Australia:
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so Christmas to them is not heavy coats and snow fall. Instead their Christmas is accompanied by surfing, hiking, and camping. Even though they do not share the typical cold weather that Americans associate with Christmas, they still put up trees, wreaths, and lights for the holidays. The main difference that I have found is that Santa does not have his team of reindeer instead he is pulled by "six white boomers" or six white kangaroos.
Costa Rica:
Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas in a much more tropical way than us Americans. They decorate their doors and houses with tropical flowers, and cypress and coffee bean wreaths. Their Nativity scenes are adorned with traditional figures, and many animals (not all of which are found in traditional scenes). Their presents are not delivered by Santa, instead the "Niño Dios" visits them and brings them gifts.
Japan:
Christmas in Japan is not a religious holiday. Instead Christmas is more of a time to get together with those you love and to be happy. Christmas Eve in Japan, is similar to Valentines Day in the UK and USA. It is a time when couples tend to go out on dates to see the lights, exchange gifts, and go out for romantic dinners. A 'strange' thing that many Japanese families do on Christmas is eat Kentucky Fried Chicken! In the 70's KFC did a holiday campaign called "Kentucky for Christmas", and it has stuck around for several decades.
Now that you have a little bit more knowledge of other Christmases have a Merry Christmas yourself, and Happy Holidays!
