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History of Christmas Traditions

From Yule Log to Mistletoe, Christmas Carols to Hanging Stockings, Christmas has a long history of traditions. Where did they come from, and what are some of your unique traditions during Christmas?

A Christmas tree with a bauble, red tinsel and fairy lights

Duration: 38 minutes 27 seconds

Published: 39m agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 3:23pmSource: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Christmas

Nightlife Foreign Correspondent — Pakistan

Christmas is different in many other countries of the world. How do Christians living in Pakistan celebrate it?

A man with long black hair speaks while gesturing with his left arm to someone out of frame

Duration: 10 minutes 3 seconds

Published: 49m agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 3:13pmSource: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: World Politics

Public assemblies banned for 14 days across Sydney as police enact new laws

The NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has activated new powers prescribed under changes to NSW protest laws sparked by the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14.

Published: 12h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 3:57amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Policeby Jamie McKinnell

White Christmas in Tasmania as heat climbs in other states

Snow has arrived in the island state on Christmas morning, but hotter conditions are expected around the country, including a scorcher in the west.

Published: 9h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 6:30amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Weatherby Gian De Poloni, Scout Wallen, Rebecca Trigger and Kelsey Reid

'We push it to the max': She ready to add to Sydney to Hobart history

A fellowship of sailors will embark on She's 23rd Sydney to Hobart campaign. As they do they will honour one of the most resilient boats in the race's history and remember late owner Peter Rodgers.

A crew of eight sailors seated or crouching on board a boat, posing before the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

Published: 9h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 6:19amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Sailingby Andrew McGarry

Festive 'Friendsmas' celebrations combat loneliness, social isolation

Despite our screens being filled with images of happy families celebrating Christmas, some feel the festive season is lonelier than ever.

Two women smiling and wearing party hats as they play with a pet dog.

Published: 20h agoWed 24 Dec 2025 at 7:30pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: Friendshipby Gemma Ferguson

The Mighty Challenge

Test your knowledge of all things obscure and specific with the 100% original, custom-built Mighty Challenge! 

Duration: 59 minutes 23 seconds

Published: YesterdayWed 24 Dec 2025 at 2:32pmSource: ABC Radio Sydney

Listen back

Nightlife Foreign Correspondent — Pakistan

Christmas is different in many other countries of the world. How do Christians living in Pakistan celebrate it?

Duration: 10 minutes 3 seconds

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: World Politics

History of Christmas Traditions

From Yule Log to Mistletoe, Christmas Carols to Hanging Stockings, Christmas has a long history of traditions. Where did they come from, and what are some of your unique traditions during Christmas?

Duration: 38 minutes 27 seconds

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Christmas

Nightlife Economics with Ian Verrender

Ian Verrender, ABC's Business and Finance Editor, joined Nic Healey on Nightlife to discuss the latest in economic, business and finance news.

Duration: 12 minutes 16 seconds

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Business, Economics and Finance

Nightlife Food — Surviving Christmas Lunch

Santa Claus isn't the only person feeling the pressure tonight, with many people working long hours to prepare a delicious Christmas lunch for a large gathering of family and friends.

An image of Christmas lunch with ham, turkey and plenty of sides.

Duration: 15 minutes 27 seconds

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Christmas Food

ABC Radio SYDNEY

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NSW premier is 'not done' with reform in wake of Bondi terror attack.

NSW Premier Chris Minns pledges to do 'everything' possible to crack down on hate speech in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting.

Chris Minns, wearing a blue dotted tie and a dark suit, speaks in front of a tree

Duration: 1 minute 49 seconds

Source: ABC News

Terror attack's youngest victim's father lights Menorah candle

The father of the 10-year-old victim, Matilda, lights a candle alongside Rabbi Yanky Super.

Duration: 46 seconds

Source: ABC News

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce calls for PM to be removed from role

The former deputy prime minister spoke to a small crowd at the Australia First rally in Sydney.

Duration: 45 seconds

Source: ABC News

Governor-general calls for ‘national project’ of kindness

Governor-General Sam Mostyn speaks on the Bondi Day of Reflection, calling for Australians to ‘use their kindness’.

Duration: 1 minute 8 seconds

Source: ABC News

Features

How NSW's consent laws now protect sex workers against fraudulent clients

Victims say NSW Police's frontline officers are still catching up with the changed legislation, which makes non-payment for sexual services a criminal offence.

A white woman with white and brown hair sits on a couch looking directly at the camera wearing a green jumper.

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Courtsby Esther Linder

Crucial koala corridors dwindling in Sydney, conservationists warn

Key wildlife links between two of Sydney's major rivers are under threat from land clearing for housing, according to a koala conservation group.

A koala sitting in a tree looking downwards.

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Conservationby Declan Bowring

Secluded beach becomes Parramatta River's newest official swimming spot

While new swimming areas have opened along the river in recent years, an election promise to open a Western Sydney location has stalled.

three kids in scouts uniforms dive into water at a beach

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Leisureby Declan Bowring

The rule change that could stop 'overpowered' e-bikes being brought into Australia

Bicycle industry figures welcome planned changes by the federal government, but hope state governments will update road rules to help enforcement.

Photos of an e-bike, some delivery food e-bikes, in the Parramatta CBD on a sunny day.

Source: ABC Radio SydneyTopic: Cyclingby Declan Bowring

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Get The ABC of Sydney Tea Towel

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Published: 10 Nov 2025Mon 10 Nov 2025 at 1:20amSource: ABC SYDNEY

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Tune in weekdays to Breakfast with Craig Reucassel from 5:30am and Drive with Chris Bath from 3pm on 702 ABC Radio Sydney.

Craig Reucassel and Chris Bath smiling in front of a red background.

Published: 28 Jan 2025Tue 28 Jan 2025 at 11:23pmSource: ABC SYDNEY

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Subscribe to the ABC Radio Sydney fortnightly e-newsletter for the latest news, on-air highlights, stories and events delivered to your inbox.

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Know your ABCs in an emergency

This summer know your ABCs; action plan, be safe, connect with us. The ABC has a host of useful resources and tips on how to best prepare yourself for emergency weather so you can keep you and your household safe.

Letters A, B and C in pink, yellow and blue with small infographics of people completing emergency safety tasks

Published: 17 Dec 2025Wed 17 Dec 2025 at 5:08amSource: ABC EmergencyTopic: Bushfires

NSW Sport

'We push it to the max': She ready to add to Sydney to Hobart history

A fellowship of sailors will embark on She's 23rd Sydney to Hobart campaign. As they do they will honour one of the most resilient boats in the race's history and remember late owner Peter Rodgers.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Sailing

Sydney to Hobart set for strong starting winds, but nothing like 2024

The Sydney to Hobart fleet is in for milder conditions this year than in 2024, when two people died on the first night of racing, although sailors have been warned to expect strong winds.

Master Lock Comanche, LawConnect and Celestial V70 with Sydney in the background.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Sailing

feel good

Why 83-year-old Nancy is training to run her next marathon at 90

Nancy Dickman has run marathons in London, New York, Rome and Sydney, and at 83 shows no signs of slowing down.

A smiling Nancy Dickmann in a hat and glasses, fluro top smiling with her thumb up.

Source: ABC NewcastleTopic: Ageing

Re-Spin: Mark Schwarzer on Australian football's past glories and future challenges

The Socceroos' 2005 World Cup qualifier win over Uruguay is arguably Australia's greatest sports moment. Mark Schwarzer was at the centre of it and has just been named to Sports Australia's Hall of Fame.

Mark Schwarzer lifts his arms in the air wearing a grey goalkeeper's outfit with several Australian soccer players behind.

Duration: 14 minutes

Source: ListenTopic: Sport

NSW News

Charity, church services and cheer as Australians give back on Christmas Day

Australians have marked another Christmas Day with solemnity and celebration, with churches full and beaches packed.

A man dressed as Santa giving out presents

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Christmas

Public assemblies banned for 14 days across Sydney as police enact new laws

The NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has activated new powers prescribed under changes to NSW protest laws sparked by the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Policeby Jamie McKinnell

White Christmas in Tasmania as heat climbs in other states

Snow has arrived in the island state on Christmas morning, but hotter conditions are expected around the country, including a scorcher in the west.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Weatherby Gian De Poloni, Scout Wallen, Rebecca Trigger and Kelsey Reid

How a nursing home tackled racism by celebrating culture

In 2024 a nurse reported racist abuse from some residents and family members. A year later, instances of abuse have plummeted and staff say it is because of a new program promoting respect.

Source: ABC IllawarraTopic: Aged Careby Penny Burfitt

National News

King pays homage to acts of 'spontaneous bravery' in Christmas message

King Charles III pays homage to those who confronted terror at the Bondi Beach massacre, acknowledging their "spontaneous acts of bravery" in his annual Christmas message.

Britain's King Charles III during the recording of his Christmas message

Published: 1h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 3:02pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: Royalty

Pope Leo asks people to think about Gaza during Christmas Day speech

During his Urbi et Orbi (city and world) speech on Christmas Day, Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to all wars and for people to think about the conditions in Gaza.

Pope Leo stands on a balcony flanked by two cardinals.

Published: 2h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 1:06pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: Christmas

Crane collapse, thousands without power after Christmas Day storms in SEQ

Storms hit south-east Queensland on Christmas Day afternoon, knocking out power to thousands of homes.

Duration: 14 seconds

Published: 7h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 8:51amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Construction (Assembling)by Lottie Twyford

Boddington locals urged to 'leave immediately' as bushfire fast approaching

Several bushfires burning north and south of Perth have caused major power blackouts, including the entire town of Margaret River.

Duration: 10 seconds

Published: 5h agoThu 25 Dec 2025 at 10:21amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Bushfiresby Bridget McArthur, Madigan Landry and Gian De Poloni

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ABC Sydney

History of Christmas Traditions

Nightlife Foreign Correspondent — Pakistan

Public assemblies banned for 14 days across Sydney as police enact new laws

White Christmas in Tasmania as heat climbs in other states

'We push it to the max': She ready to add to Sydney to Hobart history

Festive 'Friendsmas' celebrations combat loneliness, social isolation

The Mighty Challenge

Nightlife Foreign Correspondent — Pakistan

History of Christmas Traditions

Nightlife Economics with Ian Verrender

Nightlife Food — Surviving Christmas Lunch

ABC Radio SYDNEY

Live. Overnights

Connect with ABC Sydney

Get the ABC Sydney newsletter

NSW premier is 'not done' with reform in wake of Bondi terror attack.

Terror attack's youngest victim's father lights Menorah candle

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce calls for PM to be removed from role

Governor-general calls for ‘national project’ of kindness

How NSW's consent laws now protect sex workers against fraudulent clients

Crucial koala corridors dwindling in Sydney, conservationists warn

Secluded beach becomes Parramatta River's newest official swimming spot

The rule change that could stop 'overpowered' e-bikes being brought into Australia

Get The ABC of Sydney Tea Towel

Start and end your day with ABC Radio Sydney

Sydney Newsletter

Know your ABCs in an emergency

'We push it to the max': She ready to add to Sydney to Hobart history

Sydney to Hobart set for strong starting winds, but nothing like 2024

Why 83-year-old Nancy is training to run her next marathon at 90

Re-Spin: Mark Schwarzer on Australian football's past glories and future challenges

Charity, church services and cheer as Australians give back on Christmas Day

Public assemblies banned for 14 days across Sydney as police enact new laws

White Christmas in Tasmania as heat climbs in other states

How a nursing home tackled racism by celebrating culture

King pays homage to acts of 'spontaneous bravery' in Christmas message

Pope Leo asks people to think about Gaza during Christmas Day speech

Crane collapse, thousands without power after Christmas Day storms in SEQ

Boddington locals urged to 'leave immediately' as bushfire fast approaching

Other ways to listen

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