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Christmas celebrations are not officially recognised in some countries due to religion, culture, or national history
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In many places, Islam or Buddhism shapes public holidays instead of Christmas
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Small Christian communities and foreigners often mark Christmas privately
Christmas is widely celebrated across the world as a Christian festival marking the birth of Jesus Christ, but it is not observed as a public holiday in several countries due to religious beliefs, cultural traditions, or national priorities.
While global travel and migration have spread Christmas customs, some nations either do not recognise December 25 as a holiday or treat it like any other working day. In many of these countries, celebrations are limited to private gatherings among expatriates or minority Christian communities.
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Below are 10 countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated:
Afghanistan
Christmas is not recognised as a public holiday in Afghanistan, where Islam is the dominant religion. However, small Christian communities and foreigners living in the country sometimes observe the day privately with prayers and shared meals.
Bhutan
Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist, and Christmas is not widely celebrated. Religious observances during this period focus more on Buddhist festivals such as Bodhi Day, marking the Buddha’s enlightenment.
China
China does not officially recognise Christmas as a religious holiday. While celebrations were once restricted, the day is now treated more like a commercial or romantic event in major cities, with shopping and entertainment activities. Christianity remains a minority religion, especially outside urban centres.
Egypt
Most Egyptian Christians, known as Copts, celebrate Christmas on January 7 instead of December 25, following the Julian calendar. They observe a fasting period before the celebration, making December 25 a regular working day nationwide.
Mongolia
Christmas is not observed in Mongolia, a country where Buddhism is widely practised. December 25 passes as a normal day, with major celebrations reserved for the Lunar New Year, which features nationwide festivities.
Morocco
As a predominantly Muslim country, Morocco does not mark Christmas with public celebrations. While decorations are rare, some festive lanterns may appear in tourist areas, and foreign residents may celebrate privately.
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Pakistan
December 25 in Pakistan is dedicated to commemorating Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the country’s founder. While Christians exist in the country, national attention is focused on remembrance events rather than Christmas celebrations.
Qatar
Christmas is not a public holiday in Qatar, and festive decorations are limited. Some private institutions allow low-key celebrations for expatriate workers, but the day remains largely unmarked.
Thailand
Thailand is largely Buddhist and does not officially celebrate Christmas. However, religious tolerance allows some decorative displays in commercial centres, and festive costumes occasionally appear in tourist areas.
Tunisia
In Tunisia, December 25 is a regular working day. While tourists and resident Christians may mark the occasion privately, Christmas does not feature in the country’s official holiday calendar.
Despite the absence of official recognition, Christmas is still observed quietly in many of these countries by minority Christian populations and foreign residents, reflecting the global diversity of cultural and religious practices.
