Christmas is a joyous time when people come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a season to share, tell how much you love another, and be grateful for how far God has brought you or what He has done for you within the year.
People travel in and out of different countries to honour this day, but some countries don’t celebrate Christmas or declare Christmas Day as a national holiday. Check them below:
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan does not celebrate or announce Christmas Day as a public holiday because Islam is the main religion there. Notwithstanding, there are usually private ceremonies among foreigners and small Christian communities that reside there. They exchange gifts and special meals among themselves.
2. Bhutan
Bhutan is a country that practices Buddhism but has few Christians. So Christmas is not widely celebrated, as there are other holidays this season, such as “Bodhi Day,” which is the day of awakening.
3. China
As a non-religious country, China once banned Christmas celebrations and Christianity. But now it is regarded more like Valentine’s Day. In large cities, people go out to shop, watch movies, and go on romantic dates. About one percent of Chinese are Christians, so there is no strong influence, especially in the rural areas, to celebrate Christmas.
4. Egypt
Christians in Egypt do not celebrate Christmas in December; they are called “Copts.” Towards the end of November to early January, they fast instead, and afterward, the seventh of January is the day they celebrate the birth of Christ. They use the old Julian calendar for religious celebrations.
5. Mongolia
Mongolia is officially a Buddhist country where different traditions and cultural practices are celebrated, but excluding Christmas — December 25 is like every other day. Instead, they celebrate the “Lunar New Year,” which usually has fireworks, street parties, and televised speeches to commemorate the day.
6. Morocco
Most of the people in Morocco are mainly Muslims. You would barely witness any activities in honour of Christmas; no music or street displays but many coloured lanterns.
7. Pakistan
In Pakistan, 25 December is a day set aside to honour their leader and founder of the country, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The celebration starts in the first week of December, whereby elders pray for love and peace and also bless their children. Families buy new furniture and paint their homes to celebrate Jinnah.
8. Qatar
You can’t tell it’s Christmas day in Qatar. The chances of getting decorations for the season are quite slim. Christmas is not announced officially as a public holiday, but some institutions grant their workers.
9. Thailand
The majority of the population in Thailand is Buddhist. They do not celebrate or recognise Christmas as a national holiday, but they tolerate other religions. Some citizens get dressed in Santa clothes or even decorate their businesses.
10. Tunisia
Tunisia is also one of the countries that doesn’t celebrate Christmas—it is just like every other working day. For the citizens, it is a time when business thrives, but tourists and Christians residing in the country honour the festivity.