By: Michayne Stoney
Christmas is typically one of the most celebrated holidays within the United States, and one of the most popular holidays around the world, according to History.com. It is celebrated on the 25th of December each year, and it commemorates the birth of Jesus. Early Christians were not as festive, but did celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6 annually. As time progressed, the importance of Christmas became more evident, and the celebrations became more festive.
Although this is a holiday which is celebrated worldwide, many countries and regions celebrate it differently from others. Information obtained from Santa’s Net shows that, Australia experiences Christmas during the summer time, and as such, many of their activities can take place outside, in a warm environment. The most popular event includes singing and lighting candles in what is known as Carols Candlelight. There is also a very festive feast, which includes meats such as ham, turkey, and pork.
Similarly, countries such as Abu Dhabi also have a warm Christmas. However, this does not hinder a well-celebrated holiday season. On its website, TimeOut Abu Dhabi noted that Al Maryah island was a lovely place to get the holiday spirit.
This may be contrasted to countries, such as Canada, which normally has brutally cold Christmases. Many people actually look forward to having a ‘white’ Christmas in the country, with lots of snow, lights, and festivities. Canada’s frosty Christmases has even played well into their tourism sector. On its website, Fairmont Chateau Lake welcomes people to “experience the magical white Christmas” even offering a Christmas tree in each room.
In China, a small percent of the population is known to celebrate the Holy Birth Festival. Howstuffworks.com stated:
“The small number of Christians in China call Christmas Sheng Dan Jieh, which means Holy Birth Festival. They decorate their homes with evergreens, posters, and bright paper chains. Families put up a Christmas tree, called a ‘tree of light,’ and decorate it with beautiful lanterns, flowers, and red paper chains that symbolize happiness. They cut out red pagodas to paste on the windows, and they light their houses with paper lanterns, too.”
Christmas traditions in Spain stem from a more religious background, as the season which begins on the 8th of December of each year, and commences with a weeklong observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Churches are also decorating using Evergreen. Children also take part in caroling, as they go from the door to door, reading Bible verses.
Here on campus, there are many different international students who celebrate Christmas differently with their family, when they go home for the holidays.
Henry Adu, a graduate student pursuing his MBA in business administration noted that in his home country, Belgium, it is common to give loved one presents on the 24th of December, instead of the 25th. He also stated that the holiday is one of much festivity, and is not very religious.
“Majority of the people do not go to church, it is very common to sit and eat with family and friends, and then go to different celebratory parties. Attending New Year’s parties is also very common, and we take much pride in calling loved ones both near and far to wish them all the best for the New Year. On New Year’s Day, we also have lunch and dinner with other family and friends,” said Adu.
Christmas celebrations in the Caribbean islands were seemingly similar, as students from Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Haiti all shared their Christmas holiday traditions.
Destiny Bailey, a sophomore and biology major from Barbados stated that Christmas was one of the most festive holidays in her country.
“It is a time when all my family usually comes together for gift exchange, good food, and laughter. Christmas dinner is one of the biggest things we look forward to. Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas is usually when I go out with my friends, or attend parties with my family members.”
Laurian Simpson, a freshman majoring in biology, noted that her favorite part of Christmas was attending what was known as Grand Market on Christmas Eve in Jamaica.
“All the stores in Jamaica are open until really early on Christmas morning. This gives everyone the opportunity to do last minute Christmas shopping, and many people buy gifts for their loved ones at this time. The atmosphere is very festive as there is a lot of music, dancing, drinking and eating. The Christmas lights from the different stores also add a very cheery mood to the night,” said Simpson.
Romario Williams, a freshman and computer science major from Jamaica had contrasting views.
“Grand Market is always so filled with people, so I don’t like going out on that night to shop. My favorite part about Christmas in Jamaica is Christmas dinner. Usually, all my family meets at one location, and everybody cooks one dish, and this is shared among us. In Jamaica, sorrel, a drink made from a particular plant is prepared for Christmas, and I absolutely love it!”
Despite the cultural diversity on campus, it was evident that most students were looking forward to the holiday period to be with loved ones. Here on campus, the Christmas spirit has been in full effect with the Christmas lights and decorations in each department. The central location of the nativity scene also serves as a good reminder to everyone about what the holiday season is truly about.
