What Is Christmas?

Christmas is officially a religious holiday that marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is primarily celebrated by Christians, Catholics, and Buddhists. However, many non-religious people celebrate Christmas around the world.

As part of people's faith, Christmas is a day to attend mass and candlelight services. It's also a time to enjoy family prayer and an advent Christmas countdown, which usually involves lighting candles.

For atheists and other religions, many people still celebrate Christmas as a time to come together with family and friends.

Is Christmas the Same All Over the World?

Christmas is always on the same day around the world, on December 25. However, some countries celebrate the day before (Christmas Eve) and the day after (Boxing Day) more than Christmas Day itself.

Over 160 countries around the world celebrate Christmas in December, with slight differences in how the day is celebrated. Most, if not all, of these countries have a holiday and day off work to recognize the event.

There are 24 countries that don't officially celebrate Christmas, including Thailand, Turkey, Japan, Morocco, Vietnam, Tunisia, Israel, Qatar, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.

This means these countries don't have an official public holiday to recognize the day. Despite there not being a day off, many people living in these countries, especially Christians or migrants, still celebrate the Christmas countdown.

For example, in Japan, Christmas is not seen as a religious festival but as a day to spread joy. In recent years, it's common for people to order KFC for dinner or go out to a restaurant for dinner with family.

What Are Ways That Christmas Is Celebrated Around the World?

Christmas is celebrated in a similar way throughout the world, which each country holding its own unique traditions. The most common way to celebrate Christmas is to give gifts to family and friends, decorate a Christmas tree inside the home, and enjoy a dinner with loved ones on December 25.

In the US, UK, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, many people have advent calendars in December. These are small calendars with little doors that you open during the Christmas countdown. There are usually 24 or 25 windows to open that tell you how many days until Christmas.

In Poland, many people eat a Christmas wafer on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, it's common to eat carp, herring, pierogi, and poppy seed cake. It's also common to give gifts and sing Christmas carols. Slovakia is also known to eat carp on Christmas Day for dinner.

In the Philippines, the Christmas countdown starts in September. Big parties full of lights, dancing, and a big feast, known as Noche Buena, are also held.

In Australia, many people enjoy "Christmas on the beach". Temperatures are usually around 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) in Australia on Christmas. Many people enjoy grilled or BBQ seafood and a game of cricket on the beach during the day and evening.

Who Sees Christmas First in the World?

The Balleny Islands in New Zealand is the first country in the world to see Christmas Day. They are the first country to see the start of every new day around the world. This is because they are the only country that sits immediately on the western side of the International Date Line.

Because of this, New Zealand has the lowest digits out of all the countries around the world in the live Christmas countdown. At any one time, they have the least number of days until Christmas in 2024 and beyond.

How Old Is Santa?

Santa Claus (also known as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, etc.) originated from Saint Nicholas, who was born in 270 AD. As of 2024, this makes Santa 1,754 years old. His birthday is rumored to be held on March 15.

How Many Days Until Christmas?

There are days until Christmas.