The Japanese are essentially Buddhists and Shinto followers, so Christmas is more commercial, fun and romantic than holy. In fact, ask some people here what’s the holiday about, and they might say it’s for Santa Claus. Exchange of presents happens on Christmas Eve instead, with family holidays or outings on Christmas Day. For couples, Christmas is almost akin to Valentine’s Day, and most will do something special with each other, gifts included.

Malls, shops and restaurants are decked with season decorations and will have special season-themed items for sale and unique set-dishes for all to enjoy. Quirkily, KFC is synonymous with Christmas in Japan, thanks to a wildly successful 1974 campaign to associate fried chicken with the season, much like turkey is to West. Nowadays, the Japanese KFC Christmas party set-meal is so popular that they actually have to pre-order it!

Christians make up about 30% of South Koreans, and the obligatory church celebrations and children carol-singing are abundant. But for the 70% of Buddhists, it’s a public holiday of joy and relaxation, though only on Christmas Day. Their week-long winter break happens during the New Year instead. Though gift exchanges aren’t so common, large potluck dinners where everyone brings their dish is a big deal for family celebrations. The dishes include Bulgogi barbecued beef, kimchi and sweet potato noodles, with a fruity Christmas cake or a buffet of Korean sweet pastries for dessert.

There are also many unique events in Seoul and Busan: Everland and Lotte World, the two most famous amusement park in Korea have awesome themed decor and festive activities. The Herb Island Light Festival in scenic Pocheon, Seoul set up magnificent glittery gardens, performances and cultural activities, with a special ‘Santa Village’ area featuring a 300m long tunnel of wishing cards for visitors to add their own and walkthrough. Similarly, the Busan Christmas Tree Festival in Nampodong features the Tree of Wishes, street performances, daily cultural concerts, as well as photo, video, and carol singing contests for the public.

Although not an official holiday in China, the idea of Christmas celebration has begun in recent decades, mostly in the more prosperous and international coastal cities, particularly in Shanghai. ‘Westernized’ Christmas is mainly celebrated in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Nevertheless, large public businesses in China’s metropolises do put up extravagant lights and decorations, as well as special gift items for sale. Colourful, cellophane-wrapped ‘Christmas apples’ are one such.

Santa is called ‘Old Man of Christmas’ here and is accompanied by two female elves in performances. Some even have music plays with traditional Chinese instruments! Interestingly, China is also the world’s largest exporter of Christmas decorations.

Similar to China, Christmas is a working day in Thailand. About 85% of Thais are Buddhists, 14% are Muslims, with only 1% of Christians and other religions. But in tourist-centric spots, especially in Bangkok, lavish season decorations do adorn the popular streets and malls, with special performances enjoyed by all.

Only a small percentage of the Vietnamese are Christians, and Christmas isn’t a public holiday. But celebrations happen just the same, thanks to their former French colonial influence; primarily in Ho Chi Minh. People get into the Christmas spirit by throwing confetti all around, have large group gatherings and eat-outs, as well as enjoy the light shows and take pictures around the beautiful city decors. Some Catholic neighbourhoods put up huge nativity crib scenes in front of their houses with life-sized statues of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and even the shepherds and animals. Although presents aren’t a big thing, young people love to give each other greeting cards and share a Bûche de Noël for dessert - a chocolate cake shaped like a log.

Probably the only two Southeast Asian nations that celebrate all faiths, Christmas in Malaysia and Singapore is a public holiday, celebrated predominantly by Chinese and Indian Christians here – in part, due to their former Brit-colonial history. Of the two, Singapore is more flashy and flamboyant, but both countries have festive decorations in popular commercial spots. Besides gifts, group dinners and general merry-making, fireworks too, are a must on Christmas Eve. For the not-particularly religious, it’s a night out for some grand partying.

In all of Southeast Asia, Christmas is most-celebrated in the Philippines as many are Christians here. In fact, decorations and carols spring up as early as September, and the official festivities start on the 16th, continuing until Christmas Day. Traditional star-shaped lanterns made of bamboo and paper called ‘parols’ are everywhere, depicting the Star of Bethlehem as a symbol of hope and goodwill. Incredible street parades and performances too are a Christmas staple in major cities.