Christmas in Australia © Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com G’day mate! I’m Kipper the Koala and I’ll be your guide as we travel through Australia today to learn about holiday celebrations! Let’s go! (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com As you can see, mate, it is summer in Australia during December. A “white Christmas” for us is playing on the sandy beaches at Christmas time! (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com Because Christmas falls during the summer, families often enjoy meals together on the beach. We eat all kinds of food, but our favorite is a plum pudding! Baked inside is a small treat and the person who finds it will have good luck! I think I’ll eat mine now! (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com When it is really hot, Santa Claus surfs onto the beach and then delivers presents to good children at their homes. (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com Australians have a special plant they love to surround themselves with at Christmastime called a Christmas Bush. Aren’t the red flowers pretty? (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com In 1937, we began a very special tradition in Australia called “Carols by Candlelight”. Every year, people gather together to sing Christmas carols by candlelight. I love this beautiful tradition! (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com Well, tonight is Christmas Eve and I think it’s too chilly for Santa to surf up on the beach. Instead he will be flying through the sky on his sleigh, pulled by six white kangaroos! I think I see him now! (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com

(c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed your time in Australia! I can’t wait to go home and see what Santa left for me! Merry Christmas! (c) Christina Bainbridge www.bainbridgeclass.com