Harvard Undergraduate UNICEF Club

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The Holiday Season Around the World (Segment 2)

Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstockhttps://www.mappingmegan.com/countries-dont-celebrate-christmas/

The holiday season is coming to a near and families in countries all over the world are preparing to celebrate Christmas on December 25. However, although Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday, there are countries that do not nationally recognize the holiday itself.

In Morocco, the country is predominantly populated by Muslims, thus Christmas being a Christian holiday, is not recognized as a major holiday. However, many vibrant, bright lanterns cover the streets of Morocco, and the Adhan is played loudly. A delicious Moroccan meal is also cooked on Christmas day. 

In Turkey, with a predominantly Muslim population, and in Thailand, with a large Buddhist population, the day of Christmas passes by like any other day. However, both countries have stunning views and great weather to enjoy.

Russia, on the other hand, actually celebrates Christmas on January 7! The reason for this is because they go by the old Julian calendar for religious holidays. 

Although Christmas is not celebrated everywhere, there are amazing views, decorations, feasts, and colors that fill the streets and homes as a time for family and self-enjoyment.

Source: https://www.mappingmegan.com/countries-dont-celebrate-christmas/