In the southern hemisphere of Australia, Christmas falls during the peak of summer, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere that sharply contrasts with the wintry scenes typically associated with the holiday. Celebrating Christmas in this new and unexpected setting is just one of the many challenges faced by immigrants from the northern hemisphere.
This winter, Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) hosted a special event, "Christmas in July", to bring the unique cultural customs of their homelands to life. The event infused the northern hemisphere's Christmas spirit into Australia, and our CWCC staff and volunteers gathered to celebrate this festive spirit at the Balcatta Community Hub.
On the day of the event, each participant brought homemade dishes from their homelands, creating a table brimming with a diverse array of international cuisines. Families and friends exchanged gifts, shared food, and engaged in joyful conversations, filling the CWCC Community Hub with a warm and festive atmosphere. Many participants volunteered to perform, offering songs and dances in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Participants from various countries joined hands and danced to the rhythm, elevating the festive spirit to its peak.
CWCC CEO Mrs Theresa Kwok expressed her delight at the event: "Seeing so many well-prepared dishes, wonderful singing, and passionate dancing, I discovered the hidden talents within our community. Today, we reunited with family and friends and shared our cultural customs, which is the true essence of Christmas."
Group games and a raffle draw attracted numerous participants. People collaborated to complete game tasks and cheered as the lucky winners were announced, reinforcing connections among community members and embodying the festive spirit of unity and mutual support. CWCC Chairwoman Mrs Esther Chang commented, "Today's event not only allowed participants to relive the festive atmosphere of their homelands but also strengthened community cohesion and cultural identity. We hope such events help every community member feel the warmth of home."
As an organisation dedicated to serving culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, CWCC is a robust support system for minority clients and a sanctuary for staff with immigrant backgrounds. Through this Christmas celebration, CWCC highlighted its crucial role as a cultural exchange and community bonding hub, ensuring everyone felt a sense of belonging and festive joy, bringing more happiness and meaning to the community.
