It's Christmas Down Under and Santa's in Town

As in many parts of the world, Christmastime is holiday time in Australia and New Zealand where the season is marked with messages of joy and peace, a commodity so sorely lacking in the areas of current conflict.

And for those who associate Christmas with snow, remember that December is summer Down Under, so you won't hear sleigh bells nor normally see winter scenes here except in Chistmas cards and some store displays.

Snow? You won't have snow in Australia this time of the year except — surprise, surprise! — there's a forecast of summer snow this Christmas in the Victorian Alps and northern Tasmania.

And one of the resons I know it's Christmastime, it's almost impossible to find parking in the popular shopping centres as late gift-buying results in a stampede into the shops.

• Christmas in Australia
• Christmas in Sydney Photo Gallery

Photo: Santa and friends at Martin Place, Sydney, courtesy City of Sydney