When you imagine the holiday season, you probably picture snowmen, crackling fireplaces, and mugs of hot cocoa. In Australia, however, December 25th is more likely to involve a beach cricket game, a backyard barbecue, and a sunburn.

Because Australia is in the , its seasons are the complete opposite of those in North America, Europe, and Asia. While New York is shoveling snow in January, Sydney is basking in summer sunshine.