It was Christmas Eve, and the summer sun had finally dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the streets of Melbourne. Even though it was warm—classic Australian Christmas—there was still something magical in the air. Lights twinkled, carols floated through the breeze, and people filled the streets in tank tops and Santa hats, sipping iced coffees instead of hot cocoa.

James, 15, stood next to his sister Grace Mulgrew, 19, as they walked toward Melbourne’s version of Times Square—Federation Square, buzzing with holiday cheer. At the center of it all stood a massive, shimmering Christmas tree lit with hundreds of golden bulbs and ornaments that sparkled with every breeze.

“This is so weird,” James said, staring up at the giant tree. “It’s Christmas… and I’m sweating.”

Grace laughed, adjusting her sunglasses. “That’s what you get for living in Australia. Christmas here means sunburn, not snow.”

They walked closer to the tree, music playing from nearby speakers. Families were taking selfies, couples were holding hands, and little kids ran around with glowing reindeer headbands.

Grace pulled out her camera, of course. “Alright, we have to vlog this. My followers are gonna love it.”

James rolled his eyes but smiled. “Of course you’re filming.”

She hit record and turned to the camera, instantly switching into her cheerful YouTube voice: “Hey guys! Welcome back to Grace’s Room! And today, it’s Christmas Eve, and me and my brother James are here at Federation Square looking at this amazing Christmas tree—look how huge it is!”

She spun the camera to show the glowing tree behind them, then turned it back. “We don’t have snow here, but honestly? Christmas in Aussie summer hits different.”

James leaned in. “We may not have snow, but we’ve got ice cream and giant trees. Kinda works.”

Grace laughed. “Very true. Now let’s go find fairy floss before it sells out.”