Japan: In Japan, holidays are very different from those in the United States. Christmas in Japan is similar to Valentine’s Day in the US. Couples go on dates, exchange gifts, and see winter lights with their partner. The Japanese also eat KFC on Christmas as a tradition. Bright festive lights illuminate Japanese cities. This takes place from mid-November to February.
Portugal: In Portugal, Christmas is very similar to Christmas in America. The main celebration of Christmas in Portugal is Christmas Eve, while in America it’s Christmas Day. Portugal celebrates mostly with family and friends to honor them, and sets the gifts aside, only getting a few small gifts. During Christmas in America, they celebrate with tons of gifts and big gifts, not exactly setting aside family, but focusing on getting gifts to give to their family.
India: In India, they blend global traditions with local twists. They have a midnight mass, which is a Catholic tradition followed by a feast. The Indians also sing carols in their native language and English. Celebrations most likely will feature fireworks and elaborate light displays. Goan and northeastern regions have street processions, floats, and community fairs.
South Africa: South African Christmas is in the summer. While our Christmas is snowy and cold, in South Africa, Christmas is hot and humid, with people going to the beaches. They have an outdoor barbecue called “braai,” and they are a mostly Catholic nation, so they have frequent mass celebrations.
