Much of the world is getting ready for the most magical time of the year, with a Christmas spirit that is full of joy and tradition. However, while in many countries in the northern hemisphere Christmas means being wrapped up in multiple layers (leaving aside the countries that are further south and already suffering the consequences of climate change, mind you!), in the southern hemisphere, Christmas is a time for short sleeves.
When you think about Christmas, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Father Christmas with his red suit, red hat and sleigh sliding through the snow. How do you evoke that same Christmas spirit in a place where December means summer, swimming suits and barbecues? In countries like those in South America, the tropical zones, Africa, the Pacific islands, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Australia and the rest of Oceania, the images of Christmas can be very different.
Welcome to the southern hemisphere, where translating Christmas can be challenging.
Christmas celebrations in the southern hemisphere: How do you say “Merry Christmas” when it is 35 degrees?
Although most Christmas traditions are the same as those in our hemisphere, some countries have adapted them to reflect their local traditions and customs. Keep reading! We want to share with you what Christmas is like on the other side of the world.
1. Climate and season: White Christmas… or Sunny Christmas?
In the northern hemisphere, Christmas is associated with winter and snow, roaring fires and cold nights. Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, celebrations take place on long, sunny days. Ideal for outdoor activities. If you are lucky, you can even spend Christmas on the beach! So, it is no surprise that instead of meeting a snowman, you might come across a sandman…
That is why the classic “White Christmas” faces an obvious problem: in places like Australia or Argentina, snow at Christmas is something that would only be seen in science fiction. Here, the only white thing you see is the sunscreen!
2. Winter clothes… for a summer Christmas?
Father Christmas is a universal icon and he does still visit children in the southern hemisphere too… but his thick red velvet suit, boots and reindeer do not make much sense when temperatures soar above 30 degrees. Obviously, his appearance and the way he delivers presents have to change.
Is it really likely that a reindeer would pull a sleigh in the middle of the Australian desert? Would Father Christmas not in reality choose red silk to wear when handing out presents in December in Brazil? Or arrive on a surfboard in Australia? Of course!
3. Different decorations
Despite the climate differences, Christmas decorations are the same in both hemispheres. You can find Christmas trees in many countries in the southern hemisphere, but these are often decorated with more summery items, such as seashells, tropical ornaments or local flowers.
In some places, a different tree is even used. In New Zealand, instead of using a fir or a pine tree, they decorate the tree locally known as the pohutukawa, famous for its stunning red flowers. And in South Africa, they swap it for a tree made of wire and decorated with indigenous symbols, like Zulu dolls.
4. The Christmas menu: Roast turkey or outdoor barbecue?
Traditional Christmas food reflects the seasonal weather and involves feasts with comforting winter dishes: turkey, mashed potatoes, roast vegetables, soups and warm desserts. But saying this in countries where tables are overflowing with fresh produce and tropical flavours, such as seafood, salads or a good outdoor barbecue, may sound… out of place.
“Enjoy your mulled wine!” is not something you say in the middle of summer! Instead, it is: “Here’s to well-chilled champagne!”
5. Family traditions
Regardless of the weather, in both hemispheres, Christmas remains a special time to spend time with family, give presents and celebrate. However, outdoor activities and gatherings in the countryside are more common in the south due to the weather. These activities include spending time on the beach, a picnic in the park, or swimming. Can you imagine children asking for presents they can use to play on the beach?
Christmas in the southern hemisphere: a challenge for Christmas marketing
The images of Christmas that we think of as being universal can be a real culture shock for people in southern areas. This poses challenges when translating texts from countries in the opposite hemisphere. Traditions and seasonal references must be sensitively translated to retain the Christmas spirit, but also reflect different cultural contexts.
This is essential if you are looking for e-commerce translation services for your Christmas advertising campaigns. If, for example, you senda newsletter to your contacts to wish them a Merry Christmas, it may not be appropriate to use an image of snowy trees or refer to the cold weather, eating roast turkey or Santa’s sleigh for those clients who live in countries where the temperature is 30 degrees. This may seem unimportant, but it is vital if you want to maintain long-term business relationships.
Even if the settings or traditions change, the message of love and joy remains universal. So, now you know: if you need to translate Christmas campaigns or texts for the southern hemisphere, make sure you rely on experts who know how to do it properly.
