In Malaysia:
Since Malaysia is largely a Muslim country, in some places the celebrations aren't very grand but in others (e.g. malls, Christian homes, churches e.t.c) you can feel the festive season. Even the religious perspective doesn't seem to bother many Non-Christian families because they still celebrate it with as much zest as any other person. A child only has to see Santa Clause and his numerous reindeer to get excited. Here it's common to see people from different beliefs (among the non-Muslims) attending Christmas gatherings, to observe and soak in the festive spirit. In Bahasa Malay, you wish someone Merry Christmas by saying Selamat Hari Krisma. The Christian community here makes 9% of the population. Some of the popular foods eaten on Christmas are: Kek Lapis Sarawak( a layered cake originating from Sarawak, usually decorated with patterns), Curry Feng(Pork Mince Curry) and Pineapple Jam Tarts.
In China: Christians in China celebrate Christmas by lighting their houses with beautiful paper lanterns and decorating their Christmas trees, called "Trees of Light," with paper chains, paper flowers and paper lanterns. Although it's not legally a public holiday, in some places December 25th is considered a holiday and is celebrated with more enthusiasm, as the new generation moves towards the Western culture. Particularly in urban areas, mostly, you'll find Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations on the streets and in department stores. Children hang muslin stockings and wait for a visit from Santa Claus, whom they call Dun Che Lao Ren , meaning "Christmas Old Man." Now officially called the "Spring Festival," it is a time when children receive new clothing, eat luxurious meals, receive new toys and enjoy firecracker displays. Sheng Dan Kuai Le (圣诞快乐) means 'Merry Christmas' in Mandarin. Ham, potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce, cookies, pies and sushi are eaten on this auspicious day.
In India:
Christmas is a state holiday in India, even though Christianity is a minor religion in India, inclusive of only 3% of the population. In India, Santa Claus is known to be the giver of presents to children from a horse and cart instead of the traditional reindeer. He is known as 'Christmas Baba' in Hindi . Even though it is not widely celebrated as a religious holiday, many shopkeepers use this festive season to their advantage, by decorating and setting up many new promotions.. Days before the festival, markets take a colourful look as they are decorated with traditional Christmas trees, stars, images of Santa, balloons and ornaments. Christians in India decorate mango or banana trees during Christmas time instead of the traditional evergreen coniferous tree. Sometimes they also decorate their houses with mango leaves. In some parts of India, small clay oil-burning lamps are used as Christmas decorations; they are placed on the edges of flat roofs and on the tops of walls. Churches are decorated with poinsettias and lit with candles for the Christmas Evening service. Indians like to eat appams (pancakes made of a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, to be enjoyed with mutton stew, a very typical South Indian delicacy), avial( a thick mixture of vegetables, curd and coconut, seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves), murukku (a fried pretzel made of lentil and rice flour),athirasam(rice dumplings) and Christmas pudding. Sweets like rose cookies, doughnuts and diamond cuts are usually homemade.
In the United States of America:
The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts and greetings with family. For many, the day begins on Christmas Eve with the Midnight Mass. During Christmas it snows in many states, so dinner is usually eaten indoors. It normally consists of a roast turkey, goose, duck or ham served with cranberry sauce, then plum pudding or pumpkin pie followed by nuts and fruit. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit. American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe and branches of trees and most have a Christmas tree hung with electric lights, tinsel, baubles and strings of popcorn and candy canes. In Colorado, an enormous star is placed on the mountain and can be seen for many kilometres around, while in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a star is lit in early December. Polish Americans on Christmas Eve spread hay on their kitchen floor and under the tablecloth to remind them of a stable and a manger. When they make up the table for dinner two extra places are set up for Mary and the Christ Child in case they should knock at the door to ask for shelter. In Philadelphia, a procession called a mummers parade runs for a whole day with bands, dancers and people in fancy dress. So as you can see American Christmases are the more festive ones, due to the majority of Christians.
