The post containing links

 

My post with links to other posts and a few photos as well

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/getting-to-know-you-or-is-it-me.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-december-hodgepodge.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/tuesdays-4.html

https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/12/booking-drama.html

 

 

 

Christmas is in so many countries

 

I have been thinking about how many countries do celebrate Christmas, so I asked Google and the answer is 195 countries, although the way it is observed varies greatly depending on culture, religion, and local traditions.

Most countries with Christian majorities recognize Christmas as a public holiday, although that could mean any day between 25 December till 7 January.

Even in countries where Christians are a small minority (e.g., India, Japan, Bangladesh), Christmas is still widely celebrated, often in secular or cultural forms.

Western Christian churches (Catholic, Protestant) celebrate on December 25, however, Eastern Orthodox churches (Russia, Ethiopia, Egypt, etc.) often celebrate on January 7.

Philippines: Known for the longest Christmas season in the world, starting in September with “ber months” and ending in January.

Japan: Christmas is not a religious holiday but a festive occasion, with traditions like eating fried chicken on Christmas Eve.

Ethiopia: Celebrated on January 7 with church services and feasts, followed by Timkat (Epiphany) on January 19.

Brazil: Christmas falls in summer, so Santa Claus is sometimes depicted in lighter clothing.

Germany: Famous for its enchanting Christmas markets, which attract millions of visitors.

Either 17 or 18 countries do not formally recognize Christmas as a holiday (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Algeria, North Korea).

Over 90 countries have detailed, unique traditions documented, showing the incredible diversity of how the holiday is marked.

Christmas is one of the most globally recognized holidays, celebrated across continents in both religious and secular ways. Its adaptability—whether through church services, lanterns, feasts, or even KFC dinners—explains why it has spread so widely beyond its Christian origins.

 

Week 50 of 2025

 

Hi all, I hope everyone is well.

I woke to find Tim asleep on the lounge he didn’t get home till 2am so as I was getting up, I told him to go to bed for a while. I had a good night slept for 8hrs.

It is 25C at 5.30am

We left around 9.30am and arrived at the motor inn at 2.20pm, we stopped at Denman bakery, and I bought a cheese & bacon sausage roll and Tim bought a cheese and bacon pie, and he didn’t like it. The sausage roll was pretty good not the best one I have had but far from the worse.

The motor inn is nice the room looks

It is 28C at 2.30pm

We went to the RSL for dinner, we got roast beef and veggies, I liked it, we were back at motel by 7pm.

I realised that I forgot a comb, my blood test kit, a USB wall plug, brought the charger cables.

I am so tired, but I can’t settle down.

Steps:7,771 = 3.9 k’s or 2.4 miles.

I am up at 5am as per usual, had a rough night, took ages for me to settle. Then when Tim came to bed, he kicked me three times in the left leg.

It is 17C at 5.30am in Dubbo.

Tim said something about putting the walker in the boot first, I asked if it could go in last as he will need to get it out each time I want to walk any distance. He sounded snappy with me when he said NO.

When we arrived at the observatory, he decided to put the walker in the back seat as it was easier to get in and out of the car.

We arrived at Orange around 1.30 pm, when Tim found the place, we were booked into, it wasn’t suitable as there were too many stairs and no lift. So, he cancelled the booking but when he tried to contact Booking.com he couldn’t work it out and the only phone number we could find was in the USA. When we tried to find somewhere else it wasn’t easy most affordable places had no vacancies or were too expensive.

So, we now at Cowra for 4 nights, the room here is ok, although I cannot get into the shower.

The whole Orange accommodation saga made me feel tense and upset as for some reason I felt like it was somehow my fault even though Tim hasn’t done or said anything to make me feel that way.

Steps: 7,490 = 3.8k’s

I slept well once I got to sleep, managed a good 8hrs when the alarm went at 5am I got up took my medication and went back to bed till 6.20am. I then got up had a wash applied make-up and moisturised my arms as per usual, before I got dressed. Tim is still asleep, the temp at 6.30am 12C.

After Tim got up, we went to Maccas for breakie, after that went to tourist info centre before going to check out war cemeteries and the POW camp. After that we drove out to check out a dam.

We stopped and bought pizza for tea; however, I forgot to say I wanted BBQ sauce not pizza sauce.

Our new motel room has a disability bathroom, and it is the only room that has one, we have not been charged extra.

The temp got up to 36C

I had a nice hottish shower, my left arm is very sore.

Steps: 8,455

I slept really well, got a good 7hrs and 50 mins of sleep I am up at 5am as per usual, and have washed and dressed. It is currently 15C or 50F Tim wants to visit the Japanese Gardens this morning after that I am not sure what we will do.

At 7.30am it was 20C in Cowra and 20C in Warners Bay.

The Japanese gardens were so peaceful and lovely, I managed to walk around it. As we left the gardens it was 31C.

After that we went to the shops before returning to the motel, the other things we want to check out are only opened on Thursdays. By 2pm it was 36C

At 5.40pm I was so tired I started to cry in frustration, Tim suggested I lay down for a bit, so I got changed for bed and I am doing that.

Steps: 7,011

I ended up sleeping all night although I did wake on and off, I had 9hrs of sleep and got up at 5am when the alarm went off. After my wash I dressed, although I couldn’t find a washcloth, they were there yesterday arvo I don’t know what Tim did with them. Tim has had the radio going through his phone all night.

I did have 2 bottles of Midori yesterday but that shouldn’t have contributed to how I was feeling.

We went and checked out the peace bell, then we went to the rail heritage centre, both were interesting, but the rail place was not disabled friendly.

We returned to the motel for lunch and while here it started to rain, so we are not going out again.

No need for the air con on this arvo, I think I will be having another early night as I’m feeling tired at 6pm, I also have an earache.

At 6pm it is 22C

Steps:7,837= 4k’s

BLAIN’S BIRTHDAY HE IS 20 TODAY

I slept well, had 9hrs of sleep, at 5.30am it was 15C, my body is moving a lot, and it is exhausting.

Tim got up at 6.30am and we left the motel by 7.15am.

Since we were driving through Bathurst Tim decided to drive around the Mount Panorama Circuit, which was cool, for those who don’t know this is where the Bathurst car race is held, this race is a big deal in Australia.

I had a phone call from Centrelink about my DSP claim; they wanted to know if Tim’s compo claim only involved him and not me as well.

We arrived home at 3.30pm, Blain was at his mums and came to see us and I was able to give him his birthday gift, a $25 Visa Gift Card.

Steps: 11,715 = 5.9k’s or 3.7 miles

Saturday and it’s been a busy morning Tim is back at work I had a good night slept for 7hrs &20mins.

I have been busy since getting up, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed out put the clothes on to wash all before 6.30am.

Sue came over to show me her new haircut, and she drove me to then shops to get a few things. Her hair looks so good, it’s much shorter so will not be so hot on her neck.

I am going to see if Tim will cut my hair tomorrow.

Steps: 9,892 = 5k’s or 3 miles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aussie Christmas Songs

 

Here in Australia, we not only have own version of Christmas stories, but we also have our own Christmas songs. Here are some of them.

Six White Boomers – Rolf Harris

This tells the story of Santa swapping his reindeer for kangaroos to deliver presents across the Aussie outback.

Aussie Jingle Bells – Colin Buchanan

A humorous, sun-soaked rewrite of the traditional carol, filled with references to barbecues, bush tracks, and thongs.

Christmas Photo – John Williamson

A heartfelt song about gathering the family for a Christmas photo, full of Australian imagery and nostalgia.

How to make gravy – Paul Kelly

Is about a man in prison writing to his family on December 21, expressing his sorrow at missing Christmas and sharing a recipe for gravy as a way of staying connected.

Santa Never Made It into Darwin – Bill and Boyd

This is a charity song recorded by Bill and Boyd in 1975 to raise funds for rebuilding Darwin after Cyclone Tracy devastated the city on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 1974.

 

 

The Importance of Christmas

 

Today I am looking at the importance of Christmas as we all know Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world, particularly in Australia and other Western nations. Christmas holds deep cultural, social, and spiritual significance for people of many different backgrounds. Its importance extends beyond religious beliefs, influencing community life, family traditions, and the economy.

For Christians, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity. This event symbolises hope, redemption, and the promise of peace. Many people attend church services, listen to Christmas carols, and reflect on messages of kindness and goodwill during this period. The spiritual aspect also encourages selflessness and generosity, inspiring charitable acts and community support.

This is a time when families and friends come together, often travelling long distances for reunions. In Australia, it’s common to celebrate with backyard barbies, beach picnics, and such but not in my family.

Many people like to decorate their home inside and out; me I do some decorations inside as well as some window stickers outside but not a lot.

The Christmas season stimulates economic activity, with retailers experiencing a surge in sales as people buy gifts, decorations, and food. Many Australian businesses rely on the holiday period for a significant portion of their annual revenue. Additionally, Christmas markets and local events provide opportunities for small businesses and artisans to thrive, contributing to the broader economy.

Christmas is also associated with giving and helping those in need. Many Australians participate in charity drives, donate to food banks, or volunteer their time. This spirit of generosity reinforces community values and reminds us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and looking out for one another. Locally as in where I live, we have the bikers for Christmas toy run. I am including a couple of links for those who want to know more about the toy run.

https://www.newcastletoyrun.com.au/about-1

https://newcastleweekly.com.au/bikers-rev-up-as-toy-run-returns-this-christmas/

Christmas and Boxing Day are public holidays here and for those who have to work on these days they get paid either double time or double time and a half.

Generally speaking, Christmas is much more than a public holiday; it is a complexed celebration that enriches spiritual life, strengthens relationships, boosts the economy, and encourages kindness. Whether celebrated for its religious roots or as a time for family and community, Christmas holds a special place in Australian society, making it one of the most important times of the year.

 

Christmas Stories

 

Ok how about we take a look at some Christmas stories that are well known when you think of Christmas stories what comes to mind?

Over time and across generations and cultures, some Christmas stories have become beloved classics, read and cherished every festive season.  Here are few that popped into my head while thinking about this topic.

The first one being a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens which tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is transformed by visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Dickens’ tale is not only a critique of Victorian society but also a powerful reminder of the joy that generosity and compassion can bring.

The one I would read to my daughter’s every Christmas was The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, this story is also known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and this classic poem paints a vivid picture of a visit from St. Nicholas.

Another book liked by many is How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss but I am not one of them, in fact I am not a fan of Dr. Seuss. This playful and rhyming tale follows the Grinch, a green and grouchy creature who attempts to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. With its message that the true meaning of Christmas lies in togetherness rather than presents, this story remains a festive favourite for children and adults alike.

I like the movie Polar Express but didn’t realise it was a book by Chris Van Allsburg, it is a beautifully illustrated story, The Polar Express tells of a young boy's magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. This tale of belief and wonder captures the imagination and the spirit of Christmas in a profoundly touching way.

There are some popular Australian stories because in Australia, Christmas falls in the summer, so there are some unique festive stories that reflect our local culture and traditions. Popular tales include 'Wombat Divine' by Mem Fox, which follows a lovable wombat who wants to be part of the nativity play, and 'An Aussie Night Before Christmas' by Yvonne Morrison, a humorous reimagining of the classic poem featuring kangaroos and utes instead of reindeer and sleighs.

 

USA and Christmas

 

When it comes to Christmas, Germany may be considered one of the main countries associated with it but there is no denying that the USA has played a big role in turning it into what it is today.

It was the USA in that popularised the image of Santa that we all know and love, through Coca-Cola ads in the 20th century. Then there are the Hollywood movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, Mircale on 34^th Street, The Santa Clause and many others.

There are also some great Christmas songs such as White Christmas, Last Christmas and of course All I Want For Christmas.

Christmas in the U.S. blends traditions from immigrant communities, making it a cultural melting pot.

Then there are the United Kingdom’s Contributions, such as Christmas crackers which were invented in the UK, these festive table novelties are now a staple in many countries.

Also, Charles Dickens was British, and most people have heard of A Christmas Carol which shaped the modern spirit of Christmas, emphasizing generosity and goodwill.

Did you know that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert helped popularize the Christmas tree in Britain, spreading it across the English-speaking world.

How about that the Philippines have the world’s longest Christmas season, starting in September. Or that Nordic countries are linked to Yule traditions, which predate Christian Christmas.