Christmas in Australia
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 well into the mid 30 degrees Celsius, or 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 s/he will enjoy good luck. Another treat is Mince Pies.
Some Australians and particularly tourists often have their Christmas dinner at midday on a local beach, Bondi Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs attracts thousands of people on Christmas Day. Other families enjoy their day by having a picnic. If they are at home, the day is punctuated by swimming in a pool, playing Cricket out 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 the city of 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. Sydney and the other capital cities also enjoy Carols in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Australians surround themselves with Christmas Bush, a native plant which has little red flowered leaves.
Christmas shopping is often done in shorts and t-shirts. At many beaches Santa Claus arrives on a surfboard, or even on a surf lifesaving boat.
Australia's worst Christmas was in 1974, when Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin in the Northern Territory. More than 60 people were killed.
Billy Can Pudding from Australia
In the Australian bush in the 19th century people had to improvise. The Billy Can is a tin, with handles, usually used to carry water.
1 1/2 cups of raisins
1/2 cup of sultanas and raisins
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice and cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda
Combine all ingredients. Mix well with 500 mls of boiling tea. Empty into a greased and floured billy can. Cover, amd let it stand overnight. Steam for 3 1/2 hours.
NB2
- Very few students came but we carried on with the class plan .
- Speaking: Oral exam for 3,4 students with interaction and picture description.
- Reading: Test with two exercises:one true-false and another of multiple choice.
- Listening: Test with three exercises: matching columns, multiple choice and fill in the blanks.
While he speaking test was in progress, those who had already done it did an exercise about questions.
NI2
- Reading test: A multiple choice reading a bit difficult , but I´m afraid you have to get used to doing these sort of exercises.
- Listening test: A multiple choice listening about people talking a bit fast.
- Grammar: A photocopy about connectors and some exercises.
PABLO GONZALEZ RUBIO . Look ,Pablo this is one of my favourite songs. Well done!