We have been getting a lot of rain with showers, downfalls and flooding in some area's.
In Queensland the heat prevails. Christmas comes to Australia in the summertime. There is no white Christmas, so much of the traditional fare we see overseas is not the same here. I enjoy looking at all the American Blog’s and seeing the homes all dressed up. It certainly does make if different.
We are casual and laid back. Some may put up a Christmas tree and place a few decorations about, but it is not like the colder countries.
Windows and doors are open and ceiling fan whirl.
Christmas Day may be spent outdoor on a picnic or at the beach. Anywhere cool!!
How was Christmas back a hundred years ago?
Now one thing I think you’ll agree, they wore too many clothes..
I cannot image going to the beach dressed like this. Thank God for progress.
Coogee Beach 1800's
As a child growing up in a small country community, we made our own Christmas decorations. Christmas Bush grew in the plenty, it was pretty and it cost nothing.
We picked bunches of this and placed it around the home. For me today, it is the one thing I miss. Of course it still grows but it lacks the child enthusiasm of picking, bringing it home and placing it into large jar's with water.
The children have their Christmas holidays of six weeks home from school, before the new school year begins.
So its off for some fun in the sun.
All over the world past and present we celebrate the Christmas season in different ways. Yet the meaning remains the same.
It's not how we celebrate but why we do.
God came to earth. He revealed himself in the flesh.
He lived a human life. He dwelt among us..
He didn't only tell us how to live. He showed us how..
He forgave and He loved. We are His family, when we believe in Him.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6)
The "how" we celebrate Christmas is infinitely less important than the "why". If people got that then they wouldn't be as stressed out, would they!
ReplyDeleteChristmas for us is the same as for all Southern Hemispnere countries. SUMMER in capitals. God bless you my Australian friend, may you have a fantastic summer and a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI live in the cold north and Christmas has always held snow for me. I find it very refreshing to see how Christmas is in Australia. I guess the kids have summer break during the Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog!
God Bless,
<><
Hiya Carol, Missed you Tuesday. May not be there next week as I have a dental appointment.
ReplyDeleteYes, the why is the most important. xx
Hello Geoff, Lovely to meet you. I had not thought about other countries having a hot Christmas, were're not weird after all. LOL
Child of God, Lovely to meet you also. Yes they do have summer break during the Christmas season and that prolomgs it. It has always been called the Christmas holidays. We also have the day after Christmas as a public holiday. Its called boxing day. There will be 4 days holiday this year because of the weekend. God Bless you.
Thank you for the fish, I love it <><
Bless you Crystal Mary. have a wonderful hot Christmas. I've just come back from Chapel and I cannot feel my feet, they are so cold. The roads and pavements are worse than yesterday.
ReplyDeleteHugs xx
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteWell, it is wonderful to have a warm Christmas.
Even in the place where I live there is no winter but it is cloudy here.I am so used to having warm Christmas days and I shudder to think of snow and a cold season like England and USA.
The common feature is that we all celebrate this important festival with lot of gaiety and celebration.Probably this the most decorated festival in India.
Jesus Christ was sent by God to save us from eternal damnation and Christ showed us by HIS life how to reach heaven.It is up to us to follow the true path shown by HIM faithfully.
Lovely photos.The modern world is totally different from what it was in all respects.
Best wishes,
Joseph
It's interesting how many different ways people celebrate Christmas. But what matters the most is the true meaning behind it. "God with us..." So beautiful that he chose to come here to make His love known.
ReplyDeleteYour comment made me laugh. Thank you for your hugs! And my name is "Rosel"... :) God bless you sister and thank you for always encouraging me.
It's not summer here, but we often have balmy weather at Christmas - New Year (as seen at the Rose Parade) I think that scripture is one of my favorites ~ so full of hope. Love the vintage pix. Blessings. xo
ReplyDeletei'll trade with you if you want. i'll hit the beach in your area, while you come here to shovel some snow. we just got 32 cm last tuesday.... i think you're getting the better deal here, even if it is not what you think it should be.
ReplyDeletebut no matter, he'll find you wherever you are if you so wish it.
:)~
HUGZ
Three years ago, my oldest son Gideon and his wife Mary gave Ruth and me round trip airfair to Florida as a Christmas present. We weren't actually in Florida until early January, but I could see how odd it would be for me to have Christmas there. I grew up in southern Wisconsin where white christmases were the norm. I think we only had one, or at most two Christmases that weren't white. As I've gotten older,the trappings of Christmas I enjoyed so much in the past have lost some of their appeal. I still love being with family, but I need quiet, reflective time with Jesus. Without that, Christmas would just be another holiday to eat too much. :-)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you - guess it is sunny and warm there - it is cold here in GA. Love, sandie
ReplyDeleteI have been reading about the rains/floods there, and am praying for God's grace for you.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine celebrating Christmas in summer, but we used to live in the southern U.S. where winters were very mild. You are so right in reminding us that no matter where we are He still reaches low and raises us up to be seated with Him in the heavenly places. We are all one in Christ. What reason to celebrate, yes? I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season, a blessed new year, and a happy day today!