Christmas in Asia: Although the birth of Christ is not traditionally celebrated in most Asian countries, the festive joy and cheer associated with the season are shared by many. Streets are adorned with Christmas decorations, and it’s easy to find people writing celebratory messages for their loved ones. Yet, some countries have developed their own distinctive ways of celebrating the yuletide event.

China: Carved Apples

While Christmas is not a public holiday in China, where only 1 per cent of the population are Christians, the country is still known for its festive spirit. Christmas Eve is often referred to as “Peaceful Night”, pronounced ping an ye in Mandarin, which sounds like the word for apple, ping guo. In the spirit of Christmas, people exchange red apples as gifts – apples engraved with heartfelt and hopeful wishes, often wrapped in beautiful cellophane or boxes.

Santa Claus also takes on a different appearance in China. Rather than elves, Mr Claus is assisted by “little friends” who help him carry heavy gift bags. In some Chinese illustrations, Santa is even depicted with a saxophone in hand instead of the traditional gift bags.

Japan: KFC

In Japan, eating fried chicken instead of oven-baked turkey has become a key part of Christmas celebrations, with a particular fondness for KFC. This unique tradition began in December 1974 when KFC launched a marketing campaign aimed at positioning its menu as a festive meal, making it a popular destination for Christmas food.

Reports suggest that more than 3 million people in Japan enjoy a KFC bucket on Christmas, which explains the surge in pre-orders and seasonal campaigns. Other chicken restaurants, as well as convenience stores, also offer fried chicken during the holiday season for those looking for an alternative to KFC.

South Korea: Collaborative Celebrations

According to a 2023 survey, approximately 20 per cent of South Korea’s population are Christians. Christmas is also celebrated as a public holiday. While not as grand as in Western countries, it is easy to find shops and streets adorned with Christmas decorations, and local governments often install large Christmas trees in city centres.

South Korea’s diverse religious landscape makes it particularly interesting to see how people of different faiths embrace Christmas. For example, Jogyesa, a large Buddhist temple in the heart of Seoul, marks the occasion by hanging Christmas tree-shaped lanterns across its courtyard. This type of celebration demonstrates a unique collaboration between religions, allowing people to enjoy the festivities regardless of their faith.

The Philippines: ‘Noche Buena’

The Philippines is renowned for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world, with over 92 per cent of its population being Christian. The Filipino holiday season begins as early as September, with the display of decorations and the sale of holiday-related products, and it stretches through to early December with nativity displays and carollers knocking on doors. From nine days before Christmas, churches in the Philippines become bustling with a series of early-morning and late-night Masses known as Simbang Gabi.

What makes a Filipino Christmas truly special is Noche Buena, a midnight feast featuring traditional dishes to commemorate the holiday. Rather than waiting for Santa Claus’ visit at midnight, people rise from their beds to partake in the feast with their loved ones. Christmas celebrations in the Philippines typically come to a close after the Feast of the Three Kings in January.

Thailand: Santa Claus Riding Elephants

While Christmas is a public holiday in Thailand, another significant event is celebrated in early December: the birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Nevertheless, many Thai people embrace the holiday spirit, decorating cities with beautiful lights and festive items that commemorate Christmas.

In Thailand, where the national animal is the elephant, Santa Claus is often seen riding an elephant instead of a reindeer, delivering gifts to children in his truck. The traditional Christmas turkey dinner is also adapted to suit local tastes, often replaced with rice and curry. It’s not common to see security guards celebrating the holiday dressed in Christmas-themed costumes, including those of Santa Claus or other popular characters. The festivities are further marked by various events, such as street parades, capturing the universal joy of Christmas.