Christmas in Africa Christmas is celebrated throughout the African continent by Christian communities large and small.

There are approximately350 million Christians in Africa. On Christmas day carols are sung from the Congo on down to South Africa. Meats are roasted, gifts are exchanged and family visits made. The Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Egypt celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December in their calendar, which is the 7th of January for most of the rest of us. Kwanzaa is not celebrated in Africa, as it's an African-American holiday. And unless you're in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, there's little chance of anyone enjoying awhite Christmas in Africa. How to Say Merry Christmas: In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa In Zimbabwe Merry Kisimusi In Afrikaans (South Africa) Gesende Kersfees In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye' dun! Christmas in Antarctica Christmas in Antarctica comes in the middle of the austral summer. Christmas is a northern hemisphere festival that originated in the midwinter celebrations of pagan peoples and was later on taken on by Christians in order to embrace the ancient midwinter feasts that weren't simply going to go away because a new religion had come along. In consequence Christmas doesn't fit terribly comfortably into the southern hemisphere scheme of things. People in Antarctica at Christmas time are either working on scientific stations or they are tourists on a cruise. The cruise people are ok as they're having a fabulous vacation and have chosen the timing. How do those on the scientific stations celebrate Christmas in Antarctica? How big a celebration is Christmas in Antarctica? Not very - is the simple answer. Summer on scientific bases (and remember, the great majority of people in Antarctica are on scientific bases) is a time of great activity and comes right in the middle of the season of work. The majority of personnel on scientific bases are there for the summer only and so they know they're going to Antarctica to work. In addition to this everyone is away from their family and loved ones and with a group of people who vary from maybe a few close friends if they're lucky to casual acquaintances to those they wouldn't choose to spend any time with at all. There is also none of the build-up to Christmas that exists in much of the world. No advertising on TV (no TV), no articles in newspapers and magazines (no newspapers and magazines), no street decorations (no streets), no shopping (no shops) and none of the elaborate planning and shared family traditions. Some enjoy the fact that there isn't any of the last-minute shopping, family obligations or other stress inducing aspects of the season! So is there a celebration? There certainly is! Christmas day is usually a non-working day for most people, though many will also be doing their jobs for part of the day at least. Details depend on the nationality of the base and on the prevailing base culture, but pretty much all Antarctic bases will have a slap-up Christmas meal and a party of some type. Volunteers often help the base cook/s prepare the special meal. Presents tend not to be exchanged between base members as there's not really anywhere to buy them from! Shopping as recreation is definitely not on the list of Antarctic things to do. The party in the evening tends to be the main event. Dinner will be as traditional as possible in the circumstances, though fresh vegetables and meat are not easy to come by and so may be supplemented with dried, tinned or frozen varieties. Fancy dress is always a great Antarctic favourite (costumes often taking much of the day to make*), usually with some theme or other. If there is anyone on base who can sing or play an instrument (even if pretty awfully) then they will stand up and do their bit.

Many base members will have presents from home that may well have arrived months earlier and are saved until Christmas to be opened. (* The greatest dedication to fancy dress I came across in Antarctica was from a guy who shaved his head and then painted the top half of his body white with a white skirt from the waist down - he came as a snow-man.) Some people may phone home via a satellite link if this is possible, and most send emails and pictures or update their blogs (communication has been revolutionized in Antarctica more so than any where else probably by the advent of the internet). Field parties in particular experience a particularly different sort of Christmas in a tent or hut miles from anywhere with maybe just one other person or a disparate group of varied nationalities. Such Christmases are probably not dissimilar to those celebrated by the earliest Antarctic explorers who would save back treats such as plum pudding and whisky or rum for Christmas day to toast those absent friends and family so far away.

What's unusual about Christmas in Antarctica? Well apart from place, company and circumstances - Christmas Day comes just a few days after not the shortest day as in the northern hemisphere - but the longest day in the southern hemisphere. In many places in Antarctica, Christmas Day is celebrated in 24 hour daylight. Even the furthest north Antarctic places have only about an hour or so of dusk between sun down and sun up. A White Christmas is a pretty good bet - but somehow doesn't feel so special. Christmas Day afternoon strolls however are very special as depending on where you are, the wildlife could be spectacular and the scenery most certainly will be. The day after Christmas day is usually just another ordinary working day with just a bit of respite with New Year. Race Around the World There has arisen a tradition at the American Amundsen/Scott base at the South Pole for a "Race Around the World" that takes place on Christmas Day. All manner of transport is used to travel around the geographic South Pole so meaning that in passing through all time zones and lines of Longitude, the participants have raced around the world. Christmas the alternatives 1/ One year, because we knew what Christmas would be like and not a proper celebration, we decided to have it in October - still officially in the winter as no ships had yet arrived and wouldn't for over a month. It was much more enjoyable than the "real" one as we spent the time to do it all properly :o) 2/ The real celebration in Antarctica is Mid Winter ending with Mid Winters Day on June the 21st. Christmas in Europe For most North Americans, the charm of a visit to Europe is that chance to experience a country's rich culture-- and what better time of year for Europe than Christmas, a time full of special traditions, celebrations, decorations, and seasonal warmth?

You might sip hot chocolate at a Christmas market, listen to a choir in a midnight service at a medieval cathedral... even the storefronts, all decorated for the season, can be an experience.

And a bonus, for those traveling to Christmas in Europe: you can get there with lower airfares and stay in hotels with off-season rates. Below, find many resources from our About.com Guides about: Christmas in Europe, For Families London Christmas From carolers under lamplights to figgy pudding: much of the way we picture Christmas comes from Victorian England. Head over to London and imagine you're on Bob Cratchet's street, and have extra fun at the many seasonal events, from outdoor ice-skating to carols at Trafalgar Square. Germany - Christmas Markets: No matter what city you're visiting in Germany, you'll find a day or night market with great gifts and a festive atmosphere. Their popularity is

nothing new. Four centuries ago, a Nuremberg priest complained that few people came to church service on Christmas Eve: everyone was shopping at the market nearby. France: Christmas markets, midnight mass at cathedrals, special traditions... France is steeped in Christmas history. More Christmas Markets in Europe Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, but many other countries -- France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and more-- have these traditional markets, with twinkling lights, roasted chestnuts, and plenty of toys for sale. Christmas in Paris: ice skating, Christmas market, decorations and holiday lights... Italy: In Italy, celebrations are mainly from December 24 until The Epiphany, twelve days later, on January 6. Read about local customs, and the best places to see nativity scenes, markets, torchlight parades, and more. Athens, Greece: The mayor of Athens is promoting seasonal celebrations and off-season tourism: you'll find holiday playgrounds, Christmas tales street theater, musical performances, New Years Eve fireworks, and more. Sweden: About's Guide for Scandinavia for Visitors highlights Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen: this famouse amusement park is well over 150 years old and a "must-see" tourist spot for families. At Christmas, more than 70 stalls offer gifts and seasonal delicacies; Santa's sleigh has landed; the Carousels and other rides are in use. See also: seasonal customs in Sweden and Norway. Sweden - Ice Hotel: And speaking of Sweden: for a truly unique experience, how about a visit to the Ice Hotel? Created anew every year, out of 10 000 tons of crystal clear ice; location is in the village of Jukkasjrvi in Swedish Lapland, but don't worry, various packages can get you there. Europe Christmas traditions: an overview of what you'll find in a number of countries.

Christmas in Asia China, Hong Kong and Macau In Mainland China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. The small percentage of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians [1] unofficially, and usually privately, observe Christmas. Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are very similar to [1] Western celebrations. Both Hong Kong and Macau designate Christmas as a public holiday on December 25. Both are former colonies of Western powers with (nominal) Christian cultural heritage. However, commercial Christmas decorations, signs, and other symbolic items have become increasingly prevalent during the month of December in large urban centers of mainland China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and, sometimes, as part of retail marketing campaigns. Korea South Korea recognizes Christmas as a national holiday. Christian and non-Christian Koreans engage in some holiday customs such as gift-giving, sending Christmas cards, and setting up decorated trees in their homes; children, especially, appear to have embraced Santa Claus, whom they call Santa Haraboji (Grandfather Santa) in Korean, Local radio stations play holiday music on Christmas Day and a few days before, while television stations are known to air Christmas films and cartoon specials popular in the Western countries. In addition, increasing numbers of stores and buildings are displaying Christmas decorations. As in the West, Christian churches in Korea hold Christmas pageants and conduct special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Young people especially enjoy the fellowship these observances provide; after the Christmas Eve services, for example, they go caroling to the homes of older church members, where they are usually treated to hot drinks and snacks. South Korea is the only East Asian country to recognize Christmas as a national holiday. India [2] [3] Being a British colony till 1947, many British traditions stayed on in India .Christmas is a state holiday in India, though only 2.3% of the population is actually Christian. Sincere devotees attend the church services. In many of the schools that are run by the Christian missionaries, the children actively participate in the programmes. Christmas is officially celebrated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India. The celebrations continue and merge with New Year's celebrations. Christmas often coincides with the Winter Solstice as celebrated in India (Makar Sakranti).

In India, most educational institutions have a mid-academic year vacation, sometimes called Christmas vacation, beginning shortly before Christmas and ending a few days after New Year's Day. Christmas is also known as bada din (the big day). Commercialization and open markets are however bringing more secular Christmas celebration to the public sphere, even though it is not widely celebrated as a religious holiday. Christmas is particularly well celebrated in Bengal and South India where the Christian population is relatively high. Israel Israel is a Jewish state so the Jewish majority does not celebrate Christmas. They celebrate Hanukkah instead. In the Palestinian territoriesand in some areas under Israeli control a Christian minority exists. They celebrate Christmas. This is especially prevalent in Bethlehem andNazareth. Japan Encouraged by the commercial sector, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a national holiday. A unique feature of Christmas in Japan is the Japanese type of Christmas cake, often a white whipped cream cake with strawberries. The first recorded Christmas in Japan was celebrated with a Mass held by Jesuitmissionaries in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1552, although some believe that unrecorded celebrations were held prior to this date, starting in 1549 when Saint Francis Xavierarrived in Japan to begin missionary work. Starting with the expulsion of missionaries in 1587, Christianity was banned throughout Japan beginning in 1612, a few years into the Edo Period, and the public practice of Christmas subsequently ceased. However, a small enclave of Japan Christians, known as Kakure Kirishitan ("hidden Christians"), continued to practice underground over the next 250 years, and Christianity along with Christmas practices reemerged at the beginning of the Meiji period. Influenced by American customs, Christmas parties were held and presents were exchanged. The practice slowly spread in major cities, but its proximity to the New Year's celebrations makes it a smaller focus of attention. During World War II, all celebrations and customs, especially those from America, were suppressed. From the 1960s, with the aid of a rapidly expanding economy, and influenced by American TV dramas, Christmas became popular, but mostly not as a religious occasion. For many Japanese, celebrating Christmas is similar to participating in a matsuri, where participants often do not consider which kami is being celebrated, but believe that the celebration is a tribute nevertheless. From the 1970s onwards, many songs and TV drama series presented Christmas from a lover's point of view, for example 'Last Christmas' by Exile. The birthday of the current emperor, Akihito, on December 23 is a national holiday. Shortly thereafter businesses close for the New Year's holidays, usually reopening on the first weekday after January 3. Lebanon Christmas is a state holiday in Lebanon. Most Lebanese Muslims celebrate Christmas with Christian friends. A poll showed that around two thirds of the population celebrate Christmas, while only 45% of the population is Christian. Commercialization and open markets are bringing a more secular celebration of Christmas to the public. Churches are open all night for praying and people go to visit friends and families, often to villages in the mountains. Christmas concerts are popular, not to forget to mention the wide popularity of both local and western Christmas Carols. Prayers and carols start to be said and sung around mid-December and continue till the New Year's Eve. Internationally famous fashion designer, Elie Saab, donates a giant Christmas tree of 25m high for public display every year in Downtown Beirut. It is recognized that Christmas controversies such as the replacement of the greeting "Merry Christmas" by "Happy Holidays" or the usage of the word Xmas "taking Christ out of Christmas" are popularly criticized, Christmas in Lebanon is a purely Religious holiday where everybody prays, as well as being the Gift Giving season. Lebanese Christmas food is a mixture of European and Middle Eastern fare, for example, Tabbouleh, Kibbeh, Turkey and wine, and for dessert a "buche de Nol". Most of Christmas Greetings are spoken in French like "Joyeux Nol" or English. Christmas lights fill the roads. Houses are also decorated and beneath the Christmas tree, families place a nativity scene or crche with a unique style, representing Jesus, St. Mary, St Joseph, the Three Kings, shepherds men and miniature animals. Malaysia Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia, however, much of the public celebration is commercial in nature and has no overt religious overtones. Occasionally, Christian activist groups do buy newspaper advertorials on Christmas or Easter but this is largely only allowed in English newspapers and permission is not given every year. The advertorials themselves are usually indirect statements. In 2004, the government organized a national-level Christmas celebration but allegedly imposed an unofficial ban on all Christian [4] religious symbols and hymns that specifically mention Jesus Christ. The event was jointly organised by the Arts, Culture and Heritage ministry, the government of the state of Selangor and the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). It has been reported that the Sultan of Selangor and his consort, the Prime Minister as well as assorted cabinet ministers will be in attendance. It will also be televised on TV in a majority Muslim country. OC Lim, a former lawyer turned Jesuit priest and director of the Catholic Research Centre (also assistant parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Church) has lodged a formal complaint. He has also stated that "To exclude (such) carols and to use (Christmas) for political gain is outrageous, scandalous and sacrilegious." He also said "To call it a cultural event (as rationalised by Christian politicians who are more politician than Christian) is to downgrade Jesus to a cultural sage such as Confucius." CFM general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri stated that the government wanted "nothing that insults Islam" during the open house.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim later denied that any such ban had been "issued officially or unofficially". He also added that there is "nothing wrong in singing songs such as Silent Night and Merry Christmas" as they are "joyous songs for the festival". Lee Min Choon, legal advisor to the CFM and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship issued a statement which said "It means that churches can celebrate Christmas as they have been doing all along. Otherwise, the very meaning of the occasion will be lost." "Now, everybody should take the government at its word and celebrate Christmas the way they normally celebrate and express their religious faith." Pakistan In Pakistan, December 25 is a public holiday because Christians constitute approximately 1 percent of the population, In Christian households, cards and presents are exchanged. People wear their best new clothes and visit friends houses. Philippines Christmas in the Philippines, one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor), is one of the biggest holidays on the calendar. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols are heard as early as September and the season lasting up until Epiphany. The Philippines has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season. Although faint traces of the holiday arise beginning from early September, it is traditionally ushered in by the nine-day dawnMasses that start on Dec. 16. Known as the Misas de Aguinaldo (Gift Masses) or Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish. These Masses are more popularly known inTagalog as the Simbang Gabi. Christmas Eve on December 24 is the much-anticipated "noche buena" the traditional Christmas feast after the midnight mass. Family members dine together on traditional noche buena fare, which includes the quso de bla ("ball cheese", usuallyedam cheese) and jamn (Christmas ham). Usually, aside from the already legal holidays which are Rizal Day (December 30) and New Year's Eve (December 31), other days in close proximity such as Christmas Eve (December 24), Nios Innocentes (December 28), and the Epiphany (traditionally, January 6) are also declared as non-working days. In Asia, Christmas is also the liveliest in the Philippines, since the country is one of the few predominantly Christian nation in the continent besides Russia, East Timor, Georgia and Armenia. As in many East Asian countries, secular Christmas displays are common both in business establishments and in public, including lights,Christmas trees, depictions of Santa Claus (despite the warm climate), and Christmas greetings in English and Tagalog, as well as in Chineseand other Philippine languages and dialects. Occasionally such displays are left in place even in summer for example the parol representing the "Star of Bethlehem" which led the Three Kings to the newborn Baby Jesus. In the capital Manila, Christmas Day is the start of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival during which locally produced films are featured in the city's theatres. For Filipinos, Christmas Eve ("Bisperas ng Pasko"/Spanish: Vsperas de la Navidad) on December 24 is celebrated with the Midnight Mass, and immediately after, the much-anticipated Noche Buena the traditional Christmas Eve feast. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on traditional Noche Buena fare, which includes: queso de bola (Spanish: "ball of cheese"; this is actually edam cheese), "Tsokolate" (a hot chocolate drink) and jamn (Christmas ham). Some would also open presents at this time. On December 31, New Year's Eve ("Bisperas ng Bagong Taon"), Filipino families gather for the Media Noche or midnight meal a feast that is also supposed to symbolize their hopes for a prosperous New Year. In spite of the yearly ban on firecrackers, many Filipinos in the Philippines still see these as the traditional means to greet the New Year. The loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to drive away bad spirits. Safer methods of merrymaking include banging on pots and pans and blowing on car horns. Folk beliefs also include encouraging children to jump at the stroke of midnight so that they would grow up tall, displaying circular fruit and wearing clothes with dots and other circular designs to symbolize money, eating twelve grapes at 12 midnight for good luck in the twelve months of the year, and opening windows and doors during the first day of the New Year to let in the good luck. Christmas officially ends on the Feast of the Three Kings (Tres Reyes in Spanish or Tatlong Hari in Tagalog), also known as the Feast of the Epiphany. The Feast of the Three Kings was traditionally commemorated on Jan. 6 but is now celebrated on the first Sunday after the New Year. Some children leave their shoes out, so that the Three Kings would leave behind gifts like candy or money inside. Jan. 6 is also known in other countries as Twelfth Night, and the "Twelve Days of Christmas" referred to in the Christmas carol are the twelve days between Christmas Day (December 25) and the coming of the Three Kings (January 6). Singapore In Singapore, Christmas is a public holiday celebrated by almost everyone (Christian or otherwise). Typically it is also the boom time for retailers as Christmas season is also the time most people get their year-end bonuses. The entire shopping district like Orchard Road and Marina Centre areas is decorated with colorful lights from early or mid November till early January. In recent years, a charitable organization called Celebrating Christmas in Singapore Ltd (with links to the National Council of Churches of Singapore) organized the "Celebrating Christmas in Singapore" during Christmas period with carolling, concerts and parade down Orchard Road. As Christmas is not a native festival here, there is nothing local except for maybe the warmer tropical climate. Christmas celebration in Singapore tends to be borrowed heavily from the American version with turkey dinner and decoration. As Christians only comprise 14% of the population, most of the celebration tends to be secular and commercial in nature. Local companies normally arrange gift exchange programs on the last working day before Christmas.

Taiwan In Taiwan, Christmas is not officially celebrated or legally recognized. However, coincidentally, December 25 is the date of the signing of the Constitution of the Republic of China in 1947, officially the Constitution Day (zh:). Hence there was already an official [5] holiday on that date designated in 1963 by theExecutive Yuan, which is largely, though unofficially, treated as if it were Christmas. In order to avoid having too many legal holidays when phasing in two-day-off-per-week plan, the Constitution Day is no longer a full legal holiday with a day off since 2001. Some people have become disappointed that December 25has ceased to be a holiday, but there are still unofficial celebrations of Christmas. Christmas in North America Mexico Mexico's Christmas traditions are based on Mexico's form of Roman Catholicism and popular culture traditions also called posadas. Over nine days, groups of townspeople go from door to door in a fashion reminiscent of when the parents of unborn baby Jesus looked for shelter to pass the night when they arrived at Bethlehem, and are periodically called inside homes to participate in the breaking of a gift-filled piata. Mexican Christmas is not influenced by American Christmas since it is filled with over 30 traditions found only within Mexican Christmas. Nowadays, American Christmas is influencing the holiday more, specially in cities north from Mexico City where, as an example, Santa Claus is more popular among the kids than "Nio Dios" or Baby Jesus as the person who brings the gifts. In many Mexican places, children receive gifts not on Christmas but on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, when, according to tradition, theThree Wise Men bring gifts not only to baby Jesus but also to children who have placed written requests in their shoes. At midnight on Christmas, millions of families place the figure of baby Jesus in their nacimientos (Nativity scenes), as the symbolic representation of Christmas as a whole. Mexican Christmas festivities start on December 12, with the birthday of La Guadalupana (Virgin of Guadalupe), and end on January 6, with the Epiphany. Children usually do not attend school on this date; and, when they go to their rooms, they find not only the toys but also that the Three Magic Kings have appeared at El Nacimiento. Since the 1990s, Mexican society has embraced a new concept linking several celebrations around Christmas time into what is known as the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon. United States and Canada In the United States and Canada, the Santa Claus traditions are essentially the same, except in Quebec and other French speaking areas, with its rveillon and the Pre Nol ("Father Christmas" in French). The Celebration of Boxing Day on the day after Christmas Day is a tradition practiced in much of English-speaking Canada, as it is in theCommonwealth. Many Christmas-related tourist attractions, such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and elaborate animated department storewindows in New York City are heavily visited by tourists from all over the world. Christmas in South America Religious themes predominate in Christmas celebrations in heavily Roman Catholic South America. The secular customs and gift-giving in these countries are an admixture of traditions handed down from European and Native American forebears, plus the increasing influence of American culture. Gift giving traditions include Chile's "Viejo Pascuero" (Easter Old Man), and Brazil's "Papai Noel", the latter two resembling Santa Claus in many ways. South American "Santas" dress more lightly in keeping with the warmer Christmas there, and have adopted a number of means, from ladders to trampolines, to enter homes at night. Gift giving in Argentina occurs both in Christmas and on January 6, "Kings' Day", when children leave shoes under the Christmas tree to be filled with snacks or small gifts by the Magi, who stop off on their way to Bethlehem. Nativity scenes are a strong feature of South American Christmas, both in homes and in public places. In regions with large numbers of Native American descendants, such as Peru, the figures are often hand-carved in a centuries-old style. As in Mexico, village processions acting out the events surrounding the birth of Christ are also common. Family Christmas meals are very important, and their contents are as varied as the number of countries on the continent. Christmas lights are a near-universal holiday feature, and with the summery weather, fireworks displays are also found, especially over the cities of Brazil and Argentina. Brazil In most of Brazil, the Christmas is particularly a family celebration and it carries the European traditions, particularly from Portugal, brought by the Jesuits. Between December 24 and January 6, there is an event in the most traditional regions called Folia de Reis, which consist in processions through the city singingChristmas carols for the "Menino-Deus" (The "Baby Jesus") and the Three Kings. However, in most of the southern cities, as well as in the largest cities of the Southeastern Region, like So Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte the celebrations resemble in many ways the traditions in Northern Europe and North America, with the Christmas Tree, the exchanging of gifts and Christmas cards, the decoration of houses and buildings with electric lights and the Nativity Scene. In some cities like Curitiba, there are some decoration contests, when judges go to some houses to look at the decoration, inside or outside of the house, and decide the most beautiful house. The Christmas Eve is the most important day. In the midnight between December 24 and December 25, the churches celebrate the "Misa del Gallo" (the Rooster's Mass).
[citation needed]

Colombia Christmas in Colombia is primarily a religious holiday. Presents are brought by El Nio Dios (Baby Jesus) instead of Pap Nol (Santa Claus), whose gift giving role has been downplayed some by the Church. However, Santa Claus is still an important Christmas figure, as Santa decorations are common, and Santa can be seen posing for pictures at shopping malls. While Christmas decorations may be put up as early as the beginning of November, the unofficial start of Colombian Christmas festivities takes place on December 7, Da de las Velitas, or "Day of the Candles." At night, the streets, sidewalks, balconies, porches, and driveways are decorated with candles and paper lanterns, which illuminate cities and towns in a yellow glow to honor the Immaculate Conception on the following day, December 8. Activities such as musical events and firework displays are planned by cities and held during this time. In many cities, and even in small rural towns, neighborhoods get together and decorate their whole neighborhood or street, turning streets into virtual "tunnels of light." Many radio stations and local organizations hold contests for the best display of lights, making the competition for the best light show a serious event. Fireworks were a common item during the holiday season in Colombia, often going on at any time of the day everyday in many cities, but a recent ban of fireworks has decreased the use of fireworks, and now only cities or towns are able to hold firework displays. December 16 is the first day of the Christmas Novena, a devotion consisting of prayer said on nine successive days, the last one held onChristmas Eve. The Novena is promoted by the Church as a staple of Christmas, and is very similar to the posadas celebrated in Mexico. It is a call for an understanding of the religious meaning of Christmas, and a way to counter the commercialism of the Christmas season. Individual traditions concerning the Novena may vary, but most families set up a pesebre (manger scene), sing religious Christmas carols calledvillancicos accompanied by tambourines, bells, and other simple percussion instruments, and read verses from the Bible as well as an interpretation which may change from year to year. From December 16 to 18, some people play games called aguinaldos. The games includeHablar y no contestar, Dar y no recibir, Si y no, Tres pies, Beso robado, and Pajita en boca. Churches offer nightly masses during the nine days of the novena, culminating with the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) on Christmas Eve at midnight. Christmas Eve is the most important day of Christmas in Colombia. Families and friends get together to pray the last Novena and wait until midnight to open the presents, parties are held until sunrise on Christmas Day, kids stay up late playing with their new presents, and fireworks fill the skies. Because Christmas Eve is the most important day, little goes on on December 25. El da de los innocentes, or the Day of the Innocents, falls in the Christmas season and is celebrated in Colombia as a day for pranks, equivalent to April Fool's Day. Prank victims are known as innocentes, or "innocent ones." January 6, the day of the Revelation of the Magi, used to be a day of gift giving, but is celebrated less now. Some families still give presents, and it is also the day when godparents give Christmas presents. Venezuela In Venezuela Christmas is celebrated as a religious holiday. As in Colombia, the presents are brought by El Nio Jesus (Baby Jesus) instead of Pap Nol (Santa Claus), that still has an i mportant role during this season. The unofficial start of the Christmas festivities is after the celebrations of "Feria de la Chinita", second half of November. The origin of this festivity is the cult to Virgin Mary of Chiquinquir, when various religious activities, processions, and music festivals with the typical "Gaita (music style)" to honor "La Chinita" (nickname of this Virgin). This event takes place in the Zulia Region, specially in Maracaibo (the regional capital). After this festivity, the Christmas Spirit is every where and many activities take place including musical events of Gaita (music style), firework displays, and many other events planned by other cities across the country. In many cities, small rural towns and neighborhoods get together for the "patinatas" night festivals where kids go and play with skateboards, roller blades and bicycles. This events are usually sponsored by the local church, where neighbors organize themselves and sell typical Christmas food, hot chocolate, hallaca, cookies, etc. Also still in some neighborhoods there is the "Parranda" where people goes from one house to house with music and xmas songs. The singers stops at neighbors houses to get some food and drinks. Also in the Venezuelan Andes there is the same tradition of this kind of event but they carry an image of "baby Jesus" and this is called "Paradura del Nio" Children write request letters to Baby Jesus. The presents are sent by Baby Jesus at midnight, and most people have a party, which goes on until sunrise.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_worldwide#Asia ..wikipedia nani na link, oceania