A total fire ban - not the kind of thing which is a problem in a wintry Christmas - meant carol singers couldn't light their candles.

The event, held outside Parliament House, became Carols by Torchlight. Also apparent was another Aussie summer touch: the smell of insect repellent.

But nothing inhibited the singing. More than 3000 people attended the carols. Complementing the article was a photo of the Heathcote family, of Latham, fully decked with their picnic rug, torch and carols booklet.

Keith Gray, of Weetangera, said his family did not need a torch because they ate a lot of carrots and could see in the dark.

"It's a pity not to have candles, but it didn't matter. It's nice to see Canberra people get together in front of that throbbing, hot-air place behind us and treat that place as if it is our own back yard," he said.

A total fire ban had been imposed. No fires of any description were to be lit during the ban.

See more at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/12376994