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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a Brisbane-based educator, publisher and founder of Christmas in Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Education from QUT and has more than a decade of experience creating practical, trustworthy content for Australian families. In 2013, she founded the Australian edition of Families Magazine, which she owned and edited until its sale in 2025. Janine personally researches, writes and updates guides covering Australian Christmas events, traditions, activities, food and celebrations. Her advice combines years of publishing experience with real family life as a mum and plenty of genuine festive enthusiasm. She celebrates Christmas in July, travels to discover seasonal experiences around Australia and starts getting excited about 25 December long before it is considered socially acceptable. Through Christmas in Australia, Janine aims to help readers spend less time searching and more time enjoying the magic, fun and occasional chaos of Christmas.

20 Best Christmas Party Venues in Sydney 2026

Best Christmas Party Venues in Sydney

Need a party venue this Christmas?  We’ve combed through hundreds of Sydney party venues to find you the best options to celebrate with family, friends or colleagues. The dedicated Christmas in Australia team do the research so that our Sydney readers know exactly what to expect from their chosen party venue.  Our professional party planning … Read more

Free Christmas Movies on Amazon Prime 2026

Amazon Prime Christmas Movies

Christmas movies are one of my favourite things about Christmas (besides the food… oh and my family!) And I love hunkering down in the air-conditioning and checking out the latest (and some old favourites) movies for Christmas. We have an Amazon Prime membership, so all the movies listed below are free to watch. What’s not … Read more

20 Best Christmas Party Venues in Adelaide 2026

Best Christmas Party Venues in Adelaide

A good Christmas party demands careful planning, so make sure you start doing your homework early. It can be hard to know where to start.  Luckily we have done some of the hard work for you by telling you about some of the best Christmas party venues in Adelaide. Like anything, you need to have … Read more

Secret Santa Gift Ideas & Presents for Work Friends and Family

secret Santa gift ideas

If you’ve signed up for a secret Santa gift exchange but can’t think of gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Finding Secret Santa gifts that you can give anonymously can be hard – sometimes you don’t really know the person you’re giving to, and you’re often on a budget.  As fun as these … Read more

Christmas Eve Box Ideas to Suit Everyone!

Boy opening his Christmas Eve box

The Christmas Eve box tradition has firmly settled in our home. I’ve been creating Christmas Eve boxes for my child Alex for 18 years now.  As he’s grown up, I’ve found a few simple, affordable DIY ideas that bring delight and excitement the night before Christmas.  I am a busy mum on a budget, so … Read more

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers | End of Year Presents

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

I’ve always believed that teachers deserve a little extra love at Christmas. After all, they’ve spent the year juggling lessons, wrangling kids, wiping tears, cheering on achievements, and somehow still managing to find missing lunchboxes. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. So when it comes time to say thank you, I like … Read more

Elf On The Shelf | Everything To Know About This Popular Festive Trend

elf on the shelf

I’ll be honest—when I first heard about Elf on the Shelf, I thought it sounded like another over-the-top parenting trend I’d have to keep up with. But once I gave it a go, I completely understood the hype. Our cheeky little elf quickly became a much-loved part of our festive decor, and now the kids … Read more

The Best Christmas Gifts for Men

The Best Christmas Gifts for Men

I don’t know about you, but I always find that shopping for the men in my life takes up the most brainpower each Christmas. One year I’ve got it all sorted by November, and the next I’m still trying to come up with good ideas on Christmas Eve. Whether I’m looking for thoughtful gifts for … Read more