How to celebrate Christmas in Asia and Oceania?
Christmas is just around the corner. People worldwide are preparing to play host, enjoy festive meals, make purchases and celebrate with their friends and family. The Christmas holiday is celebrated in a variety of ways across the globe. Are you interested in learning more about how people in Asia and Oceania celebrate Christmas? Let’s get to know more about the beautiful Christmas traditions in Asia and Oceania.
Australia
Christmas traditions in Australia are similar to those in the United Kingdom and the United States. However, due to the country’s summer climate in December, unique local traditions have emerged over time. It is customary to begin seeing Christmas decorations in stores and on the streets in November. Many people invest time and effort into enhancing the appearance of their homes. Another local tradition is the sending of handwritten Christmas cards to family and friends. Each Australian region has its own distinctive tradition for this special occasion. South Australia and Western Australia feature vibrant pageants, while Victoria boasts impressive public gatherings where people sing carols by candlelight.
China
Christmas is like Valentine’s Day in China. It’s also a day to meet friends. People in China usually go to malls to eat, shop, ice skate, watch a movie or sing in a karaoke bar. The Chinese also give apples as gifts. They come in cellophane packages with messages like ‘peace’ and ‘love’ in Chinese. Malls and restaurants go big during Christmas with decorations, lanterns, and trees. Malls usually have live entertainment with “Shengdan Laoren” (Santa Claus) playing the saxophone.
Philippines
Filipinos like to celebrate Christmas for a long time. People start counting down in September. Filipino Catholics wake up before dawn every day from 16 December to Christmas Eve for “Simbang Gabi”, a nine-day series of masses that begins at 4:00 a.m. The Simbang Gabi on the 24th is followed by a midnight feast, called Noche Buena, where family, friends, and neighbours come to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Typical Christmas food includes cheese balls, chocolates, noodles, fruit salad, bread, meat and ham. Tables would be filled with delicious food and drinks.
Singapore
Singapore’s Orchard Road is decorated with Christmas lights and sparkling displays at shopping malls. Many local and international restaurants open for Christmas in Singapore. Christmas menus vary depending on the type of establishment. From seafood to meat, Christmas-themed afternoon teas, or unlimited canapes. It time for people to indulge and feast to their satisfaction.
Japan
In Tokyo, there are lots of Christmas markets and lights during the winter holidays. Japanese Christmases are different because new customs have become popular. As a secular day in Japan, it is popular with couples to celebrate their love. Couples often plan romantic dinners and days out to see Christmas decorations. KFC and fried chicken are popular at Christmas. Meals have to be booked in advance. People eat Christmas cake with loved ones. Strawberries, sugar Santas and other festive decorations make these cakes look special.
India
About 27.8 million people in India are Christians. They celebrate Christmas as a holiday. People in Catholic areas celebrate the holiday season. They wear their best clothes and sing Christmas songs. Catholics and non-Catholics attend midnight mass because Christmas is a secular festival. The winter holiday break starts just before Christmas, so the celebration is especially upbeat atmosphere.
Vietnam
Christmas is a big celebration in Vietnam. They eat a French Yule log cake during Christmas. People decorate their homes and streets with lights and Christmas trees. Exchange gifts and attend religious ceremonies. It is often to see people gather in city squares on Christmas Eve to celebrate and pray at outdoor Masses. After the liturgy, there is usually a meal and other celebrations. Other common Christmas traditions include sing Christmas carols, eat special foods like chicken soup and turkey with pudding, and spend time with family and friends.
South Korea
Christmas is a chance to stay at home with your partner or loved one and celebrate in a small, intimate way. Korea doesn’t have the same Christmas dishes as other countries, but it does have some special foods that Koreans love. These include Korean BBQ, jjolmyeon and other winter meals. Couples often end Christmas dinner with a Christmas cake. In Korea, there is a special kind of Santa called ‘Grandpa Santa’. He gives gifts and brings joy during Christmas. Instead of red robes, Grandpa Santa can be seen wearing blue or green robes.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, Christmas is called Natal and is important to 28 million Christians. You can see plastic Christmas trees and Sinterklaas in shopping malls during the holidays. Local TV stations show Christmas music and the national Christmas celebration. Christmas cookies are popular, especially nastar, kastengel, and putri salju. Different parts of Indonesia celebrate Christmas in different ways.
Thailand
In different cities, statues of elephants and real elephants dress up for Christmas and give gifts to schoolchildren. Thailand is a popular tourist destination, so hotels have special Christmas menus and buffets. Restaurant staff keeps the Christmas party spirit by donning red hats during their service.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Christmas is a mix of British and North American traditions. New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so local traditions are based on the weather during December. In New Zealand, Christmas decorations combine winter scenes from the Northern Hemisphere with scenes from New Zealand’s history and the Bible. On Christmas, families eat together. Lamb, ham, beef, potatoes and salads are typical Christmas lunch foods. Cold meats and seafood are often served because it’s warm at Christmas. The desserts are a mix of British and local foods. Christmas cakes, puddings, mince pies and trifle are traditional. Pavlova with summer fruits is a local dessert.
Haven’t decided yet where to travel this Christmas? Please feel free to chat with our travel consultants and tailor-make your special itinerary!
