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Christmas in Australia is often very hot. Whereas the northern hemisphere is in
the middle of Winter, Australians are baking in Summer heat. It is not unusual to have Christmas Day near 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
A traditional meal includes a turkey dinner with ham and pork. A flaming Christmas
plum pudding is added for dessert. In the Australian gold rushes, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Today
a small favor is baked inside. Whoever finds this knows he or she will enjoy good luck. Some Australians, and particularly tourists, often have their Christmas dinner in
midday on a local beach. Bondi Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs attracts thousands of
people on Christmas Day. Other families enjoy their day on a picnic. If they are at home, the day is punctuated by swimming,
playing Cricket out in the backyard, and other outdoor activities. The warm weather allows Australians to enjoy a tradition
which commenced in 1937. Carols by Candlelight is held every year
on Christmas Eve, where tens of thousands of people gather in Melbourne to sing their favorite Christmas songs. The evening
is lit by as many candles singing under a clean cut night sky. The sky with its Southern Cross stars is like a mirror.
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