There are many amazing things about living in Australia, but one thing that some folks outside the great brown land don’t understand is that during Christmas, it’s summer.
Christmas songs are famously about the cold, snowy scenes, but that certainly isn’t what it’s like for Aussies over the festive season. For most, its generally a hot, sticky and sweaty time with lots of flies in accompaniment.
Thankfully, some of the great Australian musicians have written their own Christmas songs to celebrate the season down under and the summer sun. They are far more relatable for Aussies and depict what it’s really like to spend Christmas amongst the gum trees.
Australian music legend, John Williamson, has written several Australian anthems but his Christmas song Christmas Photo brings at least one Christmas day memory to almost every Australian. Everything is represented from the men talking about the footy, Christmas pudding, backyard cricket, and the fact that there is always someone missing when it comes to the family photo!
Twelve Days of Christmas is a staple in most Christmas playlists. However, an updated version featuring Australian animals has enough of the familiar to be a Christmas song with an Australian bend that makes one smile.
This beautiful composition written by Australian composer William G. James has been covered by many Australian musical acts. However, this fantastic version from Aussie country singer, Lee Kernaghan, captures the beauty of the imagery and the magnificent music of James.
While many of the Aussie favourites are more upbeat and happy, as the festive season usually is, this song by Paul Kelly is the complete opposite. However, that hasn’t stopped it from making the list of top Aussie Christmas tunes.
Released 22 years ago, How to Make Gravy takes a far more emotional route, sharing the difficulties some families face over the holiday period. It may bring a tear to the eye but perhaps that’s why it has become one of the most beloved Aussie songs of all time.
Another classic Australian Christmas carol that has been covered by many is this classic tune by Australian composer and conductor Colin Brumby. It features the incredible nature scenes all over Australia and brings a sense of wonder and magic to the Australian landscape during this lovely time of year.
This song is a newer addition that has already become a Christmas classic. This cheeky Christmas song by comedian and Matilda playwright Tim Minchin might poke a little fun at some of the traditions of Christmas but what could be more Aussie than that? At the heart of the song it also has a beautiful sentimental message that reminds us Christmas isn’t about the presents, or the big meal, but about sitting in the warm sun with the ones you love.