Christmas holidays in Asia have a social and commercial character, inherited from Western customs. Even so, the internal calendars of companies can be affected, so it’s advisable to have a representative to ensure delivery deadlines are met.
A process like importing, which involves so many elements, cannot leave anything to chance, as a few days’ delay at the beginning of the chain can mean several weeks more in the expected date for having the goods in our warehouses. Not meeting the planned schedule can result in the production chain halting or the inability to meet deliveries on time, leading to economic losses.
In countries with a Christian tradition, there are well-known holidays, making it easy to anticipate them and avoid their impact on our productivity. Christmas holidays in Asia are celebrated due to Western influence, so the situation is different.
Christmas Holidays in Asia
Asian countries have very different customs, religions, and holidays, so in each one, the influence of Christmas is different. If there is something most of them have in common, except for the Philippines, it is that it is a mainly commercial festivity.
China
The celebration of Christmas holidays in Asia is not linked to religious beliefs, and China is no exception. However, in recent years they have gained some relevance, reflected in increased sales and travel. Christmas Day is not a holiday in China, although there are celebrations in major cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The main reason is that these places are home to most Westerners living in the country.
It is easy to find many streets decorated with Christmas motifs, carols, and even Santa Claus figures. However, the biggest shopping takes place mainly on Singles’ Day, similar to our Black Friday, with promotions and significant discounts in stores. It is the younger population that shows the greatest preference for organizing dinners with friends on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, taking the opportunity to exchange small gifts and greeting cards.
India
In India, the situation is quite different. Firstly, because about 25 million Christians live in the country, and secondly, because December 25th is celebrated as Bada Din or Big Day, which is a national holiday in India, imported by European settlers and maintained after their independence.
Christian neighborhoods in major cities like Mumbai (Bombay) or Goa celebrate Christmas by decorating the streets with Christmas decorations, trees, and Santa Claus figures. Believers open their windows and leave a light on. They also celebrate the rituals typical of these dates, such as Midnight Mass or Epiphany.
The major festival in India is actually Diwali or the Festival of Lights, celebrated between October 21st and November 18th, lasting about 5 days. The streets are filled with light, music, and color, with fireworks shows at night, all to celebrate the triumph of Ram against Ravana, representing Good and Evil.
