Merry Christmas Around the World

Celebrating the birth of our Lord, gift giving, gathering with family and friends are all examples of how we celebrate December 25, also known as Christmas. Writing this article has me pondering though, “How do other countries celebrate Christmas?” So I did some digging. Lets travel around the world!

• Japan: According to www.whychristmas.com, Christmas has not been celebrated until the last couple of decades in Japan. The day is more like our Valentine’s Day. It is a romantic day for strolling couples to look at the lights and exchange gifts. Kentucky Fried Chicken is a must on Christmas Day!

 

• Mexico: The children celebrate the story of Joseph and Mary looking for a place to stay in Posadas. These parties are held and pinatas (representing the seven deadly sins) are broken open.

 

• Australia: Christmas is very different than in Kentucky!! It comes in their summer vacation. Even though it is warm, Australians hand wreaths and decorate their house. Singing carols is a big deal. Many Australian celebrities sing and air it across the country on the TV. It is also sung that Santa uses kangaroos instead of reindeer to deliver presents.

 

• Brazil: Many customs are the same as in the USA. One exception is they get a 13th salary! Brazilians receive two times the amount of salary for the month of December!! (Think I might make a move! haha)

 

• India: Only about 2.3% of the population is Christian. Banana or mango trees are decorated. Santa Clause delivers presents with a horse and cart. Christians there put oil lamps on the roofs to represent Jesus is the light of the world.

I hope you enjoyed traveling around the world with me learning. I do pray everyone has a great Christmas with their loved ones. Just remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!!