If there is a birthday that the whole world celebrates probably this is it – the birthday of Jesus Christ. It is truly wonderful that every one in the world enjoys celebrating Christmas irrespective of color caste and creed. Let us see some of the unique celebrations in places around the world.

In Africa, one of the unique features of their Christmas worship service is the love offering, a birthday gift for Jesus. Each of the worshippers walks to the pulpit and gives their birthday gift and not one of them goes back without gifting something. The offering is used to help the poor and needy. On the eve of Christmas, children walk the streets singing Christmas Carols and proclaiming that Jesus Christ is coming. On Christmas evening, people flock to churches decorated with Christmas trees or palm trees and carols are sun and nativity plays are presented.

In Alaska the traditions are almost the same with Christmas carols and Santa visiting on Christmas Eve. Carolers are invited to homes and provided with maple-frosted doughnuts, cookies, candy or fish pie, and even smoked salmon. The most familiar songs include Aleut words Gristuusaaq suu’uq, or Christ is born and the family joins with the choir saying Mnogaya leta, or May God give you a long life.

In Bethlehem the town the birthplace of Jesus is the site of the Church of the Nativity, decorated with flags and lights every Christmas. Bethlehem is a crowded place during Christmas and the wonderful annual Christmas procession is a treat to the eyes. Horsemen and policemen lead the parade followed by individual horseman carrying a cross, then come the priests and government officials. The procession walks the streets of Bethlehem, and then enters the church to place an ancient effigy of the Christ child. Once you walk through winding stairs you reach the place where Jesus was born.

A popular Mexican celebration is called La Posada, which is a procession that shows how Mary and Joseph were searching for a place where Jesus would be born. The celebrants go from house to house with images of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter. Santa is not very prominent here but their Christmas flower is very special it is the poinsettia. The common belief is that a boy wanted to gift Jesus and so he took some braches and placed them near the manger and found bright red flowers blooming what were just plain branches. Other common traditions are breaking the piñata for children to get their Christmas gift and also children who are really good get a gift from the three wise men.

In Lebanon and the Middle East people plant seeds which could be chickpeas, wheat grains, lentils in cotton wool. These seeds are watered and by Christmas they have plants about 6 inches in height that they use to surround the manger in nativity scenes.

Christmas is celebrated all over the world with fervor and enjoyment. But do not let all these festivities make your forget the Christ of Christmas…his life, his example, his love and may we live life anew.