What do people do for christmas in Aus??

[Fotherespie]

So this will be our first Christmas in Aus - last Christmas we went back to the UK for a family bash but after experiencing the temperature change, darkness and jet-lag we swore never again! So we are wondering what our little gang of 3 should do! We have the opportunity to create our own Christmas traditions but need a few ideas! beach? restaurant? what do folk without the family do (especially that makes it special for kids!)??? Ideas are very welcome.

[Diane]

I saw a nice post on FB about making Christmas Eve a bit special - put together a box for the kids with new pjs to wear on Christmas Eve, a movie to watch, and snacks to eat while watching it. Thought that was a nice way of making Christmas Eve a special, family cuddled up in front of a movie time. I don't know if the Gepps Cross Drive In is open Christmas Eve?

 

Ours are too big for that now, but since being here we have had our big christmas roast dinner on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, then you don't have to worry about a lot of cooking if it's hot the next day. Lots of people head for the beach on the big day if it's warm enough.

[spanners]

They drink beer of course!

 

I try to do something different every year although it nearly always involves prawns, lobster and riesling. Tradition is just for people too dull to think of new things Locals do actually have an English style roast - often with numerous cooked meats - despite the fact that its probably the last meal you'll want in the heat.

 

There's the Christmas parade in the city but even a die hard Christmas fan would be put off by a parade on a 35 degree bright sunny day a month before the actual day - it is worth seeing though but probably only once.

 

So, what can you do? Theres the beach, conservation parks or hills but either way, just do whatever you enjoy with no other outside pressures. After all, isn't that the reason for coming here?

 

Happy Christmas.

[mattyegg]

Morphettville Horse Race track do a family day on Boxing Day, not into racing myself but we've been going there for the last three years. Lots to do for kids.

 

http://www.sajc.com.au/racing/boxing_day_family_races

[John Browning]

Carols in Elder Park seem to be very popular (-use Public transport and save yourself a traffic jam)

 

Of course you can always do the Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding thing in July, if the heat is an issue

 

The weather can do pretty much anything in December, but champagne and prawns on the beach for brunch and a BBQ in the evening is a pretty safe bet.

 

If you really want to take it easy a lot of Hotels do a Lunch package.

 

Sadly Australians haven't got the hang of saving Boxing Day (-which is "Proclamation day" in SA) for their friends...we should get something going perhaps...

 

John B

[zebedee]

Turkey sandwiches and the beach are our tradition. Though last year it rained and we sat in the car and ate them - in true British make-do style. We've also booked a cabin away a couple of times in between Christmas and New Year which is good fun and gets us out because it can feel a little lonely at that time of year.

[snifter]

Carols in Elder Park seem to be very popular (-use Public transport and save yourself a traffic jam)

 

Of course you can always do the Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding thing in July, if the heat is an issue

 

The weather can do pretty much anything in December, but champagne and prawns on the beach for brunch and a BBQ in the evening is a pretty safe bet.

 

If you really want to take it easy a lot of Hotels do a Lunch package.

 

Sadly Australians haven't got the hang of saving Boxing Day (-which is "Proclamation day" in SA) for their friends...we should get something going perhaps...

 

John B

 

I think people on the forum organising a Boxing day get together somewhere would be lovely. One of the lovely national parks with BBQ's and trails, one of the many beaches for a picnic... if people all bring a plate (and try not to all bring the same thing) and a cricket set or some such, could make a real day of it.

 

We did last new years day in Tusmore park. Got there early, set up the mini croquet, picnic chairs and blankets out, not too far from the kids paddling pool but far enough we were not disturbed by the kids and in plenty of shade. Had a lovely family get together that afternoon.

 

Maybe Tusmore for Boxing Day for people? Has toilets, tennis courts, BBQ (but people take their own also as the ones in the park get busy), play area for kids, the huge paddling pool undercover and lots of space in a lovely area.

 

http://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Discover/Parks_Facilities/Parks_Facilities_Search/Tusmore_Park#.Vj7Feq4rLzI

 

http://playandgo.com.au/index.php/tusmore-park-paddling-pool-more-review/

 

Or somewhere in the Parklands around the CBD? Lots to choose from there. Play parks with green space all round. BBQ areas.

 

We have plans that day but would love to see the new arrivals and others get something going. I'll start a new thread to see if there is any interest and perhaps people can get in touch via the thread and plan something? Worth a try anyways.