The festive season in Australia often arrives wrapped in a blanket of intense expectations, from perfect family gatherings to lavish gift-giving. But what if these deeply ingrained traditions are doing more harm than good? Lanna Hill, a writer and social commentator, is urging Australians to critically examine and potentially overhaul their outdated Christmas expectations.
The Heavy Burden of the "Perfect" Christmas
Hill points to the immense pressure many feel to create a flawless holiday experience. This pressure cooker environment is fuelled by a potent mix of commercial marketing, nostalgic media portrayals, and long-held family customs. The result is often a season characterised by financial strain, emotional exhaustion, and interpersonal conflict, rather than genuine connection and joy.
The author highlights the particular dissonance of clinging to northern hemisphere winter traditions—like heavy roast dinners and warm decor—in the midst of an Australian summer. This incongruence adds an extra layer of unnecessary stress and expense as people try to force a climate that doesn't match the imported imagery.
Questioning the Festive Script
So, what does rethinking Christmas actually look like? Hill suggests it begins with giving ourselves and our families permission to break from the standard script. This could involve several key shifts in mindset and practice.
Firstly, it means openly discussing what everyone truly wants from the holiday, rather than blindly following what's "always been done." Does the family really want a massive, hot lunch, or would a relaxed barbecue or picnic be more enjoyable? Is exchanging dozens of expensive presents meaningful, or would a secret Santa system or an agreement to donate to charity reduce pressure?
Setting clear boundaries is another crucial step. This might involve limiting the number of events attended, politely declining invitations that feel obligatory, or deciding to spend the day in a smaller, more intimate setting. It's about prioritising personal and family wellbeing over social obligations.
Embracing a More Authentic Australian Celebration
The most powerful change may be embracing traditions that fit the Australian context. Hill advocates for letting go of the guilt associated with not replicating a picture-perfect, snow-covered Christmas. Instead, we can celebrate in ways that suit our climate and contemporary lifestyles.
This could mean:
- Hosting a casual pool party or beach gathering.
- Focusing on fresh, seasonal summer produce for meals.
- Choosing experiences over material gifts, like planning a post-Christmas camping trip together.
- Volunteering as a family to support those in need during the holiday period.
The core argument is that the value of Christmas should lie in meaningful connection and rest, not in exhausting ourselves to meet unrealistic standards. By critically evaluating which traditions serve us and which cause stress, Australian families can craft a festive season that is genuinely rejuvenating and joyful. The goal is to enter the new year feeling refreshed, not financially and emotionally depleted.
Lanna Hill's perspective serves as a timely reminder that traditions should evolve. As Australian society changes, so too can our approach to the holidays, creating new rituals that reflect who we are today, not who we were decades ago or in another hemisphere.
