This page is dedicated to the Christmas traditions spreading across Asia...

~ Indonesia ~

At the beginning of December most Indonesians decorate their homes, inside and out. The Christmas Tree is an important tradition inside the house, where it is covered in everything form strings of popcorn to glass bulbs.

The day before Christmas most people go to their local church for a Christmas Eve service. After the service families get together to celebrate Christmas with a large dinner.

Some families give presents to the ones they love on Christmas day. Again, some families will have a small service in their home where stories are shared, and then a larger church service is attended.

After church is a time to visit with friends and family, sharing the joy of the Christmas season.

~ India ~

Because India lacks the trees traditionally used in Western Christmas celebrations, people in India are known to decorate banana or mango trees. They also light small oil-burning lamps as decorations, while also filling their churches with red poinsettia flowers as many attend Midnight Masses .

Traditions also dictate for families to not only give presents to their families, but also baksheesh, or charity, to the poor.

In Southern India, it is common for Christians to put small clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses at Christmas.