In Australia our traditions originally came from backgrounds from all over the world, but in 2020 Australia and the world is a very different place this Christmas. For most parts of Australia Covid safe practises are in place but those restrictions vary greatly from state to state depending on active cases in the pandemic.

December is the beginning of summer school holidays all over Australia until the end of January. Traditionally families used this time to celebrate with their relatives and friends then relax on summer holidays, often at the beach or overseas. For 2020 however, we have all had to re-assess our plans in every aspect.

Christmas 2020 is also a time when we remember those who are missing from our table and being thankful for all the special memories we have. Children look forward to Santa Claus visiting on Christmas Eve leaving presents for all those children who are on his “Good” list.

Families plans vary but often the main day of celebration is 25 December, Christmas Day itself. On that day, many families may choose to serve a traditional English roast with turkey, ham and all the trimmings, while others celebrate with platters of local fresh seafood or a combination of them all.

In our state, New South Wales, many families are restricted to how many visitors they can have in their home. For them, other arrangements may occur, including using open spaces outdoors. Luckily for us, it is warm weather at this time of the year.

Some parts of Australia may be in lockdown and will not be able to venture out of their homes at all for Christmas. Members of the public have been very diligent in getting a Covid 19 test and following state and or federal regulations with any outbreaks including the latest cluster in NSW.

Our plan this year is to celebrate with family in Queensland, but before we can join them interstate, we have several government criteria we need to meet. Firstly we need to show we have not been in a Covid hotspot in the last 14 days and then to successfully apply for a Border Declaration Pass.

Besides Christmas feasting with our family, we have Christmas songs in the background, we could play Christmas games, do Christmas quizzes and always share presents especially for the young ones.

What common traditions do Australian and Danish Christmas celebrations have?