It’s summer so you know what that means – Christmas!
The Melbourne CBD is alive with the scorching sun and the colourful sights and sounds of Yuletide. It feels strange to celebrate Christmas in the summer. It’s not just the warm temperature. I’m from Miami and winters there are mild, but it’s still winter. December 25 was selected to correspond with the winter solstice. Decorations and customs, such as evergreen boughs and trees, are rooted in pagan winter solstice traditions. Here in Melbourne, Christmas is divorced from its wintry origins.
A sure sign that the festive season is here is the unveiling of the Myer Animated Christmas Windows. Every year, a children’s story comes alive in the windows of Myer’s flagship store on Bourke St. This year, it’s a twist on the Goldilocks story. It’s Santa Claus and the Three Bears by Maria Modugno, illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer. People of all ages form a long queue to see the beautiful windows, which are lit up at night.
Inside, Myer has its Giftorium, a gift wonderland that features Santa Claus and a train for children.
It’s not only Myer that’s in the holiday spirit. Bourke Street Mall is decorated. Melbourne City Town Hall’s all wrapped up. City Square is turned into a hot, winter playground. Flinders St Station wishes the whole city a Merry Christmas.
The Myer Animated Christmas Windows are on display in the Bourke Street Mall every day between 7:30am and 1am through to Sunday 4 January.
Melbourne looks lovely this time of year! Although I have to admit it’s strange to see everyone in shorts and tank tops when Christmas has been a winter thing all my life and I’ve never been in a warm climate for the holidays. I guess that’s what Aussies are used to though. Cool look into your corner of the world 😉
Even coming from a warmish climate during Christmas, it was a little odd for me the sense of celebrating it during summer.Thanks for reading and commenting!