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 gifts to others. Christmas carols may be sung and stories told about such figures as the Baby Jesus, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christkind or Grandfather Frost. The sending and exchange of Christmas cards, observance of fasting, and special religious observances such as a Midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, the burning of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents are also common practices. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Saint Nicholas Day, Saint Stephen's Day, New Year's, and the Feast of the Epiphany.
Many national governments recognize Christmas as an official public holiday, while others recognize it symbolically but not as an official legal observance. Countries in which Christmas is not a formal public holiday include Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macau), the Comoros, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, the Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, the Sahrawi Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen. Countries such as Japan, where Christmas is not a public holiday but 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. 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, incorporating regional and local cultures.
Africa
Egypt Christmas is celebrated by Coptic Christians in Egypt. It is largely celebrated on 7 January, which is a public holiday in Egypt.
Ethiopia and Eritrea
Christmas Day, known as Ledet in Eritrea and Gena in Ethiopia, is celebrated on 7 January (29 Tahsas of the Ethiopian calendar). Many Christians in Eritrea and Ethiopia observe a 40-day fast before the holiday, culminating in dawn church services on Christmas morning. The day features vibrant musical celebrations with priests in ceremonial robes performing rituals, including dancing and drumming. A traditional hockey-like game called gena is played in the afternoon, with the community leader awarding a prize to the winner. Most Ethiopians wear a traditional shamma, a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes at the ends. The celebration is followed by the three-day festival of Timkat, starting on 19 January, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Nigeria Christmas Day is a public holiday in Nigeria. Urban Nigerians visit their ancestral villages to be with family and to bless the less fortunate. Nigerians visit markets to buy and transport live chickens, goats, and cows for the Christmas meals. On Christmas Eve, traditional meals vary regionally. Nigerians tend to prepare various meats in large quantities. In the south, a dish called jollof rice is served with stews of various meats, along with boiled beans and fried plantains; in the north, rice and stew, as well as tuwon shinkafa, a rice pudding served with various meat stews, are preferred. In the north, several local desserts are also made. An alternative in both regions is a pepper soup with fish, goat, or beef, often served with fufu (pounded yams). Alcoholic drinks such as traditional palm wine or various local and imported beers and wines are consumed; children and women may be served soft drinks instead. Gift giving in Nigeria often involves money and the flow of gifts from the more fortunate to the less fortunate. Nigerians assist relatives, often financially, during Christmastide. Cash and elaborately wrapped gifts may be given out at parties; sometimes cash is scattered in the air to be grabbed by others or stuck onto the sweaty foreheads of those dancing.
Senegal Christmas is a popular holiday in the Muslim-majority country of Senegal.
South Africa Christmas in South Africa is a public holiday celebrated on 25 December. Many European traditions are maintained, despite the distance from Europe. Christmas trees are set up in homes, and children are given presents in their stockings. The Christmas meal can include mince pies, turkey, gammon, beef tongue, turducken, corned beef, green salad, roast beef, or a barbecue outdoors. The meal is finished with Christmas pudding, ice cream, or trifle. Christmas crackers are used to make noise.
Ghana In Ghana, Christmas, known locally as Bronya, is celebrated on 25 December, with both 25 and 26 December recognized as public holidays.
Americas
Cuba The Communist Regime led by Fidel Castro abolished the paid Christmas holiday in 1969, citing the need for workers to continue the sugar harvest. In 1998, the regime declared 25 December a day of rest, as requested by Pope John Paul II as a condition for his visit to the country.
Guatemala On Christmas in Guatemala, people dress up in an ornamental hat, called a puritina, and dance in a line. As with much of the country's culture, the celebration includes Spanish and Mayan elements.
Canada
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