Behold: Our (media) gifts this year. Get ready to deck the halls and light the candles, because the countdown to the silly season has well and truly begun. Each weekday throughout December, the UniSQ Media and Communications Team will deliver a media gift - in the form of a Christmas-themed pitch - to your newsroom.
Have Boxing Day sales lost their glow?
The search for Boxing Day bargains is not as thrilling as it once was, especially since America’s big shopping event, Black Friday, made its way Down Under.
- Marketing and consumer behaviour expert Professor Catherine Prentice can discuss how much Aussie shoppers intend to spend on Boxing Day sales this year and whether the annual shopping event is still relevant and competitive. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
Ringing in the Summer Solstice
This Friday (December 22) is the summer solstice – the one day a year when the Sun's track across the Australian sky reaches its highest point.
- Astrophysicist Professor Jonti Horner can discuss why the summer solstice occurs and what to expect of the shortest night in the year. Professor Horner can also talk about what the 2024 skies have in store for us. He can also explain why, to him, tomorrow marks the first day of summer. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
2024 Economy: What will be left under the Christmas Tree?
Around the country, people are struggling to keep up with the cost-of-living and household budgets are under pressure. There are some big questions about the economy many Australians would like to know, such as whether rates will start to decline. Will inflation finally give in? Will the Australian economy slow down? Are we all going to be poorer?
- Economist Professor Fabrizio Carmignani can discuss what surprises, good and bad, we can expect from the economy in 2024. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
Cheers to Christmas
The silly season is a perfect time to enjoy some of the incredible wines Australia has to offer … in moderation, of course!
- Wine expert Ursula Kennedy can discuss why you should be reaching for the Australian-made varieties if you’re shopping for tipples this Christmas, as well as which wines are best paired with your Christmas lunch menu. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
Spread a little Christmas Cheer
The holiday season should be a time for joy and belonging, but for many people in your community, it can also be a time of intense social isolation and stress.
- Dr Saleena Ham is a rural sociologist who has studied social issues, patterns and practices in small rural communities. She can talk about the community impacts of loneliness and belonging, the individual and community benefits of building social connections, and give some examples of what matters when reaching out to your neighbours and spreading a little extra holiday cheer at this time of year. For example, inclusion is most powerful when its benefit is two-way. Dr Ham can give her top tips for helping everyone feel like they belong to part of a community this Christmas. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
From Paddock to Plate for the Big Day
Whether it’s a cold ham, a hot chook, or some fresh prawns and a hearty salad, the spread on Christmas Day is one we look forward to all year long. And, more often than not, it’s a spread made possible because of Queensland producers toiling away all season long.
- Associate Professor Ben Lyons can give a state of play across Queensland’s agricultural industry as we approach one of the biggest days of the year. A/Professor Lyons can also talk about the importance of buying local produce and what it means for regional economies heading into the New Year. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
Psychology of Christmas Cheer
Have you put decorations up to celebrate the holiday season? Whether it’s at home, in your office, or even your car, there’s a certain element of festive cheer that truly does spread from the outside, in.
- Professor Gavin Beccaria can speak about the psychological benefits of decorating our spaces to reflect a time of celebration, and how we can hold onto some of that festive cheer all year long. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
12 Days of Christmas
Have you ever noticed how many birds are gifted in the 12 Days of Christmas? It’s not just a partridge in a pear tree – it’s a whopping 184 geese, turtle doves, hens, swans and more. And while the 12 Days of Christmas is an undeniably classic carol, it doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the iconic Australian birdlife we have to offer.
- Dr Meg Edwards is a wildlife lecturer who has created her own version of the 12 Days of Christmas to celebrate Australia’s excellent birdlife. Dr Edwards can discuss why Christmas is a perfect time to get out in nature and spot some of the beautiful birds and critters in our own backyards. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
Have a tech-rrific Christmas
Technological advancements in recent years have influenced and changed the way many celebrate the festive season. Without digital innovation, we couldn’t send electronic Christmas cards or enjoy a Zoom Christmas party with loved ones interstate or overseas.
- Tech guru Associate Professor Andrew Maxwell can discuss all matters related to technology and Christmas, including the hidden dangers and extra costs associated with Christmas light displays and how technology has changed Christmas, holiday get-togethers, and even the Christmas barbecue. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Happy holidays - it's not just Christmas!
While not everyone who celebrates Christmas is religious, the origins of the story are rooted in the Christian Bible. But is it still considered a religious holiday? And what are some of the major days to celebrate in other religious or cultural calendars?
- Professor Marcus Harmes can discuss the religious origins of Christmas, as well as the many ways the holiday has diverged from its religious roots. Professor Harmes can also break down the big events in other religious and cultural calendars – from Hannukah and Kwanzaa right through to Diwali, Ramadan and Chinese New Year. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370
Christmas movies that light up the screens
Christmas time is here, and with it comes a stocking full of Christmas movies to tuck into, with a mixture of family favourites and debut films appearing on our screens.
- Film expert Dr Daryl Sparkes has made his list (and checked it twice) of the must-watch holiday films to keep you jingling all the way to Christmas Day, including Christmas movies that have made their way to the big and small screens for the first time. He can also weigh in on the age-old debate of whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Be nice: Santa doesn't give presents to naughty kids
Many parents are guilty of using the line: “If you don't behave, Santa won't stop at our house!”. But is using this message as a bribe for good behaviour healthy and effective?
- Clinical psychologist Dr Carolina Gonzalez says using Christmas to control children runs counter to the meaning of the holiday which is goodwill, generosity and love. She can also discuss the problems that could occur if parents don’t follow through with their rules and consequences. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Traditions for an authentic Aussie Christmas
Christmas is a holiday full of traditions, but in Australia, it is a mixed bag of customs from the Northern Hemisphere… including some that are quintessentially Australian - like backyard cricket and eating prawns.
- Historian and cultural studies expert Professor Marcus Harmes says some traditions work in Australia. Still, many don’t, including the big guy’s red coat and boots and the hot-cooked roast lunch. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Fighting driver fatigue
With the Christmas season upon us, fatigue will likely be a more significant factor as drivers travel long and often unfamiliar distances for the holidays.
- Sleep expert Dr Chris Watling can discuss the dangers of driving tired and what you can do to prevent fatigue. His previous research found that drivers can show extreme fatigue levels after just 40 minutes of driving if they get up from bed too early. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Christmas spending survival guide
‘Tis is the season to shop ‘til you drop, but getting into the spirit can be jolly expensive if you aren’t careful in your Christmas spending.
- Finance expert Associate Professor Peter Phillips says Christmas is an expensive time of year for many families who might have to cut back on spending to stay afloat amid the cost-of-living crisis. He can discuss the biggest mistakes people make and share his top spending tips to ensure you don’t have a financial hangover in the New Year. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Putting wellbeing on the wishlist
With so much to think about in the lead-up to Christmas, it can be easy to forget to look after yourself and your wellbeing. That’s why the Southern Queensland Northern New South Wales (SQNNSW) Drought Hub has developed a Rural Wellbeing Toolkit – designed to help everyone living in regional, rural, and remote communities improve their mental and physical wellbeing and social connections.
- Dr Jennifer Luke (SQNNSW Hub Research Fellow, Wellbeing & Employability) has developed the toolkit in collaboration with University of Southern Queensland Professors Peter McIlveen and Sonja March. Dr Luke can discuss the four areas of wellbeing covered in the Toolkit – Mental Health, Physical Health, Social Connection, and Work & Wellbeing – and why it’s so important for everyone in the community to prioritise wellbeing this Christmas. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370.
Dangers lurking under the Christmas tree
Christmas is around the corner, which means there will be more new toys in the home and, therefore, a rise in the number of button batteries in some toys, musical Christmas cards, remote controls and lots of electronics.
- Dr Anna Girardi says parents must take extra care over Christmas to stop toddlers from swallowing button batteries as they can cause significant injury when swallowed or inserted into body cavities. Dr Girardi is a clinical researcher and speech pathologist specialising in paediatric feeding and swallowing. She’s leading a study investigating button battery safety and prevention strategies in homes. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435
Should we be singing all December long?
- Dr Wendy Hargreaves is an expert in music, education, and the importance of community music events like Carols by Candlelight or Carols in the Domain. Dr Hargreaves can talk about the best ways to engage audiences through community music events and why communal singing/music is so beneficial for learning, families and community wellbeing. Media contact: Sophie Volker 0431 579 370.
