Tag: holidays

The Importance of Christmas

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Today I am looking at the importance of Christmas as we all know Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world, particularly in Australia and other Western nations. Christmas holds deep cultural, social, and spiritual significance for people of many different backgrounds. Its importance extends beyond religious beliefs, influencing community life, family traditions, and the economy.

For Christians, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity. This event symbolises hope, redemption, and the promise of peace. Many people attend church services, listen to Christmas carols, and reflect on messages of kindness and goodwill during this period. The spiritual aspect also encourages selflessness and generosity, inspiring charitable acts and community support.

This is a time when families and friends come together, often travelling long distances for reunions. In Australia, it’s common to celebrate with backyard barbies, beach picnics, and such but not in my family.

Many people like to decorate their home inside and out; me I do some decorations inside as well as some window stickers outside but not a lot.

The Christmas season stimulates economic activity, with retailers experiencing a surge in sales as people buy gifts, decorations, and food. Many Australian businesses rely on the holiday period for a significant portion of their annual revenue. Additionally, Christmas markets and local events provide opportunities for small businesses and artisans to thrive, contributing to the broader economy.

Christmas is also associated with giving and helping those in need. Many Australians participate in charity drives, donate to food banks, or volunteer their time. This spirit of generosity reinforces community values and reminds us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and looking out for one another. Locally as in where I live, we have the bikers for Christmas toy run. I am including a couple of links for those who want to know more about the toy run.

https://www.newcastletoyrun.com.au/about-1
Bikers rev up as Newcastle Toy Run returns this Christmas

Christmas and Boxing Day are public holidays here and for those who have to work on these days they get paid either double time or double time and a half.

Generally speaking, Christmas is much more than a public holiday; it is a complexed celebration that enriches spiritual life, strengthens relationships, boosts the economy, and encourages kindness. Whether celebrated for its religious roots or as a time for family and community, Christmas holds a special place in Australian society, making it one of the most important times of the year.

Germany and Christmas

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Today is thefirst of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.

This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.

Are you asking why Germany?

Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.

The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.

Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.

We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involvefour candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.

St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.

In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.

On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.

Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.

Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).

Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.

Halloween in Australia

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Well today in Australia it is the 31 October, in my family that means it is my baby brother’s birthday, however for some it means it is Halloween.

In the past, Halloween was not a major event in Australia, for many it was something we saw in American movies and TV shows.

Early European settlers, including the Irish, brought some customs with them, but these traditions were largely overshadowed by other local and British influences.

However, in recent years, things have been changing due to the influence of American media, globalisation, and the internet now in some parts of the country there has been a significant rise in Halloween festivities. There has been a gradually growth in popularity, particularly in the past two decades, bringing with it a mix of imported customs and unique local touches.

Participation varies by suburb, with some areas embracing the tradition and others remaining less involved.

While many Halloween customs come from overseas, Aussies have added their own flavour. Costumes sometimes feature native animals like kangaroos or kookaburras dressed in spooky attire. Given that Halloween falls in spring in Australia, costumes and decorations may be lighter and more suited to warmer weather compared to the autumn chill of the northern hemisphere.

Some Australians combine Halloween with other local traditions, such as backyard BBQs or gatherings in local parks. The lollies handed out often reflect local brands and tastes, with Freddo Frogs, Caramello Koalas, and Minties being common treats.

Halloween’s rise in popularity hasn’t come without debate. Some Australians see it as an unwelcome American import, while others enjoy the sense of fun and community. In some areas, neighbours signal their participation by decorating their homes or placing balloons on their letterboxes, letting trick-or-treaters know where they are welcome.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to travel in groups and only visit homes displaying Halloween decorations.

Costumes should be safe and visible, especially as the sun sets later during the Australian spring.

Respect for those who choose not to participate is important—no eggs or flour should be thrown at houses that don’t join in.

Halloween in Australia is a lively and evolving celebration. While it may have started as a minor event, its popularity continues to grow, fuelled by media, community enthusiasm, and a desire for light-hearted fun. Australians have made the festival their own, blending traditional customs with local culture to create a unique and enjoyable occasion for all ages.

Hello February

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First up you will find my hodgepodge post here: https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/01/hodgepodge-on-wet-day.html

Next you can find my getting to know me post here: https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/getting-to-know-me.html

Here we are at the start of February, so I am, kicking off the month with some facts about February in Australia:

  • Seasons

In Australia, February is part of summer, which runs from December to February. 

  • Birthdays

People born in February are said to be unique, creative, and generous. Their birthstone is amethyst, and their birth flowers are violet and iris. 

  • Holidays

Some holidays celebrated in February in Australia include Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and the anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations. 

  • Historical events

Some historical events that happened in February in Australia include:

  • 1793: John Macarthur established Elizabeth Farm at Parramatta 
  • 1798: Matthew Flinders explored the Furneaux Islands in Bass Strait 
  • 1851: Edward Hargraves discovered gold near Bathurst, which started the first Australian gold rush 
  • 1990: Carmen Lawrence became the first female Premier of Western Australia 

In February in Australia, a key special day is the “National Apology Anniversary” on February 13th, which marks the anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations; additionally, depending on the lunar calendar, Lunar New Year may fall in February, which is widely celebrated in the country. 

Other notable days in February in Australia may include:

  • Lunar New Year: Celebrated by many Asian communities in Australia, the date varies based on the lunar calendar. 
  • World Day of Social Justice: Observed on February 20th. 
  • Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: The entire month of February is dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer. 

In my own family we have four birthdays in the month starting with my daughter Natasha on the 14th, then my granddaughter Summer on the 21st, next is my great-nephew Daemon on the 22nd and lastly we have his sister my great-niece Thea.