Christmas in Asia

This is my second Christmas in Asia since I moved here in Oct 2008. Last Christmas, I was in the island paradise of Bali. This year I will be in the crowded city of Bangkok. And much to my surprise, Christmas is celebrated everywhere.

I guess I thought that Christmas was a western thing, or at least a Christian thing. But it's simply not the case. It's impossible to walk down the streets or in a mall in Bangkok, without seeing Christmas decorations and hearing carols. Christmas movies are on TV (Grinch, Fred Claus, Jingle All The Way, Miracle on 34th, etc.), and fake snow is everywhere.

Growing up in Canada, I always thought of Christmas as a religious event that became a commercial event. But it still had the Christian base behind it. People still understood what Christmas meant (the birth of Christ, etc). The concept of Santa Claus and the myth of the flying reindeer was secondary at first, but then became the primary focus of the period. The Christmas season became a huge stressful event that people saved up for all year. And there were images and totems that became associated with Christmas, such as the decorated tree, the snowman and candy canes.

But here in Southern Asia, where Christianity is uncommon, and snow is impossible, Christmas is as prevalent as it is back in Canada. However, the religious aspect of Christmas is removed in most cases. What's left of Christmas are the images of a cold weather festival. That's what confuses me the most. Is that what Christmas is about - snow? And if so, why is it celebrated here?

I was in Ho Chi Minh City last week, because my Visa for Thailand expired, and I had to exit the country to obtain a new one. While I was there, I was amazed at the volume of Christmas decorations covering the city. And it seemed quite strange to me, to see all the Christmas trees and the Santa Claus statues everywhere. Young families were dressing their children in festive clothing, and placing them in front of the displays to be photographed. I believe that 99% of the people in Vietnam have never seen snow, but at Christmas time, the city is covered in the fake stuff.

One more thing that Christmas means to me, is spending time with family and other loved ones. My family is only a few people now, and I miss them all. My friends are many, and I cherish the time I have with them, and the happiness they bring to my life. I wish all a Happy Festive Season (as they call it here), snow or no snow.