Diverse Christmas Within Wesley

By Joy Kim

The Wesley community is very diverse with a variety of cultures from multiple nations. Therefore, Christmas in each Wesley household is celebrated differently. We have interviewed five Wesley students/teachers from five different nations to experience a little bit of their cultural celebration.

Ibu Ludiya (Indonesia):

Ibu Ludiya is planning to have an open house on the 25th of December. After church service in the morning, her family will cook meals for the upcoming event. Then, they will be ready to welcome other family members, relatives, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Christmas together. Ibu Ludiya says that they don’t have any special cultural celebrations for Christmas. However, it is very natural and important for them to share foods with neighbors on special occasions like Christmas in Indonesia. She also added that since the majority of Indonesians are Muslims, they don’t put up any Christmas decorations, and have a “contextual” Christmas celebration instead.

Ibu Ludiya is most excited about remembering the birth of Christ and sharing with others during the Christmas month. She loves the family gathering that happens during Christmas. Ibu Ludya would like to encourage us all with this statement: “The birth of Christ is a great gift for us!”

Hyorim (South Korea):

Hyorim’s family doesn’t really celebrate Christmas--at least, not in a grand way like others typically might. Partly it’s due to their culture, and partly due to just their lack of party spirit. When Hyorim was young, her family exchanged gifts on Christmas day. But now they just decorate the house with minimal decorations, spend time during dinner together, and attend church services. Hyorim stated that in Korea, a secular country, Christmas is simply a fun event. People might gather with friends, throw parties, and churches usually organize special events along with presents for those who come.

Hyorim is mostly excited for Christmas break, since she’ll get a break from school, spend time with family, rest, and have fun. One thing that she loves about Christmas is the atmosphere that one can feel during the season. Though it doesn’t snow in Indonesia, she still enjoys the decorations and the music.

For her final words, Hyorim says, “Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you enjoy the spirit and the holiday. For those of you who are waiting to celebrate, don't forget the true meaning behind and the origin of Christmas--the birth of Jesus. Celebrating is fun and all, but do also take time to maybe have some devotional time with family or by yourself, reading the Bible and thanking God for sending His Son for us.”

Mr. Hendro (Australia):

Mr. Hendro and his family celebrate Christmas every year, accompanied by delicious foods, exciting presents, and wonderful family time. If they were in Australia, they would often go to the beach, since Christmas is during the summer in Australia. There is often a barbeque party with trifles, roast veggies, cakes, puddings, and the list goes on and on.

Mr. Hendro and his family are most excited about Christmas lunch, and that is also the one thing they love about Christmas. He's definitely very genuine about his love towards food. Even his last words are, “For those who do not celebrate Christmas, ‘We have food at our place.’ For those waiting for Christmas, ‘We have food at our place!’”

Delaney (US):

The Duffy’s absolutely love celebrating Christmas. They always put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and decorate the house. During Christmas day, they drink hot cider or hot cocoa, play Christmas music, and watch the movie It’s A Wonderful Life at the end of the day. Christmas is a huge event in America, so it’s a huge cultural event to celebrate. Obviously not every person celebrates, but it’s clear that everyone’s in the Christmas spirit.

Delaney is excited about everything for Christmas. However, she’s especially excited about spending time with her family during this season. Delaney loves the joyful and relaxing Christmas music that she started listening to it early in the year. She is also a huge fan of Christmas movies, and her favorites include White Christmas and Polar Express.

“I think it’s important for everyone to remember the true meaning of the season, which is Jesus’s birth, even if you don’t celebrate Christmas. Take time to give thanks to God for providing his Son to come into such a dark world and bring us hope and light. For those waiting for Christmas... IT'S COMING SOON! Enjoy being with your family and friends, eating good food, and having no school, but also keep in mind the true reason for the season.” Along with these final words, Delaney would like to wish a “Merry Christmas” to everyone!

Mr. Stephen (India):

The Rayneaus celebrate Christmas, in which the Christmas spirit begins on the 1st of December as they start decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments. Back in India, the grandchildren gather around the grandmother to prepare special Christmas treats to serve guests, neighbors, and family. The treats include pakwans, marzipan, kulkuls, rose cookies, Christmas cakes, and many more. Then on the night of Christmas Eve, they go for mid-night service and open presents upon returning home. On the morning of Christmas (25th), they go visit family and friends to wish them “Merry Christmas”, and enjoy all the delicious Christmas treats together. A special lunch is then prepared at home, consisting of yellow rice, chicken or pork vindaloo, chicken roast, red salad, and a few other side dishes. In the evening they rest and prepare for the next day. The following day is an exciting outdoor event, better known as “Boxing Day.” The Rayneaus and most other Christian families in Calcutta visit the Calcutta Zoo and have a fun picnic time. His family looks forward to the Christmas presents and fun time with other family members.

Mr. Stephen would like to encourage all those who face Christmas: “For those who do not celebrate Christmas, you are missing out on the fun and the joy of commemorating Jesus’ birthday. For all those waiting for Christmas should prepare their hearts to receive Him.”

The Journalism team would also like to wish you all an early “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy New Year!”