From churches to shopping malls, the journey of Christmas across cultures
Once marked quietly by midnight prayers and candlelit churches, Christmas today lights up shopping malls, city streets and social media feeds across the world, including in countries where Christianity is not the dominant faith.
What began as a religious observance has transformed into a global cultural festival, celebrated as much for its spirit of togetherness as for its symbols of joy, generosity and hope.
At its core, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity whose teachings emphasised love, compassion and humility.
For centuries, the festival remained primarily a religious observance, taking place within church walls and Christian homes. Over time, however, Christmas began to absorb local customs, seasonal rituals and social practices, slowly expanding beyond its original boundaries.
One of the earliest shifts came in Europe, where pre-Christian winter festivals blended with Christmas traditions. Evergreen trees, yule logs and feasts were already part of seasonal celebrations marking the end of darkness and the return of light.
These elements merged seamlessly into Christmas, making the festival relatable even to those outside the faith. As European influence spread through trade and colonisation, so did these hybrid customs.
The 19th and 20th centuries played a crucial role in shaping Christmas as the world knows it today. Literature, art and later cinema recast the festival as a time of family, kindness and goodwill.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol popularised the idea of moral renewal and generosity, while greeting cards and carols helped spread its emotional appeal. Gradually, Christmas became less about doctrine and more about shared human values.
The rise of consumer culture further accelerated this transformation. With the advent of department stores and mass advertising, Christmas became intertwined with shopping and gift-giving.
Santa Claus, a figure inspired by St Nicholas, evolved into a universally recognisable symbol, transcending religious identity. From Tokyo to Mumbai, Santa now appears in malls, cafes and office parties, often detached from his Christian origins.
Globalisation and the media have cemented Christmas as a cultural phenomenon. Hollywood films, pop songs and digital campaigns project an idealised image of Christmas, snow-covered streets, decorated trees and festive cheer, even in tropical climates. This imagery has found resonance across cultures, allowing people to participate in the celebration without religious obligation.
In countries like India, Christmas has taken on a distinctly inclusive character. Schools host Christmas functions, bakeries sell plum cakes, and markets glow with decorations.
For many, the festival is less about belief and more about celebration, community and the joy of giving. The exchange of sweets, the act of charity and the warmth of gathering reflect values shared across religions.
Yet, this global embrace also raises questions. Critics argue that commercialisation has overshadowed the spiritual essence of Christmas, turning a sacred day into a season of spending.
Others see its evolution as a testament to its adaptability, a festival that has survived centuries by embracing change while retaining its core message of hope.
Ultimately, Christmas endures not because of a single belief system, but because it speaks a universal language. In a fractured world, the idea of pausing to reflect, to give, and to connect resonates across cultures.
Whether celebrated in a church, a living room or a shopping mall, Christmas has become a shared moment, reminding people, regardless of faith, that kindness and compassion are worth celebrating.