CHRISTMAS

AND
GLOBALIZATION
Mark Jacob T. Solancho
What is Christmas, and where and
when did it originate?

Christmas, a joyous
celebration, originated over
2,000 years ago in
Bethlehem.

It symbolizes the birth of

Jesus Christ and has evolved
into a global celebration.
The modern Christmas we know began in the
Victorian era, with traditions like gift-giving
and tree decorations.
When is it
Celebrated?
DEC
Christmas isn't just December 25th; its
celebration varies globally and across
25
Christian traditions. The term 'Christmas'
comes from the Mass of Christ, a service
remembering Jesus' death and
resurrection, held at midnight, giving us
the name Christmas.
 Christmas extends The 12 Days of Christmas
beyond December conclude on Twelfth
25th, with varying Night (January 5th),
dates for Orthodox followed by Epiphany on
and Coptic Orthodox January 6th. Candlemas
churches, Armenians, on February 2nd marks
and others. Advent, the end of the Christmas
starting around season, symbolizing
November 15th, renewal with candle
precedes Christmas. blessings in churches.
Christmas
around the
Globe
United States
Traditions: Decorating homes with lights and
ornaments, carol singing, and Santa Claus
visits.
Personalities: Santa Claus is central, and cities
often have festive parades.
United Kingdom
Traditions: Christmas crackers, mince pies, and
Christmas pudding.
Personalities: Father Christmas, similar to
Santa Claus.
Germany
Traditions: Christmas markets, Advent
calendars, and the Christmas tree tradition.
Food: Stollen (fruit cake) and gingerbread
cookies.
Italy
Traditions: Nativity scenes (presepi), the Feast
of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve.
Food: Panettone (sweet bread) and torrone
(nougat).
Australia
Traditions: Celebrated in summer with beach
outings and outdoor barbecues.
Personalities: Santa often depicted in
beachwear.
Japan
Traditions: Christmas is not a national holiday
but is celebrated with decorations and festive
meals.
KFC is a popular Christmas meal due to a
successful marketing campaign.
Sweden
Traditions: St. Lucia's Day with candlelit
processions, and a Yule Goat.
Food: Traditional holiday dishes like meatballs
and lutefisk.
Mexico
Traditions: Posadas, a reenactment of Mary
and Joseph seeking shelter.
Food: Tamales, bacalao (salted cod), and
ponche (fruit punch).
India
Traditions: Christmas is celebrated with
decorations and feasts, and Midnight Mass is
common.
Food: Regional variations, with sweets like
kulkuls and plum cake.
Philippines
Traditions: Simbang Gabi (night mass), parol
(Christmas lantern) displays, and "Noche Buena"
feast on Christmas Eve.
Food: Lechon (roast pig), bibingka, and puto
bumbong.
How do you and
your family
celebrate
Christmas?
Choosing tranquility over tradition, we spent Christmas
in Sagada. Amid nature's embrace, we found solace and
a different kind of celebration.
Attending the Christmas Mass
in a quaint Sagada church, we
prayed for love, peace, and
gratitude for the blessings in
our lives.
Nature adorned us with its own
Christmas tree—surrounded by
towering pine trees, our celebration
intertwined with the beauty of the
forest.
Crafting stone balances at Sagada Blue Lagoon,
we found artistic harmony, symbolizing balance
and peace in our Christmas celebration
 Amidst the majestic
mountains and a sea of
clouds, With thankful
hearts, we embraced the
beauty of Sagada—
finding joy in simplicity,
love, and the bond we
share.
Globalization's
Impact on
Christmas
Economic Globalization
Increased Cross-cultural gift
consumerism exchange

Global markets Diverse products

contribute to from around the
commercialization, world become
emphasizing material part of the gift-
aspects of Christmas.
giving tradition.
 Media Globalization
Globalized Christmas Cultural exchange
narratives through media

Movies, music, and Traditions and

advertisements shape a celebrations are
shared global shared and
perception of adopted across
Christmas.
borders.
 Media Globalization
Globalized Christmas Cultural exchange
narratives through media

Movies, music, and Traditions and

advertisements shape a celebrations are
shared global shared and
perception of adopted across
Christmas.
borders.
Cultural Globalization
Fusion of Shared symbols
traditions and rituals

Global Cultural globalization

interconnectedness fosters a common
leads to a blending of understanding of
diverse Christmas Christmas symbols
customs.
worldwide.
Nuances of Globalized Celebration
Varied Challenges to
interpretations authenticity

Globalization introduces Traditional

diverse perspectives on celebrations may
Christmas, influenced by face challenges
cultural, economic, and in maintaining
media factors.
their original
essence.
 Striking a Balance
Embracing Preserving
diversity authenticity

Globalization invites a Efforts to balance

more inclusive global influences
celebration, with the
incorporating a preservation of
multitude of traditions.
unique cultural and
personal Christmas
traditions.
Reflection
Essence Amid
Global Connections
In the age of globalization, the essence of Christmas
persists as a universal thread that weaves through diverse
cultures and traditions. Despite the influence of economic,
media, and cultural globalization, the core spirit of
Christmas endures—a celebration of love, joy, and shared
humanity. Global connections have enriched our festivities,
offering a tapestry of traditions and perspectives. As we
navigate this interconnected world, let us cherish the unity in
diversity, finding common ground in the values that
transcend borders.
Amid the global currents, preserving the authenticity of
Christmas becomes an intentional act. It calls for a mindful
balance—embracing the beauty of shared traditions while
safeguarding the uniqueness of individual celebrations. In
this age of interconnectedness, let us recognize the
importance of fostering genuine connections, appreciating
the diverse ways in which people around the world mark this
special season. As we celebrate Christmas in the era of
globalization, may our shared values of love, compassion,
and goodwill transcend boundaries, uniting us in the true
essence of this festive season.
 The essence lies not in the
Preserving the grandeur of festivities but in the

True Spirit warmth of human connections, the

spirit of giving, and the joy of
shared moments. It's a call to
In the face of globalization's protect the authenticity that
influence on Christmas, the makes each celebration unique,
importance of preserving its true embracing the simplicity that
spirit becomes paramount. Amidst binds us all in the celebration of
the bustling currents of economic love and goodwill.
transactions, the omnipresence of
media narratives, and the blending
of cultural influences, let us anchor
ourselves in the timeless values
that define Christmas.
As we conclude this exploration of Christmas in the age of
globalization, I extend heartfelt gratitude. May our
celebrations be a testament to the enduring spirit of
Christmas, fostering connections that transcend borders
and cultures. Thank you for joining in this journey of
reflection and celebration.
Merry Christmas!

Thank
you!