8 Countries That Do Not Observe Christmas
In countries like the Philippines, Christmas holds a deep and meaningful place in people’s hearts. It’s a time when families come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and indulge in delicious food. The holiday season is filled with laughter, joy, and a spirit of giving that permeates every corner of society. It’s a time when even the smallest gestures can bring happiness, and the warmth of family and friends makes the season feel magical.
However, in other parts of the world, December 25 is just another day. For many people, it comes and goes like any other, without the fanfare or the emotional significance that it carries in countries with strong Christmas traditions. This is because, in these places, Christmas is not celebrated as a holiday, and the majority of the population does not observe it.
Whether due to cultural, religious, or historical reasons, December 25 doesn’t evoke the same feelings of excitement or anticipation. For these people, Christmas is just another ordinary day, without the festive decorations, special meals, or the sense of unity that people in other parts of the world associate with the season.
Here are 8 countries where Christmas is not celebrated:
Pakistan
Pakistan is well-known globally, and December 25 is a public holiday, but not for Christmas—it’s for the birthday of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Thailand
Thailand is another familiar country where Christmas is not a national holiday, though Christians there are free to celebrate.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is widely recognized, and while Christmas is not celebrated due to the predominantly Muslim population, a few Christians may still observe it.
North Korea
North Korea is famous worldwide, and it banned Christmas celebrations in 2016 under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, encouraging citizens to celebrate his grandmother’s birthday instead.
Mongolia
Mongolia, known for its Buddhist majority, does not widely celebrate Christmas, although some Christians in the country are allowed to celebrate privately.
Somalia
Somalia is known internationally, and since adopting Sharia law in 2013, it has banned Christmas celebrations due to concerns over the holiday’s conflict with Islamic beliefs.
Morocco
Morocco, a popular travel destination, does not observe Christmas as a national holiday, though a small Christian community may hold private celebrations.
Brunei
Brunei is less familiar to many but notable for officially banning public Christmas celebrations since 2015 to protect the Islamic faith.