In the evening, at 5.30 pm, we have Bescherung, where presents are opened together. Like in Germany, this is a quiet, focused moment and a time to pause and appreciate each other, rather than rush through the evening. This is what I wish I could say but the truth is, it is not like that at all. With the sun shining, us wearing shorts, bare feet and trying to keep cool inside the house, it is almost impossible.
It is however a set time, and has been that forever in our family. So many things about Christmas are different in Australia, so we try to keep just a few traditions so our kids can relate later to them 😊
Our Christmas Dinner
Another non-negotiable tradition and highlight of our celebration is Christmas dinner, which we have kept the same as when we used to live in Germany. Every year, my husband prepares Rheinischer Sauerbraten or a traditional roast with Kartoffelklöße (potato dumplings) and Rotkohl (red cabbage).
Even though it is way too hot in the kitchen for such a heavy dish, we all really, really look forward to it every year. The effort that goes into cooking this meal makes it feel special and connects to the German roots, even in the Australian summer, with all fans and air-conditioning on.
Christmas Day and Family Time
Christmas Day in Australia naturally looks different due to the weather, but it is still centred around family, food, and time together.
Australians celebrate Christmas with their families, often in parks, on the beach, or at home. In the past, we have been invited to celebrations at Australian friends’ houses and have really enjoyed them.
The food is different and the overall mood too, but the most important similarity to the German traditions is that it is all about being with family and loved ones, enjoying good food and time together.
Final Thoughts
Celebrating Christmas in Australia has shown us that traditions are less about location and more about intention. By keeping familiar rituals like the Adventskranz, Advent calendar, Heiligabend, Bescherung, German decorations, and our traditional Christmas dinner, we have created a sense of continuity for our children – even far from Germany.
It is this mix of old traditions and new surroundings that makes our Christmas celebrations uniquely ours.
And if you want to know how we as a family celebrate Christmas in Germany, you can read about it here.
I’m excited to be part of your language journey – let’s make it a successful one!
Warm regards,
Nadia
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