The most anticipated celebration of the year for Spaniards is not possible in other corners of the world
A sad person at Christmas. (University of San Buenaventura)
For many people, we are already in the most emotional times of the year: the streets are illuminated and filled with people, people around us show happiness for family reunions and some enter a bubble of positive emotions.
These are almost inexplicable feelings during these days of festivities and traditions that come from the Catholic religion , this is the main reason why we celebrate this holiday.
A celebration so widespread throughout the European continent that we find it hard to imagine a December without everything that is understood as a “Christmas atmosphere”.
Although Christmas has become one of the most celebrated holidays globally, in some countries its commemoration is restricted or even banned.
The reasons behind these restrictions are diverse and range from the predominant religion to strict cultural policies.
In North Korea, for example, any religious celebration that is not aligned with the principles of the regime is banned.
Christmas, as a symbol of Christianity, is considered an ideological threat.
Public or private displays of this holiday can lead to severe sanctions, reflecting the absolute control that the government exercises over social and religious practices.
Similarly, in Somalia , the authorities have decided to ban Christmas to avoid religious tensions. In this Muslim-majority country, any manifestation of a Christian holiday is seen as contrary to their traditions.
In addition, they fear that these celebrations could be a target for attacks by extremist groups.
Another relevant case is Brunei, where restrictions arose in 2015 with the implementation of laws based on Sharia.
Although non-Muslims can celebrate Christmas in private, any symbol or public act related to this holiday is considered a violation of religious norms.
A person walks past Christmas lights decorations. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
In Tajikistan , although restrictions are not as severe, the government has imposed limitations on Christmas celebrations in public spaces.
These restrictions include a ban on Christmas trees, fireworks and gifts in schools, in order to preserve the country’s own cultural traditions.
Saudi Arabia , on the other hand, has begun to relax its stance on Christmas, especially in recent years.
However, a conservative view still prevails that discourages any public display of this holiday.
Christians residing in the country usually commemorate it in the privacy of their homes, away from public view.
No ban, but no party
There are also countries where Christmas is not officially banned, but its celebration is frowned upon or uncommon.
In China , for example, although Christmas has gained popularity in cities as a commercial celebration, authorities have taken measures in some regions to discourage these festivities.
This is due to an interest in highlighting Chinese cultural traditions over foreign influences.
Meanwhile, in Japan , Christmas has been reinterpreted as a romantic and commercial holiday, detached from its religious origins.
lthough it is not an official tradition, it is celebrated with lights, special dinners and peculiar customs such as the KFC fried chicken dinner, popularized by an advertising campaign in the 1970s.
