This year, as children start making their lists for Santa and checking them twice, take some time to ask older friends, family and neighbours about how Christmas was celebrated when they were children.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a not-too-distant era, Christmas celebrations looked very different. Elderly relatives and friends are treasure troves of memories about Christmases past.
Some of them have lived through World War II and the Great Depression, and remember clearly a time before smartphones, Netflix and online Christmas shopping.
A theme of quiet simplicity infuses the childhood Christmas stories of older generations — from sparsely decorated trees to personalised gifts.
Memories of handmade toys and paper Christmas decorations, their mothers’ homemade mince pies and boiled Christmas puddings, paint a picture of a simpler era.
Presents were few and far between when they were children. An orange or banana were treats for the Christmas stocking in post-War Australia.
Our nation’s Christmas history is full of facts to fascinate children and grandchildren alike. Did you know Australia’s early settlers would roast a black swan in place of a turkey, and serve ham and cockatoo pie?
All in an attempt to recreate their Christmas traditions.
Or that bunches of native red Christmas Bush, in full bloom mid-December, and boughs of eucalypts were used as decorations in place of English holly and ivy?
Many of these English traditions are still observed today.
But with 49 per cent of Aussies either first or second generation migrants, Christmas in Australia has become a multicultural affair.
Many people in our communities have strong connections with Europe, Asia and the Americas (just to name a few!).
Different ethnic groups bring new colours, customs and festive rituals, and new opportunities to make Christmas about more than gift giving.
In fact, some Indigenous Australian communities have adopted Christmas as a time to remember those who have passed away — a tradition that other communities can emulate.
Remember too, there will be seniors who have no family to celebrate with, and children who will receive no presents.
Give the gift of your time to older friends and family who are spending Christmas alone.
Set aside a little of your Christmas budget to donate to a worthy cause, or give a wrapped present to a child in need.
In 2017, Australians will spend $8.8 billion on Christmas presents, half of that on credit cards.
Today you can easily buy almost any Christmas present you want from anywhere in the world.
But in the face of pre-Christmas advertising and over- consumption, we can bring back some old fashioned magic by recreating seasonal traditions.
Together you can roll rumballs or make holiday cards. Decorate the tree. Sing carols door to door. Tour the neighbourhood light displays. Go to a Christmas pantomime or watch It’s A Wonderful Life on TV.
Memories like these last far longer than opening presents.
This Christmas, let's focus on the experiences that we want to share with a loved one, or the joy we can give to a stranger, rather than the size of the pile of presents under our tree.
Stig Andersen is IRT Communities CEO.