Overview

• Paul Kelly's 1996 song 'How to Make Gravy,' narrated as a letter from a prisoner to his family, has become an iconic Australian Christmas tradition.
• December 21, referenced in the song, is celebrated as 'Gravy Day,' with fans marking the occasion through various tributes, including leaving cans of gravy on porches.
• The song’s universal themes of regret, family, and missing loved ones resonate deeply, while its references to Australia's summer heat and unique traditions ground it in local culture.
• A new film inspired by the song premiered this year, expanding its cultural impact and providing a visual narrative to its heartfelt lyrics.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referenced the song this week while announcing the release of five long-term prisoners, underscoring its significance in Australian society.