How Does Santa Look in Australia?
Knowing the appearance of Santa in Australia involves understanding a bit about the Christmas tradition, and the season of Christmas, within Australia.
Santa in Australia looks very similar to Santa in America, with the same basic character of the jolly fat man all in red, ready to deliver presents. It is, however, a bit surprising that Santa looks the same in Australia as in America- in large part because of what the weather is like in Australia at Christmas time.
Because of the different culture and climate in Australia at Christmas, Santa in Australia does have a few surprises up his sleeve when it comes to his appearance.
Australian Santa Songs
The best way to learn about any country’s Christmas tradition, and about how Santa looks within that country, is to look to its songs and stories, and Australia is no exception.
Probably the most informative Australian Christmas carol that describes Santa is the one called “Six White Boomers,” which is the story of Santa on his nighttime toy-delivering run through Aussieland. If you don’t know what a boomer is, you’re clearly not Australian: the term is Aussie slang for a kangaroo.
Yes, you read that right. In Australia, Santa changes out his reindeer for six white kangaroos, which pull his sleigh all over the country so he can deliver toys by Christmas morning. In fact, the legend says that the boomers are there specifically to give the reindeer a rest: it’s a long night, and the hot climate can tire them out.
What Does Santa Wear
Speaking of hot climates, what about Santa himself? Technically, he still wears the same cozy red suit in Australian legend. Of course, it’s pretty warm, and he’s known to take off his boots while he’s driving, but after all, he lives in the North Pole, and he’s only visiting in Australia.
Australian Christmas Season
It might be hard for anyone in the Northern Hemisphere to imagine, but in Australia, Christmas happens during the summer time. Even if you know that the seasons down under are the opposite of what Americans have, it can come as a shock.
Imagine:
- Christmas with no snow
- No fireplaces blazing
- No mittens
- No hot chocolate
- Santa, in his big red suit and fur-lined boots and hat, trying to deliver presents in the summertime heat
Well, it might be surprising, but it’s still true: Santa is a part of the Christmas celebration in Australia. For the most part, he’s actually largely the same Santa who Americans know and love. But there are a few things different about him and his story according to the Aussies, and some of those differences might give you a hint as to just what a great sense of humor Australians tend to have.
Funny Santas and the Australian Twist
So that’s the classic Santa story according to Australians. But their sense of humor comes through in some more modern, tongue-in-cheek depictions.
It’s not at all uncommon to see Australian Santas:
- Riding on surfboards instead of sleighs
- Wearing sunglasses and fur-trimmed red swimming shorts instead of the usual full-suited get-up
- Wearing his usual outfit, but he’ll be dripping with sweat and rolling up his sleeves and pant legs.
The Aussies are very much aware of how uncomfortable their steamy summer must be for a Northern dweller like Santa Claus. But after all, legend is legend, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without him, so Santa makes the best of it in Australia and gets the job done. The reindeer enjoy the break, too.