Asia is a melting pot of cultures, but one of the things that bind Asians together is Christmas – even if most countries in the region are not predominantly Christian. Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in the continent, and it’s also interesting to know that Asian countries have their own ways of celebrating the Yuletide Season. Learn more about the best of them below!

Philippines

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First up: The Philippines.

Christmas is big in the Pearl of the Orient Seas. In fact, some families start decorating their homes at the onset of the “ber” months with Christmas trees and lanterns, “parol” in Filipino

On the 16^th of December, simbang gabi or misa de gallo, begins. It signals the official start of the Christmas Season in the country. People flock to church as early as 3 in the morning for 9 days, believing that by completing the 9 days, they’d be able to get whatever it is that they’re wishing for. Then, on Christmas Eve, big celebrations happen in every home! Puto bumbong (glutinous rice) and bibingka (rice cake) are usually eaten after simbang gabi.

Traditionally, Filipinos eat ham, queso de bola (big cheese ball), and roasted chicken on Christmas Eve. Kids then wait for midnight or Christmas Day to open their gifts, and visit their relatives, making Christmas one big family affair.

Oh, and don’t forget kids who go caroling, too! Kids sing Christmas carols, knock on doors, and ask for a few coins or candies. After all, it’s the season for giving, right?

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While only 2 percent of Japanese are Christians, they still celebrate Christmas, and business owners are happy because their businesses thrive during the season.

Ludwig Van Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony, fondly called Daiku,is usually played during the Christmas Season in Japan. And in Tokyo, people flock to see a giant Christmas tree made from champagne glasses that perfectly illuminate the brightness and happiness of the season!

India

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Meanwhile, in India, people make use of banana or mango trees as Christmas trees and decorate them with clay lamps and paper trimmings. The lights are said to symbolize that Christ is around—and he’s the light of the world!

People in Mumbai also place the nativity scene by their windows, and for a whole week during Christmas, they allow kids to go from house to house to sing carols and make everyone happy!

Vietnam

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In Vietnam, midnight masses during the Christmas season are popular. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are also filled with festivities—and food!

Mostly, Vietnamese homes serve turkey, chicken soup, and pudding; and kids are also told to leave their shoes outside so Santa could come and bring them gifts.

Korea

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Finally, in Korea, food is extravagant and celebrations are big during the Christmas Season. Their traditional Christmas meals include bulgogi (barbecued beef), rice soup, sweet potato noodles, and kimchi.

They also believe in Santa—more popularly known locally as Santa Haraboji, who wears red and blue clothes, and gives gifts to kids of all ages!

Colorful Celebrations

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Christmas truly is a festive and colorful season in most of Asia. It just goes to show that no matter what the differences are, Asians believe in the significance and goodness of the season—and that it should be spent with people they love!

Christmas is a season of giving—and drinking, too! However, it does not necessarily mean that the beverages have to be laced with alcohol. You can make drinks that are fun and exciting—without them making you tipsy!

Here are some of the drinks that you can try:

 1. Cranberry and Ginger Holiday Punch

With red being the color of Christmas, this one has the right amount of zest—and spice—that make it really flavorful! It’s best to make this beverage one day before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It’s quite an interesting drink that you and your friends should try.

 2. Lemon Avocado Milkshake

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Milkshakes can be exciting if you have the right mix of ingredients at hand—and this one will surely help you make the best milkshakes ever! With avocado, lemon, and a scoop of ice cream, this sweet and citrusy concoction is one that even kids would certainly enjoy!

 3. Apple Strawberry Lemon Cooler

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f you’re going to serve some drinks for an afternoon Christmas celebration, you have to try this one out. With a combination of strawberries, lemons, and apples, you’ll be transported to the sea, and be reminded of summer—even on Christmas Day! Surely, it would make those extra cold days a little warmer!

 4. Dreamy Orange Punch

One of the easiest beverages you can make, this one is a mix of orange juice, ginger ale, and orange sherbet—making it creamy and enticing at the same time! It’s perfect for those Christmas parties and celebrations with family and friends.

 5. Melon Sago Coolers

Sago is one of those Filipino drinks that are loved my many. It’s refreshing, it’s soothing, and has just the right amount of sweetness. When mixed with melon, it could be a great reminder of the lovely tropical islands of the Philippines! You can make some by following the recipe!

 6. Special Gulaman Samalamig (Black Jelly/Agar-Agar Drink)

Another traditional Filipino cooler, gulaman samalamig is made of Asian gelatin (agar-agar), vanilla extract, and sugar that give it a distinct taste that you’d surely want to drink over and over again! It’s perfect for Filipino-themed Christmas parties, too!

 7. Floating Island Punch

Now, here’s another festive holiday drink that’s not only easy on the eyes, it’s truly delicious, too! It has lemonade, orange juice, orange sherbet, maraschino cherries, and are topped with orange and cherry slices that make it an exciting drink.

 8. Strawberry Gulaman

Give gulaman an exciting twist with the help of strawberries! The color would remind you of Christmas, and the taste would make you feel like a child again. Serve this in one of your family reunions and people would definitely come back for more!

 9. Minty Raspberry Lemonade

This sophisticated drink is perfect for Holiday nights-out with the people you love, just talking about how life has been, and what you all can look forward to. With lemon, lime, raspberries, and mint, this cool drink is definitely perfect for the cold season.

 10. Coco Banana Fruit Fairy

Made with bananas, coconuts, pineapples, and vanilla, and named as such because it’s believed to make one feel light and happy, this one is simple to make, but even easier to enjoy!

 11. Lemon Grass and Pandan Iced Tea

Simple yet sophisticated, this iced tea is laced with pandan, calamansi, and lemon grass that give it that citrusy, cool goodness. It’s one of those drinks that your family and friends would truly enjoy!

12. Honey Grapefruit Orange Punch

Honey is sweet, sure, but orange, grapefruit, and lemon can balance it out! This punch has that unique tangy but awesome feel that would make you and people of all ages love it!

 13. Delightful Dalandan Shake

Dalandan is one of those fruits that’s unique to the Philippines. It’s like a combination of orange, lemon, and lime—and is quite soothing and refreshing, too! With a bit of sugar, this one is sure to make those Christmas days a whole lot brighter!

 14. Wonderful Watermelon Shake

No matter what time of year it is, watermelon always proves to be refreshing. It’s cool and gives that Christmassy tropical vibe that’s truly one of a kind!

15. Fruity Frosted Cocktail

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And last but not the least is this frosted mix of calamansi and pineapples—very tropical, but still cool and Christmassy! People you’ll mingle with this season will certainly love it!

Try these drinks, and Christmas will certainly be more fun and enjoyable!