Christmas is widely recognised around the world as a season of celebration, family gatherings and public holidays. However, it is not a universal festival. Several countries do not celebrate Christmas either because it is not part of their dominant religion, cultural practices or national calendar. In these places, the day often passes like any other, with normal business activities continuing.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia does not officially celebrate Christmas as the country follows Islamic law and traditions. Public celebrations of non-Islamic religious holidays are not permitted. While expatriates may observe the day privately within their homes, there are no public decorations, Christmas sales or national holidays associated with the season.
Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, Christmas is not celebrated because the country is predominantly Muslim. The focus of religious observance is on Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. December twenty-fifth is a regular working day, and there is no public recognition of Christmas.
Iran
Iran follows the Islamic calendar and does not observe Christmas as a national holiday. However, small Christian communities such as Armenians and Assyrians may celebrate Christmas privately according to their religious traditions. These celebrations are limited to their communities and are not reflected in public life.
Japan
Japan does not celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, as Christianity represents a very small percentage of the population. While Christmas-themed decorations, music and food have become popular due to global influence, it is not a public holiday. For many Japanese people, Christmas is seen more as a commercial or romantic occasion rather than a religious one.
China
In China, Christmas is not a public holiday and is not officially celebrated. The country recognises traditional Chinese festivals and national holidays instead. In major cities, Christmas decorations and events may appear in shopping centres, largely driven by commercial interests, but the day itself holds no cultural or religious significance for most citizens.
Somalia
Somalia does not celebrate Christmas due to its strong Islamic culture. Public observance of Christian holidays is not part of national life. Like many Muslim majority countries, the focus remains on Islamic religious events.
North Korea
North Korea does not celebrate Christmas as the state discourages religious practices. The government promotes loyalty to political leadership rather than religious observance. December twenty-fifth may be recognised for other political reasons, but Christmas itself is not celebrated publicly.
Bhutan
Bhutan does not celebrate Christmas as a national event because Buddhism is the dominant religion. The country focuses on Buddhist festivals and traditional cultural celebrations. Christmas may be observed privately by a very small Christian population, but it does not feature in public life.
Why Christmas is not celebrated everywhere
The absence of Christmas celebrations in these countries is largely due to religious beliefs, cultural traditions and national identity. In many cases, governments prioritise local festivals that reflect the values and history of their people. This diversity highlights how global traditions are shaped and adapted differently around the world.
While Christmas is one of the most recognised holidays internationally, it is important to remember that it is not celebrated everywhere.