Finding Christmas and Hanukkah Joy Amidst Bittersweet Times
Australians celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, reflecting on joy and loss during a challenging year marked by war and remembrance
Australia, Christmas, Hanukkah, Sydney, Palestinian Christians, Cyclone Tracey
Darwin: Australians are celebrating Christmas Day, a time for joy, reflection, and remembrance. For many, it marks the start of summer festivities, while for others, it’s a reminder of a tough year.
Most of the country is enjoying sunny weather, with temperatures soaring above 30°C in several cities. However, some areas in Western Australia might see a bit of rain and storms.
Families across Australia are gathering to exchange gifts and share meals. In Sydney, Reverend Bill Crews is hosting his annual Christmas lunch, bringing people together.
Yet, not everyone is feeling festive. Some are missing loved ones, especially the 70 Palestinian Christian families in Australia. One refugee, who lost his wife and daughters in an airstrike, is among those reflecting on their loss.
“There’s so much trauma,” said Suzan Wahhab, President of the Palestinian Christians Association. “It’s bittersweet.” Despite the pain, they’re working to spread joy through gift drives and church services.
Meanwhile, the Jewish community is also feeling the weight of recent events as Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day for only the fourth time since 1900. Rabbi Benjamin Elton emphasizes the importance of community and tradition during these challenging times.
Christmas Day is also a moment of reflection for many, especially in Darwin, where they remember the devastation of Cyclone Tracey, which struck 50 years ago.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the difficulty of the day for those grieving, thanking all the workers who make the holiday possible. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised the resilience of Australians facing financial struggles.
In Sydney, up to 1,000 people experiencing homelessness are expected to join the Wayside Christmas street party, with many more receiving free meals from Reverend Crews’ charity.
However, there’s concern about bushfire risks in parts of Victoria and South Australia, with total fire bans in effect for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.