Vivek’s festive tradition
The gingerbread house competition
Nothing like a little festive competition! I’m originally from South Africa, where my festive tradition was traveling around the country with my extended family during the December holidays.
Now that I live in Australia with my wife (who absolutely loves Christmas!), our tradition has evolved to include a festive family feast and a spirited gingerbread house building competition. And of course, I can never resist a good competition!
Director, Digital Health, AI and Automation Lead, PwC Australia
Dominika’s festive tradition
A taste of polish Wigilia
My background is Polish and in my culture we celebrate Christmas (Wigilia) on Christmas eve. What I love the most about Wigilia is the sharing of the charismas wafer called opłatek. It’s a gesture of love and forgiveness that takes place before the Christmas eve meal.
Everyone gets a wafer and the family gathers to break off pieces and exchange well wishes for the coming year. The act of sharing represents the forgiveness of any wrong doings and mistakes throughout the year.
I also love the traditional Polish dinner, typically 12 meatless dishes + dessert!
Dominika Brzostek
Senior Marketing Coordinator, Relationship Programs, Sydney, PwC Australia
Deb Hollingsworth’s festive tradition
From pavlova to umu: A festive feast across cultures
Celebrating Australian and Samoan cultures alternately each year, traditional festive lunch varies beautifully. In Australia, roast lamb, chicken, turkey, duck, and pork share the table with fresh garden vegetables like new potatoes, peas, beans, and pumpkin, complemented by tangy pickles and smooth gravy.
After exchanging gifts around the Christmas tree, my family enjoys a classic Christmas pudding or pavlova topped with cream and berries. Yum!
While in Samoa, our communal feast centers on umu-style roasted pig with taro, breadfruit, and bananas wrapped in banana leaves, alongside tropical fruits, coconut dishes, and seafood. Food gifts symbolize generosity as village families and friends gather for hearty portions and warm hospitality.
Deb Hollingsworth
Executive Assistant, PwC Australia
Miriam Ziegler’s festive tradition
The celebration of Germany’s quiet season
In Germany, Christmas is known as the stille Zeit - the quiet season - when the days are short and cold and, if you’re lucky, it's snowing. The celebrations begin with Advent, marked by wreaths, candles, and daily treats from Advent calendars.
Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) fill our towns with lights, music, and the scent of mulled wine (Glühwein). On December 6th, children celebrate Nikolaustag, in honor of Saint Nicholas, finding sweets in their shoes or stockings.
Families decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend), enjoy a festive meal, and exchange gifts. Many then attend Mitternachtsmesse, the midnight church service, to welcome Christmas with peaceful carols and candlelight. A month of celebration...
Miriam Ziegler
Senior Manager, Alliance Marketing, PwC Australia
