For many Australians, December 21st marks more than just another day on the calendar. It’s “Gravy Day,” an unofficial but growing holiday inspired by the poignant song “How to Make Gravy,” penned by beloved singer-songwriter Paul Kelly. This annual celebration has morphed from an obscure musical reference to a heartfelt celebration of family and community, encapsulating complex feelings of regret and longing during the festive season.
Originally written for a charity album back in 1996, “How to Make Gravy” recounts the emotional turmoil of Joe, a prisoner writing to his brother about missing Christmas with his family. The song captures both the humor and sorrow of separation, challenging traditional holiday themes with its authentic storytelling. “How to Make Gravy” has since evolved to become deeply embedded within Australian culture, with fans marking the day with various rituals and social media interactions.
According to Jeff Jenkins of The Music, “It has become our most-loved Christmas song.” The very essence of “Gravy Day” reflects this sentiment as fans honor the song by playing it at gatherings, sharing it on social media, and leaving cans of gravy on their front porches as symbols of their celebration. The significance of the song has been highlighted even at the governmental level, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently referenced it when discussing the clemency of prisoners, aligning the themes of the song with real-life emotional experiences of families who have loved ones incarcerated.
How did this song come to hold such cultural weight? Kelly, when asked to contribute to the holiday album, initially sought to cover the Band’s “Christmas Must Be Tonight.” After it was unavailable, he drew inspiration from various classic holiday songs and the feelings of absence associated with being away from family, leading him to the creation of “How to Make Gravy.” This atypical holiday tune lacks the festive trappings of traditional Christmas songs, and instead, embraces the stark reality of longing: “Who’s going to make the gravy now?” Joe laments, worrying about the flavor and familial connections left behind.
The heart of the song lies within its recipe for gravy which has since sparked conversations among fans and foodies alike. “Just add flour, salt, a little red wine and don’t forget a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and extra tang,” Kelly narrates, blending culinary tips with emotional resonance; the simple ingredients clearly symbolize the family's shared traditions and the warmth of togetherness.
Fans have found new ways to celebrate Gravy Day, with the tradition gaining traction largely through social media and meme culture. The hashtag #GravyDay emerged around 2013, bringing together fans who began to commemorate December 21st by sharing clips of the song, expressing heartfelt nostalgia, and reliving memories from family gatherings. The song has also remained popular for its raw emotional core and relatability, becoming part of Australia's Christmas soundtrack as people tune in to share their own experiences associated with the song’s sentiments.
2023 saw the premiere of “How to Make Gravy,” the film, which deepens the narrative crafted by Kelly and expands on the themes of the original song. Filmmaker Nick Waterman adapted the story for the screen, breathing new life and dimensions to Joe’s tale, which continues to resonate with audiences attending screenings across the nation. The film is being showcased alongside celebrations of Gravy Day, to allow fans to immerse themselves fully in the emotional world of Joe and the backstory behind the song.
During the holiday season, the blend of family, love, and even sorrow captured within Kelly’s lyrics has brought comfort and togetherness, ensuring the song’s place among treasured holiday traditions. For Australians, the day serves as both tribute to the poignant lyrics and as reminder of their collective experiences, as many sing along to “How to Make Gravy,” recalling moments spent with loved ones during Christmas.
Politically, the recognition of Gravy Day by Prime Minister Albanese amplifies its relevance as it intertwines cultural sentiments with contemporary issues of families facing separation due to incarceration. His remarks echoed the song’s emotional gravity, emphasizing the significance of familial connections over the holiday season and the impact of time spent apart during the festivities: “Who’s going to make the gravy? These families had their loved ones in jail for 20 Christmases, and this was enough.” With such connections drawn, it’s evident how Kelly’s work speaks not only to the heart of celebration but to the intricacies of Australian society.
Gravy Day encapsulates the spirit of the song, transforming personal experiences of absence and longing during the holiday season to shared cultural celebration among Australians. From fostering memories to highlighting cultural connections, it stands as a beautiful example of how art can bridge emotional divides and transform ordinary days—December 21st—into unforgettable experiences for generations. Whether through leaving cans of gravy on porches or gathering to listen to Kelly’s poignant lyrics, it remains clear: Gravy Day is much more than just about gravy; it’s about family, memories, and love binding the essence of Australian Christmas celebrations together.
