Observance of Christmas by country

Uncommon card · No. 182269

The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country and by religion. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion, which are usually found in Africa and Asia. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g., Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday. Christmas traditions for many nations include the installation and decoration of Christmas trees, the hanging of Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes, setting out cookies and milk, the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ and giving and receiving of presents. The sending and exchange of Christmas cards, observance of fasting, and special religious observances such as a Midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, and...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Mark Warner, CC BY 2.0