Thailand is our 18th stop in our Tour of Christmas Around the World. If you missed any of the others, you can find them here.
Christmas in Thailand – Just Another Day
The 25th of December is not recognized as a holiday by the country of Thailand. Located in Southeast Asia, schools and business will continue on as usual.
Because of the Western and commercial influences of recent years, and the Thais love for celebrations, many will decorate for Christmas even if they do not take an official holiday. Children will dress up in bright colors and schools will put on plays for the children's entertainment, complete with games, prizes, Christmas songs and a Santa Claus who will hand out gifts to the children.
Catholics have reportedly made a recent effort to encourage people to give to those less fortunate than themselves by organizing concerts and gift donation sites at Christmas time. There is a great lack of teaching and understanding however of the true meaning of Christmas.
In contrast, New Years Day in Thailand IS a holiday. New Years is for spending time with family and exchanging gifts. Religious Thais will go to their Buddhist temples to tham boun (make merit) with meditations and charitable gifts. And at midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks boom through the air and the people of Tahiland will release millions of khom fai (floating lanterns) into the air. The shining celestial orbs in the dark sky is a sight to behold.
If you have been to Thailand at Christmas, please share your experiences with us in the comments. What stood out to you the most?
Related Links:
- More information about Thailand
- Thailand map and flag – coloring page
- Thailand children in native dress – coloring page (scroll down page)
- How to make a paper sky lantern
- Watch a Short Video of the Sky Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai Thailand
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