Celebration
Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in
countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly
non-Christian. In some non-Christian countries, 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. Countries such as Japan, where Christmas is
popular despite there being only a small number of Christians, have
adopted many of the secular aspects of 
Christmas, such as gift-giving,
decorations and Christmas trees.
Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include
China, (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria,
Thailand, Iran, Turkey and North Korea. Christmas celebrations around
the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and
national traditions.
Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of
Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and
local cultures. For Christians, participating in a religious service
plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Christmas,
along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance.
In Catholic countries, people hold religious processions or parades in
the days preceding Christmas. In other countries, secular processions or
parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often
held. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature
of the season. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day in most
countries. Others practice gift giving on December 6, Saint Nicholas
Day, and January 6, Epiphany.
Christmas, such as gift-giving,
decorations and Christmas trees.
Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include
China, (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Japan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria,
Thailand, Iran, Turkey and North Korea. Christmas celebrations around
the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and
national traditions.
Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of
Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and
local cultures. For Christians, participating in a religious service
plays an important part in the recognition of the season. Christmas,
along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance.
In Catholic countries, people hold religious processions or parades in
the days preceding Christmas. In other countries, secular processions or
parades featuring Santa Claus and other seasonal figures are often
held. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature
of the season. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day in most
countries. Others practice gift giving on December 6, Saint Nicholas
Day, and January 6, Epiphany.
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